Faced with a roller-coaster stock market and what seems like an unending stream of layoff announcements, most Americans (90 percent) say they're worried about the economy. No big surprise there, but is the uncertain economy affecting the way Americans take care of their health?

According to surveys conducted for health service company CIGNA, about one-third of Americans say yes, the economy has changed the way they take care of themselves. Of those, 55 percent report taking better care of their health by doing things like exercising and eating healthier.

Link to survey results: http://newsroom.cigna.com/images/56/Health-Economy-A.ppt

Most people surveyed (91 percent) say they agree that exercising regularly is crucial to safeguarding one's health. When asked how the economy might affect their activities over the next 12 months, about two-thirds said they would be more likely to take better care of their health, eat healthier, and exercise.

People see a link between health and economic well-being, with most agreeing that healthy behaviors such as exercising can lead to a better and a more prosperous life. Ninety-three percent said healthy behaviors would help them enjoy life more and improve their energy, while 91 percent said these behaviors would help them live longer. Seventy-eight percent said exercise and healthy eating would help them save money in the long run, while 77 percent said that exercising and eating right would make them more productive at work.

So get some exercise to stay healthy, save money and be more productive. Exercise doesn't necessarily mean lifting heavy weights or running a marathon. Did you know that sleep can be exercise? CIGNA health coach Nicolette Shriver offers some surprising exercise tips that can help make you stronger and more physically fit.

About the Survey

The survey on health and the economy, conducted for CIGNA by TSC, a division of Yankelovich, Inc., consisted of telephone interviews with 1,004 individuals 18 years of age or older, living in private households in the continental United States. These interviews took place Sept. 12 - 15, 2008. Because of the unfolding financial crisis that has heightened feelings of uncertainty about the economy, TSC conducted additional interviews with 1,004 individuals 18 years of age or older, living in private households in the continental United States. These interviews took place Oct. 2 - 5, 2008. Data are weighted by age, gender, geographic region, and race to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the population. The sampling error for this study is +/- 3 percent.