We all experience stress in our everyday lives. Small stresses may include a traffic jam on the way to work or a long line at the store when you’re in a hurry. Larger stresses might include trouble paying bills or poor health of a family member. Regardless of the cause of stress, it’s important to learn how stress affects your body, both physically and mentally, and how you can manage your stress to maintain your health and well-being.
What is Stress?
Stress is a physical response that leads the body into a fight-or-flight mode. Our bodies release hormones and chemicals to prepare for a physical action. The blood, hormones, and chemicals are rushed to the body’s systems which need to react fast. This is a good thing and a bad thing. We want to be able to get out of the way of a speeding car, however, when we react to stress continuously or inappropriately, our bodies suffer.
What does stress do to our bodies?
The body being in this continuous stress leads to serious physical health problems, such as:
- Chest pain
- Hypertension
- Strokes
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Pain issues
- Skin infections and rashes
Mental Health can also be affected:
- Memory issues
- Concentration issues
- Substance abuse
- Panic disorders
- Sleeping too much or not enough
We can help you take control of your stress
Lone Star Circle of Care’s Population Health team addresses stress with each call to a patient. We help by discussing the stressors in life, identifying ways to alleviate stress, and by being a great ear. Talking about stress is a great way to notice it first and then be able to take action.
The team makes appointments for patients who may have not been seen in a while, follows patients to get their quality metrics done, such as cancer screening and A1C lab draws, follows up after a hospital stay, and provides community resources to those in need. The team works to find resources that are free or low-cost through either insurance or the community. All of these are helpful to decrease stress. We have helped patients navigate through a new cancer diagnosis, find hard-to-get medical equipment, and find care near them. LSCC is here to help with your stress management along with the LSCC Behavioral Health teams.
What can you do to reduce stress?
There are many ways you can reduce stress in your daily life, for example:
- Have a positive mindset by prioritizing your health.
- Eat a well-balanced diet and hydrate!
- Learn to say no to things so you don’t overcommit your time.
- Get a good night’s sleep which is between 7-8 hours.
- Get out in the sunshine and move your body!
Population Health in Action
Lone Star Circle of Care’s Population Health Team takes its own advice to reduce stress by going for walks outside, enjoying team lunches once a month, and sharing lots of laughs!
One positive action to reduce stress
During Stress Awareness Month, we challenge you to take one positive step toward reducing your stress. We also encourage you to schedule a physical if you haven’t had one in the last year. This is the perfect opportunity to establish a baseline for your health and to ask your doctor important questions. To schedule with Lone Star Circle of Care, call 800-877-5722. If you’re an existing patient, you can also schedule online here.
