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Debunking 12 Exercise Myths

Submitted by Anonymous on January 5, 2011 - 5:10pm

January’s featured topic is Weight Management. Weight loss is a common topic of interest when making goals for the year and Viverae will be providing its members with information on preventing weight gain, maintaining a healthy weight and healthy ways to reduce weight through proper nutrition and exercise. Today’s feature, “Debunking 12 Exercise Myths” will cover some common misconceptions on exercise. The following article was written by Kristi Hatfield (MS, RD, LD), a member of Viverae’s Clinical Team and the Viverae Care Center.

Debunking 12 Exercise Myths

Happy New Year! How many people have already asked about your New Year's Resolution? Achieving a healthy weight is always one of the top resolutions, and often the one that is never completed. Exercise and a healthy diet are the simple components to maintaining or losing weight. There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding exercise and the following is a run through of the top 12 exercise myths.

Myth #1. If you are thin, you are fit

Being thin is no indication of fitness level. Fitness is a description of how efficient your heart, lungs, and muscles work. In addition, body composition testing has demonstrated that many thin people actually have more than the recommended percentage of body fat.

Myth #2. Sit-ups get rid of belly fat

This myth is based on the theory of “spot reduction.” During exercise, fat is reduced proportionally throughout the body. It is true that core exercises firm muscles and can improve basal metabolic rate; however, fat reduction comes primarily from aerobic exercise and a decrease in caloric intake.

Myth #3. Weight-lifting develops aerobic endurance

While weight-lifting can elevate the heart rate if done as part of a circuit training routine, it typically does not work to improve aerobic endurance. Weight-lifting does help tone and firm muscles, which can help with weight management.

Myth #4. Sweat loss means weight loss

You can lose some weight when you sweat during exercise, but the majority of it is water loss - not fat loss. The water lost while sweating is regained when you quench your thirst and your body replenishes the fluids it needs.

Myth #5. Extra protein makes you stronger

It would be great if there were super foods like this, but there really aren’t. Excess protein in the diet is actually converted into fat and stored in the body. By eating a well-balanced diet, you can gain all the muscle strength you need.

Myth #6. A candy bar (sugar) before exercise will give you more energy

Actually, candy bars, honey and other sugary treats quickly enter the bloodstream and stimulate the release of high amounts of insulin. This extra insulin causes your blood sugar to drop, which leads to faster exhaustion.

Myth #7. Lifting weights gives women bulky muscles

Women do not produce enough male hormones to allow for excessively large muscle growth. Also, women do not have as much muscle mass as men. With the right type of resistance routine, lifting weights can help women develop toned muscles proportional to their body.

Myth #8. Electrical Stimulation can reduce fat, increase muscle and build strength
It would be nice to sit on the couch and stay fit; unfortunately, that is not the case. Electrical stimulation is used for therapy purposes to help rehabilitate, but it is not an effective alternative to exercise.

Myth #9. Muscles turn to fat when you stop exercising

The truth is that muscle cannot change to fat or vice versa. When you stop exercising, your muscles may lose their firmness, strength or size. The decreased caloric expenditure that comes when you stop exercising helps explain why you seem to put on fat.

Myth #10. Our bodies wither away as we age

Although there is a slight tendency toward reduced performance as you age, people who continue a regular exercise routine can maintain aerobic efficiency and delay muscle deterioration - even into old age.

Myth #11. Free weights are better than machines

This is not always true. There are advantages to both modes of exercise:

• Machines ensure that you are going through the correct range of motion and provide a safe lifting environment. However, machines do not do as much to develop the stabilizer muscles since the exercise is in a controlled environment.

• Free weights require you to balance the weight, which helps develop stabilizing muscles. Free weights offer much more versatility; from the way you hold the weight to how you position yourself during the exercise. Free weights allow the user to go through more ranges of motion than a machine. The disadvantage is that free weights have more risk for injury than machines.

