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Why Women Should Avoid Being Stressed During Pregnancy

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:04:00 +0000

Stress has become an inevitable consequence of modern everyday life, and as we are subjected to increasing amounts of it, we experience more and more of the effects of the great rate of wear and tear we subject our bodies to. The term was originally coined by Hans Selye in 1936, and defined by him as “the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change.” This means that we are all subjected to stress, but its effects on our bodies differ greatly from person to person, largely dependent on the gravity of and how we handle the stressful situation. It manifests itself in any number of physical or psychological symptoms that are often ignored until it seriously affects our health. In fact, stress is currently one of the leading causes of illness worldwide, such as depression, erectile dysfunction, hypertension and heart disease. This increasing number of stress-related illnesses has raised alarm bells throughout the worldwide medical community. Stress can stem from both positive and negative experiences in our lives. Positive stressors, or eustress, are situations that are perceived to be happy or good, such as weddings, childbirth or big family holidays. Negative stressors, or distress, are situations that are traumatizing or unhappy, such as the death of a loved one or an accident. Pregnancy can be considered both a positive and negative stressor, being a time of great joy and adjustment for the expectant mother as she and her partner welcome the new addition to their family. Apart from the actual physical stress the woman’s body is subjected to during the nine months of pregnancy, the pressures of daily life are also there to put additional stress on her. Some women have to juggle the demands of their job, chores, and families along with being pregnant. In some cases, pregnant women face unhealthy situations as the break-up of their marriage, physical or emotional abuse, open infidelity or simply disinterested and uninvolved partners who prefer staying out to staying home and supporting their pregnant partners, and they experience constant stress throughout the nine month period or beyond. Extreme situations can also leave the unborn baby vulnerable to the stress the mother feels, such as malnutrition or exposure to toxins because of an unhealthy or unsanitary living conditions. Stress can have adverse effects on the unborn child, and can sometimes be the cause of birth defects, miscarriages, pre-term delivery, or result in the death of both mother and child. Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, can be too much for the bodies of both the mother and child to handle, may possibly cause high blood pressure problems. In the mother, this may increase her risk for preeclampsia, or any number of other conditions that may complicate her pregnancy. In the unborn child, the effects can range from a lifetime of high blood pressure or other physical, mental or developmental defects. Whatever is going on in a woman’s life during her pregnancy, the most important thing she should remember is that she must take care of her body and safeguard the life of her child. Whether the situation is positive or negative, how she deals with the stress is entirely in her hands.

Cortisol — The Stress Hormone

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:18:00 +0000

Stress affects health in many ways, unfortunately none of them affects well-being in a good way. Many health specialists claim, as normal human experience would confirm, that stress and depression can have negative effects on physical health. In the long run, persons under high stress can develop eating disorders and sleep disturbances. These conditions could also possibly lead to decreased physical energy, chronic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Physical illnesses are almost always present whenever a person is under extremely stressful conditions. Even the body’s internal processes respond to external difficulties experienced by a person. During stressful situations, the adrenal glands inside the body release a substance called cortisol. Cortisol is a natural steroid hormone that science experts refer to as the “stress hormone.” It is known as the“stress hormone” because large amounts of this substance are released whenever a person feels stressed out. It is an important hormone in the human body because it is involved in proper glucose metabolism, regulation of blood pressure, and control of immune system functions, and inflammatory response. In general, cortisol is present in the body at elevated levels in the morning and lowest in the evening. Small increases of cortisol have some positive effects like quick bursts of energy, improved immunity, heightened memory function, and lower sensitivity to pain. In addition, moderate doses of cortisol helps maintain homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis is the property of living organisms that regulates its internal environment to maintain a stable and constant state in terms of body temperature, acidity, and nutrient and waste balance. Health experts stress that this process is critical for survival and good health. With minimal or no thought at all, people maintain and restore homeostasis all the time. For example, people drink if they are thirsty, wear a sweater when it is cold, or take a rest after an intense physical activity. All these actions contribute to ones state of homeostasis. Dilemmas occur when the body’s cells fail to communicate properly, and cause breakdown in homeostasis. This disturbance can lead to poor health and later into serious health conditions. Sustained and prolonged levels of cortisol, however, may lead to many harmful effects like high cholesterol, suppression of the immune system, and acceleration of the aging process. Prolonged stress may lead to imbalance of cortisol in the body which causes disturbance in the components of the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, and other major systems of the body. Medical specialists conclude that such imbalance may lead to several illness like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to these harmful effects, high levels of cortisol may lead to weight gain. When people become stressed, the adrenal glands produce more cortisol that release sugar in the blood which then leads to additional weight gain. Studies add that people who secrete higher levels of cortisol as a reaction to stress tend to eat more food that is high in carbohydrates. To keep cortisol levels under control, the body’s relaxation response is activated during stressful situations. The following methods have been proven by many health experts to be very beneficial helping the mind and the body relax and, in the process, control the body’s production of cortisol: · Journaling or keeping a diary · Self-hypnosis · Exercise · Yoga · Listening to music · Meditation · Sex Cortisol production varies from person to person. People are biologically designed to react differently to different forms and intensities of stress. There are many kinds of medication out in the market that are designed to reduce high levels of cortisol in the body. However, it is important to understand that certain illnesses are caused by too much stress. Keeping our lives as stress-free as possible and by practicing stress management techniques, living life would not be so hard as it seems.

