A health crisis is any negative change in your mental or physical health. It can be caused by a medical condition, such as a stroke, or an emotional issue, like depression or anxiety. It can also be triggered by events such as a natural disaster or job loss. A health crisis can affect people of all ages, but it’s most often experienced by people in the prime of their lives.
As Pakistan faces the impact of devastating floods, a public health emergency is unfolding silently alongside the destruction. With many of their health facilities damaged or destroyed, millions are now deprived of access to essential services. With immunization campaigns disrupted, disease is spreading unchecked, including dengue, acute watery diarrhea, measles and wild poliovirus, putting fragile public health gains at risk.
America’s mental health crisis is rooted in longstanding social and economic inequities. Communities of color, individuals with disabilities, and people living at lower incomes face well-documented differences in health outcomes and experiences that are made worse when the healthcare system is destabilized.
While it’s impossible to predict a health crisis, being proactive can help you be prepared. Learn about the basics of a health emergency, and talk with your financial adviser about setting aside money to pay for unexpected hospital bills. Having an emergency health care fund can give you peace of mind and ease the stress during a time of need. It can also help you keep your savings healthy throughout the year.