Myth #12. Weight gain is inevitable as you get older

Weight gain is more often due to a reduction in physical activity then it is to age. With inactivity, muscle mass is lost and body fat gradually accumulates. The best way to prevent weight gain is to do some type of aerobic or resistance training most days of the week.

Any myths you want to debunk or add to the list? Leave a comment below or contact us on twitter: @viveraehealth

A physician should be consulted prior to beginning a new program of physical activity, especially for men over 40 and women over age 50, and those individuals with chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or obesity.

The Viverae clinical team is made up of in-house registered dietitians and registered nurses. They interact on a daily basis with members who have the highest health risks. Kristi Hatfield is a special contributor to the Viverae Blog.

Closing Thoughts: New Years Resolution: Let the doctor's decide!

Submitted by Anonymous on December 23, 2010 - 3:46pm

I asked the exact same questions regarding health, risk factors and best ways to make significant healthy lifestyle changes to four members of the Viverae Medical Advisory Board (MAB). You can read the introduction to this series here. The idea is to compare answers from each of these very different doctors (Cardiologist, Psychiatric Physician, Ph.D R.N., Internal & Preventive) and hopefully determine what New Year’s Resolutions will bring the greatest opportunity to improve overall health.

So what would a doctor recommend for a New Year’s Resolution? Let’s look at all the answers in this series from an aggregate point of view:

Question: How do you define health?

All four doctors defined health as more than just the absence of disease—the term “well-being” was included in every single definition. Perhaps this is a great starting point for 2011. A simple annual physical or health risk assessment can identify your risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, BMI, and even basic disease screenings are all important components that will contribute to “well-being”.

Question: In your opinion, what risk factor has the greatest impact on health?

The Dr’s were divided on this one, with the majority leaning towards Obesity (50%) followed by Lack of Exercise (25%) and Smoking (25%). Dr Lyle’s also included high blood pressure and high cholesterol in his response.

Question: 3 Action Items that member can do on a daily basis to decrease their health risks?
75% recommended exercise and diet/nutrition changes
50% recommended actions to improve mental health
25% recommended sleep improvement
25% recommended regular disease screenings

Question: Following this question, we asked what the single most important action item recommended by each doctor:

The Final Answer: Weight Management—achieved through increased activity and proper nutrition.

…and there you have it—exercise and diet/nutrition were mentioned by 3 out of 4 Dr’s as the most important action items you can take to decrease health risks. No need to consider other various New Year’s Resolutions—simply increase activity, limit salt and fat and increase vegetable and fruit intake.
Mental health was the other important component and I was glad to see this come up in the doctors’ responses. It seems that there has been increased awareness around this topic and I hope to expand on this further in 2011.

I will leave you with my favorite quote from this series:

“Day to Day consistency with health habits is most important. Some tend to overdo it at first, but do not stick to their new goals until they become a “habit”. The body rewards consistency.” - Boyd Lyles, M.D.

Read the full interviews here:

• Alistair Fyfe, M.D. Ph.D. FACC: Posted Here
• Michael Madigan, M.D., Ph.D.: Posted Here
• Mary Elizabeth Mancini, R.N., Ph.D., NE-BC, FAHA, FAAN: Posted Here
• Boyd Lyles, M.D.: Posted Here

Viverae formed its Medical Advisory Board in 2007, assembling a group of veteran leaders in a variety of medical fields to share expertise with Viverae leadership on the latest medical breakthroughs. Through their expert insight, the MAB helps steer Viverae product and service offerings.

Important legal note: This post is not medical advice. Viverae, Inc., urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal health questions. You should always consult your physician before starting any type of health, exercise, cessation or wellness program.

New Years Resolution: Let the doctor's decide! (Interview #4)

Submitted by Anonymous on December 22, 2010 - 2:36pm

I asked the exact same questions regarding health, risk factors and best ways to make significant healthy lifestyle changes to four members of the Viverae Medical Advisory Board (MAB). You can read the introduction to this series here. The idea is to compare answers from each of these very different doctors (Cardiologist, Psychiatric Physician, Ph.D R.N., Internal & Preventive) and hopefully determine what New Year’s Resolutions will bring the greatest opportunity to improve overall health.

