Fight, Flight or Freeze
What is stress exactly?
Stress comes in many forms. It can be defined as anything real or perceived that causes your body to react. This reaction is your body’s attempt to cope with a challenge, frustration or threat. It begins in the nervous system and then cascades to every facet of the body. Stress affects your thoughts, your digestion, your hormones, your blood pressure and your sleep…essentially everything in your body.
These real or perceived forms of stress can be major or minor. Major stresses could include a death in the family, coping with a chronic illness, moving, a wedding, loss of a job or starting a new job, etc. Both positive and negative events can cause a great deal of stress. For some even minor occurrences like a misunderstanding with a co-worker or being late for an appointment can cause major stress. How your body deals with these events depends on what sort of coping mechanisms you are using and how resilient your body is at that time.
The body’s natural response to stress is to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the “fight, flight or freeze response” as if you were being stalked or attacked by a predator. You breathe faster, your heart beats stronger, blood moves away from your organs and into your skeletal muscles to increase strength and speed. All this is meant to give you a better chance to survive a predator attack. Most of us are not in a life or death situation on a daily basis when stress occurs. All of the these physiological responses still occur, making us feel anxious, irritated, jittery, sweaty and as if our hearts are going to beat out of our chests. If your body is reacting to things continuously, it will eventually have a negative impact. In the stress response, your body produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol while simultaneously decreasing the production of beneficial hormones like DHEA (anti-stress and anti-aging hormone).
The implications of a long-term, highly stressed state are vast. The heart, digestion and immune system are commonly affected. Do you have high blood pressure, heart palpitations, irritable bowel or heartburn? Do you have headaches, low energy or difficulty sleeping? Are you prone to getting sick? In any of these situations stress can be the root cause.
What can you do to increase your resiliency to stress?
Improve your sleep habits
Regular aerobic exercise
A balanced diet of non-processed foods
Diaphragmatic breathing (Inhale-abdomen expands, Exhale-abdomen contracts. Breathing only through the nose)
Nature Medicine also offers several services to improve your ability to handle stress including:
- HeartMath
- Mental Reprogramming Technique
- Botanical Medicines and Chinese Herbal Patents
- Diet and Lifestyle Counseling
- Nutritional Supplements
- Homeopathic Medicine
References:
- R A, N P, DA P, JF S. Social interactions, stress, and immunity. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2009;29:285-293.
- ND D, L X, KE R, Jr MGD. Stress and allergic diseases. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2011;31:55-68.
- Godbout JP R G. Stress-induced immune dysregulation: implications for wound healing, infectious disease and cancer. Journal Of Neuroimmune Pharmacology: The Official Journal Of The Society On Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 2006;1
- JE G, LM C, JK K-G. Stress, age, and immune function: toward a lifespan approach. J Behav Med. 2006;29:389-400.
- SA R. Hypercortisolism as a potential concern for submariners. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine. 2010;81:1114-1122.
- PJ R. Perplexing Immune Responses To Stress. Health And Stress. The Newsletter of The American Institute of Stress. 2008;9:1-12.
- FT, JM, IE. Psychoneuroimmunology. Dermatologic Therapy. 2008; 21:22–31.
Finances
No complaint is more common than that of a scarcity of money.
– Adam Smith
We have all heard the lyrics from that popular song “money makes the world go round.” We may not like it, but money and finances are a necessary part of life.
Since the recent recession experienced by Canada and the USA, a number of surveys and studies have been conducted around the topic of finances. A 2012 Canadian Payroll Association survey discovered that 47% of Canadians live from pay cheque to pay cheque. A health-related survey by Sun Life Financial showed that 72% of those asked said they were experiencing “excessive” levels of anxiety over financial concerns. An article published in the Globe and Mail in November 2012 had this to say about Canadians and our finances: “so much of money stress is caused by overspending, which is the toughest financial challenge in Canadian society today”. There is no doubt that money is on people’s minds.
We all know that one’s financial situation can be a stressor, but can it actually make us sick? Several studies have now shown the negative effects worrying about money (or lack thereof) can have on a person’s health. Research has implicated that high levels of stress about debt is twice as likely to cause a heart attack. A US poll carried out by the Associated Press indicated an increased percentage of digestive tract problems, headaches or migraines and depression in those with high stress levels over finances. Reportedly, highly stressed individuals were 65% more likely to suffer from back pain and muscle tension than those with low stress. Financial worries have also been linked to other stress-related illnesses such as ulcers and anxiety.
