Stress and Health Statistics
Virtually everyone experiences stress in their lives - it is simply
a fact of life that not everything goes as planned. Stress may develop
from relationships, deaths, or the workplace. Today, the majority of
doctors and psychologists recognize stress as a major problem in
society that can affect our physical and mental health. Stress and health statistics are widely studied, and the correlation between the two is undeniable.
Stress
and health statistics are invariably linked, and data suggests that
nearly 43 percent of U.S. adults "suffer adverse health effects from
stress, according to an American Psychological Association (APA)
study." What are these health problems, exactly? Health problems
include a laundry list of symptoms that range from the mild, like
headaches and lack of sleep, to the extreme, like heart disease or diabetes. Most noticeably, stress affects aging,
leading to graying hair and balding potentially years before nature may
have taken its course. Stress lines or wrinkles on the face are another
physical sign of unacceptable levels of stress.
Merely coping
with stress is another factory influencing the shape of stress and
health statistics. When stressed, people tend to engage in a number of
unhealthy or destructive behaviors, including overeating, abusing drugs
or alcohol, and even engaging in unprotected sex. Therefore, it is far
easier for individuals with high levels of stress to become obese, an
alcoholic or drug addict, or contract an STD, leading to additional
stress. What is the main source of all this stress that necessitates
these coping mechanisms? The workplace seems to be the primary target,
since at least 40% of Americans consider their work environment very or
extremely stressful. Job stress might result from workplace hazards,
uncompromising management, or an unstable work environment. This is
often accompanied by the feeling of many individuals that they are
trapped in their current job.
The battle against stress and all
of its consequences is a difficult one. Leaving a stressful job or
relationship can be a difficult choice, but it may be a lifesaver.
Exercise, a careful diet full of cholesterol lowering foods, and plenty of relaxation are all methods to deal with the stress that crops up in the duration of a lifetime.
If you would like to discuss stress and health statistics with others, please register and participate in the HealthyJet.com forum.
