The significance of cortisol in stress management

September 18, 2015

The significance of cortisol in stress management: Tips on managing stress

The significance of cortisol in stress management is a step in the right direction

Understanding the significance of cortisol in stress management is one very important element that we all need to appreciate if we want to meaningfully defeat some of the health complications that are associated with stress and addiction. In this tough economic situation a lot of publications are posted in various media and forums with very luring information about certain remedies of stress. Doctor Dalal Akoury a well-respected addiction professional says that in today’s market, there are several commercials that tout the effectiveness of supplements like Cortislim ™ and Relacore ™ that propose to help people lose weight and feel less stressed by inhibiting the effects of cortisol. However, these commercials do not necessarily give you the fully inform you need to know about some of the following and including:

What stress is all about and its significance to the overall physiological functioning?
The actual pathways involved with the stress response and the one responsible for cortisol release.
The function and importance of cortisol for bodily function.
The potential link between cortisol and obesity.
The potential link between stress, cortisol, and appetite.
The harmful health effects of stress-induced obesity.

We are therefore going to engage the services of experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center to help us in unlocking some of the potential facts we need to know about the role of cortisol in stress management. Therefore the purpose of this article is to primarily give some clarifications about some misconceptions on these topics and to suggest some practical assessment and stress management ideas for the fitness professional and personal trainer to incorporate with students and clients.

The significance of cortisol in stress management: What is stress and its significance to physiological functioning?

As we progress into the discussion, it is important that we move from the known to the unknown and it is to say, stress can be defined as the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it or as any event in which environmental demands, internal demands, or both tax or exceed the adaptive resources of an individual, social system or tissue system. Doctor Akoury is saying that in many different societies today, stress is a common term that is often associated with negative situations and settings and on the other hand a stress-free life may also be harmful, primarily because an individual will lose his/her ability to react to the different challenges of life. It is important to note that every person has an optimal positive stress level known as eustress, while on the other hand stress that is harmful is noted to be distress.

The significance of cortisol in stress management: Stress response pathways

The reactions of people to stressors are normally different in many ways. Like for instance, if an individual perceives the stressor as a challenge to his/her control of a situation, norepinephrine the “fight” hormone is predominantly released. And, if the stress arousal increases and a possible loss of control is felt by the individual, then epinephrine, another “flight/anxiety” hormone is released. It therefore means that when the stress is prolonged and seen as hopeless, the individual becomes more distressed and feels defeated. This then activates the hypothalamus in the brain and what follows is a cascade of hormonal pathways resulting in the final release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex of the kidney.

Experts’ at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center says that the brain is able to selectively activate the fight, flight, or defeat responses. This usually occurs in day to day living when an individual perceives his/her hassles as a challenge to control or a loss of control. Although the stress pathways work together, they each can uniquely affect the function of bodily processes. For instance, the “fight” or “flight” stress responses cause the heart to beat faster and harder as well as release more free fatty acids (disassembled triglycerides) into the blood. The “defeat” response stress pathway can lead to enhanced lipogenesis (fat creation), visceral obesity (deep abdominal obesity), breakdown of tissues, and suppression of the immune system. All these give us all the reasons to bring stress to manageable levels soonest.

The significance of cortisol in stress management: Useful stress management tips for fitness professional to apply

Fortunately, fitness professional are already doing many physical activities to help their clients manage stress. Many types of aerobic and anaerobic exercise have been shown to be effective interventions in reducing or managing stress. Some of the popular ‘mindful’ exercise programs such as yoga and Tai Chi (or Tai Chi Chaun) are also recommended for stress management. Meditation, progressive relaxation, deep breathing, and visualization are methods that can be effective in decreasing stress-induced symptoms. Also, eating right and getting enough rest should be incorporated in a stress management plan for life.

In conclusion, doctor Akoury says that it is always important to appreciate that stress will always be a part of our daily living and is necessary for providing challenge to physiological and psychological development. However, too much stress over a period of time combined with poor coping habits may cause physical, chemical, and hormonal imbalances in the body, thus leading to disease and death if left unchecked. The pathways of the stress response are complex and may activate other hormonal pathways, resulting in the release of cortisol. The chronic release of cortisol combined with altered tissue production is linked to the development of abdominal obesity in both men and women. Cortisol is associated to overeating, craving high caloric fatty and sugary foods, and relocating fat from the circulation and storage depots to the deep internal abdominal area. It is therefore very crucial that all fitness professionals must continually educate their clients and the general public about the value of exercise and stress management activities as important strategies for managing stress and lessening the health risks associated with stress-induced obesity. Finally if you are not flowing with us well in this discussion and you need a more close one on one discussion with our team of experts, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for further professional guidance.