Another interesting survey discovered that a majority of Americans would rather gain weight than take on more debt. Apparently 78% of those asked would rather gain ten pounds than accept $10,000 in more debt. Thankfully, we at Nature Medicine do not see the situation as an either/or choice. It is no wonder that the Bible had so much to say on the topic of money. According to histories oldest book, “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils.”
Everyone has heard stories about the spinster who squirreled away so much wealth that the family was shocked at the reading of her extensive will. And it is not uncommon today to read in the paper about a bankrupt millionaire with a huge mansion. The team at Nature Medicine recommends neither of these approaches, but a balance in the middle.
One successful debt management strategy was created by Dave Ramsey, a US radio show host and author. Ramsey travels widely in North America teaching a variety of financial skills to all ages. His radio show often features amazing testimonies of people who developed a strategy and budget for their money and are now reaping the benefits of working toward a goal. Ramsey has helped thousands of people dig their way out of debt and build solid financial foundations for themselves and their families over the years. Suze Orman’s (as seen on Oprah) is another effective strategy. Alternatively one can perform internet search for other debt management programs.
The team at Nature Medicine desires to see our patients wisely managing their resources and living without the strain of financial burdens. Own money; do not let it own you.
References:
- http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_money.html
- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/money-stress-catches-up-with-canadians/article5221810/
- http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2419-money-worry-health.html
- http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/the-debt-stress-connection
- http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2195-weight-gain-debt.html
- http://www.daveramsey.com/
- 1 Timothy 6:10
Our Subconscious
Last Updated: July 24, 2018 by mprytula · Leave a Comment
Friend or Foe?
The human brain is an elaborate and highly integrated grid consisting of billions of neurons and trillions of connections. Its capacity to acquire sensory information is exponential. The brain processes 400 billion bits of information per second, however, we are only aware of 2,000 of those. The mind takes care of all the essential items that we automatically need to respond to and yet not necessarily are conscious of. This responsibility falls mainly on the subconscious. There are a myriad of bodily functions including breathing and the pumping action of the heart that would take up all of our thinking if we were required to consciously remember to do daily. Walking, talking and driving are all programs we have deliberately created and have now become routine habits. Normal life would be impossible without the subconscious mind. Conversely, while the ability of certain stimuli to elicit physiological, behavioral and emotional responses from the subconscious can be beneficial, it also masks any negative associations we make with them.
Pavlov’s dog is a popular reference often used to introduce the concept of the unconscious capabilities of the mind. The 1927 experiment was the first presentation of classical conditioning. Dogs were conditioned to respond to various stimuli such as bells, whistles and metronomes; every time the bell sounded the dog would be fed. Eventually the dog would automatically begin to salivate upon hearing the stimuli, regardless of whether food was present. Similar conditioned responses have also been demonstrated in other areas. The psychologist B.F. Skinner experimented with the idea of operant conditioning where a behavior can be modified by its consequence. Pigeons and rats made behavioral associations based on the result of their actions. Food or water was rewarded when one lever was pressed, while a shock was administered if an alternate lever was pressed. The possibility of reward may increase one’s behaviour and the anticipation of punishment may decrease an undesired behavior. Negative and positive reinforcement are just a couple of examples of programs that can become ingrained in our subconscious with or without our knowledge.
The traditional view in psychology implies that emotions are a conscious action. You feel it, therefore you must be aware of it. This original belief has been challenged and it is now widely accepted that cognitive processes (emotions) can be unconscious therefore occurring without intention. In 1997, an initial attempt to demonstrate unconscious emotion was made through a series of studies by Winkielman, Zajonc & Schwarz. Participants were asked to rate a neutral stimuli, such as inkblots, after subliminally being presented with a happy or angry face. The neutral stimuli were preferred when the participant was initially exposed to a happy face as opposed to an angry face even though both were subliminal messages. In a more recent 2008 study, scientists from the Max Planck Institute examining Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences revealed that decisions are made before we are aware of them. Researchers found micro patterns of activity in the frontopolar cortex of the brain 7 seconds before the participant was conscious of the choice. The subconscious mind is powerful enough to alter behavior and emotion without our knowledge.
