Stress & Anxiety Archives

Memory Maximizers: September 2021

Aug 24, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Breathing Exercise May Lower Blood Pressure, Sharpen Memory A special breathing workout, originally designed to help strengthen the diaphragm and other breathing muscles of critically ill respiratory disease patients, may also benefit the heart and brain. The exercise, called High-Resistance Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST), involves inhaling through a special … Read More

Preparing for the Emotional Journey of Surgery

Aug 24, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Being physically fit for surgery is crucial to successful outcomes. But emotional well-being also plays a pivotal role. Depression among surgical candidates is higher than in the general population, according to geriatric psychologist Linda Ercoli, PhD, Director of Geriatric Psychology, UCLA Medical Center. Unfortunately, conversations about emotions aren’t a standard … Read More

What Are the Factors That Generate Happiness?

Aug 5, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Are you happy? If so, do you know why? If not, would you like to become happier? Happiness is not some elusive idea, nor is it a state of being that randomly settles on some people and not others. It is, as researchers through the years have found, to be … Read More

How to Avoid the “News Blues” While Still Staying Connected to the World

Aug 5, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Paying close attention to the news is a habit for millions of people, but it’s one that has its share of emotional and psychological risks. Yes, being an informed citizen is important. But just as a steady diet of grim tidings can motivate you to take action, it also can … Read More

Get Help for Persistent Anxiety

Jul 26, 2021 · Orli R. Etingin, M.D. · Aging & Independence

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point: It’s a normal response when you’re faced with a stressful situation. For example, if you’re in a car accident or getting ready to give a speech or a presentation, your body’s automatic “fight or flight” mechanism is triggered, producing hormones such as epinephrine and … Read More

Anxiety Affects Your Body As Well As Your Brain

Jul 26, 2021 · Dawn Bialy · Aging & Independence

It’s normal to feel anxious occasionally, but if you become very fearful, nervous, or worried when you think about or are in certain situations, then you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions marked by persistent, excessive worry. Although the person experiencing anxiety … Read More

Improving Your Psychological Well-Being May Help Lower Dementia Risk

Jul 22, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

On the surface, the concept of positive well-being seems pretty simple. It is often used interchangeably with concepts such as happiness and quality of life, and is perceived by many people in the general public as a sense that your life is going well. But well-being is a complex state … Read More

How Stress Affects the Brain

Jun 23, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

How stress is experienced varies from person to person. A rude remark might cause a sensitive person to feel very stressed out, while someone else might not be bothered at all. While intensity and frequency of stress are variable, when stress is chronic, it can be harmful to the brain … Read More

Newsbites: Protein containing plant foods; weight loss at any age; combating depression and anxiety; omega-3 fats

Mar 24, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Replace some red meats with protein-containing plant foods to lower heart disease risk A study published recently in the BMJ found that eating either processed or unprocessed red meat was associated with higher risk of heart disease in American men. The good news is, one serving a day of healthy … Read More

Cope with Health Anxiety in the COVID-19 Era

Feb 23, 2021 · Jay Roland · Aging & Independence

In the best of times, worries about your health are normal and even helpful. Being concerned about health risks may prompt you to use sunscreen, schedule a physical, quit smoking, manage your weight, and take other positive steps. But as the COVID-19 pandemic has gripped the world for the past … Read More

Stress & Anxiety

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