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STRESS FACTORS

FIVE MAJOR WAYS STRESS AFFECTS OUR BODY

43% of adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.

75-90% of all doctor's visits are for stress related ailments & complaints.

Stress is linked to 6 of the leading causes of death. Heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has declared stress a "hazard" in the work place, costing American Industries more than $ 3000; billion dollars annually, due to absenteeism and reduced production due to stress related illnesses.

The lifetime prevalence of an emotional disorder is more than 50%, often due to chronic, untreated stress reactions.

ASSESS YOUR STRESS

When should you seek help?

Consider how you have felt over the past 6 months, and rate your response to the following questions:

Give yourself 1 point for NEVER, 2 points for RARELY, 3 points for SOMETIMES, 4 points for FAIRLY OFTEN, 6 points for, ALWAYS.

I feel tired and have lack of energy.

I have trouble sitting still or concentrating.

I have problems getting to or staying asleep at night.

I feel pain in my chest or shortness of breath.

I have diarrhea or am constipated.

I feel nervous, and shake or sweat a lot.

I have an upset stomach and muscle aches, especially in my back, neck or shoulders.

I get headaches.

I smoke and/or drink alcohol.

I have gained or lost more than ten pounds.

YOUR TOTAL SCORE________________

Scoring

10 to 20 points
This score suggests that you have a low level of stress and/or you are doing a good job of managing stress.

20 to 30 points
This score suggests that stress may be starting to affect your health. You man want to discuss stress management with your healthcare provider. In addition, examine those questions that earned a high score. Can you determine the source of these difficulties? Are there things you can do right away to help reduce stress in those areas?

30 to 40 points
Stress is starting to affect your health in a negative way.

40 to 50 points
You are at risk for stress-related illnesses. It's time to take action. Please see your doctor.

Email me for tips on how you can deal with stress.

* Information provided by The Cleveland Clinic Foundation