Stress tends to be minimized or denied, both by the victim and his/her physician.  Yet an estimated 75% to 90% of visits to primary care physicians are because of stress related problems.

What are the negative aspects of stress?  The following are 7 major ones.

1. Stress promotes chronic, silent inflammation.  This greatly contributes to coronary artery disease.  Inflammation is the mother of all heart disease. It attracts dangerous plaque deposits of LDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of blood clots or coronary artery obstructions.  Inflammation can also be a cause of arrhythmias.
2. Stress weakens the immune system.  Colds, flu and sickness in general are facilitated and accelerated when levels of stress are higher. Toxic by-products interfere with “normal” biochemistry.  The immune system is heavily taxed to handle increased inflammation.
3. Increased clotting of blood can occur due to increased blood pressure and circulation of inflammatory by-products.
4. Blood pressure increases due to anxiety and tension.
5. Insulin resistance increases, impairing the needed uptake of insulin into cells.  Some estimate 1 in 6 people now suffer from diabetes 2.  Diabetes 2 is definitely a risk factor in heart disease.  The American Diabetes Association says more than 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
6. Heart rhythm disturbances occur when your biochemistry is flooded with inflammatory or toxic chemicals. Stress produces free radicals that are oxidative and destructive to homeostasis (body harmony and balance).  “Bad chemicals” of stress must be handled and eliminated.
7. Stress is known to cause heart attacks when there is no evidence of coronary artery blockage or disease. Disruption of heart rhythm is a sudden and fatal cause of these heart attacks.  The heart fails to beat and death occurs.
8. Depression is really a form of stress. It changes the body chemistry adversely.  It affects metabolism and normal body chemistry.  The perceived heaviness is real to your body.  Chemical changes occur that are destructive to your body.

What are 7 things you can do to reduce stress?

1. Stop over commitment to demands of time and work.
2. Take time for recreation and vacations.
3. Relax…take time to “notice and smell the flowers”.
4. Build family relationships by spending time with family members.
5. Get regular exercise…statistics clearly show you will live longer.
6. Be in right relationship with your Creator.
7. Employ the golden rule:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Whatever you sow that will you also reap!…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

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