Today’s interview is with Viverae’s own Chief Medical Officer, and MAB Chairman Boyd Lyles, M.D.

How do you define health?

“Health is more than an absence of disease. It is also the presence of a sense of “well being” that by necessity must include good health habits to achieve and maintain. Many younger people assume that if they do not have chronic disease that they have good health. In fact, they may be headed down the path to losing that “health” much sooner than necessary.”

In your opinion, what Risk Factor has the greatest impact on health?

“Smoking undoubtedly has the greatest impact on health and longevity. Also, it is probably the most preventable risk factor but requires a real commitment to discontinue. High Blood Pressure and high cholesterol follow, so those people who have both are at particularly high risk of cardiovascular disease.”

What are 3 action items that a member can do on a daily basis to decrease their health risks?

“Plenty of sleep, regular exercise, limit fats and salt in the diet”

If a member had to set one health goal for the upcoming year, what would you recommend?

“Day to Day consistency with health habits is most important. Some tend to overdo it at first, but do not stick to their new goals until they become a “habit”. The body rewards consistency.”

Dr. Boyd Lyles, an internal and preventive medicine specialist, was the founder of the HeartHealth and Wellness Center, a practice he established in Dallas. A frequent speaker nationwide on health issues such as heart disease, nutrition and exercise, Dr. Lyles served 17 years at the Cooper Clinic, the final six years as associate medical director. Dr. Lyles has degrees from Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and performed his internal medicine residency at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Tulsa. In addition to serving as Chief Medical Office and MAB Chairman at Viverae, Dr. Lyles is the Medical Director at the Viverae Care Center.

MAB Interview Post Schedule
• Alistair Fyfe, M.D. Ph.D. FACC: Posted Here
• Michael Madigan, M.D., Ph.D.: Posted Here
• Mary Elizabeth Mancini, R.N., Ph.D., NE-BC, FAHA, FAAN: Posted Here

Important legal note: This post is not medical advice. Viverae, Inc., urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal health questions. You should always consult your physician before starting any type of health, exercise, cessation or wellness program.

New Years Resolution: Let the doctor's decide! (Interview #3)

Submitted by Anonymous on December 21, 2010 - 3:30pm

I asked the exact same questions regarding health, risk factors and best ways to make significant changes to four members of the Viverae Medical Advisory Board (MAB). You can read the introduction to this series here. The idea is to compare answers from each of these very different doctors (Cardiologist, Psychiatric Physician, Ph.D R.N., Internal & Preventive) and hopefully determine what New Year’s Resolutions will bring the greatest opportunity to improve overall health.

This is the third interview in this series. Today we are speaking Mary Elizabeth Mancini, R.N., Ph.D., NE-BC, FAHA, FAAN

How do you define health?

”While some individuals define “health” as the absence of disease or illness, I prefer the WHO definition that focuses on a state of well-being.”

In your opinion, what Risk Factor has the greatest impact on health?

“Obesity –“

What are 3 action items that a member can do on a daily basis to decrease their health risks?

• “Laugh hearty at least twice a day.”
• “Take one flight of stairs per day instead of taking an elevator.”
• “Eat 3 to 5 servings of vegetables per day.”

If a member had to set one health goal for the upcoming year, what would you recommend?

“Move more today than you did yesterday.”

Dr. Beth Mancini is professor, associate dean and chair for Undergraduate Nursing Programs at The University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing in Texas. Prior to, she served as senior vice president for Nursing Administration and Chief Nursing Officer at Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas for 18 years. Dr. Mancini has degrees from Rhode Island College, The University of Rhode Island and The University of Texas at Arlington. She has authored more than 70 publications and is a frequent speaker on simulation in healthcare, patient safety, advanced life support education, emergency and critical care nursing, and nursing research.

