Stress leads to chronic disease, says expert

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Do you know that stress can cause chronic diseases and even death in the long run?

According to Wellness and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner, Dr Dianna Tan Villanueva, we should be mindful of our health, especially in dealing with stress, a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation or change.

With the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said some people experienced stress due to the sudden change in their lifestyle brought about by the lockdown and quarantine procedures.

"When we are under stress, our body secretes hormones called cortisol, which can cause inflammation and high blood sugar. That is why stress can also contribute to diabetes. When there is chronic low-grade inflammation in our body caused by stress, you are prone to other chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancer, anxiety, suicide, arthritis, and others," Villanueva said.

She said stress differs from one individual to another in terms of stressors, stress level, and coping mechanisms. To avoid stress, one must identify one's stress signals and stressors, and upon knowing these factors, one must seek out or plan activities to steer clear of them.

Villanueva urges the public to be mindful of their activities and lifestyle, as they can determine whether they reduce or add to stress. Stress can be fought with the support of family, peers, and a healthy diet. "Stress is triggered by something new, something that threatens us, and something unexpected. This can happen every day, and we must know our triggers," she said. (Jan Albert K. Araña)