Its ability to resist or overcome disease may be compromised. The stress response is regulated by the nervous, endocrine, immune, and hormonal systems and appears to play a significant role in the activation or progression of many diseases and physical ailments. Research now shows the impact that stress has on conditions like heart disease, depression, anxiety, obesity, cancer, arthritis, gastro-intestinal problems, skin problems, and a host of infections and immune system disorders. For example, for a person who is prone to heart disease, reacting to stressful life events in a hostile manner is as dangerous for the progression of heart disease as regular cigarette smoking. Other research shows that improving our perception of stress can change how it affects us.
Symptoms get better and less time is spent visiting the doctor's office.
Programs like the Personal Health Improvement Program have been tested and proven effective at teaching new healthier behaviors. Every thought and emotion alters the chemistry of the whole body. The outcomes of this program are among the best in the country.