3.

Explains relationship of health behaviors (eating habits

sleep and stress management) to health risks factors and
physical activity assessment performance.
13. Participates in an organized event that addresses
health/recreation issues and concern.
15. Displays initiative, responsibility and leadership in
recreational activities.
16. Recognizes one's potential for health and recreation-
related career opportunities
How you respond to that stress makes a If you suffer from anxiety, or fear you may be
difference in your mental and physical health. suffering from it, speak with your doctor about
whether you need treatment.
Excessive stress can lead to emotional and physical
symptoms, such as muscle tension, neck and back When job and family commitments are on overload,
pain, sleeplessness or shortness of breath, said time management can be an enormous help. It
Barry J. Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and director makes you feel in control of your schedule and
of behavioral sciences for the Crozer-Keystone makes it easier to deal with unanticipated “curve
Family Medicine Residency Program in Springfield, balls,” Jacobs said.
Pennsylvania.
Parents who set unrealistic expectations for
Stress may also affect behaviors and factors that themselves may contribute to family stress and/or
increase the risk of heart disease. Those include amplify it. When juggling a full-time job and
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, family, try your best, and realize you aren’t
overeating, and physical inactivity.
superhuman.
Sometimes it’s possible to change stressful
“Children don’t need perfect parents,” Jacobs said.
circumstances. If not, attempt to change your
“They need good enough parents.”
reactions to those circumstances, said Jacobs.
Whether you’re a parent or not, leisure time is
Good nutrition, exercise and adequate sleep all
important. Finding opportunities to relax —
can help you cope with stress. There are also ways
whether getting together with friends, going to a
to handle stressful situations at the moment,
movie or enjoying a hobby — can be rejuvenating
including breathing exercises, meditation or visual
and help reduce stress.
imagery to help you relax, Jacobs said.
If you receive paid vacation or personal days at
Physical activity can calm you, improve your mood
your job, taking advantage of that benefit can help
and help you curtail unhealthy habits that may have
reduce stress while refreshing your outlook when
developed because of stress. Being more active can
you return to work.
help you quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight or
lower your blood pressure.
After a period of declining use of vacation days,
more Americans may be starting to change their
Walking is one of the most popular and least
vacation habits by using more paid days off,
expensive forms of physical activity. Research has
according to Project: Time Off.
shown that brisk walking at least 150 minutes per
week can make a big difference in improving
Finances obviously have an enormous impact on
health.
people’s lives and can play a role in generating
unhealthy stress. In fact, it’s one of the main
While stress may be common when facing
sources of worry, Jacobs said.
deadlines and busy schedules, it should not be
confused with anxiety, Jacobs noted. Persistent
stress can escalate to anxiety, a more acute
condition possibly leading to problems such as
sleep deprivation and panic attacks.