Stress
Anything can trigger a stress response. For example, someone jumping out at you in the dark when your alone. It can also be a reaction - such as running for a bus. Scientists says it is the response that occurs when we think we can’t cope with the pressures in our life.
Stress can be very damaging on our physical, emotionally, intellectual and social development and I will address each in turn.
This causes what is called a flight or fight response and this affects the body by:
· Increasing the blood pressure and heart rate to get blood quickly to areas of the body where it’s needed
· Digestion slows down so the blood can be sent to the brain and muscles
· Muscles become tense.
· We may begin sweating as it increases so the body can cool down and burn more energy
· We breath faster and this is because oxygen can be sent to the muscles.
· The body is ready to use energy to deal with the stress.
Stress and the Immune System - The immune system has billions of cells that travel through the bloodstream inside our bodies. It protects our body against foreign bodies.
The immune system has white blood cells and there are two types.
When we get stressed it effects our immune system and we can’t function properly.
Stress can have an indirect effect on the immune system as a person may do unhealthy things to try to reduce their stress like drinking and smoking.
A Study by Cohen - Cohen did a study with 394 participants where he had their stress index measured using questionnaires, which took in account their ability to cope and their feelings about stress.
Then they were given nasal drops that infected them with the cold viruses and t...
