Eustress is a healthy form of stress increasing mental focus and productivity. On the other hand, prolonged stress can result in distress or burnout. Being faced with numerous responsibilities beyond one’s capability is one of the many factors leading to continuous stress.
The body reacts to stressors through an automatic response known as fight-or-flight reaction. The fight-or-flight response is a protective mechanism to stress or anticipated danger. If stress becomes chronic or prolonged it can cause health risks. According to the Mayo Clinic long-term stress exposes the body to extended release of cortisol and other stress hormones, contributing to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, digestive disturbances, weight gain, heart disease and others. The good new is there are ways to decrease stress and promote healthy living!
Clients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) unresponsive to Disease-Modifying Medications (DMARDs) and other commonly prescribed drugs may benefit from biologic response modifiers or biologics. Biologic agents are drug therapies for clients with moderate to severe Arthritis. Unlike traditional RA medications, biologics target specific areas in the immune system decreasing inflammatory response and joint pain. Biologics can be administered alone or in combination with other pharmaceuticals. WebMD comments on biologic therapy stating, “Biologics are genetically-engineered proteins derived from human genes. They are designed to inhibit specific components of the immune system that play pivotal roles in fueling inflammation, which is a central feature of rheumatoid arthritis.” Biologics have been a breakthrough in managing RA for clients who have seen little if any improvement with traditional drug therapies.
April is National Autism Awareness Month. Join us as we support individuals and families with Autism! Health promotion and early interventions help identify Autism during childhood, yet for others diagnoses is established later in life. Adults as well as children fall within the Autism Spectrum. WebMD shares how intelligence and ability to communicate are important factors influencing level of independence for adults with Autism. Connecting with community programs and support groups promotes socialization, opportunities, and provides valuable resources.
With the increasing cases on Zika virus it’s crucial to remain informed, as well as introduce safety precautions for disease control and prevention. What measures can be instituted to support the control of viral transmission? Let’s first discuss the virus. Zika is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. It is in question if viral transmission can spread through bodily fluids like saliva, yet further testing is required. To date, there are no medications to treat Zika or vaccine currently available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares insights on Zika stating, “Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.” Fortunately, safety precautions can be instituted to promote health and disease prevention.
Leap into spring as we welcome daylight savings time! Forwarding our clocks entails little efforts; yet transitioning to a new time schedule may require a period of adjustment. Can a change in time influence our work performance and other areas of life? We each have an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm that influences our sleep-wake cycle. Our circadian rhythm determines the time of the day when we are most alert and active, and times when we are more tired and sleepy. The National Institute of General Medical Services (NIGMS) notes, “Circadian rhythms can influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature and other important bodily functions. They have been linked to various sleep disorders, such as insomnia.” There are ways of adjusting to the change in time to prevent abrupt disturbances in our internal biological clocks. Below are some tips on how to transition our internal clocks as we spring into daylight savings time.
