Stress Levels Are on the Rise; HEALTH ATLAST Offers Effective Alternative Therapies
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Americans report an average stress level of 4.8 out of 10.1 Although stress levels are generally found to be consistent from 2016 to 2017, more Americans are reporting feeling the effects of stress.1 In fact, 45% of Americans admitted that stress was the main cause of them lying awake at night, which is a 5% increase from 2016 statistics.1 The percentage of Americans who experienced at least one stress-related symptom in the previous month jumped 4% in the past year.1 Around 36% of Americans noted being nervous or anxious due to stress, while 35% described feelings of anger and irritability, and 34% reported that fatigue was caused by their stress.1
The reality is that not all stress should be viewed as negative, such as braking in time to avoid a car accident or feeling a burst of energy while trying to finish an important project before the impending deadline. That's when stress is doing what its supposed to do and is only necessary for that brief period of time. However, persistently elevated stress levels can take a toll on a person's overall health and well-being. The effects of stress on the human body can be extremely harmful, and may impact various internal systems, including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous and gastrointestinal systems.2
Stress causes muscles to become tense, and when this happens continuously from chronic stress, various systems within the body can trigger additional bodily reactions, such as stress-related disorders.2 For example, tension in the shoulders, neck and head areas may cause tension headaches or migraines.2 When a person has constant stress for a long period of time, there can also be lesser known affects going on, such as long-term heart and blood vessel issues.2 In general, stress causes an increased heart, bigger heart muscle contractions, and elevated blood pressure, along with an influx of stress hormones — adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol.2 Long-term, chronic stress significantly increases the risk of hypertension, heart attack or stroke.2 But the potential effects of long-term stress don't stop there. "The key is to a healthier lifestyle is to find ways to manage the stress without resorting to any type of drugs," stated Stephanie Higashi, founder of HEALTH ATLAST. "There are numerous alternative therapies, such as massage therapy and acupuncture that can reduce the stresses of everyday life."
Higashi explained that virtually every stress-related symptom listed by the American Psychological Association could benefit from therapeutic massage. Not only has research shown that massage therapy can decrease heart rate and blood pressure, but it also relaxes muscles and increases the production of good endorphins – serotonin and dopamine.
Acupuncture is another proven method for drug-free stress relief, as it activates natural painkillers and releases "feel good" endorphins. Most known for being able to treat an array of physical pains, acupuncture is also effective for treating psychological issues like stress and anxiety, as well as gastrointestinal problems.
"So many patients are heavily medicated due to stress, anxiety and depression, when they could be effectively restored with alternative treatments," said Higashi. "We have a multi-disciplinary team of medical doctors and other specialists who always treat our patients with the least invasive, and highest level of care, to give them the best quality of life possible."
About HEALTH ATLAST:
HEALTH ATLAST was founded to bring medical, chiropractic, acupuncture and massage care models together into one convenient, all-encompassing healthcare practice. Instead of referring patients to other healthcare providers, HEALTH ATLAST brings professionals from multiple disciplines together under one roof to provide comprehensive, focused care to each patient.
At each HEALTH ATLAST franchise location, patients have access to knowledgeable, experienced healthcare providers, including medical doctors, doctors of chiropractic and physiotherapists. Once a firm medical diagnosis is made, each patient is treated with the goal of successful rehabilitation and healing while avoiding unnecessary medications or surgeries as much as possible. Successful doctors of chiropractic, medical doctors, doctors of osteopathic medicine, wellness professionals, and philanthropic investors looking to expand and improve the health of others are candidates for being a great HEALTH ATLAST franchise owner. To learn more about HEALTH ATLAST, please visit http://www.HEALTHATLASTNOW.COM.
About Stephanie Higashi:
As a pre-med student in 1997, Stephanie Higashi was dismayed to find a national model of healthcare focused on prescribing medications and performing invasive surgeries without first exploring alternative therapies. She began a search to find different solutions for medical problems, incorporating alternative methods of healthcare into one unique, all-encompassing practice model. Higashi's uncommon approach to patient care has helped to bring medical professionals from diverse disciplines together with one common goal—to avoid the use of unnecessary drugs and surgical treatments as much as possible, while effectively addressing the complex and varied medical needs of each patient. The end result is healthier patients and happier doctors.
1American Psychological Association (2017). "Stress in America: The State of Our Nation. Stress in AmericaTM Survey."
apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2017/state-nation.pdf
2Tovian, Steve, et al. "Stress Effects on the Body." American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association.
apa.org/helpcenter/stress-body.aspx
Media Contact: Karla Jo Helms, JoTo PR, 888-202-4614, [email protected]
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