Steroids : Pumping Up The Issue

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:15:00 +0000

Some guys have all the luck, Some guys have all the pain Some guys get all the breaks Some guys do nothing but complain – Rod Stewart There may be some truths in the lyrics of Rod Stewart’s hit song “Some Guys Have All The Luck”. Whether they admit it or not, guys sometimes compare themselves with other guys especially in certain settings, such as the locker room. Time in a locker room can be challenging. It is a place where you can actually separate the boys from the men, at least, in terms of their physical development. Guys are stereotyped to be tough and shouldn’t place much concern with their appearance. Vanity is a girl’s issue. But it’s natural to observe friends and classmates, and notice the different ways they’re growing and developing. And the reality is that a lot of guys do spend plenty of time surveying themselves in front of the mirror. It doesn’t matter whether they have reed thin bodies, or buffed like Clark Kent. The truth is, some guys care just as much as girls do about their appearance. But unlike girls, most guys are less likely to talk to their friends or relatives about how their bodies are developing. A guy may suddenly develop a negative self-image when he sees that all his friends have already matured physically, are taller, and more muscular. Guys who feel that they don’t measure up with their peers as far as body image is concerned may feel pressured and may resort to using steroids to speed up the development of their physique without taking into consideration its side effects. The human body produces natural steroids to fight stress and promote growth and development. However, there are some people, mostly athletes, who use steroid pills, gels, creams, or injections to improve their physique or their performance. Steroids, sometimes referred to as ‘roids, juice, hype, weight trainers, gym candy, arnolds, stackers, or pumpers, are the same as, or similar to, certain hormones in the body. Anabolic steroids are artificially produced hormones similar to androgens, the male-type sex hormones in the body. The most powerful androgen is testosterone. Testosterone is mainly a mature male hormone which promotes the masculine traits that develop during puberty, such as deepening of the voice and growth of body hair. Testosterone levels has an effect in the aggressiveness of a person. This is the reason why some athletes take anabolic steroids because of their testosterone-like effects. They stimulate muscle tissue to grow and “bulk up” in response to training by mimicking the effect of naturally produced testosterone on the body. Anabolic steroids can remain in the body anywhere from a couple of days to about a year. The popularity of this substance is due to the improved endurance, strength, and muscle mass for its users. However, there is no research study to substantiate these claims. Another group of steroids called steroidal supplements contains dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and/or androstenedione (also known as andro). They used to be found at health food stores or gyms but are now considered controlled substance and require a prescription. However, DHEA is one of the few exceptions and can still be bought over the counter. The effects of steroid supplements are not well known. They are considered weaker forms of androgen but when taken in large doses, they cause effects similar to other androgens like testosterone. However, it’s been known that companies manufacturing steroids supplements often use false claims with very little known long-term effects on the body. For this reason, the government passed laws controlling steroid distribution to protect the general public. Anabolic steroids cause many different types of problems. Some of the more serious or long-lasting side effects are: l premature balding or hair loss l dizziness l mood swings, including anger, aggression, and depression l seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations) l extreme feelings of mistrust or fear (paranoia) l problems sleeping l nausea and vomiting l trembling l high blood pressure that can damage the heart or blood vessels over time l aching joints l greater chance of injuring muscles and tendons l jaundice or yellowing of the skin; liver damage l urinary problems l shortening of final adult height l increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer Specific risks for girls associated with anabolic steroids include: l increased facial hair growth l development of masculine traits, such as deepening of the voice, and loss of feminine body characteristics, such as shrinking of the breasts l enlargement of the clitoris l menstrual cycle changes Specific risks for guys include: l testicular shrinkage l pain when urinating l breast development l impotence l sterility Serious psychological side effects of steroids may result to aggressiveness or combative attitude, extreme, uncontrolled bouts of anger caused by long-term steroid use. Steroids injections can place the person at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, if they share needles with other users. Dirty needles pose greater risk for contracting hepatitis or bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart. So, do not envy other guys whose muscles are well-developed than yours. Not everyone’s body changes at the same time or even at the same pace. Working out in a gym is still the best way to pump up those muscles without the possible risks steroids may bring. Most guys will eventually catch up in terms of physique development. However, some guys will remain to be taller or well-built. It could be in the genes.

