There is an excellent article by Dr. Oz in the November “Oprah” magazine about healthy aging. It outlines a 2 week program for healthy living - with an eye toward sustainable living for a high quality older person. I was skeptical when I started reading it (at the hair salon) but was amazed as I got into it.
Along with the standard exercise and proper eating bits, I was struck by how much of the article is focused on meditation, self-awareness and stress-relief. From a medical doctor! Each day there are suggestions on ways to first recognize and then relieve stress. He emphasizes how detrimental stress and anxiety are to the body.
So much of the article, and the plan, are centered around things it has taken me YEARS to learn!! They are simple and easy to follow. There are no large start up costs (although I disagree with his suggestion to buy a blood pressure cuff!) and no fads or fancy things to buy.
Give it a read — I found it very heartening to see such a sound, common-sense and helpful article in the mainstream media!
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December 7, 2007 at 6:14 am
jane
I certainly function better when I have less stress in my life, and I appreciate what this doctor is saying. I do wonder though about the effect on society when we constantly read and hear about all the things that can harm us.
If you suffer from a health anxiety the fact that we now know that stress can cause major health problems is really stressful! It is yet another thing to worry about - leading to more stress and possibly imminent death!
December 10, 2007 at 11:53 am
Cindy
Well I guess my point was that finally doctors and medical professionals are admitting the reality of stress and that doing something about it besides simply prescribing a pill is very effective.
Sorry if I gave the impression that this is one more thing to worry about. I figured that since most people with Anxiety and Panic are already stressed that “stress” is something they are trying to erradicate from their lives.
And although pharmeceuticals are good, there are other ways to reduce stress.