This edition of Hood Health delves into one of the most common diseases in the urban community
By Nakeasha Johnson

A vast majority of American suffer from moderate to high levels of stress. According to a survey that the APA (American Psychological Association) conducted in 2010, 44% of the individuals polled reported that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Many respondents had concerns about money, work and the economy at the top of their list being the most frequently cited sources of stress. Outside of this survey many of us often feel stressed and look for ways to balance ourselves out or simply cope. Stress can have many side effects. It can produce anything from migraines, sleeplessness, to weight gain, irritability, and depression. Of the individuals surveyed 2/5 reported that they overeat or eat unhealthy foods due to the amount of stress that they experience. Listed below are some ideas or tools to help you combat unhealthy stress levels
Actions that you can take:
1. Unplug from the World Wide Web
The internet is not going anywhere. You have to get over the notion that you will somehow miss something.
2. Turn off your phones
Not every call is important. You must carve out time to attend to your needs.
3. Be selfish
I am not saying this to mean that you should be selfish with regard to others, but with yourself. Take the time, space, and energy needed to replenish yourself.
4. Find a hobby
Pick any activity that you enjoy to do and simply DO IT. This has the amazing ability to relax you.
Herbs that promote relaxation:
*​Lemon Balm
*​Lavender
*​Valerian Root
*​Passionflower
*​Chamomile
*​Kava
The APA also stated that Americans cite lack of willpower as the biggest barriers to adopting healthier behaviors. 70% of those polled believe that willpower is something they can learn or improve, if only they had more money, energy or confidence in their ability to change. Psychologist Kathryn Henderson, PhD, director of school and community initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University stated that the responses from those individuals are misguided, but not surprising given our culture’s emphasis on personal responsibility. She asserts that the respondents are mistakenly looking to some kind of inner strength to make the kinds of health behavior changes we want to see, when the reality is in large part that they’re at the mercy of their environment. Further stating, the job really is to teach people how to structure their environment to increase the likelihood of making healthy choices at any given time. Ultimately, it is up to you to be dedicated and committed to reducing your stress and increasing your healthy habits. It is also important to prepare yourself for your success, meaning, create an environment that supports or promotes the goals that you are trying to achieve. Stay healthy and be well! Follow me on Twitter @NakeashaJ

-Nakeasha Johnson(@NakeashaJ)