Work is good for your health?
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| Mon, 05-15-2006 - 5:25am |
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=43421
Working Mothers Healthier Than Full-time Housewives
Main Category: Women's Health / OBGYN News
Article Date: 15 May 2006 - 1:00am (PDT)
According to new research carried out in Britain, working mothers enjoy better health than full-time housewives. Despite the stress working mothers face by holding down a job, dealing with childcare, housework and striving to keep the family happy.
It appears that working mothers, when compared to full-time housewives, are less likely to become overweight, have a better level of health and a healthier relationship. The study also found that single mothers experience worse health than working mothers who have a partner and children.
You can read about this study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Team leader, Dr. Anne McMunn, University College London, said that women who combine work with children and marriage do seem to have better health than full-time housewives. Even though they may experience high levels of stress sometimes.
It is not a question of chicken-and-egg either. Dr. McMunn said it is the experience of work plus having a family that brings on the better health, not the fact that only healthier mothers decide to carry on working.
The researchers examined data on women born in 1946 from the Medical Research Council's National Study of Health and Development. The data registers their health from 1946 until they are 54. Women's health was examined, with the help of a questionnaire at the ages of 26 through to 54. Every decade, the questionnaire collects data on each woman's work history, whether she is/was married, has children, her height and weight.
The healthiest women were the ones who had all three of the following:
-- A Partner
-- Children
-- A job
Those reporting the worst health were stay-at-home mothers, followed by childless women and single mothers.
38% of stay-at-home mothers were obese when they reached their 50s, for working mothers the percentage was 23%.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today

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<<7). Another truth: I handle absolutely every domestic duty in addition to working full-time (no amount of nagging, threats, incentives, praise, or bribery can stir my husband from his absolute inertia). Stay-at-home moms often have all day to do the things I do in a few hours in the evening: cook (yes, I cook all our meals), shop, pay bills, clean house, volunteer, make social engagements, make other necessary appointments (e.g., doctor visits and hair cuts), and take care of our dogs. Oh, and chase my 3-year-old around! I wouldn't trade places with anybody. Working moms (which is something like 70% of women with school-age children) are ALL SuperMoms.>>
You have my sympathy.
For the record, I did not declare bankruptcy! I have an excellent credit record. Our finances are in good order because we plan and budget. My mention of bankruptcy law is simply because I am an attorney with knowledge of such things, and because it doesn't strike me as quite right that I could rack up a $75,000 debt at the Mall of America and have an easier time than with a student loan debt.
I am aware of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005: our reps' big wet kiss right on MBNA's lips :)
Funnily enough, two things happened after work today. I took Willie to the park and met my next-door neighbor there. She and I got into a discusion about--of all things-- student loans! She's a museum curator and we discussed how little you know in college about careers, paychecks, and loan payments. All you hear is "do what you love and the money will follow." Apparently not in the field of museum curation! And when you sign those loan papers, no one sits you down and says, OK, this means you pay XXX dollars every month for XX years, unlike a mortgage. So it's all quite unreal to kids entering college.
Second, when I got home from the park with Willie, my husband shocked me by offering to take him to run errands and then pick up dinner (he doesn't cook but he buys very well!). So I am savoring a few minutes of peace. YAY!!
We have student loans. Dh won't finish his degree for another 2-5 years, depending on if he goes for his masters. We knew when we got them what the terms were. And to be honest, if student loans were handled the same as other loans (mortgage, car loans, credit cards--which we don't have, btw, etc), we wouldn't qualify for them. They are a great way for people who otherwise wouldn't have the financial resources to further their education.
Chris
The truth may be out there but lies are in your head. Terry Pratchett
That is what finacial advisors are for. The financial aid office at the colleges are very helpful--at least the ones we have talked with were/are. And there is also the financial aid officer at our bank. And even parents/grandparents to turn to for advice. As well as other family members and friends. An 18 yo doesn't have to sign in a vacumm.
Chris
The truth may be out there but lies are in your head. Terry Pratchett
Yep and as the second hand recipiant of student loans (via dh), I am very gratefull for them.
Chris
The truth may be out there but lies are in your head. Terry Pratchett
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"They have 6 kids and my bro. is the only one working while his wife lay in the bed watching t.v."
I would love to know how she accomplishes this with 6 kids!
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