2018-02-14
243
Everyone experiences stress at times – adults, teens, and even kids. But there are things you can do to minimize stress and manage the stress that’s unavoidable.
What is stress? Stress is a feeling that’s created when we react to particular events. It’s the body’s way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.
The events that provoke stress are called stressors, and they cover a whole range of situations – everything from outright physical danger to making a class presentation or taking a semester’s worth of your toughest subject.
The human body responds to stressors by activating the nervous system and specific hormones. The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to produce more of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol and release them into the bloodstream. These hormones speed up heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. Blood vessels open wider to let more blood flow to large muscle groups, putting our muscles on alert. Pupils dilate to improve vision. The liver releases some of its stored glucose to increase the body’s energy. And sweat is produced to cool the body. All of these physical changes prepare a person to react quickly and effectively to handle the pressure of the moment.
This natural reaction is known as the stress response. Working properly, the body’s stress response enhances a person’s ability to perform well under pressure. But the stress response can also cause problems when it overreacts or fails to turn off and reset itself properly.
Good stress and bad stress. The stress response (also called the fight or flight response) is critical during emergency situations, such as when a driver has to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. It can also be activated in a milder form at a time when the pressure’s on but there’s no actual danger – like stepping up to take the foul shot that could win the game, getting ready to go to a big dance, or sitting down for a final exam. A little of this stress can help keep you on your toes, ready to rise to a challenge. And the nervous system quickly returns to its normal state, standing by to respond again when needed.
But stress doesn’t always happen in response to things that are immediate or that are over quickly. Ongoing or long-term events, like coping with a divorce or moving to a new neighborhood or school, can cause stress, too. Long-term stressful situations can produce a lasting, low-level stress that’s hard on people. The nervous system senses continued pressure and may remain slightly activated and continue to pump out extra stress hormones over an extended period. This can wear out the body’s reserves, leave a person feeling depleted or overwhelmed, weaken the body’s immune system, and cause other problems.
What сauses stress? Although just enough stress can be a good thing, stress overload is a different story – too much stress isn’t good for anyone. For example, feeling a little stress about a test that’s coming up can motivate you to study hard. But stressing out too much over the test can make it hard to concentrate on the material you need to learn.
Pressures that are too intense or last too long, or troubles that are shouldered alone, can cause people to feel stress overload. Here are some of the things that can overwhelm the body’s ability to cope if they continue for a long time:
· being bullied or exposed to violence or injury
· relationship stress, family conflicts, or the heavy emotions that can accompany a broken heart or the death of a loved one
· ongoing problems with schoolwork related to a learning disability or other problems, such as ADHD (usually once the problem is recognized and the person is given the right learning support the stress disappears)
· crammed schedules, not having enough time to rest and relax, and always being on the go
Some stressful situations can be extreme and may require special attention and care. Posttraumatic stress disorder is a very strong stress reaction that can develop in people who have lived through an extremely traumatic event, such as a serious car accident, a natural disaster like an earthquake, or an assault like rape.
Some people have anxiety problems that can cause them to overreact to stress, making even small difficulties seem like crises. If a person frequently feels tense, upset, worried, or stressed, it may be a sign of anxiety. Anxiety problems usually need attention, and many people turn to professional counselors for help in overcoming them.
Signs of stress. People who are experiencing stress may notice some of the following signs:
· anxiety or panic attacks
· a feeling of being constantly pressured
· irritability and moodiness
· physical symptoms, such as stomach problems, headaches, or even chest pain
· allergic reactions, such as eczema or asthma
· problems sleeping
· drinking too much, smoking, overeating, or doing drugs
· sadness or depression
Everyone experiences stress a little differently. Some people become angry and act out their stress or take it out on others. Some people internalize it and develop eating disorders or substance abuse problems. And some people who have a chronic illness may find that the symptoms of their illness flare up under an overload of stress.
Keep stress under control. What can you do to deal with stress or to avoid? The most helpful method of dealing with stress is learning how to manage the stress that comes along with any new challenge, good or bad. Stress-management skills work best when they’re used regularly, not just when the pressure’s on. Knowing how to "de-stress" and doing it when things are relatively calm can help you get through challenging circumstances that may arise. Here are some things that can help keep stress under control:
· Take a stand against overscheduling. If you’re feeling stretched, consider cutting out an activity or two, opting for just the ones that are most important to you.