The subconscious mind is a reservoir of feelings, thoughts, urges and memories. Research shows that it takes between 90 seconds and 4 minutes to decide if you are attracted to someone. That attraction is based 7% on what is actually said, 55% on body language and 38% on the tone and speed of voice. The subconscious influences our current behavior. Furthermore, past relationship experiences may also trigger unconscious responses. A previous heated debate with a partner that provokes a strong emotional response, like anger, may become stored in the subconscious. Consequently, in a future conversation the original emotional response can immediately return. The conversation may actually have no relevance to the past debate and may simply be an innocent exchange. For instance, your partner may ask, “where are the car keys?” If the tone of voice or body language is similar to a previous argument or comes across aggressively, you may believe they are blaming you for the lost keys even though they may just be wondering if you have seen them. Regardless, the subconscious recognizes the similar tone or body language and automatically gives a similar response; defenses go up, anger rises and an argument is inevitable. The unpleasant content stored in the subconscious triggers programmed behaviors, all of which can be the source of relationship turmoil.
Difficulty sleeping may also have associations with subconscious programs. A child suddenly waking from a deep sleep in a dark room to the sound of parents fighting can be traumatic. Later in adulthood, subconscious emotions may be triggered every time they try to sleep in the dark. The slightest noise can cause them to wake. The experiences that register in the subconscious are not always a significant event, they may have occurred once or often. Potential fire or robbery are similar examples of threats to our survival that might create sleeping problems.
Physiological changes caused by unconscious programs are not only for Pavlov’s dogs. They are quite applicable to humans. Infertility can be one such instance affected by the subconscious. Women sometimes spend years using numerous birth control methods to avoid conceiving a child. Unfortunately, when the time comes for wanting a child, the subconscious may still be telling the body, “nope, not going to happen”. The negative experiences of other women may also have an influence on fertility; friends having difficulties getting pregnant may unconsciously inhibit their ability.
Subconscious programs can unknowingly interfere with daily life, work, relationships and health. While there is, of course, a great benefit to the power of the subconscious, the unpleasant consequences are not always desired. At Nature Medicine, we offer therapies to help delete these subconscious programs and correct the negative adverse reactions to previous events. These include the Mental Reprogramming Technique and BioClimate Reprogramming (please refer to the individual sections for more information).
References:
Sex
Last Updated: July 24, 2018 by mprytula · Leave a Comment
Warning: rating PG
What was once a taboo subject for society in the west is no longer. Television and movies have made sex a common topic of conversation in the 21st century. Is sex a factor worth considering from a health perspective? Let us take a look.
Studies have now been conducted to evaluate the effects of sex on a person’s health. According to an article published in 2009, regular sex improves health and doubles life expectancy. A survey conducted of 10,000 middle age men revealed that those who reported the highest frequency of orgasm lived twice as long as those who did not enjoy sex. Another study conducted concluded that sexual activity seems to have a protective effect on men’s health.
So sex can contribute to longevity in men. Does it have specific health benefits for women too? According to recent research, it has many. One interesting finding by an MD, the founder of the PATH Medical Center in New York City, is that sex may give women healthier-looking skin. During sex, the body produces the hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). This chemical does several good things for the body, including improving one’s complexion. Another possible benefit of sex for women is increased bladder control as the muscles associated with incontinence (the pelvic floor muscles) can be exercised and strengthened during intercourse.
Sex has many other health perks across the board for both men and women. It has been proven to have a role in reducing high blood pressure and increasing circulation. Apparently those who have sex regularly are half as likely to have heart attacks and strokes as those who do not have sex at all. Sex can also be a weight loss tool because of the increased calories burned as well as the phenetylamine produced during intercourse, a hormone that regulates appetite. Having sex can even combat the common cold because the body releases an antibody during orgasm called immunoglobulin A which is known to strengthen immunity.
Sex can also be a good stress reliever. Oxytocin is a chemical that the body releases just before orgasm. This chemical aides in the secretion of endorphins which help the body relax or “chill out”. Because of this, sex can be a natural remedy for insomnia. Other health benefits range from improved cognition to decreased incidences of breast cancer to increased pain tolerance.
There are also emotional health benefits to a healthy sex life. A survey of 500 Americans demonstrated that over 80% of married men and women believed a satisfying sex life was important to their individual lives and their relationship. Almost 100% of those involved in the survey indicated that sexual enjoyment improves one’s quality of life at any age. Research has also demonstrated support for the theory that regular intercourse can be linked to a decreased risk of depression. Another study concluded that consistent mutual sexual pleasure increases bonding within a relationship. It appears that sex within a healthy, stable relationship is a great tool for maintaining one’s well-being.
