health psychology

Did anyone set any goals to improve or maintain their health this year?

In addition to eating healthier, exercising, and getting medical care when needed, an often overlooked tool in the quest for health is counseling. In the field of health psychology numerous studies have shown that people with many illnesses and conditions survive and thrive better when they participate in counseling in addition to getting medical advice and treatment. Many physicians recommend to their patients that they attend counseling.

The list of maladies that have been shown to be improved and/or better coped with by participating in counseling includes:

• Insomnia
• Hypertension
• GERD
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cancer
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Addictive disorders (including tobacco use)
• Diabetes
• AIDS
• Chronic pain (including arthritis)
• Asthma
• Headaches
and many more.

Having an illness or limiting condition can be very stressful and can affect work and relationships. Learning to deal with stress more effectively can enhance one’s immune system and make it less likely to get sick in the first place. Many people reading this article (and their families) have available a totally free and confidential resource to get counseling. Consider calling your friendly neighborhood Employee Assistance Program to help get on and/or stay on the track to better health.

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