Stress

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 3, 2008 -- The long Fourth of July weekend offers an excellent opportunity to take a break from the stress and intense emotions caused by the recent storms, tornadoes and floods.

Everyone is affected by a disaster, even if they don't suffer direct losses. Emotions such as grief, sadness, shock, anger, helplessness and hopelessness are natural. Experts say it is important to talk about those emotions.

Stress caused by loss or traumatic experience can sneak up on people, too. It may not be recognized for weeks or months after the experience.

Here are warning signs of stress to be aware of:

* Trouble concentrating or remembering things;
* Difficulty making decisions;    » read more »

HOUSTON, Sept. 3, 2007 – Osteopontin (OPN), a protein molecule involved in many different cellular processes, plays a significant role in immune deficiency and organ atrophy following chronic physiological stress, resulting in increased susceptibility to illness. These findings appear in the September 4th issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.    » read more »