We would be remiss not to mention the potential negative health implications of sex as well. An article published in 2011 stated that having sex during the adolescent years can have negative effects on a person’s body and mood well into adulthood. Zachary Weil, from the Department of Neuroscience at Ohio State University concluded that there is a time in nervous system development when things are changing very rapidly and part of those changes are preparations for adult reproductive behaviors and physiology. There is a possibility that environmental experiences and signals could have amplified effects if they occur before the nervous system has settled down into adulthood.
Chinese medicine has stressed the importance of not having excessive sexual activity. Your essence is present at birth. It forms the material basis for the whole body and is crucial in reproduction, growth, development and maturation. Every metabolic activity consumes it; we can nourish or deplete it through our behavior and lifestyle. But once it’s gone, you cannot make more. Sexual activity has been known to consume your essence, although there is a distinction between its effect on men and women. Excessive activity is less of a cause of disease in women than men. Essence plays a significant role in fertility. In men, loss of sperm implies a loss of essence and therefore excessive sexual behaviours can diminish it. On the other hand, in women, there is no corresponding loss during sexual activity as they do not lose any ova, making them less likely to develop disease.
Insufficient sexual activity also plays a role in disease according to Chinese Medicine. When sexual desire is present but does not have an outlet, pathological disease can result. Qi is one’s life force. It can become trapped with sexual frustration and a lack of release, giving rise to various gynecological problems including dysmenorrhea. Additionally, sexual frustration will affect the emotional and mental attitude. Stagnant or blocked Qi can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression. Insufficient or excessive sexual activity can therefore be a disease causing factor according to Traditional Chinese Medical views.
Of course we must point out the risks associated with having sex. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are still a reality today. While there may be effective treatments for some of them, they are never welcome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests several ways to limit the incidence of STDs. Abstinence, monogamy and proper protection (e.g. condoms) are their biggest recommendations. It is essential to know your status and your partner’s with respect to STDs before engaging in sexual activity. Remember when it comes to STDs you are not just sleeping with your partner; you are possibly sleeping with what was shared between your partner and their previous relationships.
References:
Work
Last Updated: July 24, 2018 by mprytula · Leave a Comment
Find a job you like and you add five days to every week.
– H. Jackson Brown
The many hours we spend per week at a workplace, job or career can significantly contribute to our health status. One’s job can be either empowering and life-giving or demoralizing and stressful. Those who regularly have to endure the latter type of environment often suffer emotional and physical harm as a result. Even relatively good working situations can cause periods of acute stress when deadlines are imminent.
Multiple studies have been conducted over the years on the relationship between jobs and stress. There is a certain amount of “good” stress that comes with every job. This type of stress is called eustress (the same prefix as euphoria). Eustress is “positive” stress that motivates us and provides the incentive we often need to get things done. The excitement of riding a roller coaster or the challenge of completing a fun puzzle or competition are examples of eustress. This type of stress is healthy and is what helps us get out of the bed in the morning.
On the other hand, jobs can also cause “bad” stress, or distress. This state occurs when the challenges faced from day-to-day are no longer fun; one feels buried under the weight of expectations and tension from which there seems to be no relief. This type of job stress can present itself physically in several ways. High blood pressure and rapid breathing are two common stress responses. Studies have also shown that hostile work environments and working long hours have the potential to accelerate the development of heart disease. Age can be a factor in the equation as well. A study done at the University of Utah showed that, as stressed workers aged, their blood pressure rose above average levels. Those who experience high levels of job stress succumb more often to the common cold and have to call in sick.
Job stress can also manifest in other ways. Some people find themselves constantly thinking and worrying about projects or conflicts with coworkers. Others are drained of energy and have little left over for regular exercise or healthy life habits. Often job stress leads to the development of negative coping mechanisms such as increased drinking or smoking. Overeating or a loss of appetite can also result from work-related stress. Sadly, a link has been made between high job stress and lower levels of mental health.
It seems that those in blue collar or middle-class job positions suffer from a particular type of job stress. A lack of control over one’s work environment can lead to depression, anxiety and eventually emotional exhaustion (i.e. burnout). One study noted that employees with high psychological and physical job demands and little job control reported various psychosomatic and physical health complaints as well as very low job satisfaction. Prolonged or chronic stress can take its toll on the body. The development of heart disease and type II diabetes have both been linked to chronic stress.
