I watched a very interesting show on PBS last week. It is a series that is exploring the connections between socioeconomic status and health. there are obvious connections but there were some interesting biological connections as well. apparently, stress and other related problems can actually release a chemical in your bloodstream that causes buildup in your arteries and has direct affects on heart disease, etc. especially in the lower income demographics. being in complete control of your environment really changes your biology.
it especially hit me because two of our nieces really have had to grow up fast, their mom has struggled for years and they have been bounced around between family and around the country. the older one really stresses about it all and already has ulcers at 11! it's tragic.
some very interesting stuff though. the series is three more weeks on thursday nights at 10 and here is a link to it, there is a trailer there and other info. check it out.
peace
http://www.pbs.org/unnaturalcauses/
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2 comments:
Jordan,
The number 1 killer in our country is not heart disease but stress. It is the true cost of the American debt dream. Lower economic classes work and stress to pay the bills paycheck to paycheck and the upper classes enjoy lower stress, better healthcare, and the longevity that goes with it. It makes one wonder though it this is a necessary cycle. My parents have always been "upper-lower class" or "lower-middle class" due to 5 kids and one income, but they show no signs of stressful aging. Maybe true faith in God should drive fear and stress away? I just can't accept that lower economic status means a stressful life. Maybe stress is a choice or a consequence for doubting Gods plans for your circumstances. Interesting post! I hope more discussion follows.
i agree that stress and how stressful your life is is mostly in your control. however, even if you are far from debt, illness, etc. but still work a nominal job as an underling (as i actually do, "darn-it!!") the stress, though minimal, of simply not being in charge of yourself is enough to bring stress on, according to this series. simply the difference in being the supervisor or the supervisee changes the stress level internally. so on that level i agree with the idea and i think some of that is indeed out of your control. doesn't modern societal structure demand that not everyone be at the top of the company? doesn't the strucutre (right or wrong) demand that some work underneath others? perhaps this percentage of workers we could classify as appropriately stressed only in relation to their job?
perhaps greater equality beings to shift all of this.
hmmm?
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