Stress and Health notes 14-4 (obj.18-20)

A.) Regular religious attendance has been a reliable predictor of a longer life span with a reduced risk of dying.

***Intervening Factors Investigators suggest there are three factors that connect religious involvement and better health.

***Managing Stress: Summary How can stress be managed?

B.) Modifying Illness-Related Behaviors 1.) The elimination of smoking would increase life expectancy more than any other preventive measure.

C.) Why Do People Smoke? 1.People smoke because it is socially rewarding. 2.Smoking is also a result of genetic factors.

3.Nicotine takes away unpleasant cravings (negative reinforcement) by triggering epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and endorphins. 4.Nicotine itself is rewarding (positive reinforcement).

D.) Smoking decreased in Western countries, especially in higher socioeconomic groups and more educated groups.

***Ways to Quit Smoking 1.Set a quit date. 2.Inform family and friends. 3.Throw away all cigarettes. 4.Review successful strategies. 5.Use a nicotine patch or gum. 6.Abstain from alcohol. 7.Exercise. Here are a few pointers on how to quit smoking:

***Smoking Abstinence Programs Smoking abstinence programs for teens provide: 1.Information about the effects of smoking 2.Information about peer, parent & media influence 3.Ways to refuse cigarettes

***Do Programs Work? Prevention programs do have an effect on smoking. Paul J. Milette/ Palm Beach Post