Newsletter
The Shelby County Chamber BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
Don’t Stress Your Heart Out We know stress can take a toll on our lives and that limiting stress is important for long-term health, but how does stress affect our bodies, and most importantly, what can we do about it? HOW STRESS AFFECTS US According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, long-term activation of your body’s stress response system, along with prolonged exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones, can put you at risk for: • Headaches and migraines • Depression • Heart disease and high blood pressure • Stomach issues such as diarrhea, vomiting or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) During stress, as part of the fight or flight response, the body responds with elevated blood pressure in order to increase and redistribute energy and also activates the immune system. However, prolonged stress over time
forces the heart to work harder, which can lead to hypertrophy and adversely suppress immunity, digestion, sleep and reproductive systems. A recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions conference found that stress from traumatic events as well as long-term stress at home and work led to a nearly 200% higher risk of new Type 2 diabetes cases in older women. Diabetes, a disease in which the body doesn’t regulate blood sugar properly, can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. HOW TO IDENTIFY AND MANAGE STRESS 1. Recognize the signs of stress on your body, such as sleep difficulty, increased alcohol
or other substance use, feelings of depression, low or no energy or being easily angered. 2. Talk to your doctor or health care provider. 3. Get regular exercise. A 30-minute walk can provide a mental boost to help you reset and recharge. 4. Do something relaxing, such as yoga, tai chi or other gentle forms of recreation.
5. Set goals and priorities and learn to say no to those that overload your schedule or attention. 6. Stay connected to people who can provide emotional or other types of support. 7. If you’re overwhelmed, seek help from a health professional. Taking control of stress will help both mentally and physically, so don’t let it get the best of you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Shelby County’s Business Climate in 2021 Will Be ____________? Your Chamber is teaming up again this year with the University of Montevallo’s Stephens College of Business to determine what Shelby County business people think our local 2021 business outlook will look be. To do that, we’re asking Chamber investors to take a few moments to complete our Business Climate Survey developed by the
Chamber’s Small Business Work Group & Dr. Stephen Craft, Dean of the Stephens College of Business to provide important feedback on business issues affecting your company in 2021. All individual responses will be kept confidential, but the overall results will be released and shared in composite during the Chamber’s 2021 Business Outlook
1301 COUNTY SERVICES DR.
Conference co-hosted by the Stephens College of Business. In addition, the information will also be shared with economic developers,
elected officials and the media so we’ll all have a better idea of what business people like you think 2021 will hold for Shelby County.
PELHAM, AL, 35124