Is Stress Making You Sick?

These days, it’s no secret that stressed people are more likely to have higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But because these “silent” conditions have no warning signs, it can be difficult to recognize your own symptoms. And that’s good reason to have your blood pressure and cholesterol tested by your physician on a regular basis.

Other than maintaining regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet, the best way to ensure heart health and avoid an unwelcome surprise at the doctor’s office is to keep stress at bay. Here are some ideas how:

1. Get a change of scene. Leaving your workstation or home for a short walk can help you collect your thoughts and refocus on the task at hand.

2. Take a humor break. Read one of your favorite jokes or share an amusing story with your co-worker or a family member.

3. Manage your time. Prioritize tasks, and do essential ones first. Make checklists to measure your progress.

4. Take a deep breath. Allow your rib cage and belly to expand as you inhale through your nose. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat 10 times.

5. Watch your diet. Excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fats limit your body’s ability to deal with stress.

6. Share your feelings. Call a trusted friend or family member when you need to vent. Keeping it all inside can actually be harmful to your health.

7. Keep your perspective. Create a screensaver for your home or office computer of special places or people.

8. Make new friends. Volunteering, taking a class, or joining an online forum are natural ways. But sometimes, all it takes is a smile to meet someone new.



RELAXATION GUIDE ARTICLES
• Is Stress Making You Sick?
• Instant StressBusters
• Finding 'Me-Time'
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• Seven Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle
• What’s Your Risk of Heart Disease?

Promise® SuperShots® for cholesterol and Spreads
Foods containing at least 0.4g per serving of plant sterols eaten twice a day with meals for a total daily intake of at least 0.8 g, as part of a low saturated fat, low trans fat and low cholesterol diet, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of Promise® SuperShots® provides 2.0g plant sterols. A serving of Promise activ® Spreads provides 1.0g plant sterols.

Promise® SuperShots® for blood pressure is a good source of potassium and low in sodium. Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke

Promise® Buttery Spreads
Promise® Buttery Spread can help maintain a healthy heart when eaten instead of butter or margarine, as part of a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Promise® Buttery Spread contains 8g total fat and 1.5g saturated fat per serving. It can be used in the preparation of heart healthy recipes when substituted for butter or margarine.

The Promise® website is intended to provide general information for healthy people. If you have heart disease or related conditions, (such as diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure) or if you have questions about your heart health or your health in general, please see your doctor.