Stress Will Take it Toll

Short-term stress, described in Taming the Flight or Fight Response, releases adrenaline and cortisol hormones in helpful ways to survive danger. But over the long haul the adrenaline rush can crush, leading to a weakened immune system, ulcers, asthma and possibly heart attacks.

You survived that near hit on the freeway, calmed yourself down and are feeling pretty good when you turn into the shopping mall parking lot.

Twenty minutes later, you find a parking spot half way to Chicago. You're breathing a bit faster now as you trudge through the snow, dodging overloaded shopping carts and creeping cars.

You reach the mall. Hot and crowded, it's a cacophony of white noise, carols, cries of small children and growls of angry parents.

As you tread your way through the throngs, your heart rate rises, your breathing is even faster and you're beginning to feel a bit flushed.

Adrenaline drip

In reaction to the stress, your body is releasing adrenaline again and may continue to do so on the icy drive home. If the hours that follow the shopping trip include a social event with unfamiliar people, or a gulped meal and a hurried trip to see your child's holiday pageant, more adrenaline is released.

That night you might not sleep well and the following day you struggle to get your work done - more stress. You're anxious that you might make a mistake - still more stress. As the holidays fly by, so may your health, because stress can be a killer.

It is estimated that over 80% of illness is stress related. This includes colds, ulcers, asthma, heart attacks and strokes. Stress is as much a part of life as your heartbeat, but it must be balanced by relaxation for optimum health.

Read why Dr. James Rossiter, an otolaryngologist (ear/nose/throat specialist) with Columbia St. Mary's, calls stress the No. 1 health issue in his practice.