From nurse to accountant, construction worker to chief executive officer, the number of Americans who report that they are stressed at work is high — between 26 and 40 percent — and it could be going higher. Stress in the workplace can have significant health consequences, such as getting more colds or even developing heart disease.

Early warning signs of workplace stress can range from headaches and sleep disturbances, to difficulty in concentrating and stomach problems. Chronic conditions linked to stress include cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal and psychological disorders. Stressful work conditions also may contribute to workplace injury, suicide and ulcers.

Combating workplace stress can be approached from several different fronts. Start by identifying the causes of stress and determine if they can be changed or not. Some other steps that can be taken to manage a stressful workplace include the following:

• Get off to a good start by eating a healthy breakfast, planning ahead, and having a positive attitude.

• Set expectations and have a clear understanding of what is required to get your job done.

• Try to stay away from conflict by avoiding office gossip.

• Stay organized so you can be more efficient.

• Pace workday activities by tackling more demanding projects in the morning when you are fresh and doing easier work in the afternoon when you may be tired.

• Take breaks throughout the day to help unwind or enroll in an after-work exercise program to lift your mood

• Focus on one job at a time, do it well, and then move on the next item on your agenda.

• Listen to music on the way home to help relieve stress after work.

To help you identify your particular stress profile, take the free, online stress assessment on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/ResponsetoStress.

Photo credit: iStock/Thinkstock

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Spring flowers, buds on trees and sprouts of new grass may look pretty this time of year, but for some people, spring brings the worst of the seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Others may start the sneezing, wheezing and coughing, associated with allergies more in summer and fall, when grasses and weeds are pollinating. There also are the unlucky ones who react to allergens like spores, dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander that cause symptoms throughout the year.

So what can you do if you don’t want to spend the whole springtime looking at flowers through the window? If your symptoms become severe, talk to your doctor. There are several prescription medications designed to treat these types of allergies. Over-the-counter allergy medications also are available to treat allergy symptoms. Other at-home treatment options may include using a sinus rinse or wash to gently clear mucus and allergens from nasal and sinus passages. Other ways to help avoid airborne allergens include:

• Keeping doors and windows closed and using an air conditioner at home and in the car.

• Not hanging laundry, especially bedding, outside.

• Limiting outdoor activity early in the morning when pollen counts are higher.

• Staying inside when it’s windy outside.

• Replacing air conditioner filters monthly and using a high-efficiency particulate air filter.

• Wearing a dust mask when outside, especially for activities like gardening.

• If possible, avoid mowing the lawn or raking leaves, since these activities send more pollen into the air.

• Using special cases to enclose pillows, mattresses and box springs to limit exposure to dust mites.

To learn more about allergies — and how to avoid seasonal triggers — visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/SeasonalAllergies.

Photo credit: iStock/Thinkstock

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com