Workplace stress can be a result of various factors. Poor management, excessively high expectations, unclear goals and guidelines, job insecurity, workplace conflict and a multitude of other things may combine to create a difficult working environment. The team at Nature Medicine recognizes that it may not always be possible to eliminate these stressors from one’s life. “When people go to work, they should not have to leave their hearts at home”. We desire to see our patients investing their time and energy in areas from which they receive satisfaction.
References:
Stress Management
Last Updated: July 24, 2018 by mprytula · Leave a Comment
Fight, Flight or Freeze
What is stress exactly?
Stress comes in many forms. It can be defined as anything real or perceived that causes your body to react. This reaction is your body’s attempt to cope with a challenge, frustration or threat. It begins in the nervous system and then cascades to every facet of the body. Stress affects your thoughts, your digestion, your hormones, your blood pressure and your sleep…essentially everything in your body.
These real or perceived forms of stress can be major or minor. Major stresses could include a death in the family, coping with a chronic illness, moving, a wedding, loss of a job or starting a new job, etc. Both positive and negative events can cause a great deal of stress. For some even minor occurrences like a misunderstanding with a co-worker or being late for an appointment can cause major stress. How your body deals with these events depends on what sort of coping mechanisms you are using and how resilient your body is at that time.
The body’s natural response to stress is to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the “fight, flight or freeze response” as if you were being stalked or attacked by a predator. You breathe faster, your heart beats stronger, blood moves away from your organs and into your skeletal muscles to increase strength and speed. All this is meant to give you a better chance to survive a predator attack. Most of us are not in a life or death situation on a daily basis when stress occurs. All of the these physiological responses still occur, making us feel anxious, irritated, jittery, sweaty and as if our hearts are going to beat out of our chests. If your body is reacting to things continuously, it will eventually have a negative impact. In the stress response, your body produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol while simultaneously decreasing the production of beneficial hormones like DHEA (anti-stress and anti-aging hormone).
The implications of a long-term, highly stressed state are vast. The heart, digestion and immune system are commonly affected. Do you have high blood pressure, heart palpitations, irritable bowel or heartburn? Do you have headaches, low energy or difficulty sleeping? Are you prone to getting sick? In any of these situations stress can be the root cause.
What can you do to increase your resiliency to stress?
Improve your sleep habits
Regular aerobic exercise
A balanced diet of non-processed foods
Diaphragmatic breathing (Inhale-abdomen expands, Exhale-abdomen contracts. Breathing only through the nose)
Nature Medicine also offers several services to improve your ability to handle stress including:
References:
Finances
No complaint is more common than that of a scarcity of money.
– Adam Smith
We have all heard the lyrics from that popular song “money makes the world go round.” We may not like it, but money and finances are a necessary part of life.
Since the recent recession experienced by Canada and the USA, a number of surveys and studies have been conducted around the topic of finances. A 2012 Canadian Payroll Association survey discovered that 47% of Canadians live from pay cheque to pay cheque. A health-related survey by Sun Life Financial showed that 72% of those asked said they were experiencing “excessive” levels of anxiety over financial concerns. An article published in the Globe and Mail in November 2012 had this to say about Canadians and our finances: “so much of money stress is caused by overspending, which is the toughest financial challenge in Canadian society today”. There is no doubt that money is on people’s minds.
We all know that one’s financial situation can be a stressor, but can it actually make us sick? Several studies have now shown the negative effects worrying about money (or lack thereof) can have on a person’s health. Research has implicated that high levels of stress about debt is twice as likely to cause a heart attack. A US poll carried out by the Associated Press indicated an increased percentage of digestive tract problems, headaches or migraines and depression in those with high stress levels over finances. Reportedly, highly stressed individuals were 65% more likely to suffer from back pain and muscle tension than those with low stress. Financial worries have also been linked to other stress-related illnesses such as ulcers and anxiety.
Another interesting survey discovered that a majority of Americans would rather gain weight than take on more debt. Apparently 78% of those asked would rather gain ten pounds than accept $10,000 in more debt. Thankfully, we at Nature Medicine do not see the situation as an either/or choice. It is no wonder that the Bible had so much to say on the topic of money. According to histories oldest book, “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils.”
Everyone has heard stories about the spinster who squirreled away so much wealth that the family was shocked at the reading of her extensive will. And it is not uncommon today to read in the paper about a bankrupt millionaire with a huge mansion. The team at Nature Medicine recommends neither of these approaches, but a balance in the middle.
