Adult health 2

Question 1

Why do we care about stress

Answer 1

• Oxidative Stress
• Immune dysregulation
• Inflammation
• –> chronic disease

Sympathetic nervous system in ‘fight or flight’
- Production of cortisol takes priority over other steroids /
hormones
- Hormone production interconnected
- Can also lead to hormone dysregulation

Question 2

aim to treat stress

Answer 2

Aim: get patients from sympathetic parasympathetic state

Question 3

ways to reduce stress

Answer 3

Physical Activity
Diet
Sleep
Social Connection

1. Relaxation - Looks different for everyone eg. Listening to
   music vs mindfulness vs breathing techniques
2. Coping strategies for stress - Limit exposure if possible eg. tech / news
   Stay present (vs rumination on past / worrying
   about the future)
   Reframing
3. Meaning
   Learning. Activities and experiences that bring
   joy, and take your full attention.
4. Purpose &
   Identity - What matters to you (values)
   - Role in community

Question 4

example of breathing exercise prescribed on lifestyle prescription

Answer 4

Relates to relax pillar

breathe in (4 seconds)
---> hold (4 seconds) ---> breathe out (4 seconds)---> hold (4 seconds)

Question 5

key points

Answer 5

Key points
a. Stress contributes to chronic disease through key biological processes, which can be
mitigated by addressing factors such as physical activity, diet, sleep and social
connection.
b. Incorporating ways to maintain social connection into your lifestyle medicine
prescription can provide patients with a sense of identity and purpose within the
community.