Dr. Olivia Owusu-Boakyewaah Health Educator Stress & Health Dr. Olivia Owusu-Boakyewaah Health Educator

What is Stress? Is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. In small situations, stress can be good because it makes us alert and gives us a burst of energy. However, too much stress can have drastic effects on your physical, emotional and mental health

Cycle of Stress

Impact of Stress When stress starts interfering with your ability to live a normal life for an extended period, it becomes more dangerous. The longer the stress lasts, the worse it is for both your mind and body. You might feel fatigued, unable to concentrate or irritable for no good reason. Constant stress causes wear and tear on your body, for the long term.

Types of Stress Emotional Stress This occurs in situations people consider difficult or challenging. Example includes: death of a love one. Emotional – death in family Physical –reaction to pain, surgery, broken bone etc..

Types of Stress Physical Stress Is a physical reaction of the body to various triggers. The pain experienced after surgery is an example of physical stress. Physical stress often leads to emotional stress, and emotional stress often occurs in the form of physical stress.

Causes of Stress Change or adaption can cause stress. Examples are: Starting a new job or school Moving to a new home Getting married Having a child Breaking up with someone / separation Injury or illness to the individual/friends/family members Pregnancy Death of a spouse or a close family member Divorce Losing your job Major personal illness or injury Retirement Spending time in jail

Symptoms Stress effects people in different ways. A faster heart rate Skipped heartbeats Rapid breathing Sweating Trembling Dizziness Loose stools Frequent need to pee Dry mouth Problems swallowing/loss of appetite Feeling like there is a lack of control in life Forgetfulness Needing to have too much control Forgetfulness Headaches Lack of energy Lack of focus Trouble getting things done Poor self-esteem Short temper Trouble sleeping Upset stomach Back pain General aches and pains

Symptoms ( Cont’d) Needing to have too much control Forgetfulness Headaches Lack of energy Loss focus or concentration Trouble getting things done Poor self-esteem Short temper Trouble sleeping Upset stomach Back pain General aches and pains

Stress and your health The body responds to stress by releasing stress hormones. These hormones make blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels go up. Long-term stress can help cause a variety of health problems, including: Mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety Obesity Heart disease High blood pressure Abnormal heart beats Menstrual problems - Women Acne and other skin problems

How Stress affect the body

Men and Stress Hairline begins to go back and they begin to lose hair. Most of the stress that men faces are related to their financial stability. When men are stress the following changes occurs…….. Hairline begins to go back and they begin to lose hair. Gain weight, if there is a lack of physical activity Increased risk of heart disease/stroke and other health problems Sexual function may be effected – lacks pleasure in sexual activities

Men and Stress

Women and Stress Depression Acne Breakouts Hair loss Irregular periods Insomnia Reduced Sex drive- lacks pleasure in sexual activities Weight Gain Increased risk of heart disease/stroke and other health problems Women are more prone to emotional stress than men.

Women and Stress

Stress & Ghanaian Immigrants Issues Providing for family back home Children, or spouse Home/Mortgage payments Raising children here in American, with our African ideals, thoughts, and way of life Multiple jobs….Interfering with spending time with families

Managing Stress Develop a positive attitude Get organized Set limits for yourself- if you are doing too much Relax - take time out for yourself Take care of the body (eat well, enough sleep) Connect with others (singband meetings) Seek counseling.

Relaxing…. Take deep breaths. If you're feeling stressed, taking a few deep breaths makes you breathe slower and helps your muscles relax. Stretch. Stretching can also help relax your muscles and make you feel less tense. Massage tense muscles. Having someone massage the muscles in the back of your neck and upper back can help you feel less tense. Take time to do something you want to do. We all have lots of things that we have to do. But often we don't take the time to do the things that we really want to do. It could be listening to music, reading a good book, or going to a movie.

Taking care of the body Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep helps you recover from the stresses of the day. Also, being well-rested helps you think better so that you are prepared to handle problems as they come up. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night to feel rested. Eat right. Try to eat fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Don’t get addicted to caffeine or high-sugar snack foods. Your energy will wear off, and you could wind up feeling more tired than you did before. Get moving. Getting physical activity can not only help relax your tense muscles but improve your mood. Research shows that physical activity can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Don’t deal with stress in unhealthy ways. This includes drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, smoking, or overeating.

Ways Christians should cope with Stress Prayer- Instead of worrying over our problems, the Bible recommends taking everything to God in prayer. This verse in Philippians offers the comforting promise that as we pray, our minds will be protected by a peace that goes beyond our ability to understand. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts

Ways Christians should cope with Stress Meditation on the Word of God The Bible is filled with incredible promises from God. Meditating on these words of assurance can dispel our worry, doubt, fear and stress. 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Ways Christians Should Cope with Stress Praise- Praise and worship will take our minds and thoughts off of self, off our problems, and refocus them on God. As we begin to praise and worship God, suddenly our problems seem small in light of the largeness of God. Music is also soothing to the soul.

Question of the day…. The answer is YES Singingband creates the environment for social support by getting together with love one Also singing is away to relieve stress and tension in the body.

Questions ?

Sources The National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our- publications/fact-sheet/stress-your- health.cfm http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml