The Healthy Times 
April 1998 

CAN STRESS HURT MY HEALTH....

In some instances, yes. Research suggests that your stress level affects your immune system, nervous system, heart function, metabolism and hormone levels. Therefore, scientists believe that stress may affect your recovery from, as well as susceptibility to, illness. So, what exactly is stress? Simply put, stress is your body's natural response to change. Any event or circumstance that elicits a physical or emotional response can cause stress. Here's how the body works...when confronted with a stressful situation the brain sends out chemicals called hormones which initiate what is known as the flight or fight response. This response involves almost EVERY organ and body function, including the brain, central nervous system, heart, circulation, digestion and muscle function. The purpose of flight or fight is to help us deal with danger and although this response is not harmful, if prolonged, it puts the body in a state of overdrive. 

Stress is not all bad. We need a little stress in our lives to keep us motivated. Also, not every situation causing stress is bad. A new relationship, new job, moving to a new area, all these events are positive points in our lives but they do cause stress. So, when does stress become harmful? If physical symptoms of stress persist for more than a few weeks, you could be headed for trouble. Additionally, there are positive and negative ways to deal with stress. If you find yourself using alcohol, tobacco, drugs or violence in an effort to deal with your stress, you need to seek help. 

HEALTHY HUMOR