APRIL 1, 2024
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Stress and your health
April is recognized as National
Stress Awareness Month to bring
attention to the impact of stress
on your health. Managing stress
is an essential component of a
healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to
manage stress can improve mental
and physical well-being, as well as
minimize the effects of health-re-
lated issues.
What is stress?
To de-bunk a myth, stress isn’t always a bad thing. Without the ability
feel stress, humankind wouldn’t have survived. Stress is the physical
response that we feel when our body thinks it is under attack. Have you
heard of “fi ght or fl ight?” That is stress. When something happens our
bodies release a mix of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol
and norepinephrine to prepare the body for physical actions.
What do you feel when stressed?
When you are stressed you may experience your heart pounding, fast
breathing sensations and maybe even a boost of energy. All of this allows
us to focus our attention so we can quickly respond to the situation.
Sometimes stressful events can play a role in our day-to-day life as well.
These events could include disbelief; feelings of fear, shock, anger, sad-
ness; changes in appetite, diffi culty sleeping or concentrating; or physical
reactions such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, worsening
of chronic health problems, worsening of mental health conditions, and
increased use of tobacco, alcohol and other substances.
While stress is not necessarily a bad thing, all of these symptoms can
contribute to your overall health, which is why it is important to under-
stand how to manage your stress.
Tips for coping with stress
• Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories.
• Take care of yourself: Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, give
yourself a break.
• Take care of your body: Deep breathing or meditation, try to eat healthy
and well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, avoid
excessive alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse.
• Continue with routine preventive measures as recommended by your
healthcare provider.
• Make time to unwind: Do an activity that you enjoy.
• Talk to others.
• Connect with your community.
Prepared by JBS International, Inc., under Grant No. 3 H79 T1026800-01S1 for the U.S. DHHS, SAMHSA, CSAT
When to see a doctor
When the symptoms don’t go away, it is important to know that you
have the support of your provider. If any of the symptoms continue despite
removing the stressors, you should contact your primary care provider or
mental health provider.
World Health Day — April 7
April 7 of each year marks the celebration of World Health Day.
From the fi rst health assembly in 1948, and since taking effect in
1950, this celebration aims to create awareness of a specifi c health
theme to highlight a prior area of concern for the World Health
Organization.
Throughout the years, this has brought forward important health
issues such as mental health, maternal and child care, and climate
change.
What is this year’s theme?
This year’s theme brings forward an important topic: ‘My health,
my right.” Around the world, the right to health of millions is threat-
ened. Diseases and disasters are large causes of death and disabil-
ity. Confl icts are creating damaged lives, and causing death, pain,
hunger and psychological distress. At least 140 countries recognize
health as a human right in their constitution, yet countries are not
passing and putting into practice laws to ensure their populations
are entitled to access health services.
Why was this theme chosen?
This year’s theme was chosen to champion the right of every person,
everywhere, to have access to quality health services, education and
information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition,
quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and
freedom from discrimination.
What are your rights as a patient?
• Respectful interactions: You should be treated with respect at all
times.
• Privacy: As required by the Health Insurance Portability and Ac-
countability Act, you have the right to have your personal health
information kept private. You also have the right to obtain your
own medical records.
• Autonomy: You should have the fi nal say in decision-making and
choosing the treatment that seems best for you.
• Informed consent: You are entitled to information from healthcare
providers related to treatments, including the risks.
• Self-advocacy: Understanding your rights as a patient is one meth-
od of self-advocacy.
Choosing your healthcare professional
It is essential that you fi nd the right healthcare provider for you
and establishing care. Ensuring a good fi t may help you feel more
confi dent about the care you are receiving. It’s important to fi nd a
provider who treats you with respect, listens to you, and adequately
addresses your concerns. It might matter to you that a provider col-
laborates and seeks to understand you from a holistic perspective (as
a complete person) and how your challenges are impacting your life.
Massage at Health & Wellness
Hi, my name is Shawna Ray. I have been a licensed massage ther-
apist in the Yamhill and Polk county area for eight years. I will be
at the Health & Wellness Center on Mondays providing massage
therapy as an on-site contractor and I am contracted with Shasta.
Contact 971-241-4323 by text or voice message to schedule ap-
pointments. Co-pay still may apply. I’m looking forward to working
with those in the community to deliver a holistic approach to pain
management, relaxation and overall wellness.
Grand Ronde Health & Wellness Center