The significance of cortisol in stress management: Tips on managing stress

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally

August 24, 2015

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally: Complete de-registration of substance abuse

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally can be very instrumental in eradicating in its entirely all the problens that are associated with drug addiction that causes a lot of harm to this generation.

In management all over the world, good managers do not just spend time for the current running events but also offer a provision for the aftermath of the event. This has been seen to be a serious setback in many organizations if not managed properly. Experts are now confirming that setbacks of failure to properly offer provisions for the aftermath of any event can ruin the success which may have been delivered from the beginning. Just like in the management of a business or an event, it is also very important that when administering treatment to any patient, careful attention must be taken to address any unforeseen eventualities on, during and after treatment. When it comes to the management of drug addiction, identification of the problem and acknowledgement come first then treatment and putting systems that will deal with any complications that may arise after treatment period. Therefore owing to the nature of this problem, we want to explore on the possible intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally so that any treatment done does not disintegrate to further addiction. To take us through this discussion, we are going to relay on the expert opinions of professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) who is also the founder of the establishment. To start the discussion doctor Akoury says that when it comes to the in all the setbacks that we may have cravings for the substance one was using before treatment is one of the most disturbing one and this is what we want to start with as we progress into the discussion.

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally: Keep triggers and cravings in check

From the several studies professionally done on this subject, it has been established that in the quest of finding solutions to drug addiction, two problems are seen as the most outstanding obstacles. At the initial stages the first obstacle is that of denial. Many people are living in denial and they are not willing to acknowledge that they have a problem that needs to be fixed. In the process of their denial, the intensity of their addiction to the substances they are abusing increases such that by the time treatment commences, it becomes very difficult to help them owing to the magnitude of the damage done. Besides the hurdles faced at the initial stages, the other technicality comes at the end of the process when the patient is either progressing well with their recovery program or are fully recovered from their addiction. We are addressing the problem of craving for the drug and so doctor Akoury registers her professional opinion that “while getting sober from drugs is an important first step, it’s only the beginning of the recovery process.” She says that once sobriety is achieved, the next step is to allow the brain to recover and rebuild connections that have changed while addicted. This is likely to take some time and it is during this time that the drug cravings can be so intense to the point of getting out of hand overwhelmingly. Doctor Akoury gives several measures that an individual can take to contain the situation and she advises that at this point you can support your continued sobriety by making a conscious effort to avoid people, places, and situations that trigger the urge to use as follows:

Seek to find new friends and make a break from old drug friends – For you to see the fruits of your recovery it is important that you don’t make the mistake of hanging out with old friends who are still doing drugs. They will cause you a lot of harm and before you know it you will be back to your old habits. Therefore it is necessary that you surround yourself with people who support your sobriety, not those who tempt and tice you to slip back into old, destructive habits.

Avoid bars and clubs – Alcohol is very addictive and therefore even if you don’t have a problem with alcohol any more, don’t feel that you are strong and can resist the temptation to sip when meeting friends, in other words keep serious distance to social places like bars and clubs where alcoholic beverages are sold. Remember that drinking lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, which can easily lead to relapse. Drugs are often readily available and the temptation to use can be overpowering. And besides that it is also important that you avoid any other environments and situations that you associate with drug use.

Be up front about your history of drug use when seeking medical treatment – This is very important says doctor Akoury that anytime you are due or you are in need of a medical or dental procedure done on you, be open and discuss freely with your physician all you know about your history and most importantly find a provider who will work with you in either prescribing alternatives or the absolute minimum medication necessary. Take note of this that this is not the time for you to be ashamed or feel humiliated about your previous drug use. The more you open up to your health provider the better help you will get from them. So don’t withhold open up and allow yourself to be helped.

Use caution with prescription drugs – Stay away from prescription drugs with the potential for abuse or use only when necessary and with extreme caution. Drugs with a high abuse potential include painkillers, sleeping pills, and anti-anxiety medication.

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally: Consistency in sobriety

When you have understood the magnitude of cravings, it then becomes easier for you to pick up the pieces and move on. That is why it is always very necessary that as soon as you are out of the rehabilitation centre, you must always keep in constant consultation with your physician so that when there is any reason of relapse immediate action can be taken to remedy the situation before it deteriorates into more heart breaking situations. And in that regard I want to prevail upon you and beseech you not to relent in your desire to remain sober. Never give up even if you relapse from time to time. Remember that it is not a crime to relapse but how you handle yourself in such situations is what matters most. Therefore always consult with experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center from time to time so that any cropping damage can be arrested and dealt with in good time.

