Perspectives On Aging
Effects of Stress on Physical and Mental Health
At the present time, the financial crisis facing our society has compounded the many stresses of modern times and has had a huge impact on the physical and mental health of its people.
Stress causes an increase output of adrenaline and its first cousin norepinephrine, resulting in an increase in heart rate and blood pressure that, among other things, predisposes to heart attack and strokes. It increases cortisol levels, which leads to an impairment of the immune system that is a risk factor for autoimmune disorders, infections and even some types of malignancies. Regarding mental health, it predisposes to anxiety and depression, impairing the ability to cope. It then starts a vicious cycle where health problems add more weight to the already heavy burden of stress.
This increased prevalence of illness puts an additional strain on the already ailing healthcare system that struggles with the scarcity of general practitioners, nursing personnel and the increase in the number of uninsured people. It is at this most inopportune time that we have been hit with the news of the impending closure of Alachua General Hospital -- without an adequate replacement in sight -- which for many years has contributed to meeting the health needs of the community,Among all the members of our society, the elderly males with a fixed income are particularly vulnerable. It has been shown that men are emotionally weaker than women. Females are more prone to give than to take and this results in a rich social network that serves as a protective shield against stress. Men, on the other hand, tend to turn their social interactions into a battlefield where they have to win in order to prove their strength. As a result, their social networks leave more to be desired.
To end on a positive note, everything within the dynamics of life is relative and transitory, so in the future, better times await us. Let us not forget that we are not alone in facing the present economic crisis that has affected all people worldwide. §
Dr. Carlos Muniz is a retired psychiatrist from Gainesville. He may be contacted through the editor at editor@towerpublications.com
