Stress is the body’s response to a threat – and occurs whether that threat is real or imagined. We are still “wired” as we were in the days of the caveman. When our mind perceives that we are in danger - we prepare for “fight or flight” - to escape to safety or stand and fight the enemy.

When we are stressed, tremendously powerful hormones course through our bodies getting our hearts and the large muscles of the legs ready to take on the challenge of escaping the stressor. To fuel this “escape” blood is shunted away from seemingly less important organs at the moment – including the digestive and reproductive systems.

Ever wonder why you crave carbohydrates when you are stressed? Carbohydrates are the fastest fuel source to provide energy for running away.

So what’s the problem? In today’s world, we usually cannot physically “run” from our problems. But our body still tries to do just that – run!

What happens to us then? How does our body handle the frustration of wanting to run away or initiate the fight and not being able to do it? According to clinical and cultural research spanning many decades, the following are just some of the conditions caused by or exacerbated by the stress response:

Heart attack Infertility Fatigue Accidents Diabetes Sleep disturbance Cancer Gallbladder disease Missed workdays

Stroke Migraine Irritability Depression Infections Anxiety/Panic Attack Hypertension (high blood pressure) Menstrual Irregularities Weakened immune system

What can you do about stress?
#1 Get out of denial – it’s a killer. Just because you make it through every day even though you are stressed out, does NOT mean that stress isn’t hurting your health and quality of life! Surviving stress is not enough.

#2 Get help – Stress Management – whether individualized therapy or in support groups or seminars makes all the difference – good stress management training is a lifesaver. It affords you the opportunity not only to improve your life, but also perhaps to save it. Heart Disease, Cancer and Stroke are the top three killers in the United States. All have a stress component that you can do something about.

The stress management program developed by Dr. DeMasters is gender specific – not a one-size-fits-all approach – because men and women communicate, problem-solve and cope very differently. How men and women learn to handle stress must be geared to fit their coping preferences and their lifestyle in order to be effective.

Visit the other special topics sections on the website about specific health issues that are important to you. Be sure to look at the new research information on the connection between stress and miscarriage in the Infertility section. And watch the Buy Online link for upcoming specialized programs available for use at home and work.

Call for an appointment or to arrange a group seminar at your workplace, church or community organization. You can make a positive change in your life and the lives of the people you care about. Click here for contact information for Dr. DeMasters.