The Impact of Stress on Healthcare Provider Visits and Healthcare Costs
We all feel it at some point or another; some have more than others. It may come daily or only once in a while. It effects almost all aspects of our lives. What is it? Stress.
Stress has become an inevitable part of our modern lives and has far-reaching consequences on our health. As we navigate the demands of daily life, stress can take a toll on our bodies and minds. Stress is so prevalent it is leading to an increased number of healthcare provider office visits and a significant surge in healthcare spending each year.
Numerous studies have linked chronic stress to various health issues that are constantly discussed in media, podcasts, medical interviews and within the discussion of longevity. These health issues include cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, mental health disorders, and weakened immune systems. According to the American Institute of Stress, an estimated 75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related complaints! This places a tremendous burden on healthcare providers who are already grappling with limited resources and increased patient demands.
Our body’s physiological response to stress, yes the "fight-or-flight" response, triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This response is essential for coping with immediate threats. Chronic stress leads to chronic activation of this system and can wreak havoc on the body. The constant influx of stress hormones can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and a compromised immune system, making individuals more susceptible to various illnesses.
Moreover, the link between stress and mental health cannot be ignored. Stress is a major risk factor for conditions like anxiety and depression, which further exacerbate physical health problems. The American Psychological Association reports that stress is a significant contributor to the rising prevalence of mental health disorders, leading to higher healthcare utilization rates and an increase in healthcare expenditures.
Stress does not just affect people, the economic impact of stress on healthcare costs is staggering. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine estimated that workplace stress costs the U.S. healthcare system over $190 billion annually. These costs encompass medical expenses, prescription medications, and lost productivity due to stress-related illnesses.
Stress, especially chronic stress, is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. It is essential to prioritize stress management and mental well-being in our daily lives. Below are a few actions that can help address stress in your life:
Implementing mindfulness practices
Engaging in regular physical activity
Maintaining a balanced diet
Seeking professional support when needed
These are just a few options to start to significantly reduce stress levels and mitigate its adverse effects on health. If stress leads to so many disease states and healthcare office visits, why not place more emphasis on treating the root cause not the downstream effects?
In conclusion, stress has become as a significant contributor to healthcare provider office visits and the substantial money spent on health problems each year. (Most likely everyone has felt the impacts of stress both physically and mentally. Becoming aware of this and acknowledging the global impact stress has on the body , we can take proactive steps to reduce its prevalence and improve our overall health. Perhaps this would decrease your risk of developing any of the chronic diseases stated earlier.
R. Henderson
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References:
1. American Institute of Stress. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.stress.org/
2. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Stress effects on the body. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
3. Lovallo, W. R. (2013). Stress and Health: Biological and Psychological Interactions. Sage Publications, Inc.
4. Loeppke, R., Taitel, M., Haufle, V., Parry, T., Kessler, R. C., & Jinnett, K. (2015). Health and Productivity as a Business Strategy: A Multiemployer Study. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 57(5), 524-530. doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000000437