The Hammonton Gazette 05/15/19 Edition | Page 4

Stockton, AtlantiCare host ‘Mental Health Lunch and Learn’ Wednesday, May 15, 2019 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3 KRAMER, from Page 2 and you’ll get a sudden burst of energy. this response is basic and natural and is what kept our ances- tors from falling victim to hungry predators,” Marino said. Stress affects the majority of people in the same basic ways, but the situations that causes stress are highly subjective and vary de- pending on the individual, Marino said. Stress begins to take a toll on personal mental and physical health when its effects are pro- longed and accompanied by a gen- eral feeling of helplessness. During situations of chronic stress, Marino said the body re- leases elevated levels of cortisol, which can leave people in a con- stant state of inflammation. When this happens, the systems of the body that aren’t needed during chronic stress (digestion, repro- duction) are essentially shut down temporarily. Due to the fast-paced and demanding nature of today’s society, Marino said that in addi- tion to being the most dangerous, chronic stress is also the type of stress that affects most people. “We are all running nonstop, working, caring for families and trying to meet never-ending obli- gations that have us in a constant state of stress. But people affected by it may see no way to escape its oppressive hold on them,” Marino said. Some of the most common symptoms of chronic stress in- clude fatigue, headache, upset stomach, muscle tension, irritabil- ity/anger, nervousness, lethargy, feeling dizzy, teeth-grinding and a change in appetite. When someone detects some of these symptoms, Marino said they can usually mit- igate them through various coping skills, such as learning to relax, re- moving oneself from the things or situations that are stressors and ex- ercising regularly. However, if the symptoms of chronic stress are se- vere, Marino advised seeking medical attention in order to find the source of stress and find out the way to manage it. regardless of what type of stress someone is facing, Marino said it’s important to immediately attempt to reduce stress as soon as symptoms start to arise. this can be done through various ground- ing techniques that help keep the mind from dwelling on a stressful Now carrying Blush by Hayley Paige and Maggie Sottero We carry gorgeous dresses by: One Sindoni Lane, Suite C, Hammonton (609) 270-7886 • www.meadowsbridalshop.com Hayley Paige, Maggie Sottero Casablanca, Mori Lee, and so much more! THG/Stephen Pistone. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. On May 7, Stockton University Kramer Hall Wellness Specialist Joe Marino, of AtlantiCare’s Health Engagement division, led a lunch and learn workshop about finding a balance in living with technology and mapping out different ways to balance life to ultimately reduce stress. situation, which can often exacer- touch, or even through soothing bate stress levels. movement,” Marino said. irregular sleeping habits are also “the fastest way to reduce this stress is by taking a deep breath highly detrimental to stress levels and using your senses. So, it’s and can also contribute to several what you see, hear, taste and See AtLANtICARE, Page 4 DiMeglio Septic , Est. 1975 ~ DEP 03261 ~ Paul DiMeglio Inc. 1 (800) 427-4617 ~ 561-1007 ~ 561-3597 491 White Horse Pike • Ancora, NJ • Grease Trap Cleaning • Portable Toilets • Septic Certifications • Jetting Service