Stress and Students
The powerful chemicals triggered by stress dampen or suppress the immune system - the network of organs, tissues and white blood cells that defend against disease. Impaired immunity makes the body more susceptible to many diseases including infections (from the common cold to tuberculosis) and disorders of the immune system itself.
Traumatic stress, such as losing a loved one through death or divorce, can impair immunity for as long as a year. Even minor hassles take a toll. Under exam stress, students experience a dip in immune function and a higher rate of infections. Ohio State University researchers found a significant drop in the immune cells that normally ward off infection and cancer in medical students during exam periods. So whether you are a political science major or studying to become a nutritionist, stress can take a toll on your immune system. Certain uplifts including altruism, and humor may buffer the harmful effects of stress. In studies of college students, watching video tapes of comedians bolstered immune function. Altruism may be good for the body as well as the soul. Students who provided services to others or who watched a tape of Mother Teresa caring for the poor showed temporary boost of immunity.
The Digestive System is also affected by stress. D0 you ever get butterflies in your stomach before giving a speech in class or before a big game? The digestive system is, as one psychologist puts it, "an important stop on the tension trail." To avoid problems, pay attention to how you eat. Eating on the run, gulping food, or overeating result in poorly chewed foods, an overworked stomach, and increased abdominal pressure. The combination of poor eating habits and stress add up to real pain in the stomach. Tomorrow we can touch on some ways to manage stress.
