Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Diana Macian, M.D. – WellcomeMD – Naples
There’s no denying it’s been a stressful year for Naples residents. The pandemic stretched out much longer than we ever could have imagined, then a hurricane devastated our community.
When we talk over how to cope with these or any other challenges in life, I often remind my patients that when we’re stressed, it affects every organ in our body. Our brain sends a signal to our adrenal glands to produce adrenaline. Adrenaline increases the heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and slows down other bodily functions that are deemed unnecessary to deal with the stressor. We respond to stress this way to help us react to that perceived threat.
This is what we know as the “fight or flight response,” and whether you’re a WellcomeMD member or working with another health team here in Naples, you need a management plan for stress.
When we are exposed to stress over a prolonged period, cortisol and adrenaline levels remain high. That can suppress our immune system and contribute to inflammation. We may physically experience back and neck pain from our muscles being tensed or stomach and digestive issues caused by processing food quickly. Hypertension, heart and lung disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, anxiety, obesity, immune disorders, as well as sexual and reproductive dysfunction can result. Stress can also interfere with our memory and ability to learn new things.
Sure, you already know that following a healthy diet and exercise plan helps you stay physically healthy, but what techniques can work to help us stay mentally healthy? Small changes like establishing routines, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, incorporating regular exercise and natural light, and minimizing alcohol can all help improve our well-being.
Deep breathing techniques like “box breathing” are a great way to manage stress and anxiety. It may seem like pseudoscience, but numerous studies show these techniques can help you cope with panic and stress when you feel overwhelmed. Focusing on your breath helps lower blood pressure and decrease cortisol, a stress hormone.
With the current shortage of mental health professionals and resources, a trusting relationship with your primary physician is key. A good physician won’t immediately prescribe medication when you open up about sleepless nights, fatigue or worsening chronic conditions. Instead, he or she will take the time to ask questions that reveal patterns behind new or worsening ailments.
Looking for Guidance on Making Healthy Choices?
The journey to optimal health looks different for everyone, and WellcomeMD can help! We limit memberships so that each of my patients has quicker and easier access, and more time with me. Let’s set up a free consultation and tour of our clinic, at your convenience and let me tell you more about our approach to your health.
WELLCOMEMD Naples
Membership medicine (sometimes called “concierge medicine”) re-establishes the kind of personal relationship with your physician that was once commonplace. We take advantage of the many advances in treatment and technology – our collaboration with patients is more personal, pro-active, and effective.
• Consider the cost of avoiding a preventable disease, the value of early detection of serious health problems, and ready access to a doctor who knows you well.
• Unhurried, 30-minute consultations or video conference appointments — or just a quick call or text – you choose.
If you are ready to optimize your health and have options and programs tailored to your specific needs, contact WellcomeMD today at (239) 451-5105 or wellcomemd.com/naples-florida.
WellcomeMD
11181 Health Park Blvd Ste 2260
Naples, FL 34110
(239) 451-5105