Over-training and Weakened Immune Systems

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:46:00 +0000

A lot of people are including exercise programs in their daily lives to gain muscle mass and reduce fat. Many however, make the mistake of training for extended hours to achieve their goals. Too much training may not give the results that these people are looking for. This practice may lead to fatigue and over-training. Over-training can cause physical and mental illness because of excessive intensity of training and not having sufficient time to rest and recover. This incident is common in weight-lifters, runners, and other athletes. Studies show that about 10-20% of athletes over-train. Athletes—professional or amateur carry a higher risk of getting sick. Over the past years, doctors caring for athletes have reported a rise of respiratory infections because of over-training. Health experts say that as individuals increase their total training load, the risk of illness also rises. This phenomenon can be attributed to the rise cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a vital hormone that is often referred to as the “stress hormone”. Intense or prolonged exercise may cause large increases in cortisol levels and a decrease in the production of “T-cells,” a group of white blood cells that play a key role in the immune system. The mental stress that are encountered by athletes may also impair the body’s immune function. Expectations of coaches, family members, and other people can contribute to a drop in performance and the increase of acquiring infections. Injuries, the actual stress of competition may all aggravate psychological stress. Diminished immune systems encountered by athletes are resembles those that are experienced by people who undergo hypertension and sleep deprivation. In recent studies, highly stressed individuals had high incidences of respiratory ailments over a period of six months compared to unstressed individuals. Aside impaired immune system, men who over-train may also also experience a temporary reduction in sperm count and quality. This happens because the body literally kills itself during training and needs time to recuperate to build muscles and improve the body. Too much or too intense physical activity may reduce the level of hormones in the bloodstream and therefore affect sperm production. Sperm quality and production may return to normal after three days. Health specialists add that drinking a cup of coffee a couple of hours after training may help improve sperm quality and quantity because of the anti-oxidants it contain. People who over-train may also experience the following: .lack of energy .insomnia .headaches .dehydration .depression .decreased appetite .increased risk of injury .respiratory infection .muscle pains .high blood pressure Individuals who decide to make adjustments on their exercise routines are encouraged to consult doctors and other health professionals for workout advice. This is important because a lot of individuals tend to workout too much, improperly, and use the inappropriate equipments. Health professionals may device an appropriate workout program to complement one’s health needs. Understanding proper workout and including a healthy diet in one’s lifestyle may lead to improved health and overall well-being.