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally: Complete deregistration of substance abuse

Chronic Stress Can Affect the Aging Process

January 19, 2015

Chronic Stress Can Affect the Aging Process – Aging and Stress

Chronic Stress Can Affect the Aging Process. The solution is to stop trying to do too many things at once

Stress is almost becoming part of life in the current society we are living in today. It is a condition that cut across all ages and gender indiscriminately. This is happening because of the life situations people go through to make ends meet. Like for instance the young are struggling to establish a career, achieve financial security as they juggle between employment and family demands. While the young are going through these, the old are equally feeling the impact of chronic stress due to failing health, deteriorating finances and to add salt to injury, the body defense mechanisms against stress gradually break down as age sets in. in a midst these difficult situations, it is still important to note that chronic stress can easily facilitate the aging process in your life. Now as the days turn into months and months into years stress will always form part of our lives. This may sound like finding yourself between a rock and a hard place but the good news is that there is hope at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care.

Doctor Akoury is a medical professional of over two decades and has been of help to many people across the globe. Many people of all walks of life visit this facility and are taking activities tailored to ensure that stress in brought to a manageable level and eventually eradicated altogether. Some other useful things helpful in managing stress may include the following:

Being physically active
Staying connected to friends and family members
Have adequate sleep

Chronic Stress Can Affect the Aging Process – The stress alarm

Besides the above, stress comes in two basic flavors, physical and emotional and both can be especially taxing for older people. The impacts of physical stress are clear. As people approach their sunset days, the healing process of wounds slows down and colds become harder to shake. A 75-year-old heart can be slow to respond to the demands of exercise. And when an 80-year-old walks into a chilly room, it will take an extra-long time for her body temperature to adjust.

Emotional stress is more subtle, but if it’s chronic, the eventual consequences can be as harmful. At any age, stressed-out brains sound an alarm that releases potentially harmful hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Ideally, the brain turns down the alarm when stress hormones get too high.

Stress hormones provide energy and focus in the short term, but too much stress over too many years can throw a person’s system off-balance. Overloads of stress hormones have been linked to many health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function. For older people already at heightened risk for these illnesses, managing stress is particularly important.

Over time, the brain can slowly lose its skills at regulating hormone levels. As a result, older people who feel worried or anxious tend to produce larger amounts of stress hormones, and the alarm doesn’t shut down as quickly. The flow of stress hormones can be especially hard on older brains in general.

Chronic Stress Can Affect the Aging Process – Speeding up the clock

Stress doesn’t just make a person feel older. In a very realistic sense, it can speed up aging. Several studies have established that stress can add years to the age of individual immune system cells.

Chronic Stress management – The real fountain of youth

The good news is that we can put what we know about stress and aging to work for us. Learn to manage and reduce your stress load and you have a better chance to live a long, healthy life.

Maintaining a positive outlook is one key for people who feel good about themselves as they get older live about seven and a half years longer than “glass half empty” types. Researchers say the people with more positive attitudes may also deal with stress better and have a stronger will to live.

Staying close to friends and family is an excellent way to cut down on stress. It is important to remember that social support can help prevent stress and stress-related diseases. The benefits of friends and family can be especially striking for seniors. According to an article published in the American Journal of Health Promotion it was noted that social support can slow down the flow of stress hormones in seniors and, not coincidentally, increase longevity. Other studies have found that social interactions can help older people stay mentally sharp and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Exercise, a proven stress-buster for people of all ages, may be especially valuable in later years. Regular walks, bike rides, or water aerobics can do more than keep a person strong and independent; exercise can actually help block the effects of aging on cortisol levels. A recent study it was established that physically fit women in their mid-60s had essentially the same response to stress as a group of unfit women in their late 20s. In contrast, women in their mid-60s who weren’t physically fit released much larger amounts of cortisol in response to stress.

In the end, anything that reduces unnecessary stress will make the later years more enjoyable and youthful. Different people will respond differently toward managing chronic stress with a view of keeping the glowing appearance. Like for instance:

Some people simply need to stop trying to do too many things at once.
Others may want to try breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques.
Still others may need to talk to a psychologist to find a new perspective on their lives.

Finally whatever the approach you settle on, fighting stress overload is worth the effort. Experts are in agreement that reducing stress in later years can help prevent disabilities and frequent trips to the hospital. And if people end up feeling younger, healthier, and happier, that’s could be the best gift that one can give to him or herself. Like I had said before managing chronic stress is very important for your youthful skin. We know that this may not be very easy to do on your own and that is why doctor Akoury is readily available just on a phone call and you will be able to get an opportunity to get all the solutions about the effects of chronic stress to your skin and beauty in general.

