You can't avoid stress -- it's everywhere! And no matter the source of your stress, it's doing certain things to your body. Take this quiz to find out what's going on when stress sets in.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), what percentage of all illnesses and disease is stress-related?
25 percent
60 percent
90 percent
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Medical research suggests that up to 90 percent of all illness and disease is stress-related.
What happens in the mouth and throat during stress?
You scream your head off.
All of your saliva disappears and you can't swallow.
Your brain produces a cinnamon flavor to calm you down.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
During times of acute stress, fluids are diverted from nonessential locations, including the mouth. This causes dryness and difficulty talking. In addition, stress can cause spasms of the throat muscles, making it difficult to swallow.
the parts of the brain which become active during a stress episode
blood clots in the heart caused by chronic stress
steroid hormones, such as the stress hormone cortisol
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones, a class that includes the primary stress hormone cortisol. The HPA systems trigger the production and release of these hormones.
Why do neurotransmitters suppress areas in the brain concerned with short-term memory, concentration and inhibition during a stressful event?
so that you have no memory of the experience
to enable you to react quickly to the stressor
so that you won't feel pain if you die
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
During a stressful event, neurotransmitters suppress activity in areas at the front of the brain concerned with short-term memory, which allows the person to react quickly to the stressor. At the same time, neurotransmitters signal the hippocampus to store the experience in long-term memory.
What is the circulatory system's response to stress?
Blood flow decreases by approximately 50 percent.
Blood flow increases slightly.
Blood flow increases by 300 to 400 percent.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
During the stress response, the spleen discharges red and white blood cells, allowing the blood to transport more oxygen throughout the body. Blood flow may increase 300 to 400 percent, priming the muscles, lungs and brain for added demands.
Children often experience stress. What did the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend in 2006 as a way to combat stress in children?
Children should get involved in after-school activities, such as karate or chess, which could help them deal with stress.
There should be more unstructured play time for children.
They recommended three forms of psychiatric therapy for children.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
A report issued in October 2006 by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended more unstructured play time for children. The report noted that today's overscheduled, hurried lifestyle was a source of stress and anxiety for children.
Which vitamin has been shown to reduce stress levels but also carries the possible side effects of headaches, diarrhea and kidney stones?
B
C
D
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
In one 2002 study, high doses of vitamin C reduced stress levels and blood pressure. However, the doses given were higher than the recommended upper limit of 2,000 mg per day. High doses may cause headaches and diarrhea. Long-term use increases risk for kidney stones and has other adverse effects in specific individuals.