Lower Your Stress, Improve Your Health
6/27/2022
MILTON, Fla., - Everyone experiences stress, in our personal lives and in response to national and international crises, but how it’s managed can impact your chances of developing serious health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia and stroke. Through healthy lifestyle habits, and sometimes professional help, you can reduce your daily stress, leading to better overall health.
Stress is the natural response to a perceived threat. When exposed to a stressor, the hormone cortisol is released, sending the body into “fight or flight.” While stress is a normal occurrence, it can become constant, negatively affecting everyday activities and leaving you more susceptible to chronic inflammation and life-altering diseases.
Santa Rosa Medical Group board-certified cardiologist, Martha Stewart, M.D., says it is important to understand what causes stress and to take steps to manage stress to protect their long-term health.
“Chronic stress can take a major toll on the body,” says Dr. Stewart. “With a few easy lifestyle changes, stress can be easily controlled, lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke and other conditions.”
Dr. Stewart recommends five habits to help reduce stress:
- Exercise daily: The American Heart Association reports only 2.5 hours of moderate exercise a week can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and Alzheimer's.
- Eat healthy: Break the “stress eating” habit and adopt a balanced diet that includes vegetables and healthy fats. Try planning healthy meals ahead of time to avoid reaching for unhealthy snacks when hunger – or stress - strikes.
- Get enough sleep: For adults, experts recommend sleeping seven to nine hours a day.
- Practice self-care: Take time to relax and recharge through your favorite activities and mindfulness techniques like meditation.
- Ask for help: Unfortunately, stress can become overwhelming. Physicians and mental health professionals can provide you with tools to help manage stress and feel better.
Dr. Stewart will be joining cardiologist Paul Alappat, M.D., in the Santa Rosa Medical Center Medical Office Building at 5992 Berryhill Road starting July 1. She specializes in invasive cardiology, echocardiology and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), coronary artery disease, heart failure, geriatric heart issues and uncontrolled hypertension. Dr. Stewart earned her medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa.
“Stress is a normal part of life, but if you’re not properly managing it, it can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke,” Dr. Stewart explained. “However, finding positive ways to deal with stress can lower the risk of heart disease – even death.”
In the U.S., 60% of adults admit to feeling stress every day according to a nationwide survey by Gallup. With so many Americans experiencing stress, it’s more important than ever to adopt healthy, stress-relieving habits.
To find a physician or learn more ways to manage stress, visit SantaRosaMedicalGroup.com.
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