A Stressed Nation_Amaricans Search for a Healthy Balance

A Stressed Nation:Americans Search

for a Healthy Balance

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4

Children Bring Added Joys, Added Stress to Parents ................................................ 8

Facing Various Stressors, Americans of All Ages Seek Better Management Techniques .................................................................... 10

Stress Proves a Thorn in the Side of Men Across America ...................................... 12

Women Face Increased Stress as Part of Balancing Act of Everyday Life ................ 14

The Midwest ........................................................................................................ 16

The Northeast ....................................................................................................... 18

The West .............................................................................................................. 20

The South ............................................................................................................. 22

About Healthy World ............................................................................................. 24

About TeleVox ....................................................................................................... 25

A Stressed Nation:Americans Search for a Healthy Balance

A Stressed Nation: Americans Search for a Healthy Balance2

About this StudyA Stressed Nation: Americans Search for a Healthy Balance is based on a

survey of more than 1,130 Americans ages 18 and older and 463 healthcare

providers representing a variety of specialties and disciplines. The research

was conducted in collaboration with Kelton Research using an email invitation

and an online survey format.

In the case of individuals, quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate

representation of the total U.S. population ages 18 and over. Results of any

sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation

is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of

the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances

are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than

3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had

been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

A Stressed Nation: Americans Search for a Healthy Balance 3

In a nation where we find ourselves consistently being measured for performance—ranging from career accomplishments to classroom success—it comes as no surprise that people across the nation are stressed to the max.

Around the country, Americans are struggling to find ways to deal with the

extreme levels of stress they are facing. Learning how to manage stress, or

even use it as a motivator, is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle.

Stress doesn’t have to be something we fear. In fact, a small level of stress

can be beneficial. According to Healthguidance.org, stress can offer

benefits if we turn negative feelings into a positive—a term coined eustress

by endocrinologist Hans Selye. Eustress can serve as a motivator, enhance

brain function, and harness nervous energy if managed properly. The key is

successful management of our surroundings—including daily life, work-related

issues, and our health—in order to allow us to benefit from this eustress.


However, many Americans haven’t developed the proper

techniques to manage their stress. In fact, the American

Psychological Association states that 20 percent of

Americans reported stress levels that are extreme (8, 9 or

10 on a 10-point scale), with the mean stress level a 4.9.

This stress is prevalent in many aspects of Americans’

lives. As reported by A Stressed Nation: Americans

Search for a Healthy Balance, stress is a part of many

people’s daily lives:

� Close to two-thirds, 64 percent, of

Americans reported stress during a

typical workday.

� 55 percent of Americans reported feeling

stressed during their everyday life.

� Nearly half (44 percent) of Americans said

they could do a better job of managing

their stress.

There are many stressors built into our daily lives. Finding

effective ways to manage these stressors leads to

healthier responses to stressful situations, such as not

getting upset when someone throws a project at you at

3:30 on a Friday afternoon or when you come home to a

messy house and hungry kids after a busy day at work.

In order to manage these high levels of stress, however, the

majority of healthcare providers recommend something

that each one of us can do: exercise. Obviously, taking

ten deep breaths or stepping away from the situation

for a minute can resolve an issue temporarily, making

yourself and everyone around you happier. But exercise

can be a daily way to relieve excess stress and release

healthy endorphins. Eighty-eight percent of doctors said

they would recommend exercise as a tool to combat

stress. This needs to be communicated more from doctor

to patient, however, because according to A Stressed

Nation, only 58 percent of Americans said their doctor has

suggested exercise as a way to control their stress level.

Adding exercise—be it a walk in the neighborhood, lifting

weights, or participating in a favorite sport or recreational

activity—to a daily routine can help many Americans

manage their stress.

Without successful management of stress, Americans

could face a variety of negative side effects. According

to A Stressed Nation, 52 percent of Americans reported

that stress is negatively impacting their life. And an even

higher number, 65 percent, of healthcare providers said

that stress is negatively impacting their patients’ lives.

Unfortunately, the health of the nation is being affected by

this stress. It can affect your body, mood and behavior. As

reported by the Mayo Clinic, stress has a host of negative

effects on the mind and body:

� Body: Headaches, muscle tension, chest

pain, fatigue, heart attack, stroke, cancer.

� Mood: Anxiety, restlessness, lack of

motivation, irritability, sadness, depression.

� Behavior: Overeating, angry outbursts,

drug or alcohol abuse, social withdrawal.

Americans who say their doctor has suggested exercise as a way to control their stress level

58%


Without a proper way to release stress—through

exercise, meditation, or talking with a doctor to find other

techniques—these health problems are going to continue

to negatively affect lives.

