Chicago has an unemployment rate of 9.9%. The nations average is currently 9.6% in September 2010. No one wants to worry about losing their job but it is not shocking in today’s financial state.

When someone loses their job they are most concerned with the losing their income. This is a big concern however it is the loss of health coverage that can be more serious. Paying for health care yourself is a major expense and one emergency room visit or serious accident will bring a lot of medical bills.

Some people didn’t lose their job but lost their insurance. This can happen when a business is trying to keep from firing employees so they cut costs in other areas instead.

To keep medical debt from getting out of control you want to avoid using credit cards to pay down debt. For example, putting high priced prescriptions medications on a high interest credit card is a terrible idea that can push you towards bankruptcy. Some take out a line of credit against their home to pay off medical debt with a lower interest rate but this is another bad choice. You don’t want to jeopardize your home during an unstable real estate market.

Keep the doctor away by making healthy changes to your eating habits and physical activity level. Get more vegetables on the table and eat more fruit. You should start cutting back on fats, sugars and alcohol. You also want to get your body moving. Incorporating a simple exercise routine can do wonders for your health.

If it’s too late to make changes for you and your medical bills are skyrocketing you need a good bankruptcy lawyer. Someone who knows a lot about bankruptcy law and can advise you on the differences between chapter 13 an chapter 7.

Want to find out more about bankrupcy, then visit David Chang’s site on how to choose the best lawyer for your needs.