Why Stress Management is Important for Your Health
HarborChase Of Sarasota
For more information about the author, click to view their website: HarborChase of Sarasota
Sep 08, 2021
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
Email US
Click to Email Us
Its common knowledge that living a healthy lifestyle can prevent health issues from developing further down the road. Everyone knows that eating well, sleeping well, and getting enough exercise are key elements in promoting longevity and preventing chronic illness.
In addition to a poor diet and lack of exercise, there's also another factor that plays a role in chronic disease stress. Its long been known that stress can exacerbate a condition, but in some cases, it can increase your risk of developing one as well.
HarborChase Senior Living, with retirement communities across the United States, celebrates senior living and encourages a healthy and informed lifestyle. Were sharing some information on the relationship between chronic stress and disease and tips and strategies for stress management.
How Does Stress Cause Chronic Diseases?
A chronic illness cannot necessarily be cured but can typically be prevented or managed. Common chronic diseases include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and lung disease. Most of these can potentially be prevented with a nutritious diet, proper exercise, tobacco avoidance, and stress management.
You may think of stress as merely a psychological response that affects your mental state and not your physical state. However, studies have shown that chronic stress can negatively impact nearly every system in your body eventually making you more susceptible to chronic conditions.
When our minds get stressed, our bodies react by releasing the stress hormone cortisol. The exposure to cortisol is usually nothing to worry about, but when your body is exposed to a constant flow (when you're experiencing chronic stress), it can have detrimental effects. Over time, chronic stress can cause the following:
Insomnia
Depression
High Blood Pressure
Weakened Immune System
Increased Risk of Heart Attack
Weight Gain
Arthritis
Eventually, chronic stress can lead to countless health issues, which can cause more stress creating a dangerous cycle. The good news, though, is that like most other chronic disease preventatives, stress management is a simple and valuable technique that can reduce your risk for most chronic illnesses.
Preventing Chronic Illness Through Stress Management
Unfortunately, stress is a part of life and is not always avoidable or controllable. Fortunately, though, you can learn what events trigger stress and control how you react to them. By learning to manage your stress, you can take care of yourself both emotionally and physically in the face of stressful situations. Here are some stress management techniques:
IDENTIFY WHAT IS CAUSING YOUR STRESS.
Try to pinpoint the root of your stress and write it down. If possible, try to eliminate that factor from your life. If that's not possible, try to develop strategies on how to handle that situation the next time it occurs.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION.
If you find yourself overwhelmed with stress, take a few moments to yourself and practice some deep breathing techniques. Eliminate all distractions so that you are no longer thinking about what is causing your stress.
GET OUTSIDE AND GET ACTIVE.
Find an activity that you enjoy and aim to get active for at least 30 minutes a day. Whether swimming, cycling, or taking a stroll around a garden ,staying active will lift your mood and reduce stress levels.
SOCIALIZE OFTEN (WITH ANIMALS TOO!)
By maintaining a close circle of friends and family, you can ensure that you always have someone to talk to when you find yourself in a stressful situation. Pets are also a great way to reduce stress. Whether you have a pet of your own or participate in apet therapy program, stroking and cuddling with a dog or cat has been shown to bring about stress relief.
Promoting a Healthy and Stress-Free Life
The idea of a chronic illness can be intimidating and, in itself, stressful, but its important to remember that by taking care of yourself, you can greatly reduce your risk of these conditions. Eating well, staying active, and managing chronic stress are key components in preventing chronic diseases from developing. By following some of our stress management strategies, you can live a healthy and stress-free life!
Other Articles You May Like
Understanding Your Digital Footprint
Digital what? Footprint? You may be thinking thats what you leave behind at the beach. While that may be correct, it is also what you leave behind every time you provide your email, set up a new online account, or allow your data to be tracked. Your digital footprint is the trail you leave behind with Location services on your phone. It is the data you leave behind when commenting on Aunt Sallys Facebook page, sharing your familys vacation pictures on Instagram, or traipsing around the internet to various sites looking for that cute Lladro figurine your mother wanted for Christmas. All of it tells something about you whether you realized it was happening or not.Most of the time, the sharing of your data what you do, how you do it, etc. may not be a big deal. Or is it? The reality is that your data supports big business every day. It is collected, bought and sold (mostly without your knowledge) by data brokers (i.e., Acxiom, Epsilon), credit and identity bureaus (i.e., Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), and Big Tech Companies (i.e., Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Apple) that share your data with their partners and ad networks.The danger to you is when there is a data breach at one of the many sites that has your data and your data is captured and posted on the dark web. This enables nefarious characters to better target you for scams and potentially steal your identity. Call Lily in the Details today 941-237-0157 and schedule Understanding Your Digital Footprint, Navigating the Online World Safely and Wisely for your community.