Fortunately, healthcare providers can help patients improve

their management of stress. Two-thirds (66 percent) of

providers said that emails, text messages, or phone calls

with personalized tips from doctors between visits would

help patients better manage their overall health, including

their stress level. Additionally, according to A Stressed

Nation, 61 percent of Americans would be interested in

and/or happy to receive communications from their doctor

with tips on how to manage stress. Keeping patients

actively engaged about managing their stress has to be a

concern, as 49 percent of Americans said they would be

more likely to ignore stress or treat a symptom of stress

than fix the overall problem. Without understanding where

that stressor is and how to manage it, many Americans will

continue to struggle with this problem.

Taking the step of opening the lines of communication

remains a problem, and healthcare providers need to

provide encouragement and feedback to their patients.

Currently, just 35 percent of Americans have taken the

step of discussing the negative impact of stress with

their healthcare provider. Additionally, the APA reports

that 53 percent of Americans said that their healthcare

provider offers little or no support to help them manage

stress. Giving patients the information needed to lead

healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally,

should be a priority for all providers. This is highlighted

by the fact that 91 percent of healthcare providers

reported that their patients could do a better job of

managing their current stress level. With healthcare

providers and patients working together, stress can be

managed effectively.

Healthcare providers can also play a part in helping

Americans understand the type of stress patients are

feeling. As reported by A Stressed Nation, 71 percent of

healthcare providers said their patients have discussed

their current stress level with them. Additionally,

34 percent of Americans reported they feel somewhat

or very stressed at the current moment. If Americans

understand their type of stress, healthcare providers can

help with solutions to help manage the stress.

71%Providers who say their patients have discussed their current stress level with them

43%Americans who say that learning how stress affects other aspects of their life would help them better manage their overall health and lifestyle

66% of providers say that emails, text messages, or phone calls with personalized tips from doctors between visits would help patients better manage their overall health, including their stress level.


As reported by the APA Help Center, stress can occur in

three different forms: acute stress, episodic acute stress

and chronic stress.

� Acute stress is the most common form of

stress that is brought forth by demands and

pressures of daily life. It can be exciting if it

comes in small doses and is highly treatable

and manageable.

� Episodic acute stress is seen most when

people have too many irons in the fire.

Trying to have excessive control (much like

the classic Type-A personality) or useless

worrying (known as the worry warts) can

lead to more stress daily.

� Chronic stress is the dark stress that

impacts our lives the most if not properly

managed. This type of stress wears people

down, literally destroying minds, bodies

and lives.

Finally, it is important to note that better stress

management will lead to a better overall lifestyle for

many Americans. According to A Stressed Nation,

43 percent of Americans said that learning how stress

affects other aspects of their life would help them

better manage their overall health and lifestyle. Carrying

stress over from one area of life to another can not only

ruin relationships in that area, but can put a negative

spin on what would otherwise be enjoyable activities.

Understanding how to manage stress in each different

area can give Americans more control of their lives while

leading to a healthy lifestyle.

Doctors who say they would recommend exercise as a tool to combat stress.88%


Children Bring Added Joys, Added Stress to Parents

There is no doubt that adding kids to a family brings joy and happiness. But it is also no surprise that it

creates more work and more responsibility. Parents reported more stress than non-parents because of

the additional responsibilities that are placed on their shoulders with children to care for. And while the

number of parents is down from decades past, the responsibility levels have remained constant.

According to the U.S. Census, 46 percent of families in

America have children under 18 at home, a number down

11 percent from the all-time high—57 percent—in 1963.

Parents still have the job of managing their children’s

lives—from getting them to school and activities on time

to taking care of managing their health—while juggling the

same responsibilities in their own lives that non-parents

have. Thus, it’s easy to see why stress levels for parents

are far greater than non-parents.

The surprise between the two groups, however, comes in

the gap in the numbers. According to A Stressed Nation:

Americans Search for a Healthy Balance, 65 percent

of American parents reported being stressed during

everyday life, while just 49 percent of non-parents said

they are affected on a daily basis. Obviously, taking care

of children—in addition to other responsibilities all adults

have—adds stress to parents’ lives.

In addition to the stresses of everyday parenthood,

American parents deal with the same stress that other

adults deal with at work. But for some reason, parents

reported a much higher amount of stress during the

workday. As A Stressed Nation reports, 74 percent of

parents (and just 56 percent of non-parents) reported

stress during a typical workday. Parents are constantly

thinking about what they have to do in their home life—

mothers even more than fathers, in fact. When adding

the stress that comes along with a job to this constant

worry, stress piles up around every corner and with

every new assignment.

