Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Individual Protective Factors

Understanding Stress and Neck Pain

Neck pain and stress are closely interconnected, forming a cycle where one often exacerbates the other. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, as the body reacts to perceived threats. This tension may cause stiffness, discomfort, or even chronic pain. Conversely, persistent neck pain can increase stress levels by disrupting daily activities and sleep, leading to frustration

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Tobacco-Related Mortality

Overall, mortality rates among smokers in the United States are about three times higher than those of non-smokers, primarily due to smoking-related diseases such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and vascular diseases. Smokeless tobacco also poses significant health risks, being a known cause of cancer and potentially increasing the risk of sudden death due to heart arrhythmias caused by nicotine. As the leading preventable cause of death in the United States,

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How to Cope With Depression and Anxiety at the Same Time

Coping with depression and anxiety simultaneously can feel like being pulled in two conflicting directions, each vying for control. Depression might whisper that you’re too exhausted to move, urging you to stay in bed and disengage, while anxiety pushes you toward overthinking and constant activity, making rest seem impossible. Studies suggest that between 20% and 40% of people with depression or anxiety experience both, highlighting how intertwined these conditions can

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Cannabis and Driving

Studies have shown a link between acute cannabis use and car crashes, though further research is needed. It is challenging to directly connect the presence of cannabis or the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for cannabis’s “high,” to driving impairment in individuals. Additionally, research indicates that using multiple substances, like cannabis and alcohol, simultaneously can significantly increase impairment. Cannabis impacts parts of the brain responsible for movement,

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