Know the Dangerous Effects Stress Can Have on Your Health

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Life is full of demands, and it can be difficult to keep your life and stress in balance. Whether you know it or not, stress can impact your health, both physically and emotionally.

Given the impact stress can have on your body, managing stress is a critical component of the 8 Steps to Get Cooperized™ developed by Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, Cooper Aerobics Founder and Chairman.

Cooper Clinic Preventive Medicine Physician Riva Rahl, MD, shares five ways stress can impact your health and how you can manage it.

1. Increased anxiety. Stress can increase your anxiety, which can have negative effects on your health. The best, cheapest medicine to deal with anxiety is exercise. You can also reduce anxiety by taking omega-3 supplements and avoiding alcohol.
    
2. Interrupted Sleep. Sleep is an important factor in helping to manage your stress, but at the same time stress can also affect your quality of sleep. To maintain good health, you need to get into a deep, restorative sleep cycle. When you do not get enough sleep it can lead to weight gain, daytime fatigue and negative hormone effects.
    
3. Elevated blood pressure. Thirty-five to 45% of Americans experience high blood pressure, which can increase your risk for stroke, cardiovascular and kidney problems and aneurysms. Just like anxiety, you can manage increased blood pressure by exercising more. It can help and treat blood pressure whether it is caused by stress or not. As you exercise, there is a natural dilation of the blood vessels and benefit your overall blood pressure.
    
4. Increased substance abuse. You may think turning to alcohol, sleep medications or prescription drugs can help alleviate your stress. But don’t forget that alcohol is a central nervous system stimulant, which can lead to a more anxious, stressed self. In addition, your sleep is not as effective. Prescription drugs may put a band-aid on your issues, but it can lead to other problems associated with stress such as addiction.
    
5. Decreased productivity. When you are stressed, you are more likely to skip physical activity which can make you less productive. This can impact several facets of your life, from work to family. You may not be able to focus on what your problems are and how you can improve your health for a more quality life.

Improving your stress management is key to leading a healthier life. Read more tips to help manage and reduce stress.

For more information about Cooper Clinic, visit cooper-clinic.com or call 972.560.2667.

Article provided by Cooper Aerobics Marketing and Communications.