Throwing all of these stressors into one makes far more

parents stressed at the current moment than non-

parents. According to A Stressed Nation, 46 percent

of American parents—compared with 29 percent of

non-parents—reported feeling stressed at the present

moment. And while stress can be a positive, and even

used as a motivator in some cases, 59 percent of parents

said that stress has negatively impacted their overall

health. Negative stress can lead to chronic headaches,

stomach pains, and even heart issues or stroke.

What many parents need to realize is that poorly

managing their own stress level can have a negative

impact on their children.


As reported by U.S. News Health, children with stressed-

out parents tend to eat more fast food, a leading cause

of childhood obesity. Additionally, Forbes highlighted

the Harry Harlow study from years ago that found that

a comforting image is more soothing to children than a

wire figure. Parents that appear stressed—inattentive,

irritable, or snippy—could cause emotional damage to

their children.

Understanding ways to manage negative stress is key

for parents to handle high-pressure situations. As A

Stressed Nation highlighted, 53 percent of parents

and 39 percent of non-parents said they could do a

better job of managing their stress. But how do they

do this? Parents, in particular, don’t have extra time to

spend experimenting with stress relievers. Talking with

healthcare providers is a great way to start because these

professionals have the expertise necessary to provide

insight on improving stress management. Unfortunately,

just 31 percent of non-parents and 41 percent of parents

have discussed the negative impact of stress on their

health with their doctor.

It is time for healthcare providers to give Americans the

encouragement they need by opening additional lines of

communication. And more than half of adults—66 percent

of parents and 57 percent of non-parents—said

they would be interested in and/or happy to receive

communication from their doctor with tips on how to

manage stress. Despite this desire for communication,

many Americans are not receiving the tips and feedback

they need. While counting to ten and stepping away from

the situation are short-term management tools, the Mayo

Clinic provides an example of the tips patients could

receive from providers on how to minimize the negative

effects stress has on their health:

� Think positively

� Change your emotional response

to stressors

� Embrace spirituality

� Protect your time

� Restore work-life balance

� Try meditation

� Keep your cool

� Maintain a social network to help

Understanding where stress comes from, as well as the

best way to manage it, is important for all Americans,

parents and non-parents alike. Because of the additional

stressors that come along with parenthood, parents

must begin talking with healthcare providers before their

health—or the health of their children—suffers because of

poor stress management.

Report being stressed during everyday life

Report a much higher amount of stress during the workday

Report feeling stressed at the present moment

Say they would be interested in and/or happy to receive communication from their doctor with tips on how to manage stress

PARENTS NON-PARENTS

65% 49%

74% 56%

49%

66%

29%

57%


Facing Various Stressors, Americans of All Ages Seek Better Management Techniques

Many things get better with age: As cheese ages the flavor is better, and many adult beverages take

time to acquire the perfect taste. It is even said that while parents love having their own kids, becoming

a grandparent is like having a second dessert. But when it comes to stress among Americans, young

adults are far more stressed than the older generations. Many young Americans are fresh into the

workplace— starting out on their own and beginning to raise a family—all of which come with stress.

Unlike younger adults, many older Americans have established a comfortable lifestyle for themselves.

They are reaching retirement age and the stressors of everyday life are decreasing.

As reported by the American Psychological Association,

half of all Millennials (ages 18-33), said that their stress

keeps them awake at night. They also reported their

average level of stress is a 5.4 on a 10-point scale, higher

than the 4.9 average among other age groups. One of the

biggest issues for this age group is the amount of debt

they are racking up and the inability for many to find a

good job. As reported by the Women’s Health Network,

many Americans are coming out of college with fresh

degrees, new ideas, and a motivation to work, but are

not finding jobs in their career field. When you are doing

something you don’t enjoy, your stress level increases

due to the lack of fulfillment you find in your work.

Part of the problem lies in the fact that many members

of the young generations do not know how to properly

manage their stress. According to A Stressed Nation:

Americans Search for a Healthy Balance, more 18-34 year

olds than any other age group reported they feel somewhat

or very stressed at the current moment—45 percent of

the youngest group, 37 percent of 35-44 year olds and

38 percent of 45-54 year olds. Additionally, more than half

of all age groups—led by 60 percent of the 18-34 year

olds—said that stress has negatively impacted their overall

health. Without a proper mechanism to release stress,

Americans are facing significant health problems.

This is where healthcare providers can step in. Providers

can initiate wellness visits, send out emails and

information on how to successfully manage stress, and

follow up with their patients to check their progress in

Millennials (ages 18-33) average level of stress on a 10-point scale

5.4

60% 18-34 year olds who say that stress has negatively impacted their overall health


following current treatment plans. Currently, according

to A Stressed Nation, Americans of all generations

reported they would be interested in and/or happy to

receive communications from their doctor with tips on

how to manage stress. Unfortunately, just over a third of

Americans (42 percent of 35-44 year olds, 38 percent of

45-54 year olds, and 34 percent 18-34 year olds) have

taken the step of discussing the negative impact of stress

on their health with their doctor. This communication

needs to occur more often, and both patients and

providers should place a higher level of importance on

ensuring that stress is managed successfully as part of a

healthy lifestyle.

