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Since tensions are still high about traveling far from home, we're postponing our Mediterranean cruise article until a later date and will instead, talk about effects of stress on diabetes and how to make it through the holidays with fewer traumas than you might have experienced in past years, especially when it comes to traveling.
Stress is a normal condition in the human being, a fact that society seems to minimize at times. It can be acute, such as illness or physical trauma, or chronic, such as anxiety, depression, or family dysfunction. It should not surprise anyone that chronic stress can lead to social isolation, poor interpersonal relationships, and impulsiveness. When we experience stress the body behaves as if it were under attack either from acute or chronic conditions. The result is to release stored energy, i.e. fat and glucose from the cells so that we can escape from the perceived danger.
For the diabetic, who may not have enough insulin available to allow this extra fat and glucose into cells, there can be a buildup of glucose in the blood, thus trouble. Stress can effect the body in two ways: first, the person may feel so overwhelmed that they neglect to take proper care of themselves, and second, hormones released when under stress may raise levels of blood glucose.
How do we recognize stress in ourselves or other? Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, indigestion, diarrhea, irritability, tightness of muscles, tiredness, insomnia, overeating, alcohol abuse, difficulty concentrating, drug abuse, and moodiness. Other maladaptive reactions include marital tensions, procrastination, abusive behavior, decreased sexual drive, and aggressiveness. Studies show that diabetics with unresolved anxiety are as debilitated as people who have heart disease -- a good reason to understand both what causes you stress and how to control it.
To begin helping ourselves we need to understand the relationship between stress and emotions. Both are part of the process of our lives, i.e. we are under stress at work, home, in the family, and in the world. But, and the but is important, how we react is related to how central the stress is to us and is read through the eyes of our past and present. The more important the stress is to you, the more you will react. What is important to understand at this time of the year, is that holidays evoke memories of family, anniversaries of time together or apart, losses, relationships,and our past and present expectations of ourselves and others. Plus, many holiday events revolve around food, family, entertaining, and travel. Just look at magazines, TV, and this issue of our online magazine.
Now comes some help. The best way to cope is to gain some sense of control over the stresses you are going to face. First, make a list of things, events, and people who you know can present a problem. Everyone likes good surprises, but few of us like bad ones, so try to prepare yourself not to fall for the same disappointments and hurts each year.
Traveling by Plane
If you are traveling by air and take insulin, carry a letter from you doctor in order to explain your syringes to security or custom agents. Be sure you're at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight time for domestic flights and at least 3 hours prior to your flight time for international destinations. Take for granted that flight delays are common and virtually inevitable during the holidays. This will result in meal delays, so carry snacks. Keep your medications and diabetic supplies with you in a carry-on so that you are prepared if your luggage is delayed at your point of arrival. If your flight is delayed, do something to fill your time -- a brisk stroll around the concourse and burying yourself in an exciting book will help relieve the stress.
If possible, avoid booking your flight at peak travel times. Whereas on the day before the holiday, planes are often overbooked, on the day of the holiday itself, planes are often flying with fewer passengers. Once on the plane, shift your position several times an hour to help prevent aches and pains in muscles and joints. If permitted, get up and take a stroll up and down the aisle. (If you're traveling on a train, occasionally walk up and down the aisle to stimulate circulation; when on a bus, get off at stops and take a short walk.)
When you book your flight, ask the airline for a "heart-healthy" or a "vegetarian" meal for the flight. Too often, we've been served a "diabetic" meal of fruit and crackers while the person sitting next to us is eating wonderful cooked vegetables stuffed in a pita pocket bread from their vegetarian meal tray. If by chance, the airline doesn't offer a hearty-healthy or vegetarian meal, don't be overly concerned. You can pack a sandwich and piece of fruit in your carry-on and order diet sodas or mineral water from the airline flight attendant.
Going by Car
When traveling by car, understand that "Murphy"s Law" applies to this kind of travel also. It's a fact that things do happen. Hopefully the trip will be devoid of delaying accidents, but think ahead about the condition of your car, making sure the brakes, tires, heater, battery, and windshield wipers are all in working order before you leave. If you're going to an area where there will be snow, be sure you car is equipped with snow tires or carry chains. Practice putting the chains on before you leave to be sure you know now to do the job AND that the chains properly fit the tires. Have the car serviced, making sure all belts and hoses are checked and replaced as needed.
Plan to stop every 2 hours to stretch your legs. If children are along, make sure they have plenty of quiet activities to keep their attention. Nothing's more stressful that having a child ask every few minutes "when are we going to get there?" If the child is old enough to follow a map, make him or her the navigator or if more than one child, supply each a map so that they can each keep track of road signs, etc. There are lots of inexpensive travel games at the store. Have them bring along their pillow, a small blanket, and a favorite toy or stuffed friend for naps.
Keep Your Sense of Humor
Use humor in preparing yourself for what you know will happen when confronted by certain relatives or travel experiences. Also enlist the help of others to buffer stresses. The goal here is to take more control of the situation and know that you have done this to protect your feelings, and therefore, your health.
Another very important aspect of controlling stress is to continue to take good physical care of yourself. This means to continue exercising, eating properly, and relaxing when you're tired. Burning the candle at both ends does no one any good. Lastly, learn how to ask for help. Find others to lend an ear, help with chores, and most of all, to enjoy.
Remember, holidays are for making fond memories, so think ahead about how you will spend time with those important to you. This is a social time, not just a time to feel angry that you can't get to a destination at the scheduled time or that you can't eat everything in sight. Change your memories from food to people. A wise person once said, "Never love anything that can't love you back." It works.
FTG
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