Posted on September 24th, 2008 by Craig Maltby, Editor
PBS “Killer Stress” show was a good one
Dr. Robert Sapolsky
Stanford researcher Robert Sapolsky was the focus of the PBS show tonight (Sept. 24) on how stress impacts our long-term health. The show covered in detail stress conditions caused by dominant/subordinate power dynamics among people at work and in society; bosses vs underlings; rich vs. poor, and how the stress imposed upon the subordinate class can result in a lot of bad physical stuff, mainly abdominal obesity (the worst kind), arterial plaque, and other cardio related conditions.
A portion of the show discussed how the body, when the brain perceives it is under stress, shuts down or greatly scales back many functions, including immune system response, in order to preserve those functions when the stressful event is over. But what if the stress is never over? Or recurs for hours every day? That’s where really scary stuff can emerge over time.
Hopefully this show will be repeated throughout the coming weeks because it’s worth the watch.
September 26th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Craig,
Good information about the effects of stress. I was told by doctor several years ago that I need to learn how to “decompress.” However, learning how to decompress and actually being able to do it are two different things in real life, kids, work, pets, and weather cannot always be controlled.
Paul
September 28th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Paul – Great observation. I remember one time I had some heavy stuff going on in my life, I actually broke out with some kind of skin rash for a few days. I think this was 10 years ago, probably before immune balance was even on the consumer health radar.
It would be great if reducing stress–and its resulting physical symptoms–was a simple step, like doing 10 pushups a day for two weeks and you’re cured. Ain’t gonna happen.
October 11th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Craig,
First Hello from me and Michael Martine. I have noticed that when I am stressed I get sick more often. I have been living stress free in Costa Rica for a while now and without sickness, and much happier too.
I am subscribing to your blog to keep up to date.
~ Jim
October 12th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Jim:
Thanks for the check-in. Glad to have you on board via Michael. I have a feeling that about 2 months from now, when the white stuff is flying here in the Midwest, I will wish I were in Costa Rica as well. Sounds fabulous. Stay in touch with BIH.
Craig