Unfortunately, the sedentary lifestyle of Americans isn’t

aiding in combating stress. While healthcare providers

recommend exercise as a stress management tool, many

Americans do not have an active lifestyle. Exercise is a

proven stress reliever—it decreases stress hormones

such as cortisol, while increasing endorphins at the same

time. Endorphins are the body’s “feel good” chemicals.

When they are released, as they are during exercise, your

mood is naturally boosted As reported in a the TeleVox

Healthy World Report, The Obesity Epidemic: Unhealthy

Habits Result in a Growing Problem for Americans, 35-44

year olds led all age groups in reporting that not getting

enough exercise has negatively impacted their health.

The same group led all ages in A Stressed Nation with

69 percent (compared with 54 percent of 18-34 year olds

and 45-54 year olds) reporting their doctor suggested

exercise as a way to control their stress level.

Americans across the generations are struggling to find

the best way to balance the obligations of their busy

lifestyles, which also leads to their stress levels. As

reported by A Stressed Nation, close to two-thirds of all

Americans reported being stressed during everyday life:

65 percent of 18-34 year olds, 64 percent of 35-44 year

olds and 60 percent of 45-54 year olds. This isn’t really

surprising, as the youngest age group is starting families

and paying off student loans, while older generations

don’t have many of these stressors. The numbers do shift

slightly when looking at the work place:

� 35-44 year olds reported the most stress at

the workplace, 70 percent, likely because

this age group carries their stresses of work

home, and vice versa.

� 67 percent of 18-34 year olds reported

being stressed in the workplace. This age

group is new to the workplace and trying to

find their fit, as well as balance work with

the rest of their life.

� The lowest percentage, 60 percent, of

45-54 year olds reported being stressed

at work. This age group is settled into their

jobs and beginning to reach the downhill

slide to retirement, but more men in this age

group are still concerned with money.

Finding a balance to keep stress under control and

remain healthy should be a priority among Americans

of every age. A great way to accomplish this is to

talk with doctors and healthcare providers about the

options available to combat both. Working with these

professionals can help America to be less stressed for

years to come.

65% of 18–34 year olds



Americans who report being stressed during everyday life:


Stress Proves a Thorn in the Side of Men Across America

While it is no surprise women have a great deal of responsibility on their plate, leading to more stress

in their daily lives, men also find themselves battling stress on a daily basis. And while women reported

a majority of their stress to be in the home, more men than women believe that stress is negatively

affecting their health. Unfortunately for men across America, this leads to a higher risk of negative side

effects, ranging from indigestion and sleepless nights to heart disease and stroke.

Finding time to discuss stress with doctors and healthcare

providers needs to be a top priority for men. The best

way to go about doing this is regular interaction and

engagement with healthcare providers. With the advances

in technology, this can be as simple as health providers

sending an email, leaving a voicemail or sending a text

message between office visits with advice on how to be

more successful with managing stress. All of these options

can lead to a healthier and less stressed America.

As reported by A Stressed Nation: Americans Search

for a Healthy Balance, just one third of American men

(32 percent) have taken the step of discussing the impact

stress has on their health with their doctor. But healthcare

providers can provide the missing link between the

stressed world we live in and a more relaxed nation

in better health. Getting information into the hands of

patients on how to better manage stress is the key. Nearly

two-thirds (64 percent) of American men, eight percent

higher than American women, would be interested in and/

or happy to receive communications from their doctor

with tips on how to manage their stress.

Understanding where stress comes from is also a

vital part of managing the issue. According to Time

Magazine’s Healthland, American men cited three main

causes of stress and anxiety:

� Most men (69 percent) cited financial

problems and conflicts as their biggest stress.

� Sixty five percent of American men said

work was the driving force behind stress.

A Stressed Nation reported nearly the

same, as 64 percent of men across America

reported their biggest stress coming during

a typical workday.

� More than half of men, 56 percent, reported

their biggest stress is relationship issues.

Trying to start a relationship, or keep one

going, is stressful in and of itself.

The biggest difference between the amount of stress

reported by men and women comes in everyday life.

While a third of Americans—33 percent of men and


36 percent of women—reported they feel somewhat or

very stressed at the current moment, just 49 percent of

men said they are stressed during everyday life. That is

11 percent lower than the 60 percent of women that are

feeling stressed during their everyday life. Why is this?

