$2,500 That’s the yearly value of exercise.

A 2016 study by the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with heart disease who exercised moderately for 30 minutes 5 days a week spent an average of $2,500 less pay year on health care than those who didn’t.

FREE WAYS TO GET MODERATE EXERCISE

If you breath quickens and you break a light sweat, you’re exercising at a moderate intensity.

Walking. Walk at a brisk pace around your neighbourhood or a local track. On rainy days, make laps inside the mall.

Gardening. Spring is the time to start tending your garden. You can do continuous garden work such as prepping beds, laying mulch, and planting flowers for exercise. Or push-mow the lawn for 30 minutes.

Heavy cleaning. It’s spring cleaning season. Wash windows, scrub floors and counters, vacuum – the to-do list goes on and on. Average calories burned on these activities: about 150 per 30 minutes.

$500 That’s the amount you can save on health care per year by exercising if you don’t have heart issues, the JAHA study found.

4 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON HEALTH CARE

Adria Gross, medical billing and insurance advocate, shares tips for saving on medical-related expenses.

1. STAY IN-NETWORK

It’s best to stick with providers and facilities covered under your plan, and here’s why: Your insurance provider has prenegotiated lower prices with in-network providers. Out-of-network providers may charge more, and you’ll be left paying the difference between what the doc charges and the dollar amount your insurance covers. This is called balance billing.

2. ASK FOR IT IN WRITING

This gives you hard evidence when negotiating an overcharge or error on a bill. For example, when inquiring about a procedure, ask your insurance provider: Am I covered for this? What’s my copay? What’s my deductible? Then request everything you discussed via e-mail, fax, or mail. This applies to prescription medication coverage, too.

3. SAVE ON PRESCRIPTIONS

Get meds at the warehouse store. Costco Pharmacy (along with other warehouse stores) offers lower prices for prescription drugs. A plus: You don’t have to be a member to buy medication. If you’re still struggling to pay for your meds, call your state of local health department and ask about savings programs.

4. USE CPT CODES.

CPT codes are five-digit numbers that describe medical services. Find them on sites like fairhealthconsumer.org to estimate the cost of a procedure or test beforehand. When you leave the hospital, ask for an itemized bill with CPT codes. Check that these codes match the services you received as they determine out-of-pocket spending.

SAVE MONEY AT THE GROCERY STORE

Grab the smaller cart.

A recent study showed that by doubling the size of your cart, you’ll likely spend 40 percent home.

Put in your earbuds

Play upbeat music. People spend up to 29 percent more than planned when the store’s music rhythm is lower than their heart rate.

Buy store-brand items.

You’ll reduce your bill 33 percent.

Buy items in original form.

Prepped foods like chopped veggies and shredded cheese cost more.