Promoting Health: Stress and Health - Essay Example

The impact of stress on health outcomes has been widely documented in various studies, thus offering a deeper insight into the nature and extent of damage caused by it to individual health. Studies suggest that stress causes the nervous system to activate and release substances such as epinephrine and nor-epinephrine which ultimately leads to increased heart rate, blood pressure and failure of digestive systems. Stress has largely been identified as the key contributor to a range of cardiovascular disease and rendering the heart susceptible to heart related diseases (Anderson, 2004; Schneider, 2010).

The impact of chronic stress on individual health is even more hazardous, often leading to death in certain situations (Contrada, Baum, 2010). Stress and susceptibility: There is wide ranging evidence which establishes a strong link between stress and its susceptibility to a range of illnesses such as common cold and flu; other viral infections; the onset of IDDM; and similar infectious diseases (Contrada & Baum, 2010; Fink, 2010; Evans et al., 2011; Rice, 2000). Research conducted by various scholars indicates that there is a strong relationship between psychosocial stress and susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections. . of stress on changes in the immune function and studies which claim that psychological stress leads to increased risk of acute infectious respiratory illnesses (Graham, Doughlas, Ryan, 1986; Boyce et al., 1977). Furthermore there are evidences which indicate that stress leads to increase in obesity, heart disease, depression and other illnesses; cause unhealthy lifestyles, drug abuse, alcohol addiction and significantly increase an individual's vulnerability to cancer.

On the basis of these historical studies, it can be established that there is a strong relationship between stress and the immune system, whereby the increase in stress is known to lower the immune system thus increasing the susceptibility of the human body to deadly diseases such as cancer. According to some studies, there is a strong connection between psychological factors and increased risk of cancer although there is a general lack of a common consensus on the matter (Garssen, 2004; Dalton et al., 2002). Promoting health: Health interventions Mental health is considered as one of the most crucial health issues in present times.

According to statistics, approximately 450 million people are known to be suffering from some kind of mental health problems (WHO, 2011). Thus in order to address the negative repercussions caused due to mental health disorders such as stress for instance, several strategies and interventions have been developed over the years. These include creating a positive living environment which supports and allows individuals to lead a healthy lifestyle, and improve their changes to lead happy and disease free lives.

Intervention strategies can be introduced at national levels. Furthermore policies which encourage mental health promotion must be introduced and implemented through