Typically, men tend to devote more time to their job,

focusing on advancing in the workplace with promotions,

while women try to balance a career with duties on

the home front. And while men are taking on more

responsibilities in the home, the stress level associated

with this doesn’t seem to be quite the same.

The good news for men across America is that stress

can be successfully managed and can be channeled in

positive ways. According to Psychology Today, stress

doesn’t come from physical things: your kids, your

work, or traffic jams. Stress comes from your thoughts

about these situations and the anticipation of the

negative consequences that come along with them. So

understanding how to control these negative thoughts—

and not placing too much emphasis on the situations

that cause you the most stress—can lead to better

stress management.

Unfortunately, many men haven’t found a way to

effectively manage their stress and aren’t doing enough

to learn how. As reported by A Stressed Nation,

42 percent of men admitted they could do a better job of

managing their stress. Additionally, the same percentage

(42 percent) of men said that learning how stress affects

other aspects of their life would help them better manage

their overall health and lifestyle. Healthcare providers

across the country are willing and able to step in and

help, as they know stress can lead to chronic headaches,

sleepless nights and even heart issues and suicides.

Those that have talked to healthcare providers are turning

to exercise as a management tool, as 60 percent of men

said their doctor suggested getting active as a way to

manage stress.

No matter what tool is used, talking with doctors and

healthcare providers is a great first step for anyone

struggling with managing their stress. If it isn’t managed

early, stress can lead to an unhealthy America. Currently,

46 percent of men admit that stress has already

negatively impacted their overall health. Taking time to

talk with healthcare providers to reverse these effects

must be a priority for men across the nation.

64%Men who would be interested in and/or happy to receive communications from their doctor with tips on how to manage their stress

42%Men who say that learning how stress affects other aspects of their life would help them better manage their overall health and lifestyle


Women Face Increased Stress as Part of Balancing Act of Everyday Life

Life in general is a balancing act. Trying to devote the necessary time to home, work, and social life

can be a struggle. While women are becoming more established in the workplace, many household

responsibilities, including often taking on the main role in raising children, also fall on their shoulders

daily. Each aspect of life carries varying degrees of stress, and finding ways to properly manage these

stressors is key to a healthy lifestyle.

Men and women get stressed over different things, leading

to different negative health effects. According to the APA,

women were more likely to report that money (79 percent

to 73 percent of men) and the economy (68 percent

compared with 61 percent of men) cause them significant

stress daily. With the variation in stressors—and amount of

worry placed on each one—men and women clearly have

different side effects from stress. Unfortunately, women

report having both more physical and emotional stress-

related side effects than men. Many women said that

headaches and upset stomachs/indigestion have been

common for them in the last five years, as 49 percent of

women said their stress has increased in that same time

period compared with 40 percent of men.

While some stress in our lives is unavoidable, finding

ways to properly manage this stress is the key to better

health. Unfortunately, too many women across the nation

haven’t found effective ways to manage their stress.

According to A Stressed Nation: Americans Search for

a Healthy Balance, 58 percent of women admitted that

stress has negatively impacted their overall health. Not

only is physical health—headaches, an upset stomach

or something as severe as heart disease—affected,

but emotional stability is often compromised with poor

stress management. In fact, according to the American

Psychological Association:

� Women were three times more likely than

men to feel like they could cry as a result of

a stressful situation.

� Additionally, 31 percent of women

(compared with 21 percent of men) reported

that they are more likely to turn to food

when stressed out.

� And more women than men—42 percent

compared with 28 percent—said they need

encouragement from friends or family to

lead a less stressful lifestyle.

Where does this stress come from? A Stressed Nation

indicated that an equal percentage (64 percent) of men

and women report stress during a typical workday.


However, there is a significant gap between men and

women when reporting stress during everyday life.

Sixty percent of women—and just 49 percent of men—

feel daily stress. The difference may lie in the extra

responsibilities many women take on at home. In addition

to assuring schedules are balanced and maintained,

the pressures of presenting a positive image adds to

the stress women feel. And this stress is catching up to

women quickly. According to ABC News, middle-aged

women (ages 45-64) could be the first generation to not

outlive their male counterparts. And their life expectancy

is five to seven years shorter!

Proper stress management is key to reducing the

overwhelming feeling associated with stress. By

implementing the proper techniques, Americans can look

forward to a healthier lifestyle and longer life expectancy.

Unfortunately, more than half (55 percent) of American

women, as reported by A Stressed Nation, said they

would be more likely to ignore stress or treat a symptom

of stress than fix the problem. Healthcare providers

can reduce stress-related health issues by opening the

lines of communication. Currently, 37 percent of women

have taken the step of discussing the negative impact of

stress on their health with their doctor, while many more

(56 percent) said they would be interested in receiving

tips from their healthcare provider on how to manage

stress.

