April 2025 News From the Nurse

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Stress is considered one of our biggest public health challenges. 

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that ‘although it’s a common belief that

mental health and physical health are separate issues, the reality is that they often cannot be

separated; experiencing stress can lead to many kinds of ailments. In fact, mental and physical

health are two sides of the same coin. Experiencing distress in one’s life can lead to physical

health problems like heart disease, insomnia, digestive issues, and immune system challenges,

while also being a culprit for serious mental health disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder

and major depressive disorder.’ 

• Practice meditation. One of the most effective ways to deal with stress is to learn how to

silence the mind. Meditation is one of the most popular methods of achieving this quiet.

• Incorporate exercise. Another way to battle the effects of stress is to exercise. Whether

you’re a jogger, cyclist, or just like to take walks, be sure to get some fresh air and exercise

into your daily routine.

• Reach out to your social circle. You don’t have to share your story with the whole world, but

it’s well advised to engage with people whom you trust. As the old saying goes, “A problem

shared is a problem halved.”

• Be kind! Kindness costs nothing, and can make a huge difference in someone’s life!