Chronic Stress Can Affect the Aging Process – Aging and Stress

Keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth

January 7, 2015

Keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth – Breast sagging

Keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth. During pregnancy the nipples and the aerola (the pigmented area immediately surrounding the nipples) become darker in colour. These pigment changes tend to be permanent with the nipples/aerola being darker than before pregnancy

Even though the breast is not always exposed to the public like the face is, this part of the body forms great beauty and attraction to every woman. Therefore keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth is very dear to most women. Because we understand that this is a very key component of a woman’s beauty, we want to highlight certain points that may cause many women to be uncomfortable with the looks on their breast. If you have been with us on this link for some time now, you must have read the various treatment procedures offered at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care. We mention one of the most desired procedures called the vampire breast lift. This is one of the most current treatment procedures which are preferred by many women toward keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth. You can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for repositioning of your breast.

It is true that the breasts of a woman will undergo major changes after giving birth to a baby, and to help us understand these transformations the following are some of the most common changes that take place in the life of a woman causing them to lose the beauty of their breast:

Keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth – Breast composition

During pregnancy a woman’s breasts change in readiness to provide milk for the newborn baby.

The biggest change is in the actual composition of the breast tissue.
An increase in the female hormone estrogen causes the milk ducts in the breast to grow and branch out.
In late pregnancy, the milk ducts in the breasts have almost completely replaced areas which were previously occupied by fatty tissue.
A woman’s breast size may increase several cup sizes during pregnancy.

When a woman weans her baby or if she does not breastfeed, the milk ducts in the breasts begin to shrink as they are no longer needed. As the breasts are primarily composed of milk ducts, the breasts also reduce. Women commonly report that their breasts feel hollow or deflated. If the weaning occurs abruptly the breast shrinkage can be quite instant. Over time, however, fat tissue does begin to replace the milk ducts in the breast and they may start to feel fuller. If weaning occurs gradually some of this fat tissue returns at the same time as the milk ducts are shrinking and so the change in the breasts is not as dramatic. Just as it takes months for the breasts to get ready for their breastfeeding duties it takes many months for breasts to return to a pre-pregnancy state once a woman stops breastfeeding. This is what is causing many women great concern and a phone call to doctor Akoury for an appointment will unlock the mystery behind the aging breast skin.

Keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth – Breast sagging

When the breasts grow during pregnancy and breastfeeding the skin of the breasts also grows. When a woman weans her baby or if she does not breastfeed the size of her breast reduces but the extra skin doesn’t causing the breast to sag. Breast sagging is more pronounced in women with large breast than those with smaller breast. It is important to note that breast sagging is worsened by smoking as it breaks down the elastin in the skin which provides support.

One very important point to note is that breast sagging is a natural thing and may not be avoided in the long run. Even though this is bound to happen someday, the changes which take place during pregnancy impacts on the breast strongly and speed up sagging. Doctor Akoury in her office will you’re your breast a whole package of restoration using the most natural treatment procedure known as vampire face lift among other healthy treatment procedures that will help in keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth.

Keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth – Stretch marks

While women are aware of the possibility of getting stretch marks on their abdomen during pregnancy, many are surprised to find that their breasts can also be affected. Stretch marks are more likely to occur when breasts grow rapidly, although some women are just more prone to them. During pregnancy a woman’s breasts can enlarge anywhere from one to three cup sizes. Normally stretch marks occur when the collagen fibers in the deeper layers of the skin are put under strain and actually fray and break. Stretch marks can be pink, red, purple or brown in colour. And because stretch marks cause damage to collagen fibers they will always remain. However, the good news is that with time they will eventually fade to a pale silvery colour.

Keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth – Changes to aerola and nipple

During pregnancy the nipples and the aerola (the pigmented area immediately surrounding the nipples) become darker in colour. These pigment changes tend to be permanent with the nipples/aerola being darker than before pregnancy. The aerola can also thicken and become larger in diameter. Women’s nipples also tend to remain longer than before they were pregnant.

Keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth – Accepting breast changes

We are living in a time where everyone would want to look good and only identify with the best. Take for example the celebrity women. These category of people will get their boy’s back very fast even after delivery. It is because of this fact that many ladies would want to identify with them. However it is important to note that celebrities have the services of dieticians, personal trainers and the like to get them back in shape in such a very short time. You too can get this kinds of treatment which will restore your beauty in record time if you consult with doctor Akoury who is a skincare professional of over two decades. She has been of help to so many people across the globe and scheduling for an appointment with her will not only make you look like the celebrities but to have a more healthy skin not just on the breast but also on the entire body.

Keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth – Breastfeeding and breast changes

Finally breastfeeding is often blamed for the way a woman’s breast look and feel after having a baby. However it must be noted that it is only pregnancy process that changes the breasts and not breastfeeding. The changes in breast composition are complete in late pregnancy so it does not matter if a woman breastfeeds or not. This has been confirmed scientifically from several studies and so you should not starve your baby for fear of losing the beauty of your breast.

Keeping the breast skin beautiful after child birth – Breast sagging

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