Over-eating, Stress, and The Modern World

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:59:00 +0000

There mere fact that the term, “comfort food” exists is proof enough that eating certain foods is good for relieving stress. Whether it is some sort of psychopharmacological thing, something connected to mental health and memories, or an evolutionary instinct, the fact is that eating is effective stress relief. However, when one considers all the stress and anxiety that gets tossed around in modern society, it isn’t surprising to learn that the weight loss pill market is on a steady increase. Indeed, as people are put under more and more stress, with less and less time to find stress relief for it, food becomes an increasingly tempting option. Sure, stress and anxiety are not the only factors behind the increasing number of people with obesity, but it does have to take some of the flak. People look to food as a cost-effective means of stress relief, mainly because a number of modern environments simply don’t allow for a significant amount of time to relax. For example, in those high-stress corporate environments, people tend to have very little time to spare between getting to work, actually working, and their duties outside of work. To avoid allowing the stress to build and become a danger to them or the people around them, they do the one stress relief activity that they can do. A little candy bar here or some potato chips there can be enough to get a person’s mind through the stress and anxiety of a typical work day. However, when one develops a dependence on these things to relieve stress, then there is going to be an eventual need for a weight loss pill or diet plan. It isn’t just the corporate workplace and the employees within it that end up eating a little too much “comfort food,” however. As stated in a number of books, such as “Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety,” shows, mothers also have to deal with the problem. Between the stress of having to keep a handle on active children and the duties that mothers have to perform, there is plenty of room for the average mother to binge a little. This can be especially true in suburban environments, where there is often a subtle competition between housewives that puts a lot of undue stress and anxiety on mother and child alike. Children can also sometimes fall victim to over-eating “comfort foods.” With so much pressure on children to succeed on all possible levels, there’s plenty of stress and anxiety to go around. The problem lies in the fact that children nowadays are subjected by their parents to all manner of time-consuming extra-curricular activities, with even the slightest potential becoming something that could be “developed.” Parents tend to be well-meaning in cutting down on the playing time of their children, as all of these activities are designed to help them succeed. However, there comes a time when children will need to be given time to be children. Stress and anxiety are things that the mental health of a child is not fully capable of handling, such that any form of stress relief can be seen as acceptable. For most, succumbing to peer pressure or playing video games can do the trick, but a few others end up turning into binge eaters. Over-eating due to stress and anxiety is not an all-encompassing problem yet, but statistics show that it is getting there. As competition in the workplace, stress in the home, and the pressure to succeed compounds with each generation, more and more people are going to need effective, quick stress relief. Pressed for time to find ample ways to relax, food can often be the only viable option available to them.

Crash Hits: Common Injuries In Car Accidents

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:31:00 +0000

Cars are the most visible signs of modernity in an otherwise ancient world. No urban environment would be complete without these four-wheeled machines. Most people see them as a convenience, enabling them to get from point A to point B without having to endure the crowds the rush hours associated with public transportation. However, as cars become more and more available, roads become more and more congested. As the congestion worsens, it is inevitable that car accidents occur and people get hurt. Statistically speaking, car accidents have been occurring with increased frequency over the past decade. The statistics also show that there are a number of injuries that have become common to most car accidents during that period. Head and neck injuries are listed as being typical to a car accident. The face, in particular, can suffer laceration and cutting from shattered glass or shrapnel generated by the impact. Dental injuries are also possible, particularly for people in the driver’s seat or were close to the point of impact. Mental health problems and head trauma are also possibilities. Concussions are not uncommon among car accident-related injuries. Some people also tend to experience anxiety for some time after the accident, though this is much rarer than physical injuries. The most common mental health concerns related to a car accident would be helping the victims overcome the stress of being involved in the accident, as well as the chance of post-traumatic stress disorder. The body, however, is much more likely to bear the brunt of the damage caused by a car accident. Injuries to the abdomen and legs can result in chronic pain for prolonged periods after an accident. In some cases, accident survivors have had to endure lower back pain for years since their bodies never fully recovered from the damage. Knee pain and damage to leg muscles like the quadriceps can also occur for those who are involved in relatively minor accidents or were not at the point of impact. Areas that have been cut or injured during the accident may also develop an infection, depending on how quickly the wound or opening was addressed by medical teams. Broken bones and torn muscles are common among car accident victims, though the likely areas to be affected vary depending on the specifics of the accident. Simple and compound fractures can both be experienced, typically requiring extensive time to repair and recover. In a number of cases, surgery may be needed to undo some of the damage done. Most often, drivers will experience trauma and damage to the legs and possibly the torso. Some injuries may not be obvious at first and can only be treated after the victim has been given a full examination. Removal of some of the shrapnel from impact may also require surgery if it enters too deeply into the body. There are some psychological disorders that can come about from being involved in a car accident. The most common to be cited is post-traumatic stress disorder, though it is not the only one. Anxiety is also a possible effect of being in a car accident, though it is not considered to be a common occurrence.

