Stress / Question
Published: June 17, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What effects does stress have on your health?
Signed: Stressed
Dear Stressed,
First, TeenHealthFX wants to start by saying that this is an excellent question and a very urgent issue that effects all teens. Stress is a big problem in the U.S. and is a fact of life. Stress is defined as a feeling of tension that is both physical and emotional.
Stress can be good or bad. It is important to find the proper level that promotes good performance and enables a person to maintain a healthy existence. Positive stress can be in the form of excitement, such as getting accepted to the college of your choice or being asked out by your favorite someone that you pass in the hall each day. Unfortunately, the stress that we are most familiar with is that of distress, the kind that can be the source of adverse effects on the body. Negative stress can be felt each time you fail an exam or have too much homework and not enough time to do it. It is important to learn how to manage stress so that it does not have a negative impact on your ability to function or on your health.
The causes of stress are different for everyone. In an effort to combat stress one can try a variety of things. Consistent programs of physical activity and relaxation techniques have been shown to reduce everyday stress. It can be listening to your favorite music, talking a walk alone outside, or even hanging out with friends (social outreach is important). For more information on stress management and some techniques to deal with stress, see I.M. Stressed.
The best thing to do is listen to your body and make time for yourself to do things that you truly enjoy!
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Underage drinking costs the 