· Be realistic. Don’t try to be perfect. If you need help on something, like schoolwork, ask for it.
· Get a good night’s sleep. Getting enough sleep helps keep your body and mind in top shape, making you better equipped to deal with any negative stressors. Because the biological "sleep clock" shifts during adolescence, many teens prefer staying up a little later at night and sleeping a little later in the morning. But if you stay up late and still need to get up early for school, you may not get all the hours of sleep you need.
· Learn to relax. The body`s natural antidote to stress is called the relaxation response. It`s your body`s opposite of stress, and it creates a sense of well-being and calm. The chemical benefits of the relaxation response can be activated simply by relaxing. You can help trigger the relaxation response by learning simple breathing exercises and then using them when you’re caught up in stressful situations. And ensure you stay relaxed by building time into your schedule for activities that are calming and pleasurable: reading a good book or making time for a hobby, spending time with your pet, or just taking a relaxing bath.
· Treat your body well. Experts agree that getting regular exercise helps people manage stress. (Excessive or compulsive exercise can contribute to stress, so use moderation.) And eat well to help your body get the right fuel to function at its best. It’s easy when you’re stressed out to eat on the run or eat junk food or fast food. But under stressful conditions, the body needs its vitamins and minerals more than ever. Some people may turn to substance abuse as a way to ease tension. Although alcohol or drugs may seem to lift the stress temporarily, relying on them to cope with stress actually promotes more stress because it wears down the body’s ability to bounce back.
· Watch what you’re thinking. Your outlook, attitude, and thoughts influence the way you see things. Is your cup half full or half empty? A healthy dose of optimism can help you make the best of stressful circumstances. Even if you’re out of practice, or tend to be a bit of a pessimist, everyone can learn to think more optimistically and reap the benefits.
· Solve the little problems. Learning to solve everyday problems can give you a sense of control. But avoiding them can leave you feeling like you have little control and that just adds to stress. Develop skills to calmly look at a problem, figure out options, and take some action toward a solution. Feeling capable of solving little problems builds the inner confidence to move on to life’s bigger ones – and it and can serve you well in times of stress.
· Build your resilience. Certain people seem to adapt quickly to stressful circumstances and they’re able to handle problems as they come up. Researchers have identified the qualities that make some people resilient even when faced with high levels of stress.
· Think of change as a challenging and normal part of life.
· See setbacks and problems as temporary and solvable.
· Believe that you will succeed if you keep working toward your goals.
· Take action to solve problems that crop up.
· Build strong relationships and keep commitments to family and friends.
· Have a support system and ask for help.
· Participate regularly in activities for relaxation and fun.
Learn to think of challenges as opportunities and stressors as temporary problems, not disasters. Practice solving problems and asking others for help and guidance rather than complaining and letting stress build. Make goals and keep track of your progress. Make time for relaxation. Be optimistic. Believe in yourself. Be sure to breathe. And let a little stress motivate you into positive action to reach your goals.
PART IV. DISEASES
TEXT 21. ALZHEIMER`S DISEASE
Read the text and state the signs of Alzheimer`s disease.
What is it? Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder that attacks your brain and changes your life. Its main symptom is steadily increasing memory loss. Problems with vision, language, and emotional control are also common. You may have a constant decline in abilities over five to 20 years.
About four million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. About 360,000 people are diagnosed with the disorder each year. Because people are living longer, age is the major risk factor. So the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease will probably grow as the population ages. The disorder claims more than 100,000 lives per year. It is the fourth leading cause of death for adults.
What is the cause? Although a lot of time and money goes into research, we are still trying to understand the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Inherited or genetic factors and aging seem to play an important role. We do know it is not contagious; you can’t catch it from another person.
A brain affected with Alzheimer’s disease is filled with a waxy substance. This is called “amyloid” or “plaque.” Affected nerve cells are filled with tangles of stringy material. As these tangles spread, the brain’s nerve cell connections are reduced. This usually begins in the areas of the brain that store short-term memories. Then it works into areas that control other intellectual and physical functions.