Gulf Coast Retreats For Relaxation

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:07:00 +0000

The Gulf Coast is relaxation defined with outdoor activities aplenty. Gulf Coast retreats provide the opportunity to catch your breath and let the stress of life melt away. Gulf Coast Retreats For Relaxation Finding retreats that are located on the Gulf Coast of the United States is easy, if you know where to look. This area of the country is full of relaxing and beautiful resorts and getaway spots. You can pick from Gulf Coast retreats located in Florida, Alabama or other states in the South, all guaranteed to create a memorable and enjoyable vacation. One of the retreats available on the Gulf Coast of Florida is the retreat at the Marriott Bay Point Resort. The Marriott Bay Point is located in Panama City Beach, Florida, and has just recently been renovated, allowing for a new, updated experience for your rejuvenation vacation. This resort has named itself the newest of the health retreat resorts available in Florida, and with 356 guest rooms, 78 golf villas, 36 holes of golf and other recreational activities, this resort is definitely a tourist destination. It offers massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and hair services, as well as rejuvenation packages. All of these wonderful delights take place in a beautiful Panama City Beach setting, overlooking St. Andrew’s Bay. Another of the Gulf Coast’s great retreats is located in Alabama. The Spa of Eden, located on Pleasure Island off of Gulf Shores, Alabama, has three locations available for your rejuvenation treatments. Spa of Eden offers many different facials, from the standard European-type facial to different specialty facials depending on your needs. Also available are different types of massage, body treatments such as mud and other wraps, and salon services. Spa of Eden offers packages too, for travelers looking for a full day of beauty and relaxation. The retreat even offers some other services, such as yoga classes on the bayou and hydrobiking classes, for people who’d like a little fitness with their pampering. When you’re looking for a vacation destination that also includes a great environment, choosing one of the Gulf Coast retreats that are available is a great idea. The Gulf Coast of both Florida and Alabama offers many different activities and family vacation standards, but it also offers something more: a great place to relax and feel rejuvenated.

Testicular Injuries: Great Balls On Fire!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:18:00 +0000

Boys will be boys. They are naturally physically active. They run a lot and get involved in brawls and fights most of the time. They are sports-minded and energetic. They always appear to be strong and mighty. But there is one vulnerable part in a man’s body that needs to be treated tenderly: the crotch. Though testicular injuries are uncommon, men must not discount the fact that such accidents could occur. Men who regularly engage in sports such as basketball, cycling, or lifting weights are aware of this fact. Some sports can expose a man’s testicles to possible injuries. Unlike other parts and organs of the body, the testicles are not protected by bones and muscles. They hang in a sac outside the body called the scrotum and, as such, make the said body part a prime target for accidents. However, because the testicles are loosely attached to the man’s body and are made of a spongy material, they are able to absorb most collisions without permanent damage. Testicles, although sensitive, can bounce back pretty quickly and minor injuries rarely have long-term effects. The good news is that sexual health functions or sperm production will most likely not be affected if you have a testicular injury. Definitely, it will cause pain if the testicles are struck or kicked, which may lead to a feeling of nausea for a short time. For minor testicular injury, pain should gradually subside in less than an hour and any other symptoms should go away. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relief can make you feel better or you may do some simple remedies such as lying down, applying ice packs to the affected area or wearing supportive underwear. However, avoiding strenuous activity for a while and taking it easy for a few days can be of great help. Symptoms of a much more serious injury that needs to be addressed as soon as possible are the following: · Pain doesn’t subside or you experience extreme pain that lasts longer than an hour; · Swelling or bruising of the scrotum or a puncture of the scrotum or testicle; · Continued nausea and vomiting; and · Fever. Two of the most serious testicular injuries are testicular torsion and testicular rupture. Testicular torsion is not a common injury but usually affects males between 12 to 18 years old. In the case of testicular torsion, the testicle twists around, cutting off its blood supply. This can occur due to a serious trauma to the testicles, strenuous activity, or even for no apparent reason. It is very critical to see a doctor as soon as possible – within six hours of the time the pain starts. Unfortunately, after six hours, there is a much greater possibility that complications could result, including reduced sperm production or the loss of the testicle. The problem may be fixed by a doctor manually untwisting the testicle. If that doesn’t work, surgery will be necessary. On the other hand, testicular rupture is a rare type of testicular trauma. This can happen when the testicle receives a forceful direct blow or when the testicle is crushed against the pubic bone causing blood to leak into the scrotum. Testicular rupture, like testicular torsion and other serious injuries to the testicles, causes extreme pain, swelling in the scrotum, nausea and vomiting. To fix the problem, surgery is necessary to repair the ruptured testicle. Consulting a doctor will require the length of time pain is being experienced by the patient and how severe the discomfort is. To rule out a hernia or other problem as the cause of the pain, the doctor will examine the abdomen and groin. Moreover, the doctor will look at the scrotum for swelling, color, and damage to the skin and examine the testicle itself. A urine test to rule out urinary tract infection or infection of the reproductive organs may also be conducted. Being involved in sports activities and living an active lifestyle are great ways to stay fit and relieve stress. Just make sure you are wearing support and protective gear to avoid testicular injury especially when the game turns rough and reckless.