Knowing that women report higher stress levels, it is vital

that women understand the proper techniques to manage

their stress. According to A Stressed Nation, 36 percent

of women across the nation reported they currently feel

somewhat or very stressed. Too often, women turn to

unhealthy foods and sedentary activities to briefly escape

the pressures of stress, including eating chocolate and

using entertainment as a means of escape. But dealing

with stress in a more positive way can benefit women in

multiple ways. For example, going on a walk or taking a

step out of a stressful room can ease a person’s mind

quickly and lower stress levels.

In fact, healthcare professionals have stress relief plans

that can help. More than half of Americans said their

doctor suggested exercise as a way to control their stress

level. Exercise is healthy for the body, as it releases

positive endorphins. The key is for more providers

to leverage high-tech communications to reach more

patients throughout the year, between visits, to provide

encouragement and reminders regarding following

through with treatment plans. This provider-patient

interaction can lead to a healthier America, if patients are

given the support and tools necessary to successfully

manage stress.

49% Women who say their stress has increased in the last five years

60%

55%

Women who feel daily stress

Women who say they would be more likely to ignore stress or treat a symptom of stress than fix the problem


The Midwest

Somewhere in the middle of America, Midwesterners are finding themselves caught in a web of stress.

The region reports the highest stress levels on a daily basis out of any in the nation. But what is causing

this stress? Midwesterners live a modest lifestyle. The Midwest is, and has always been, a predominantly

blue-collar, working-class region. One of your neighbors may run a fifth-generation family business, while

another has an alpaca farm in the backyard. Another, still, may be an executive at a Fortune 500 company.

The Midwest is also known as a great place for raising

families and growing old. According to Forbes, four of

the top ten cities to raise a family in are in the Midwest.

With the variety of career paths and lifestyles of

Midwesterners, it is no surprise that the region reported

the biggest variety in the effects of stress. The American

Psychology Association found that the Midwesterners

report the highest numbers in the nation with regard to

the following side effects of stress:

� Irritability (49 percent)

� Nervousness (47 percent)

� Lack of interest, motivation and energy

(46 percent)

� Depression (44 percent)

� Feeling as though they could cry

(41 percent)

Determining the best ways to manage this negative stress

should be a key concern for residents in the Midwest—

and, so far, they haven’t had much success. As A

Stressed Nation: Americans Search for a Healthy Balance

reported, Midwesterners make up the lowest percentage

of Americans that would be interested in and/or happy

to receive communications from their doctor with tips on

how to manage stress. Oddly enough, the Midwest led all

regions with 40 percent of the region already taking the

step of discussing the impacts of stress on their health

with their doctor.

Healthcare providers across the Midwest can help to

communicate positive ways to manage stress, since it

can have many negative effects on health. As reported

by A Stressed Nation, Midwesterners led the nation

71% Midwesterners who report stress during a typical workday

59% Midwesterners who report being stressed during everyday life


with 61 percent of the region saying that stress has

negatively impacted their overall health. Stress can bring

on a variety of feelings and emotions, both positive

and negative. WebMD reports that stress is the body’s

reaction to any change that requires a response and can

have physical, mental, and emotional responses.

The bottom line is that Midwesterners need to

communicate with healthcare providers more in order

to ensure stress doesn’t negatively impact their health.

According to A Stressed Nation, the Midwest led all

regions in terms of reporting stress during a typical

workday (71 percent.) In addition, the region edged out

the Northeast by one percent, with 59 percent of the

region reporting being stressed during everyday life.

When acute stress—which is a normal, healthy stress and

can have positive motivational benefits—isn’t managed

efficiently, it can turn into something that is much more

serious and becomes a daily problem.

With the variety of career paths and lifestyles of Midwesterners, it is no surprise that the region reported the biggest variety in the effects of stress.


The Northeast

According to Travel and Leisure, five of the top 20 fittest cities in America are located in the Northeast.

Thanks to the surplus of outdoor activities in the region, many Northeasterners are thought of as being

in great physical condition. With healthcare providers suggesting exercise as one of the best ways to

manage stress, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Northeasterners reported being less stressed than

other regions.

According to A Stressed Nation: Americans Search

for a Healthy Balance, Northeasterners reported the

lowest percentage of Americans that said their doctor

suggested exercise as a way to control their stress

level. With the already high activity levels in the region,

however, this isn’t alarming. Additionally, 62 percent of

Northeasterners said they would be interested in and/or

happy to receive communications from their doctor with

tips on how to manage stress.