MAB Interview Post Schedule
• Alistair Fyfe, M.D. Ph.D. FACC: Posted Here
• Michael Madigan, M.D., Ph.D.: Posted Here
• Boyd Lyles, M.D.: Posted Here

Important legal note: This post is not medical advice. Viverae, Inc., urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal health questions. You should always consult your physician before starting any type of health, exercise, cessation or wellness program.

New Years Resolution: Let the doctor's decide! (Interview #2)

Submitted by Anonymous on December 21, 2010 - 3:18pm

I asked the exact same questions regarding health, risk factors and best ways to make significant changes to four members of the Viverae Medical Advisory Board (MAB). You can read the introduction to this series here. The idea is to compare answers from each of these very different doctors (Cardiologist, Psychiatric Physician, Ph.D R.N., Internal & Preventive) and hopefully determine what New Year’s Resolutions will bring the greatest opportunity to improve overall health.

Today’s interview brings a unique viewpoint from psychiatrist Michael Madigan M.D, Ph.D.

How Do you Define Health?

“A state of well being is defined as a balance of physical, emotional, social and spiritual health.”

In your opinion, what Risk Factor has the greatest impact on health?

“Smoking, Obesity and Depression”

What are 3 action items that a member can do on a daily basis to decrease their health risks?

“Give/Get a hug, Smile at Someone, Give Someone (a) simple encouragement & (b) genuine appreciation”

If a member had to set one health goal for the upcoming year, what would you recommend?

“Achieve (their) ideal weight, exercise 3-5 times per week, and improve the quality of personal relationships.”

Dr. Michael Madigan received his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University, where he majored in psychology and journalism. He obtained his Ph.D. in psychology from Tulane University, with a specialty in human learning. He received his medical degree from Louisiana State University and completed his psychiatry residency at Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital in Dallas. Dr. Madigan is a member of the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians, currently serves on the Government Affairs Committee and is a past president of the North Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians. He also serves as the medical director for the Vipassana Meditation Center.

MAB Interview Post Schedule
• Alistair Fyfe, M.D. Ph.D. FACC: Posted Here
• Mary Elizabeth Mancini, R.N., Ph.D., NE-BC, FAHA, FAAN: Posted Here
• Boyd Lyles, M.D.: Wed 12/22

Important legal note: This post is not medical advice. Viverae, Inc., urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal health questions. You should always consult your physician before starting any type of health, exercise, cessation or wellness program.

New Years Resolution: Let the doctor's decide! (Interview #1)

Submitted by Anonymous on December 20, 2010 - 5:41pm

I asked the exact same questions regarding health, risk factors and best ways to make significant changes to four members of the Viverae Medical Advisory Board (MAB). You can read the introduction to this series here. The idea is to compare answers from each of these very different doctors (Cardiologist, Psychiatric Physician, Ph.D R.N., Internal & Preventive) and hopefully determine what New Year’s Resolutions will bring the greatest opportunity to improve overall health.

Today’s interview is with Alistair Fyfe, M.D. Ph.D FACC, currently the founding partner of Cardiac Associates of Dallas.

How Do you Define Health?

“Health is the positive state of being that allows for the maximum quality and quantity of living.”

In your opinion, what Risk Factor has the greatest impact on health?

“Lack of exercise has the greatest impact on health.”

What are 3 action items that a member can do on a daily basis to decrease their health risks?

“Exercise, limit the amount of calories consumed, and screen for disease.”

If a Viverae member had to set one health goal for the upcoming year, what would you recommend?

“The most important health goal should be to increase exercise to the point of losing weight.”

Dr. Alistair Fyfe is director of primary and secondary cardiac prevention at Medical City Hospital in Dallas. He entered medical school in Australia at the age of 17, and after taking an extra year of research, accepted a position at the University of British Columbia. Following that position, he completed additional research at the University of Toronto and the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Fyfe pioneered the field of preventive cardiology with the creation of the Center for Cholesterol and Lipid Management at UCLA.