Surviving The Horrible Memories Of War

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:12:00 +0000

“What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty and democracy?” Gandhi could have not been more right when he said his piece about the futility of a war that brings bloodshed and chaos. Nobody really wins but everyone is a losing victim of man’s atrocities and evil doings against each other. Sometimes, it would have been better to be dead than to survive and face the almost life-long trauma one has to deal with after going through the harrowing experience of war. War is a complex web of violence, loss, and human tragedy. Aside from the destruction of lives and properties that is inherent in any armed conflict, violations of human rights is also prevalent. Torture, oppression, sexual abuse of women, abductions, and massacres also occur during times of armed conflict. Surviving the horrible memories of war is a victory in itself yet the survivors often still need to deal with stress and anxiety long after the fighting has ceased. For many war survivors, the shooting may have stopped but the battle against psycho-emotional distress and serious medical conditions are still on-going struggles. Everyday, military personnel and civilian survivors relive the catastrophes of war. Men and women, young and old alike, still cannot remove the images and sounds of battle from their minds. For a long time, they will vainly try to deafen the sounds of gunfire and bomb explosions ricocheting in their heads day in and day out. They find it extremely difficult to erase the painful memories of witnessing their beloved families, relatives, and friends being gunned down to death or dismembered. Scenes of burying their own dead in open trenches continue to flash back in their minds. Soldiers are haunted by episodes of being forced to shoot innocent civilians, including women and children —- all in the name of duty. Most war survivors suffer from emotional and psychological disorder such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Though PTSD was first brought to public attention in relation to war veterans or survivors, it can also result from a variety of traumatic incidents, such as rape, torture, being kidnapped or held hostage, child abuse, vehicular accidents, plane crashes, even natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. It is considered to be one of the most severe forms of emotional disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when a terrifying ordeal involving physical harm or the threat of physical harm happens to a person. The person may have been the one who was harmed or the harm may have happened to a loved one, or the person may have witnessed a traumatic event that happened to loved ones or strangers. Most war veterans or survivors get easily startled and can become emotionally numb especially in relation to people with whom they used to be close. Like other people who are suffering from PTSD, they tend to lose interest in the things they used to value and enjoy. They have a hard time showing affections, can be easily irritated and may become more aggressive to the point of being violent. It is possible that a traumatized person may not develop a full-blown PTSD. For a case to be considered PTSD, symptoms should last more than a month. Usually, these symptoms appear within the first three months after the traumatic incident, or it could manifest several years later. Recovery from the condition may vary as some individuals may need at least six months to deal with PTSD, while others may need more time before they fully recover. War veterans and survivors with PTSD experience severe headaches and anxiety attacks. Aside from having crying spells, they also tend to sweat heavily, get easily depressed, experience sustained bodily pains. They develop phobias or irrational fears that may or may not be related to the actual traumatic event. PTSD patients are often afraid of being alone in the dark or have trouble sleeping at night due to recurring nightmares about war. Some war veterans even develop a fear of heights due to terrible memories of parachute jumps. These painful memories are called flashbacks and may consist of images, sounds, smells, or feelings, which are often triggered by ordinary occurrences. The popping of firecrackers, the startling sound of a slammed door, a car tire explosion, and other sudden, loud noises can trigger flashbacks resulting to panic attacks. A person having a flashback may lose touch with reality and believe that the traumatic incident is happening all over again. Treatment of PTSD involves regular therapy and the use of medications. Health care professionals may prescribe antidepressant drugs to help PTSD patients to relax and find relief from the aching physical and emotional wounds of war. These medications may also help induce sleep in those who are suffering from insomnia, aside from making it easier to deal with daily stress and anxiety. Various psychotherapy programs are being studied and developed not just to bring modest relief from stress and anxiety but to effect noticeable changes in the lives of these emotionally battered and perhaps physically disabled survivors of war. While there is yet no cure or formula to totally stop wars, there is available assistance and medication for those who inevitably become traumatized by armed conflict. As long as there are bitter, armed struggles in the world, these medications and therapy sessions will be in high demand.