Serving America and our community
By Dr. David RiceSouthwest Florida is home to more than 100,000 veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.They own homes, manage businesses and pay taxes here. They volunteer at local nonprofits and donate to local causes. They are the core of our community.Nearly every day, at least one veteran walks into Advocate Radiation Oncology for treatment. Cancer impacts people from every background, including veterans. Even the most hardened veterans struggle with a cancer diagnosis, which is understandable; no one is invincible and cancer generates a wave of emotions shock, anxiety, frustration, fear and stress.Over the years, veterans in Charlotte and Sarasota counties have found an ally inside the treatment room Dr. Brian Lawenda. A board-certified, Harvard-trained physician who completed medical school at Temple University, Lawenda has all the credentials to help a patient feel confident that they're in good hands, medically speaking. Then they find out something else about their physician. He is a veteran, too, having served this country 13 years with the U.S. Navy and attaining the rank of commander."When I enlisted, I took an oath to serve this country and uphold the U.S. Constitution," Lawenda said. "When I became a doctor, I pledged to dedicate my practice to patients and the community I serve, and it's especially gratifying when those patients are fellow veterans."The best doctors don't just treat symptoms; they connect with patients, usually through shared experiences they're from the same state, cheer for the same sports team or attended the same university. Lawenda's military experience helps create an instant doctor-patient bond that continues during treatment and beyond. In fact, Lawenda has become the region's go-to radiation oncologist for veterans, not just Navy veterans, but those who have admirably served across all six branches of the military."When he told me he served in the Navy, it gave me comfort," said Ret. Command Master Chief Scott Fusco, a North Port resident who recently completed prostate cancer treatments at Advocate. "I had absolute trust in him from that point on."Lawenda wasn't the only veteran on Fusco's care team, either. His urologist also served in the Navy and referred Fusco to Dr. Lawenda for treatment."We served at different times and places, but we're all part of the same team," Fusco said. "They've been there, done that, just like me. There is instant respect, instant trust."Lawenda, who sees patients at Advocate's cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice, specializes in the treatment of prostate, lung, breast, head and neck, rectal, liver, bone, cervical and other types of cancers. Although Lawenda doesn't technically specialize in the treatment of veterans, he is especially proud to support patients like Fusco on their cancer journey."A veteran may retire or end their military service, but he or she will never stop serving this country and their community," Lawenda said. "Being able to help local veterans beat cancer is extremely gratifying and certainly rewarding. The military is a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and I'll continue fighting for my brothers and sisters."About the AuthorDr. David Rice is a board-certified radiation oncologist who sees patients through Advocate Radiation Oncologys cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice. Visit AdvocateRO.com for more information.
Living Well with Diabetes: How Exercise & Therapy Can Help
Managing diabetes is more than watching your blood sugar. Its about staying active, maintaining your strength, and continuing to enjoy the activities you love.Diabetes affects millions of older adults and can have a significant impact on overall health, mobility, and independence. As we age, managing diabetes becomes especially important because it can increase the risk of falls, nerve damage, muscle weakness, and other health complications.The good news? With the right support, regular physical activity, and a personalized treatment plan, older adults living with diabetes can take meaningful steps toward better health and a more active lifestyle.Why Is Exercise So Important for Diabetes?When you have diabetes, your body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels. Physical activity helps your muscles use glucose for energy, which can improve blood sugar control.Regular exercise can also help:Improve muscle strength: Maintain the strength needed for walking, climbing stairs, and completing everyday activities.Improve blood sugar management: Help your body use insulin more effectively.Support heart health: Improve circulation and help manage blood pressure.Improve balance: Reduce the risk of falls and injuries.Maintain independence: Make daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and shopping easier.Increase energy and confidence: Help you feel stronger and more comfortable staying active.Even small amounts of movement throughout the day can make a difference!How Can Physical and Occupational Therapy Help?For many older adults, beginning an exercise program can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with joint pain, weakness, balance problems, or other medical conditions.Thats where FOX Rehabilitation can help.FOX provides personalized physical and occupational therapy designed to help older adults safely improve their mobility, strength, and ability to perform everyday activities.A physical therapist can evaluate your walking, balance, endurance, and muscle strength to develop an exercise program that meets your individual needs.An occupational therapist can help you find safer, easier ways to perform everyday tasks while improving your ability to remain independent at home.Together, these professionals can help address the physical challenges associated with diabetes, including decreased sensation in the feet, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance.The Benefits Go Beyond Blood SugarResearch has shown that structured exercise programs can help people with Type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control, preserve muscle mass, and increase overall strength.Regular physical activity may also improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of certain diabetes-related complications.Most importantly, staying active can help older adults maintain the freedom to do what matters most whether thats spending time with grandchildren, enjoying a walk with friends, gardening, or simply moving safely around their homes.Therapy That Comes to You!One of the greatest benefits of FOX Rehabilitation is that therapy can take place right in the comfort of your own home.FOX provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy through Medicare Part B for eligible individuals.You do not have to be homebound or recently hospitalized to receive services.This means older adults who may benefit from skilled therapy can receive personalized care in their familiar surroundings without having to travel to an outpatient clinic.Take the First Step Toward Better HealthLiving with diabetes doesnt mean giving up the activities you enjoy. With proper management, regular movement, and professional guidance, you can continue building strength, improving mobility, and maintaining your independence.Before beginning a new exercise routine, speak with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have diabetes-related complications or take medications that can cause low blood sugar.Remember: Its never too late to get stronger, move better, and take control of your health!