One successful debt management strategy was created by Dave Ramsey, a US radio show host and author. Ramsey travels widely in North America teaching a variety of financial skills to all ages. His radio show often features amazing testimonies of people who developed a strategy and budget for their money and are now reaping the benefits of working toward a goal. Ramsey has helped thousands of people dig their way out of debt and build solid financial foundations for themselves and their families over the years. Suze Orman’s (as seen on Oprah) is another effective strategy. Alternatively one can perform internet search for other debt management programs.
The team at Nature Medicine desires to see our patients wisely managing their resources and living without the strain of financial burdens. Own money; do not let it own you.
References:
Social Network
Last Updated: July 24, 2018 by mprytula · Leave a Comment
More than just logged on
In the past few years, the media has placed more attention on the mind, body and spirit connection with your health. Your health is affected by more than just physical aspects; your social life in fact can have a large impact on mortality and longevity. Many do not realize how important relationships are to the quality of their lives.
Your daily interactions with others provide a way to release stress, contributing to a healthier immune system and overall better health. When you have someone to talk to about your terrible boss or your financial concerns, they can sympathize, provide solutions or offer advice. What you may not realize is that all these factors can lead to improved health and a longer life expectancy. Genetically, there are 209 socially regulated genes identified in the human body, including those involved in the immune system, cell proliferation and responses to stress. You will discover as you read the following insights how important social interactions are to our body.
Numerous studies have shown that having few relationships or weak social ties can be dangerous to your health. A recent article from Brigham Young University reported that social connections improve the odds of survival by 50 percent. A poor social life was equivalent to: smoking 15 cigarettes a day, being an alcoholic, being twice as harmful as obesity and more harmful than not exercising. The health impact of social networks on mortality has actually been studied since the 70s. A nine-year follow-up study of 6,928 adults in California showed that people who lacked social and community ties had increased mortality compared to those with more extensive contacts. A similar fourteen-year follow-up study of 1,752 adults found that having more social contacts meant delayed mortality, particularly with cardiovascular risk. The feeling of loneliness was associated with increased cardiovascular death, especially in males.
Loneliness and isolation have been cited as causing many adverse health outcomes including increased risk of developing inflammatory disease (autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), low-grade peripheral inflammation, cardiovascular disease, systolic blood pressure changes and more susceptibility to developing colds. There is clear evidence of the importance of social connections with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to our health. Nevertheless, these interactions are changing with the major influence of online social networks.
There has been a steady decline in the amount of face to face social interactions with the rise of electronic media use. Internet, email and text messaging do ultimately create many advantages and conveniences for communication. At the same time they are also changing the way we interact with each other. The Internet Paradox was a study completed over a decade ago with 73 families. The researchers concluded that increased use of the internet was associated with a decline in communication between family members in the house, a decline in the size of their social circle and increases in their levels of depression and loneliness. This study was published in 1998 and predated the development of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, instant messaging, etc. The authors did in fact complete a follow-up report in 2001. The Internet Paradox Revisited was more optimistic about the internet actually increasing social interactions. While it is true that you may have more connections the more friends you have on Facebook or the more followers you have on twitter, but the face-to-face contact is what appears to be the health determining factor. Dr. Aric Sigman suggests that the lack of real social networking involving personal interaction may have biological effects. He proposes that this could alter the way genes work, decrease immune response, lower hormone levels, diminish arterial function and influence mental performance. These changes can lead to increased risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and dementia. The face-to–face interaction is the critical factor to your health.
At Nature Medicine, we are not opposed to social networking technology. On the contrary, we believe the collaborative opportunities and the ability to stay in touch with distant friends and relatives is quite valuable. We would however seek to make you aware of the implications to your health. Social media have actually been the subject of extensive research over the past couple of years; both positive and negative results have been determined. Improvements in self-esteem, strengthening of relationship ties and creating opportunities of conversation for those with low social skills have been found as a benefit. Alternatively, it may also cause depression, trigger eating disorders and split up marriages. According to a new study in 2009 from Loyola University, Facebook is cited in 1 out of 5 divorces and is the number one source for online evidence in over half of divorce cases. We doubt this was Mark Zuckerberg’s, Facebook’s developer, intention.
So the next time you are debating whether to go for a run, call a friend, visit a neighbour or keep a dinner date with your spouse, consider all the health benefits you may receive.
References:
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