Upside Of Aging

Reducing Stress - Your Health Depends On It

"Working Mothers Are Doubled Stress" was a common headline not more than 10 years ago. If you were a stay-at-home mom you weren't suppose to have the same stress load as another woman who was working. If you were retired you were described as having little or no stress. The assumption was your retirement funds and Social Security provided enough funding for the rest of your life. You had the luxury of playing golf and bridge for the rest of your days.

I'm convinced those stereotypic descriptives can be thrown out the window today.

Thoughts and Emotions Influence our Phsyical Health

In my last post I gave you my perspective of the mind-body connection. Now I'd like to learn what you think about our brains and our bodies.

There seems to be ongoing research proving the idea that thoughts and emotions have a powerful influence on our physical health. Research shows that the brain can release hormones and other chemicals that affect white blood cells and other parts of the immune system. Though the chemicals have other functions they are a link between our thoughts and our ability to resist disease.

For instance, when you react to stress because of fear, your brain sends a danger message to your body. Hormones are released to raise blood pressure and prepare your muscles for quick action so you can fight or flee the danger. The stress hormones depress the disease-resistance system and over time, can damage the brain, your heart and your digestive tract.

We already know that thoughts can cause ulcers, indigestion, and high blood pressure. Thoughts can also depress the immune system which can lead to a variety of illnesses. Keep in mind that whether a person experiences poor health and how soon, also depends on that person's heredity, environment, diet and behavior. Those are the unknown factors.

So what happens when you think positively? More on that for my next post.

To your success at healthy aging.

Ruthan Brodsky

PS  There have been some queries whether I would do a series of telesimanars focusing on the brain, how it works and how to keep it working. Are you interested?

Stress Can Make You Sick

I just read a story in the NY Times how one family is cutting expenses to adjust to a cut in salaries. It's a young family; they stopped dance lessons, do their hair trimming at home, no yearly vaccines for pets, and shop at discount grocery stores.

Many, especially among the 50 and older crowd, are also cutting expenses except they're taking chances with their health because of their money fears. They are skipping doctor's appointments, taking a medication every other day instead of daily as prescribed, canceling their gym membership and exercising less, and eating more unhealthy foods which tend to cost less.

The American Heart Association says that more patients, (87 percent) were showing up with stress symptoms than before this recession. In a recent survey by the association, 57% reported the economy had affected their ability to take care of themselves.

The good news is you can cut down on expenses and stay healthy by learning to manage your stress and learning to manage it well.

First, stress has a direct impact on your immune system and this can make you sicker immediately. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your stress. You already know it's good for your health: your weight, your bone density, your heart and vascular system. Even your brain works more efficiently when you exercise on a regular basis.

Now you need to make exercise an even greater priority because exercise can help you manage your stress.

You need to exercise 30 minutes a day whether or not you belong to a gym. Walk your neighborhood. Walk the mall; you will see more and more people doing this. Go to a high school or middle school and walk the track.

Push yourself away from your computer, away from the TV or video games, and ride a bike with your grand kids. Work in your garden for an hour. There are lots of things you can do without costing you money but you need to exercise.

Even if you are still working or your business or practice is still operating, I am betting that you are very stressed because you've seen the value of your retirement portfolios drop. You may want to reconsider the money you spend on a health club membership as not just money spent, but as an investment and commitment to your health.

I am open to your tips for managing your health during these tough economic times. Scroll down to 'comments' and type your ideas in the box.

To your successful aging,

Ruthan Brodsky

P.S. Please tell your friends about the free teleseminars I'm giving in June that focus on success in business and in life as you age. Send them to this link  Anti Aging Success Guide.