Years ago, I read a fascinating study from Reuters Health about debt and its effect on one's health. The conclusion was amazing. Not only did the study say debt is harmful to one's health but also credit card debt is the worst kind of debt.

Recently this was confirmed by an Associated Press-AOL Health poll. The term "stress" is fairly broad, but this study reports how that stress plays out. Would you believe those in debt are more likely to have ulcers, severe depression and even heart attacks? It's true; it can and it may be affecting you.

So, how are you feeling? If you are carrying a load of debt and experiencing panic attacks, there could be a correlation. Headaches, depression? Digestive issues? Uh-huh. Could be that big load of debt you're dragging from one month to the next.

If you are truly suffering, I hope you are seeing a physician who can help you treat the symptoms. I doubt, however, whether any doctor is prescribing the one thing that will cure the stress and all of its fallout. So let me do that: Stop adding to the debt, and get into a plan today that will help you get out of debt. Once. And. For. All.

Look, I know that's easy to say. And you're right; I don't know your specific situation. But I know what it's like to be in debt. I know that feeling of hopelessness, of not being able to fall asleep and then being terrified to wake up. I know that feeling in the pit of your stomach, the heart pounding that happens every time the phone rings. I have been in horrible debt. And I got out.

I don't write this column every day because I love to write (which, by the way, I do). I write it because I have such a burning passion (not to be confused with heartburn) to help people who are stuck in debt to get out and to stay out. I love to teach people with ordinary incomes to do extraordinary things with what they have, such as paying back their debt and then going on to debt-proof their lives.

So are you sick and tired of being sick and in debt? Good. That's the first step. And you have to get mad. I mean really angry about what you've allowed debt to do to your life, your family -- your health! It's time to start fighting back.

Next you need to get a plan -- one that will allow you to continue living and paying your bills but also to start whacking away at your debt.

I can't promise you that in a year from now you will be debt-free. But I can promise that if you follow my plan, a year from now you will be on your way to being debt-free.

Here are two ways you can get started right now: Read my book "Debt-Proof Living" or go to www.DebtProofLiving.com and click on "Start Here." Or both.

I'll be here every day to encourage you and walk with you as you turn your life around.

To your health!

Mary Hunt is the founder of DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.