Even The Youth Have Worries Of Their Own

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:21:00 +0000

In this age of globalization and wireless technology, worrying about hectic schedules and living complicated life is completely normal. When too much worrying becomes overwhelming, you may feel like they’re out of control and they’re running your life. Consider your thoughts and feelings. The excessive amount of time you feel anxious or have difficulty sleeping because of your worries can be symptoms of an anxiety disorders. We all experience anxiety almost everyday. It is considered a natural part of life. It refers to the worries and concern of every day life which may lead to stress and nervousness. Anxiety to young people can be limited to situations in school such as project deadlines, exams, special events like sports and proms. There can be something good about feeling anxious. It can actually help students to be motivated to prepare for the upcoming exams or recitations. Athletes train well and become alert when being kept on their toes in potentially dangerous situations. Occasional anxiety is something not to be concerned about. However, for some teenagers, anxiety tends to rule their their lives. Anxiety disorder can interfere with people’s ability to function normally. Teens with anxiety disorders may suffer from intense, long-lasting fear or worry, in addition to other symptoms. Anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions characterized by unrealistic fear and worry which affect people of all ages, including kids and teens. Young people with this condition aren’t crazy but may find it hard to get through the day. Aside from difficulty studying and concentrating, young people with anxiety disorder can also experience insomnia, or the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, as well as the loss of appetite. The good news is, anxiety disorder can be treated. Young people can be affected by several types of this condition which include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Having an anxiety disorder can make you feel stressed, tense or unable to relax, and you may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, sweaty hands, upset stomach, pounding heart, and muscle tension. People with extremely intense symptoms may experience panic attacks and may think they are having a heart attack or might even die. There is no one cause for anxiety disorders. Research shows that many factors contribute to this condition including genetics, brain biochemistry, an overactive “fight or flight” response, life circumstances, and learned behavior. Genetics – When one member of a family has anxiety disorder, there is a possibility that other members may also develop the condition, though of a different type, due to the hereditary or genetic component of anxiety disorder. Brain Biochemistry – Genetics influence a person’s brain biochemistry, and may make certain people more prone to problems with anxiety. The brain’s biochemistry involves the brain’s millions of nerve cells, called neurons, that constantly communicate with each other through chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are the brain’s chemical messengers, and there are specific neurotransmitters that help regulate mood. Neurotransmitters are released from one neuron and attach to a receptor on another neuron. However, if the receptor is blocked and unable to receive the neurotransmitter, it can create an imbalance in the levels of the neurotransmitter in the brain, and can cause symptoms of anxiety. There are many kinds of neurotransmitters but those that are involved in anxiety are called serotonin and dopamine. Imbalance of these chemicals will result to anxiety and other problems. Life Circumstances – Traumatic life experiences can also set the stage for anxiety disorders which leads to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Learned Behavior – Having a family environment where there is a pervading atmosphere of fear can influence a child to grow up viewing the world as a scary place. The child will become fearful and will always become anxious of worse things to happen. “Fight or Flight” Response – This is the brain’s automatic reaction to an anxiety-provoking situation which can also fuel an anxiety disorder. When a person senses a potentially dangerous situation, the brain quickly sends out a signal to amygdala, a small structure in the brain that activates the “fight or flight’ response. This response triggers sweating and makes the heart beats faster. The body prepares itself ready for the eventuality of danger. The danger may be real or just perceived danger. As soon as the person realizes that there is no more danger, the person relaxes, and the “fight or flight” response stops. Since the amygdala is programmed to “remember” the trigger in case it happens again, it enables the brain to protect the person from future danger by keeping track of all cues that might signal danger. When the amygdala overreacts, the person will mistakenly interpret certain things as dangerous. Young people overwhelmed by anxiety disorder resort to alcohol and drugs, including sleeping pills, in order to relieve themselves of stress, anxiety attacks and other symptoms. They feel that others may not understand what they are going through. However, drugs and alcohol only create a false sense of relaxation which can be dangerous and may lead to lots of other serious problems. Young people must not let anxiety prevent them from enjoying their lives. There are treatments and medications which can help them including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relaxation or biofeedback to control tense muscles. A combination of treatments may also be prescribed. Family support and communication is the key in dealing with people who are having anxiety disorders. Close friends are a valuable part of the solution in overcoming anxiety problems.