Melissa Bella, age 13,of Beaumont, Texas, for her question:

HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT THE BODY?

Stress is a body condition that may occur when a person faces

a threatening or unfamiliar situation. Stress causes a person's energy

and strength to increase temporarily. The body also increases its

defenses. All these bodily changes may help an individual overcome

challenges and dangers.

    If stress continues for weeks or months, it may damage or exhaust

certain organs and lead to various illnesses. Doctors say that people

canhelp themselves stay in good health by avoiding lengthy stress.

Stress alters the functioning of most parts of the body, including

the brain, the muscles and the internal organs. These changes increase

a person's ability to meet a variety of stressors. Causes of stress

are called stressors.

    Stress starts with certain bodily changes that last from a few

minutes to a few hours. Their effects include keener senses and increased

energy and strength.

    Other changes develop gradually and may continue for weeks or

months if a stressor persists. They heighten the body's ability to

check inflammation and to destroy germs and poisons. Stress can also

cause the body to build up its stores of sugar, which supplies energy.

Apart of the brain called the hypothalamus regulates the body's

responses to stressors. Nerve or chemical signals alert the hypothalamus

when a stressor occurs.The hypothalamus then triggers the release

of chemicalmessengers called hormones from various glands into the

bloodstream.

    Theshort term changes of stress result chiefly from the hormone

called adrenalin.This hormone is secreted by the inner part of each

adrenal gland.

    Prolonged stress may temporarily exhaust the adrenal glands or

otherorgans that help the body maintain enough energy and resist

disease.Lengthy stress also weakens internal membranes.

 

    Doctors recommend three main ways to help prevent stress related

illnesses:

    1) Avoid continual stress. A person facing a long series of stressors

    should plan periods of relaxation.

    2) Learn to handle troublesome situations with a minimum of stress.

    3) Pay special attention to your health when stress does occur.

    A healthful way of life and appropriate medical care can prevent a

stress related illness from developing or becoming serious.

Doctorstell us that prolonged and severe stress can lead to potentially

fatal conditions.Such conditions include shock, which is a general

weakening of the vital processes of the body, and cardiac arrest,

or heart failure.