1. Understanding Stress

2. What is stress? In evolution,
the body’s way of dealing with a challenging situation
“Fight or flight”
response

3. How does stress work?
Adrenal glands produce hormone cortisol—a messenger to certain cells

4. The message says: Produce more energy NOW Be alert—rev up memory
Watch out for cell invaders: charge up immune system to respond to attacks
All good things!

5. But when stress is chronic
Constant output of cortisol:
Impairs cognition (thinking)
Raises blood pressure
Lowers immunity (easier to get sick)
Deposits abdominal fat (risk of heart attack, stroke)

6. Effect of toxic stress on children
Impairs development of brain circuits—smaller brain
Increased vulnerability to illness
Learning difficulties