Better health results from less stress

Unexplainable headaches, nausea, neck and lower back pain -- are these familiar complaints? Health experts believe stress may be responsible for a variety of health problems, including lower back, shoulder and neck pain, headaches, ulcers, infertility, high blood pressure and even cancer.

A healthy diet, proper exercise and simple relaxation techniques can relieve or even prevent the physical and mental symptoms of everyday stress.

Diet

Remember this simple rule of healthy eating: "garbage in, garbage out." To fight the effects of stress, your body must have a dependable and quality energy supply. Begin each day with a good breakfast, avoid caffeine as much as possible, and try reaching for an apple or carrot instead of a candy bar when you feel like snacking.

Exercise

Exercise provides a physical outlet for pent-up emotions, and actually uses up the natural byproducts of stress: increased blood sugar, heart rate and muscle tension. Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week) will give you the strength to fight off fatigue and illness. Home videos or even music television offer an easy, fun way to establish a regular exercise routine at home.