MAB Interview Post Schedule
• Michael Madigan, M.D., Ph.D.: Posted Here
• Mary Elizabeth Mancini, R.N., Ph.D., NE-BC, FAHA, FAAN: Posted Here
• Boyd Lyles, M.D.: Posted Here

Important legal note: This post is not medical advice. Viverae, Inc., urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal health questions. You should always consult your physician before starting any type of health, exercise, cessation or wellness program.

New Year's Resolution: Let the doctor's decide!

Submitted by Anonymous on December 20, 2010 - 5:15pm

Imagine that you are no longer in control of your New Year’s Resolution. Your doctor will decide what changes you will make for the upcoming year based on your current health and risk factors.

Scary thought, right?

To be honest, I am not exactly sure what my doctor would say or ask me to change. In fact, I would assume that if I visited two different doctors I would get two very different opinions. To put this to the test I asked the exact same set of questions regarding health, risk factors and best ways to make significant health changes to four members of the Viverae Medical Advisory Board (MAB).

My guest doctor’s for this series:
• Alistair Fyfe, M.D. Ph.D FACC (Cardiology)
• Michael Madigan, M.D., Ph.D. (Psychiatric Physician)
• Mary Elizabeth Mancini, R.N., Ph.D., NE-BC, FAHA, FAAN (Registered Nurse, Prof. & Associate Dean)
• Boyd Lyles, M.D. (Internal and Preventive Medicine Specialist)

As you read through each interview, consider how each doctor’s specialty impacts their response, and take time to compare each interview for common themes and recommendations. Hopefully, by the end of this series we will know which New Year's resolutions provide the biggest (health) bang for the buck!

MAB Interview Post Schedule
• Alistair Fyfe, M.D. Ph.D. FACC: Posted Here
• Michael Madigan, M.D., Ph.D.: Posted Here
• Mary Elizabeth Mancini, R.N., Ph.D., NE-BC, FAHA, FAAN: Posted Here
• Boyd Lyles, M.D.: Posted Here

Viverae formed its Medical Advisory Board in 2007, assembling a group of veteran leaders in a variety of medical fields to share expertise with Viverae leadership on the latest medical breakthroughs. Through their expert insight, the MAB helps steer Viverae product and service offerings.

Important legal note: This post is not medical advice. Viverae, Inc., urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal health questions. You should always consult your physician before starting any type of health, exercise, cessation or wellness program.

5 Stress Management Tips: Decreasing the Negative Effects of Stress

Submitted by Anonymous on December 10, 2010 - 4:21pm

December’s featured topic is Stress Awareness. Viverae will be providing its members with information on stress triggers, management skills and the physical and mental affects of stress on the body. The following article was written by Kristi Hatfield (MS, RD, LD), a member of Viverae’s Clinical Team and the Viverae Care Center.

Decreasing the Negative Effects of Stress

We have discussed the affects and definition of stress, including how stress can contribute to weight gain. This post will focus on common ways we cope with stress and 5 tips to manage stress long term.

Is there one answer to decreasing the negative effects of stress?

The reality is that it all comes down to choices. When you make a choice, you give something else up. What can you give up to make your life less stressful? Is that an option for you at this time? If not, what can you do to limit the stress you are experiencing?