Some of these changes happen in normal aging. A much greater amount of change is found in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms usually begin with loss of recent memories. For example, you may repeat stories in the same conversation. Or you may forget certain events. Other symptoms include:
· Trouble learning new information
· Gradually increasing confusion and disorientation
· Trouble speaking in conversations
· Personality and behavioral changes
· Misplacing objects or becoming lost in familiar neighborhoods
· Problems with judgment and common sense
· Slow movement
Over time, people forget how to perform even the simplest tasks. They are often unable to recognize faces and use common objects. Even the names of their own children or grandchildren are forgotten. Personality changes can occur, includ
· Depression
· Loss of appetite
· Insomnia
· Moodiness
· Loss of interest in usual activities
· Progressive tameness or passivity
· Agitation and restlessness
· Suspiciousness and distrust of caregivers or family members
Unfortunately, in early stages, many people fail to see these symptoms as something wrong. They may think that such behavior is a normal part of getting older. It is not. Symptoms may develop gradually and go unnoticed for a long time. And some people do not act even when they know something is wrong.
It is important to see a doctor when you suspect Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose your condition correctly.
10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association has created a list of warning signs that include common symptoms of the disorder.
1. Memory loss that affects job skills. It’s normal to sometimes forget an assignment, deadline, or colleague’s name. But frequent memory problems or unexplainable confusion at home or at work may mean that something is wrong.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with Alzheimer’s disease might make a meal and not only forget to serve it, but also forget they made it.
3. Problems with language. Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may forget simple words or substitute wrong words. This may make his or her sentences difficult to understand.
4. Disorientation to time and place. It’s normal to momentarily forget the day of the week or what you need from the store. But people with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost on their own street. They don’t know where they are, how they got there, or how to get back home.
5. Poor or decreased judgment. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may dress incorrectly in more obvious ways, wearing a bathrobe to the store or several blouses on a hot day.
6. Problems with abstract thinking. For a person with Alzheimer’s disease, recognizing numbers or doing basic math may be impossible.
7. Misplacing things. Everyone temporarily loses a wallet or keys from time to time. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in wrong places – such as an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl – and then forget how they got there.
8. Changes in mood or behavior. People with Alzheimer’s disease tend to show fast mood swings more often for no known reason.
9. Changes in personality. People’s personalities may change a bit as they age. But a person with Alzheimer’s disease can change in a big way, either suddenly or over a period of time. Someone who is usually easy to get along with may become angry, suspicious, or fearful.
10. Loss of initiative. It’s normal to get tired of housework, business events, or social commitments. The person with Alzheimer’s disease may stay uninterested and detached from many or all of his usual activities.
How is it diagnosed? There is no simple test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors only know for sure by examining brain tissue. This usually happens after the person has died. When Alzheimer’s disease is suspected, it is important to have a complete medical and neurological evaluation. It may include:
· A complete health history and physical examination
· Neurological and mental status tests
· Tests of blood and urine
· Electrocardiogram and chest X-rays
· Computerized tomography scan (CT), electroencephalography (EEG), or magnetic resonance image scan (MRI).
What are the treatments? Currently there are no known cures for Alzheimer`s disease, but some treatments can help handle the symptoms. There are some drugs for Alzheimer`s disease:
· Donepezil hydrochloride
· Rivastigmine
· Galatamine
These drugs block a brain chemical that breaks down acetylcholine – a substance needed for brain cells to exchange information.
Many drugs can reduce behavior changes caused by the disorder. These changes include depression, insomnia, agitation, restlessness, nervousness, hallucinations and false beliefs.
Research provide great hope. Studies of anumals have led to discoveries in our understanding of Alzheimer`s and possible new treatments/ The effects of gormones, antiinflammatory drugs, vitamin E, and other common drugs are also being examined.
Prevention. There is no proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. But researchers believe there are several things that you can do to help keep your brain healthy:
· Avoid harmful substances. Drinking too much alcohol and abusing drugs are damage brain cells.
· Strengthen the brain. Read books, newspapers, and magazines. Keep your brain active and learn new skills.
TEXT 22. AUTISM
