Simply stated health care

We know we’re stressed. We know we should do something about it, but are we doing what we should?

Apparently not.

The American Psychological Association (APA) recently released Stress in America: Our Health at Risk. You probably won’t be surprised about the results.

About the Study

The APA initiated the study in 2006 as part of its Mind/Body/Health campaign to promote a better understanding of stress and its impact.

The survey contains the following.

• Questions for measuring the public’s perception about stress
• An assessment of the main sources of stress
• Information on how Americans cope with stress
• An evaluation of the impact of stress

This was an online survey conducted between August 11, 2011 and September 6, 2011. A total of 1,226 U.S. residents, age 18 and older, participated.

APA conducted an over-sample of 300 caregivers and 1,221 individuals living with chronic illness.

Note: Over-sampling is a survey technique for targeting a sub-group of individuals that are of interest. The idea is to have a large enough sample of the particular group to make credible generalizations about that group.

Survey Findings

There’s a reason APA did the over-sample.

Caregivers and those with chronic illness have more stress than the rest of us.

Caregivers

If you fall into either category, that’s not news to you.

• Over half (55 percent) of caregivers report feeling overwhelmed
• On a 1 to 10 scale (10=great deal of stress), caregivers reported 6.5
• The general population averaged stress at 5.2
• Caregivers are more likely to have a chronic illness – 82 percent vs 61 percent

The report also separates results for men versus women and by various generations.

 Gender

• 88 percent of women report a very strong/strong stress-related impact on their general health
• 78 percent of men report a very strong/strong impact
• 70 percent of women report attempting to reduce stress in the last 5 years
• 50 percent of men made attempts in the last 5 years

Generations

• Millenials – 18 to 32 year-olds – average 5.4 on the level of stress
• Generation X – 33 to 46 year-olds – average 5.6 level of stress
• Boomers - 47 to 65 year-olds - average 4.9 level of stress
• Matures – over age 65 - average 4.5 level of stress

Either we get better at coping with stress as we age or we have convinced ourselves that we are.

Region

According to the report, where we live makes a difference.

Perception or reality? You be the judge.

• Easterners report higher levels of stress (5.4)
• Midwesterners are more likly to report an increase in stress
• Southerners appear to better recognize the impact of stress
• Westerners report they are among the healthiest in the U.S.

Let the battles begin.

Impact

Stress is making us angry, nervous, sad and producing a whole host of nagging discomfort.

Although we know we should eat healthy and exercise, we rank that lower than other behaviors.

1. Good family relationships – 76 percent
2. Managing stress – 61 percent
3. Getting enough sleep and good friendships – 60 percent for each
4. Doing well in career/studies = 59 percent
5. Eating well and exercising – 54 percent for each

For a copy of the complete survey report, click here.

I have seen first-hand the toll that stress takes on a caregiver. With 72 million aging baby boomers, the caregiver role will become even more prevalent.

There are resources available and tips for helping. These are just a few.

USA.gov – Caretaker resources

Medicare.gov - Caretaker videos/resouces

Caregiver.com – Magazine, resources for caregivers

How would you rate your stress level?

What steps do you take for reducing stress?

Do you think you are doing enough?

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Notice of Disclaimer –Cathy Miller is not a healthcare provider and cannot provide medical advice. The information provided is for your general background only, and is not intended to constitute medical advice as to your specific circumstances. We recommend you review health issues with your physician.

BigStock Photo Credit

BigStock Photo Credit

BigStock Photo Credit

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