Stress
STRESS SERIES 5 : STRESS IN EARLY LIFE
The body’s natural response to a stressful situation is to increase the heart rate and blood pressure, by initially releasing adrenalin to prime the body for immediate action, followed by the release of the stress hormone cortisol. A highly stressful event...
STRESS SERIES 4 – STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE
Stress is not a disease, but prolonged exposure to intensive work-related pressure can reduce effectiveness at work, and affect people’s physical and psychological health. Research has shown that the work environment is a major - and in many cases the...
STRESS SERIES 3 – STRESS RELIEVING METHODS
The body’s initial reaction to a crisis or threatening situation is to activate the “fight or flight” stress response, in which the sympathetic nervous system primes the body to take either confrontational or avoidance action. In facing an emergency, the body...
STRESS SERIES 2 : STRESS RESILIENCE
The power of the mind is of extreme importance when dealing with high levels of stress. Instead of succumbing to the dire effects of stress, the mind can be conditioned to channel stress into a positive experience. The general perception that stress negatively...
STRESS SERIES 1 – THE STRESS RESPONSE
When faced with stressful situations, the body develops a stress response, which involves interaction between different body systems to cope with the stressors. The stress response starts in the brain, where cognitive appraisal of perceived threats and stressors...
SARCOPENIA
Growing old gracefully is not for the faint hearted, the brittle boned or the weak. Brittle bones due to osteoporosis, in combination with muscle loss (sarcopenia), can result in falls and broken bones. Muscle mass and strength, in particular, are very important to...
MELATONIN
Throughout the ages, mothers have been singing lullabies in the dark of night to put their babies and toddlers to sleep. In a similar vein, our bodies sing a nightly lullaby to put us to sleep – with a song called melatonin. Although this song has no lyrics, it does...
GARDENING IMPROVES YOUR HEALTH
Direct exposure to nature plays an important part in our well-being and has been proven to have a calming effect on us. When the interaction with nature takes the form of gardening, it is an eye-opener to see how many substantial health benefits are available to us....
ALCOHOL AND YOUR HEALTH
After a tough day at the office, sitting down with a drink is a sure way to help you unwind. Having a drink in the company of friends or a loved one can also help you to relax and get into the “feel-good” mood. In this scenario you can relax with peace of mind,...
GRIEF AND YOUR HEALTH
Grief is the painful experience of the loss of a loved one. The resulting period of all-permeating grief not only has a devastating effect on your emotional health, it also has a huge impact on your physical health. By understanding how seriously your health can be...