A Bad Economy Can Be Good for You

Lost your job? Here’s some good news: Mortality rates are going down, since unemployed workers are less likely to catch illnesses from coworkers or be involved in commuter-related car accidents, and more likely to spend time doing healthy things like exercising in the outdoors and eating at home. That’s definitely an upside. Here’s how the recession is good for your health:

1. No more germy coworkers. Office cubicles can be a cesspool for germs, and with cases of H1N1 on the rise, this may not be such a bad time to be unemployed. Not only that, but unemployed and at-home workers are less likely to take public transportation during rush hour, reducing their chances of catching something during cold and flu season even more.

2. More incentive to quit smoking. With less discretionary income to spend on cigarettes, smoking is becoming a luxury not everyone can afford. In Great Britain, 39 percent of smokers polled said they’re planning to cut down on or quit smoking because of the economic downturn. Meanwhile, Washington State’s Tobacco Quit Line says it experienced a spike in calls during April 2009: 4,221 calls compared to 1,231 during the same time last year…

Recession Obsession: Groupon

In a downturn, a little deal won’t do ya.

To get my attention, it has to be a steal. And a low price alone won’t convince me to pry open my wallet; the discount has to be on something really good. Like, say, two one-hour massages for $75—which is what I paid last week through Groupon.

My new favorite bargain source, Groupon is sort of what is sounds like …

Recession Briefing 5.27

What you need to know today to survive and thrive in the recession.

“The recession is cramping the style of hip-hop artists and wannabes — many of whom are finding it difficult to afford the diamond-encrusted pendants and heavy gold chains they have long used to project an aura of outsized wealth.” (Wall Street Journal)

During the first quarter of 2009, more bicycles were sold in the US than cars and trucks. While the Great Recession is hurting bike sales, they didn’t fall as fast as automobiles. (Huffington Post)

The majority of top economists believe the recession will be over by the end of this year. (Christian Science Monitor)…

Lemonade Maker: Greg Stallkamp, Fitness Entrepreneur

Profiles of people who turn economic lemons into lemonade.

This week’s Lemonade Maker: Greg Stallkamp

Location: Chicago

Before recession: Financial Consultant

Now: Founder, Holosfitness.com, a social networking website for the fitness community.

When did you notice a shift in the economic climate?

I first noticed clients were planning to scale back their budgets at the end of 2007. By the beginning of 2008, clients were already starting to cut back in terms of head-count and use of outside consultants. My firm saw several clients leave by February and March of 2008. Basically, I saw the writing on the wall and decided it was time to leave.

What was your “aha” moment?

From a needs standpoint, I realized that there was a need for the services offered by our website several years ago. There simply was no way for regular individuals who practiced active lifestyles (in terms of sports and fitness) to track their progress…