Cultural Stress - Part 2

To continue the article I was talking about in the last post, various things contribute to the manifestation of stress...

Dr. Murad says "Cultural Stress" presents itself in three facets:

• Externally -- With extreme skin dehydration, that results in inflammation, hyper pigmentation, dullness and adult acne.
  
• Internally -- Americans eat quickly and often times badly, with 46% of food expenditures on unhealthy fast foods. Poor diet and lack of sleep results in a decrease in efficient brain function and a rapid decline in creativity. Deficiency in foods rich with Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA-3) leads to various ailments including stress; lack of Omega 3's in food may aid in depression. "The saying you are what you eat is true and extends to your thoughts -- which are directly connected to what you eat," says Dr. Murad.
  
• Emotionally -- Blackberrys, cell phones and ipods are all communication tools to stay more connected. However Dr. Murad's notes patients come in, complaining of feeling alone and isolated, while hooked up to them. "Keeping up with the fast pace of life means people aren't talking, aren't touching, and aren't communicating with the all important personal touch. This has a direct effect on our emotional health".
  

And studies echo Dr. Murad's findings. A recent Los Angeles Times article reports Americans have fewer close friends than they did almost two decades ago. "Longer work hours, lengthier commutes and the substitution of Internet connections for live ones ... contributed to the breakdown of social networks."

"Cultural Stress", says Dr. Murad starts young. "It's a vicious and escalating cycle. New parents are anxious about getting their child into the best preschool, placing said unborn child on a waiting list. Once in school, pressure increases, with scheduled play dates and extra-curricular activities. This cycle, to constantly keep up and do better, inducts children early into a culture of stress. Coupled with school, work and increasing affluence, children grow into adults facing the far-reaching effects of 'Cultural Stress'. Trying to keep up with more activities requires more money, resulting in longer hours spent at work." According to a U.S. government report, Americans now put in more hours on the job, than workers in any other nation.