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	+ LSSC Home + RehabWorks Home + Rehabilitation Protocols + Microbreaks - Sportsmedicine Articles + Ultra-Stretch Program + Anatomy 101 + Back at Work + Pamphlets Online Forms: + Education Outreach Request + Doctor Referral Form + Appointment Scheduling + Initial Paperwork + Patient Survey		Stress Stress is something that should not be taken lightly. It is one of the most frequent and a enduring problem that affects anyone from a sports star to a blue collar worker on a daily basis. It can be caused by a variety of things like an injury, work, marriage or family. Choosing to ignore stress can lead to physical and mental health problems. This is also known as the flight response. Ignoring the stress triggers the body's natural response to stress by causing an increase in heart rate and the respiratory rate. Continued stress will further harm to the body if it has not been treated. To understand the process of stress it is important to understand where the stress is coming from, signs to watch for, the results of ignoring the stress, and how to relieve stress. It is important to determine the cause of stress so that it can be effectively managed. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) stated the following as possible causes of stress at work: Work setting Management style Interpersonal relationship Work roles Career concerns Environmental conditions Other possibilities that can cause stress that should be considered are: Depression Family Health Concerns Injury Negative attitude (NIOSH) stated the most common warning signs of stress are the following: Headache Sleep disturbance Difficulty concentrating Short temper Upset stomach Job dissatisfaction Low morale Stress, when ignored, may lead to further mental and physical injuries. Anderson and Williams from the article A model of stress and athletic injury: Prediction and prevention had recommended that negative stress can result in a lack of attentional focus and muscle tension, which in return lead to the stress-injury connection: Cardiovascular disease Back pain Neck pain Shoulder pain Chronic strains Suppress immune system Psychological disorders Degenerative disk disease Life Span The result of being injured and going through rehabilitation only exacerbates the stress. It is important to recognize some clinical signs that might be seen. The following had been listed in Rehabilitation Techniques in Sports Medicine: Change in eating and/or sleeping habits either more or less than is usual Difficulty in concentration Lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed In appropriate reaction to stressful situations: aggression, extreme agitation, rage, or no reaction: "I don't care", "Doesn't bother me", "Whatever" Flat affect- a void of the normal fluctuation of facial expressions Decreased involvement with normal social support such as teammates, friends, and family. History of depression in the past or family history of depression After finding the primarily cause of stress it is important to find a positive manner to relieve that stress. Some recommendations included are: Consistent Exercising Yoga Time management Nutrition Allow time for your self Listen to music Maintain balance in your life Counseling Stress is a very important subject that should be talked about instead of being ignored. Stress eventually start with something small and ends up accumulating to a bigger health concern that causes you to not to be able to work as efficiently. If stressed out find what is causing it, and then do something in a positive manner to help relieve the stress for the good of your own health. If you feel that you need further assistance contact the Health Education and Wellness Program that is offered by NASA-KSC. This website http://hewp.ksc.nasa.gov/ will help answer any further questions or contact Kris Calderon at 867-3414 or e-mail at Kristine.Calderon@jbosc.ksc.nasa.gov. Prentince, E. W. (4th.ed). (1999). Rehabilitation techniques for Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill http://helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm http://helpguide.org/mental/stress_managemnt_relief_coping.htm http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/41.cfm
	+ Freedom of Information Act + NASA Privacy Statement, Disclaimer, and Accessibility Certification Editor: Erik Nason NASA Official: David A. Tipton Last Updated: March 6, 2006