Hospital Highlights

April is Stress Awareness month, a good time to evaluate how well you are doing managing your stress level. When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight stress response.

If stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can have negative effects. It can be linked to headaches, an upset stomach, back pain, and trouble sleeping. It can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off disease. If you already have a health problem, stress may make it worse. Over the long term it can cause cardiovascular disease as well as other long term health issues.

What can you do about stress? You can try a number of things to relax your mind and body. To relax your mind consider writing, letting your feelings out (talk with someone), staying focused on the present and doing things that you enjoy (a hobby, volunteer work, etc.). You may also want to try meditation or guided imagery.

Relaxing your body most often involves movement. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started. Even everyday activities such as housecleaning or yard work can reduce stress. Stretching can also relieve muscle tension. Deep breathing, progressive relaxation, yoga, tai chi and qi gong may also be beneficial.

A great resource on stress management can be found at http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management.

Debbie Glass, CEO,

Whitman Hospital & Medical Center