Health promotion research: Stress 1 Running header: HEALTH PROMOTION

Health Promotion Research: Stress Elizabeth McManus Ferris State University

Health promotion research: Stress 2 Abstract Stress affects a persons wellness and their ability to heal. As stress becomes a factor in life, concern for other health risks becomes altered as well. The experience of stress can compromise the health of children and continue into adulthood. Management of stress is significant in health prevention and promotion. There are many ways to approach stress management.

Health promotion research: Stress 3 Health Promotion Research: Stress Stress is a physiological response to change that can cause our body to react in many different ways. Some examples include pupil dilation, increase in respiratory rate and heart rate, peripheral vasoconstriction, increased perspiration, elevated blood pressure and muscle tension, increased gastric motility, release of adrenalin, increased blood glucose level, rising of body hair, and cold and clammy hands. An estimated 60 to 80 percent of the visits made to a health care professional are caused or made worse by stress (Pender, 2006 p. 202). Stress is considered to be a huge problem with many issues related to medical conditions. The environmental and internal demand and conflict among the stressors, tax or exceed our bodys resources. Our body responds to stress with the nervous, endocrine and immunologic systems which affect our organ system ( ). Not only are the physiological changes to stress a concern, but the pathological problems that may occur are just as harmful. This includes cancer related to the effect of decreased immunologic function (Pender p.204). Promotion of the prevention of stress could eliminate many of the dilemmas our health system faces daily. Stress Management Although life experiences seem to be highly responsible for physiologic change, research has not provided proof. Research of the immune system related to stress done by Berger and OBrien, and Cohen-Hoberman has proven inconclusive (Pender p.205). The relationship between mind and body has some connection, maybe not proven but observed. As nurses we are in a prime position to detect indication of ineffective coping and the availability of social support based on stress. This also allows an opportunity to educate the patient and family on coping strategies for stress reduction. There are many ways to approach stress management, however

Health promotion research: Stress 4 they have not been proven to be optimal. Nursing diagnoses have been designed to combat the effects of stress. The management of stress falls under an umbrella involving minimizing stressful situations, increasing resistance to stress and avoiding physiologic arousal resulting from stress. Resources recommended for managing stress includes confidence, social support, physical health, structure and tension control (Pender p.213). At Risk Populations The consequence of prolonged stress can cause heart disease for children if not assessed early. As an adult, without coping skill in place, stress can lead to environmental and social stressors including homelessness, drug use and violence. Increased activities and living conditions with divorced parents, avoiding excessive change may not be an option for reducing a childs stress level. The condition each individual faces ranges from low self esteem to pregnancy and through financial difficult experienced throughout life. Effective Strategies A few effective strategies exhibited in Penders Health promotion in nursing practice, have stimulated my interest. The resources are effective if used simultaneously and by maximizing the strengths that an individual currently demonstrates. As one displays effort to become more open and self satisfied, the positive effectiveness of increased assertiveness is fulfilled. For most people making deliberate effort to greet others and maintain eye contact may be a common practice, but for someone struggling with debilitating stress the feat is enormous.

Health promotion research: Stress 5 Cultural Differences Cultural differences that include lack of support and the increase in financial issues are at risk for the effects of stress. Stress between cultures is significant based on the environmental differences involving child rearing at a young age, academic concerns, social and family support, and structure or lack of in their home.

Health promotion research: Stress 6 References Pender, N.J. Murdaug, C.L. Parsons, M.A. (2006). Health promotion in nursing practice (5th ed). Pearson