HEALTH IS WEALTH

It’s a great pity that most of our people are unaware as of to what particular state of health they are in. Knowledge of these vital stages of health could possibly prevent them from progressing early into the second stage (resistant stage). If one is careful about his general health, then, he may still live longer and could still enjoy a longer lifespan. however, if he reaches the third stage (Exhaustion stage) – a serious stage, then, his health becomes precarious for this is an irreversible stage wherein death comes anytime. Dr. Hans Selye studied this concept of physiological stress response of our body and terms it as –“General Adaptation Syndrome.”These response symptoms represent a universal pattern of defense reactions serving to protect the persons overall health and its integrity.

The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) consists of a series of three stages – alarm, resistance, and exhaustion – corresponding to the three different reactions of the body to any stressful situation.

The three stages are: 1. Alarm stage. This is the initial reaction to stress and is marked by activation of the fight-flight response (a physiological arousal which helps to cope with survival and threatening situations) and maintain the body’s homeostasis (balanced the optimum function of the body). however, the body’s defense is slightly dropped because of the threat to one’s well-being. there is no psychosomatic problem at this stage yet. Individual is still coping well if he lives very carefully and avoids destructive vices and bad habits.

2. Resistance stage. This is the period when the body will react to the continued and prolonged stresses. most of the physiological responses return to normal levels, but the body uses up great stores of energy.

Adaptation resources are immobilized (i.e. endocrine and immune systems, glucose, minerals, etc.) to combat the stressors and are still helping maintain its physiological functions and integrity. the person does no realize that resistance stage is taking a toll on his organ causing psychosomatic symptoms (example: stomach pains, indigestion, hyperacidity, high blood pressure, etc.) the person just self-medicates himself or may visit a doctor who prescribes some medicines to palliate his complaints. He is like a boxer who still continues to fight but becoming weaker and wobbly and just hopes to end the round win or lose.

3. Exhaustion stage. the s tres s s till continues uncontrollably over several months. A lot of medications are prescribed after several consultations just to maintain dear life. This stage is marked by actual breakdown of some internal organs, a full-blown stomach ulcer, heart failure, renal trouble, uncontrollable hypertension, diabetes, etc. the person is exhausted and suddenly collapses and needs immediate hospitalization. If his infection-fighting immune system weakens markedly, and has not been treated succes sfully, the organ now totally breaks down and death results. so if one cannot control the incessant stress in his life, then, stress will surely kill him.

Don’t ever blame anyone, or God, but you for your ignorance and hardheadedness.