Unfortunately, not all parts of the Northeast reported sunny

days and smooth sailing. The region is also a business

hub, full of hard-working men and women who spend

many hours at their jobs. As reported by A Stressed

Nation, more than half of Northeasterners (58 percent)

reported feeling stressed during a typical workday. The

American Heart Association lists four ways to positively

deal with stress. Each of these can be done easily:

� Positive self-talk. This helps you calm

down and control stress, while negative self-

talk (including using “can’t” and “hate” in

sentences) just increases stress. Practicing

positive self-talk every day when noticing

negative thoughts can make it easier.

� Emergency Stress Stoppers. These

stress stoppers can be altered based on the

situation. Examples of emergency stress

stoppers include counting to ten, taking

three to five deep breaths, and not being

afraid to say “I’m sorry.”

58%

54%

Northeasterners who report stress during a typical workday

Northeasterners who say they would be more likely to ignore stress or treat a symptom of stress than fix the overall problem

62%

Northeasterners who say they would be interested in and/or happy to receive communications from their doctor with tips on how to manage stress


� Finding Pleasure. You don’t have to

go above and beyond to find pleasure in a

situation. In fact, trying to do at least one

activity that you enjoy daily—going for a

drive, listening to music, or reading a good

book—can boost your overall mood and

help reduce stress.

� Daily Relaxation. Popular forms

of relaxation include yoga, tai chi and

meditation, but taking time to watch your

favorite TV show or closing your eyes to

picture a relaxing place before a stressful

meeting can work just as well.

When work or responsibilities take over in everyday

life, many stressors are going to be difficult to avoid.

The Northeast led all regions in A Stressed Nation, with

54 percent of the region saying they would be more likely

to ignore stress or treat a symptom of stress than fix the

overall problem. However, managing stress doesn’t have

to involve reinventing the wheel. There are many proven

stress management techniques and understanding how

to effectively put them into place is key.

Talking with healthcare providers is a great way to learn

about these techniques. Healthcare providers across

the nation can also turn to technology to communicate

these management techniques. Keeping the lines of

communication open between patients and healthcare

providers continuously between visits can help

Northeasterners manage stress and live a healthier life.

Keeping the lines of communication open between patients and healthcare providers continuously between visits can help Northeasterners manage stress and live a healthier life.


The West

Much like the Northeast, the stress levels of the West can easily be described in two distinct ways: there

is the laid back, stress-free surfing crowd, juxtaposed with the career-driven work force. And then there

are those in between, who have characteristics of both sides. Finding a middle ground between both of

these lifestyles can create stress in and of itself.

However, many Westerners do feel they are managing

their stress levels successfully, and that stress isn’t

negatively affecting their overall health. In fact, the

American Psychological Association reports that

75 percent of the Westerners say they are satisfied with

their health – more than any other region. By finding

ways to manage stress—including talking with healthcare

providers and maintaining a healthy diet and regular

exercise—Westerners can keep their stress levels low and

their bodies healthy.

Diet and exercise both play into creating and maintaining

a healthy lifestyle. Putting the right foods into your

body and finding time to exercise can also help to lower

negative stress. As reported by A Stressed Nation:

Americans Search for a Healthy Balance, Westerners

reported the lowest percentage (49 percent) that said

stress has had a negative impact on their overall health.

This means Westerners are doing something right.

According to the APA, 24 percent of adults in the West

engage in strenuous physical activity at least once a day,

significantly more than any other region.

Talking with healthcare providers, however, remains one

area Westerners need to improve on. Just 30 percent

of Westerners have taken the step of discussing the

negative impact of stress on their health with their doctor,

while just 57 percent of the region (also the lowest of

the four regions) said they would be interested in and/

or happy to receive communications from their doctor

with tips on how to manage stress. The region wants to

do things its own way, but this approach isn’t working

for those who said that stress is negatively impacting

their health. Rather, listening to the advice of healthcare

providers would be a much better option.

But what does the region need in order to effectively

manage its stress? According to A Stressed Nation,

35 percent of Westerners reported they feel somewhat

or very stressed at the current moment. This can result

75% Westerners who say they are satisfied with their health

24%Adults in the West who engage in strenuous physical activity at least once a day


in negative health effects in the form of irritability,

headaches, depression or a change in sex drive. More

than half of Westerners, 53 percent, reported being

stressed during everyday life, yet 47 percent said they

would be more likely to ignore stress or treat a symptom

than manage the problem.

The good thing for the West region is that there is a whole

host of ways to manage stress. A good first step is talking

with a healthcare provider. Healthcare providers can

provide a range of personalized tips on how to manage

stress, ranging from meditation to exercise. All of these

options can help Westerners manage their stress before it

reaches an unhealthy level.

Westerners reported the lowest percentage (49 percent) that said stress has had a negative impact on their overall health. This means Westerners are doing something right.


