Stress

Stress – the process by which we perceive and respond to certain events, called stressors, that we appraise as threatening or challenging Can be good or bad It’s a mind-body system (like emotion) Fight or Flight Pull back

Selye’s General Adaption Syndrome (GAS) theory Body has a general response to stress Three phases Alarm reaction – high heart rate, faintness, shock etc. Resistance – Temperature, blood pressure and respiration remain high; outpouring of hormones Exhaustion – Susceptible to illness Telomeres and DNA – shortened telomeres are associated with aging and death

3 types of stressors Catastrophes – unpredictable large-scale events Life changes – often in those under age 50 trying to “take on too many things at once” Daily hassles – examples? All can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure)

Stress and the heart High blood pressure leads to heart disease – it used to be rare, but is now the most common cause of death

Type A and Type B Type A personalities – reactive, competitive, impatient, super-motivated, verbally aggressive Type B – they’re like, totally relaxed and stuff In study, 69% of those who had heart attacks were type “As.” Those who were the most “B” had no heart attacks People who react with the most anger to little things are most prone to this condition Pessimism and depression have similar affects

Stress and Disease Immune System Too strong – allergies, arthritis, lupus Too weak – cancer, viruses

Stress depresses our immune system Wounds heal more slowly More likely to get a cold Pretty much all centenarians manage stress well

Leads to increase in the rate of transition from HIV to AIDS Some studies show a similar link to cancer: stress doesn’t cause it, but may speed its progression

The immune system can be suppressed through classical conditioning

Stress related factors

Perceived control We are usually less susceptible to disease and live longer when we feel like we have control over our situations

Optimists and Pessimists Optimists are healthier and live longer Laughter helps, too

Social Support We need it. Pets also help Married people live healthier, longer lives Talking to people/confiding, or expressing troubles through a diary or art can be beneficial

Managing Stress

Exercise Boosts mood and immune functioning As effective as drugs in combatting depression, plus less symptom recurrence Adds 2 years to your life

Relaxation and Meditation Practicing relaxation helps you relax Better health, longer life

Spirituality Rivals non-smoking and exercise in increasing longevity Brings together many factors correlated with longevity: healthier living, social ties, marriage, sense of hope and acceptance

Changing illness related behaviors

Smoking It’s really bad for you. One of the surest ways to ensure that you will have a short life span Nicotine is as addictive as heroin or cocaine Difficult to quit – ½ try each year, 1/7 succeed. 90% start as teens

Obesity Associated with a wide range of health risks Discrimination experiment

What causes weight gain? Genetic predisposition and/or early childhood eating patterns cause fat cells to grow to several times normal size Metabolism – obese people tend to have a higher set- point, that keeps them near that weight When getting fewer calories, metabolic rate decreases (your body doesn’t burn through fat as quickly) Genes play a large role in obesity, but so does our lifestyle of high fat/ high sugar foods, large portions, and lots of sitting Large portions/packaging cause people to eat more (unit bias)