We live in a society that says we can have it all and do it all. The message does not include that maybe it’s not in our best interest to do it all RIGHT NOW. Making choices can be hard, but your quality of life depends on it. Understanding how you cope with stress is a great place to start:

Coping With Stress: Emotion Focused

Emotion-focused coping is best used in the short term because it helps you emotionally deal with the situation at hand; if used in the long term, nothing is done about the stressor and negative consequences may ensue. Some examples:

  1. Denial- pretending that the situation is not stressful to you
  2. Behavioral disengagement-reducing effort to deal with the stressful situation and giving up
  3. Self-distraction- focusing on unimportant details or side projects to distract yourself from the real situation
  4. Self blame- believing that the situation is your own fault
  5. Venting- talking or discussing the situation, often emotionally, with someone who will listen

Coping with Stress: Problem Focused

Problem Focused Coping uses problem solving techniques to resolve or change the situation. These techniques include both internally and externally-driven coping strategies that are assessed depending on appropriateness in a given situation. Some examples:

  1. Active coping- taking action and getting rid of the problem, prioritizing daily activities
  2. Planning- preparing for problem and potential problem situations ahead of time
  3. Positive reframing- trying to think about the situation in a different light; changing your interpretation of the event
  4. Acceptance of the situation- learning to live with it, understanding that there are some situations out of your control
  5. Social support- can involve asking others for help in dealing with the situation or getting comfort and understanding from others

5 Stress Management Tips

In order to prevent chronic high levels of cortisol, it is important to reduce the amount of stress in our lives. The typical American lifestyle may make this seem like a difficult task; however, even small lifestyle changes, like the ones below, may be very beneficial for a long term reduction in stress.

  1. Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish- remember that stress- specifically the stress homone cortisol- can increase your cravings for sugary carbohydrate snacks versus the healthy snacks and food you need

  2. Increase daily physical activity- this can be as simple as taking a walk around the office or climbing the stairs in your building at lunch

  3. Take time off to relax- plan your vacation time in advance, and stay away from email while you are off to maximize relaxation time

  4. Practice deep breathing and mind relaxtion techniques daily (see below in the "What about today" for more info)

  5. Learn effective communication techniques in order to decrease mental and emotional stress- don't bottle up your stress and frustration- stay problem focused versus emotional focused

What about today?

What can I do to impact the stress I am feeling right now? Try the following relaxation techniques:

Breathing Exercise (can be a short two-minute break at your desk)
• Find a quiet place
• Take a few deep breaths and concentrate on your breathing
• Notice areas of your body that feel tense and make an effort to relax those muscles
• You can roll your neck (stop if you feel pain or discomfort) and your shoulders.
• Continue to breathe slowly and deeply
• Try to block out worries or thoughts

Mind Relaxation Exercise
• Breathe normally
• Repeat the word “one” or another calming word or phrase (peaceful, quiet, etc…)
• When your mind wanders, bring it back to the word you’ve chosen and continue to breathe normally

Remember, the more you practice these techniques the more effective they will become.

Related Post: Make Yourself a Priority: Stress Management Tips from Health Specialist Lauren

The Viverae clinical team is made up of in-house registered dietitians and registered nurses. They interact on a daily basis with members who have the highest health risks. Kristi Hatfield is a special contributor to the Viverae Blog.

How Does Stress Cause Weight Gain?

Submitted by Anonymous on December 8, 2010 - 11:53am

December’s featured topic is Stress Awareness. Viverae will be providing its members with information on stress triggers, management skills and the physical and mental affects of stress on the body. The following article was written by Kristi Hatfield (MS, RD, LD), a member of Viverae’s Clinical Team and the Viverae Care Center.

How Does Stress Cause Weight Gain?

This is the 2nd post in December’s featured topic: Stress Awareness. The first post was an introduction to the series. Before we dive into how stress causes weight gain it is important to understand the basic physiological responses to stress.

Understanding the Body’s Response to Stress: From the Inside-Out

The so called “stress hormone” cortisol is released in the body during times of stress along with the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, that constitute the “flight or flight” response to a perceived threat. Following the threatening or stressful event, the epinephrine and norepinephrine levels return to normal while cortisol levels remain elevated over a longer period. In fact, cortisol levels can remain persistently elevated especially when a person is subjected to chronic stress.