The South

The South is a region where Americans make their living using the resources around them. Think of the

Deep South, and there are fisherman casting their nets, hoping to bring in enough of a catch to provide

for their families. Move a little north and oil fields litter the red-dirt of Texas. Throughout the region, stress

can be caused in a variety of ways, during a variety of seasons and activities.

No matter what situation Southerners find themselves

in, however, it is hard to find someone that isn’t affected

by stress. According to the American Psychological

Association, many Southerners believe that stress has

a strong or very strong impact on a person’s health

(89 percent). Additionally, as reported by A Stressed

Nation: Americans Search for a Healthy Balance,

Southerners are tied with the West for second (behind the

Midwest), with 43 percent of Southerners wanting to lean

how stress affects other aspects of their life in order to

better manage their overall health and lifestyle.

A great way to do this is to talk with healthcare

providers. According to A Stressed Nation, Southerners

led all regions, with 63 percent of the region interested

in and/or happy to receive communications from their

doctor with tips on how to manage stress. Unfortunately,

just 34 percent of Southerners have taken the step of

discussing the negative impact of stress on their health

with their doctor.

But taking this step has to be a priority—especially

when you consider that A Stressed Nation reported that

67 percent of Southerners said they felt stressed during

a typical workday, and 52 percent of the region reported

feeling stressed during everyday life. Work stressors in

this region are easy to carry over to home life, as there

is a large portion of Southerners that overlap the two

with family farms and businesses. Because of this fact,

the APA reported that those living in the South are more

likely than residents of other regions to let their emotions

interfere with daily activities, thus creating more stress.

But the region does understand that managing their

stress can be accomplished with the help of healthcare

providers. The APA noted that Southerners led all regions

with 42 percent reporting that they manage stress by

expressing their feelings, and 58 percent of the region

focuses on positive things when feeling stressed. These

are both things that healthcare providers suggest to be

proven management techniques.

67% Southerners who say they feel stressed during a typical workday

58% Southerners who focus on positive things when feeling stressed


Additionally, exercising is a key technique that

healthcare providers prescribe to manage stress.

And while 43 percent of Southerners say they are too

tired to exercise, 58 percent of the region reported in

A Stressed Nation that their healthcare professional

suggested exercise as a way to control their stress level.

Communication between office visits—and encouraging

better follow-through—can help patients see the benefits

of these management techniques and a healthier lifestyle.

The APA reported that those living in the South are more likely than residents of other regions to let their emotions interfere with daily activities, thus creating more stress.


About Healthy World

A healthy world, while global by definition, actually happens one person at a

time. It is driven by forward-thinking healthcare practitioners who understand

their involvement is critical to ensuring a healthy population.

The Healthy World initiative, launched by TeleVox, aims at helping people —

young and old — be healthy!

Three imperatives for creating a healthy world — one person at a time 1. Touch the hearts and minds of patients to drive positive behavior change.

2. Engage patients with information and encouragement between visits.

3. Activate patients to make positive behavior changes for a healthier life.

The driving force behind the goal of creating a healthy world are the healthcare

professionals who take the time to engage patients with personalized, thoughtful,

ongoing communications that encourage and inspire them to embrace and follow

ongoing treatment plans.

They know every communication with a patient — including those that take place

between office visits — is an opportunity to help that person understand the

importance of good habits like nutrition, physical activity, taking their medications as

prescribed and following new treatment recommendations. Engaging patients and

their families between visits through proactive, relevant communications helps them to

wake up and stay focused on positive behavior changes is the way to create a healthy

world — one patient at a time.


About TeleVox TeleVox is a high-tech Engagement Communications company, providing

automated voice, email, text and web solutions that activate positive patient

behaviors through the delivery of technology with a human touch.

Since 1992, TeleVox has been creating a comprehensive approach that breaks

through and motivates people to live healthy lives. At TeleVox, we understand that

touching the hearts and minds of patients by engaging with them between healthcare

appointments will encourage and inspire them to follow and embrace treatment plans.

We know personalized, ongoing patient engagement will activate positive lifestyle

changes. TeleVox helps healthcare professionals touch, engage and activate every

unique patient to lead healthy lives.

TeleVox. High-tech, human touch to create a healthy world — one patient at a time.


1110 Montlimar Dr, Suite 700 • Mobile, AL 36609 • 800.644.4266 • F 251.633.2420 • televox.com

Our Healthy World Initiative utilizes ethnographic research to uncover,

understand and interpret the patient point-of-view when it comes to managing

their health. We focus on studying how people interact with healthcare

providers and how they behave between doctor visits. As part of this program,

TeleVox delivers research reports that provide healthcare professionals with

timely insight for helping patients make healthy changes in their lives, follow

treatment plans, and take accountability for improving their personal health.

A Stressed Nation_Amaricans Search for a Healthy Balance

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