Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Parrish Medical Center - (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. QUIZ The Women's Health Study found that Test Your Stress Smarts Stress is serious stuff. The more you know, the better equipped you are to fight back. So, start with a basic quiz. Take the American Psychological Association's Stress Smarts Quiz at apa.org by entering "stress smarts" in the search field. Then, make a plan for reining in your stress! 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 alreadypacked 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 Jay Winner, MD, author of Take the Stress Out of Your Life. "That's what I hear most: 'I just don't have time for it.' " Winner, who teaches people how to reduce stress, offers this three-step 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. Tackle ongoing stressors. "Obviously, there are some long-term changes people have to make " to alleviate anxiety, Winner says. If your job is at odds with your personality, for example, deep breathing and meditation likely won't do the trick. WI NTER 2013 19 http://www.apa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Renovation and Rejuvenation
Lights of Love
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
Pure Healing
Community Health
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Parrish Medical Center