Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - North Mississippi - (Page 19)

20% of Americans Getting a report suffering from extreme stress. For people with arthritis, stress may worsen the pain. Some research shows that rheumatoid arthritis is more prevalent in people who experienced a stressful life event in the previous six months (job loss, divorce) than in the general population. 64% believe managing stress is very important. But only 37% say they manage it well. 70% experience symptoms like irritability or fatigue, or feel overwhelmed. Source: 2012 annual American Psychological Association survey In studies, stress is associated with delayed conception in otherwise healthy women. And psychological factors, including women with high stress at work had nearly double the risk of a heart attack than women with lower job-related stress. Chronic stress can suppress body systems that aren't needed for immediate survival. For example, the digestive system may not work normally, possibly contributing to irritable bowel syndrome or heartburn. stress, can lead to erectile dysfunction in men. call The Women's Health Study found that Stress Smarts Stress is serious stuff. When it starts affecting your daily life, reach out for help. The NMMC Behavioral Health Center offers assessments at no cost to help determine the best treatment plan for you. For more information, call 662-377-3161 or visit www. nmhs.net/behavioral_ health.php. Handle on Stress There are two simple but effective ways to combat stress. You can take on fewer responsibilities, or you can find time in your already-packed schedule for exercise, meditation and vacations. But the first doesn't seem possible, and the second-well, that can cause more stress. "When people are stressed, they're often crunched for time," says Joy Johnson, a licensed professional counselor and outreach manager at the North Mississippi Medical Center Behavioral Health Center. "That's what I hear most: 'I just don't have time for it.' " Johnson offers this threestep approach. 1. Start simple. Begin with techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation. 2. Practice. When you first learn relaxation techniques, you may find it takes 10 to 20 minutes to have the desired effect. With practice, you can discover how to use the same technique even if you have only 10 seconds. 3. Cope with long-term stressors. "Obviously, there are some long-term changes people have to make sometimes," Johnson says. If you're in a job that's just not right, for example, deep breathing and meditation likely won't do the trick. WI NTER 2013 19 http://www.nmhs.net/behavioral_health.php http://www.nmhs.net/behavioral_health.php http://www.nmhs.net/behavioral_health.php

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
The Weight Is Over
For Your Convenience
Got Excuses?
Managing Your Health with a DIY Tool Kit
Is It the Stress Talking?
The Wonderful World of Greens
Knee-to-Know Basics
On the Cover
Run for Your Life
14 Good-for-You Gifts
Special Delivery
Virtual Health
A Special Kind of Care
High Marks
A Dose of Prevention
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - North Mississippi