Stress is a normal part of life, but when you’re subjected to chronic environmental or emotional stress, it takes a toll on you physically and even increases your chances of becoming seriously ill. The holistic medical practitioners at Dr. Milton Chávez MD, SC -- Dr. Chávez and nurse practitioner Vanessa Flores -- help you find ways to manage stress so that you can function and thrive no matter what challenges you face. You don’t have to try to “beat” stress on your own. Get help by contacting the friendly staff at the office in Wicker Park, Chicago, by calling or scheduling an appointment online.
Our bodies and brains evolved to react to stressful situations by releasing hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for either “fight or flight.” In modern life, we can’t spend our time fighting or running away every time we’re faced with a problem. Still, our bodies release cortisol and adrenaline when we feel threatened or overwhelmed, which keeps us in a state of tension and high alert.
Stress management refers to lifestyle changes and interventions that calm your nervous system so that it’s not in a constant fight-or-flight mode. The caring team at Dr. Milton Chávez MD, SC, customizes their stress-management recommendations for you based on your individual needs, physiology, and lifestyle.
When you’re in a flight-or-fight mode, all of your body’s systems feel the effects. Chronic stress creates of range of symptoms related to your brain, cardiovascular system, and your immune system. If you don’t have effective stress-management strategies, you may experience symptoms such as:
Stress also causes inflammation throughout your body, putting you at greater risk for serious illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer.
You can adopt simple lifestyle adjustments that help your body relax and cope better with chronic stress. Some do-it-yourself techniques include:
If you have trouble changing your habits, Dr. Chávez and nurse practitioner Flores can help by designing changes that are gradual and work with your lifestyle.
You may need the support of the team members at Dr. Milton Chávez MD, SC, to make the kinds of changes that help you manage stress and stay healthy. Some treatments may include:
To add the experts at Dr. Milton Chávez MD, SC to your stress-management team, call the office or use the online appointment form.