What Is the Role of Cortisol in the Body

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone in the body which helps us regulate blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and inflammation. Cortisol regulates blood sugar levels by preventing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and ensuring sufficient energy to the brain. It keeps blood pressure from dropping too low by stiffening arteries and increasing blood flow to vital organs.

Additionally, cortisol minimizes cell damage that may occur when your body experiences too much inflammation, which occurs during times of stress, infection and disease. Thus, cortisol is a critical hormone as it relates to critical bodily functions that must occur in order to keep our bodies working properly on a daily basis.

So Why Do We Gain Weight in Times of Chronic Stress?

The body responds to a lack of nutrition by slowing down the metabolism, in fear of the long wait until the next time you will nourish it. This vicious cycle starts a domino effect of chemical and biological processes, thus, the body will store the calories that it is given as fat. Not only does the body start to hoard calories away as stored fat, but also heart rate and breathing increase—putting more stressors on the body.

Typically, our desire for foods such as sugary snacks, simple carbohydrates and high fat food increases. In this state, we do not reach for a carrot or an apple. Instead we crave sugary carbohydrate rich and fatty foods.

Cortisol has many actions in the body. One of the goals of cortisol secretion is the provision of energy for the body. Cortisol stimulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism for fast energy, as well as insulin release and maintenance of blood sugar levels. The end result of these actions is an increase in appetite. Thus, chronic stress, or poorly managed stress, will lead to cortisol levels that stimulate your appetite with the end result being weight gain or difficulty loosing unwanted pounds.

Next Post Scheduled for Friday 12/10: Stress Management

Related Post: Make Yourself a Priority: Stress Management Tips from Health Specialist Lauren

The Viverae clinical team is made up of in-house registered dietitians and registered nurses. They interact on a daily basis with members who have the highest health risks. Kristi Hatfield is a special contributor to the Viverae Blog.

December's Featured Health Topic: Stress Awareness

Submitted by Anonymous on December 6, 2010 - 2:52pm

December’s featured topic is Stress Awareness. Viverae will be providing its members with information on stress triggers, management skills and the physical and mental affects of stress on the body. The following article was written by Kristi Hatfield (MS, RD, LD), a member of Viverae’s Clinical Team and the Viverae Care Center.

Introduction: How stress really affects you

Ever had a day like this? At work, the phone rings off the hook, meetings drag on endlessly, and the boss drops an emergency project on you at the last minute. The last straw!

As you try to take it all in, you find yourself breathing fast with tense muscles and a pounding heart. Adrenaline is rushing through your body. Your digestion stops and your blood pressure rises.

Living in todays fast pace world and avoiding negative stressors is next to impossible. Consequently, how we cope and manage our stress level is another story. So ask yourself....How does stress affect you? Do you get emotional, irritable, short, angry or hypersensitive? Of course, we all react to certain stressors differently; but did you know that there are negative repercussions?

So what is the definition of stress?

Webster's defines stress as a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and that may be a factor in disease causation. Physical and chemical factors that can cause stress include trauma, infections, toxins, illnesses, and injuries of any sort. Emotional causes of stress and tension are numerous and varied. While many people associate the term "stress" with psychological stress, scientists and physicians use this term to denote any force that impairs the stability and balance of bodily functions.

How do you deal with stress?

Are you the type to eat your way toward peace?

Do you lose your appetite or abstain from food?

Do you have a bad habit that you pick up?

Frequently, many people believe that with their constant movement and “always on-the-go lifestyle,” they will surely lose weight. This is not always the case, especially in times of high stress.

Next Post Scheduled for Wed 12/8: How Does Stress Cause Weight Gain?

Related Post: Make Yourself a Priority: Stress Management Tips from Health Specialist Lauren

The Viverae clinical team is made up of in-house registered dietitians and registered nurses. They interact on a daily basis with members who have the highest health risks. Kristi Hatfield is a special contributor to the Viverae Blog.

How is stress affecting your life and what do you do to manage it? Please leave a comment below! You can follow us on twitter: @viveraehealth