The Middlesboro Daily News- Staff Writer
“We like to imagine that the lives of our children are relatively stress free. Oh sure, things like that upcoming math test or who to take to the prom may cause them stress, but it’s not the same kind of stress we face at work or over financial issues… or is it? Actually, stress affects each of us, regardless of age. Stress is a combination of two things. The first is the “stressor,” the situation that triggers the physical and emotional reactions we feel. For adults it can be anything from serious financial issues to something as temporary as this morning’s traffic jam. The second part of stress is our “stress response,” our natural reaction to a stressor. Stress causes our bodies to release chemicals that increase our breathing, heart rate, alertness and muscle response. It’s all a natural reaction that we inherited from our ancient ancestors. Back then, their survival meant reacting quickly to the threats they met.”(more)