Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

Ulrav Ifn r . :> ,:-*f * * YOUr environment Living in anything from a dangerous neigh borhood to a noisy apartment to a crowded house adds to stress. Hectic environments agitate; tranquil environments soothe. Your health . Chronic health conditions are a source of ongoing stress. Heart disease, diabetes, lower back pain and arthritis all raise the risk of developing chronic stress. Your relationships. It’s not just where you live, but with whom you spend your time that counts when it comes to stress. Whether you’re at home or work, those around you determine whether you spend your day happy or unhappy. Beware of “energy vam pires” people who suck the energy out of you because they can be toxic to your emotional health. YOUr life. This is an important one. There are times in life when stress is natural (teenage years, newlywed adjustment, caring for elderly parents, etc.). However, other life issues can stress us, as well, such as an unsatisfying job, an unfulfilling marriage or troubles with kids. Any of these can contribute to stress. Another stressful life situation: being alone and lonely, either from having never fulfilled the dream of having a family or having family mem bers move out of the home or the area when they grow up. "Life is what we make it — always has been, always will be." Grandma Moses precipitate stress. Understand that stress doesn’t always mani fest itself as anxiety or depression. Do your best to address the areas that you can, but if you find that your health is suffering in spite of your best efforts, see your doctor. The symptoms you’re having may need more than just Maalox. ca Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell is president and medical director of Dallas’ Cooper Clinic. He writes HeaUhSmart every week. Managing stress is not about ex pecting or demanding a fairy-tale life. Instead, it’s about learning to enjoy that which we have. In my house, we keep a favorite quote from Grandma Moses on our refrigerator: “Life is what we make it always has been, always will be.” Learn to identify conditions that USA WEEKEND • Oct 12-14,2007 HkX j, . 1 if I m iHRi im u jdU “Some things should be challenging. Medicare coverage isn’t one of them.” Introducing AARP Medicare Complete provided through Secure Horizons. The only Medicare Advantage health plan with the AARP name. Because you can never have too many people in your comer. To help you, we’ve created a free educational guide to Medicare Advantage plans. Get yours today. The AARP® MedicareComplete ® plans are SecureHorizons® Medicare Advantage plans insured or covered by an affiliate of UnitedHealthcare, PacifiCare Health Plans or Oxford Health Plans , Medicare Advantage Organizations with a Medicare contract. AARP is not the insurer. UnitedHealthcare pays a fee to AARP and its affiliate for use of the AARP trademark and other services. Amounts paid! are used for the general purposes of AARP and its members. The AARP k MedicareComplete ® plans are available to all eligible Medicare beneficiaries, including both members and non-members of AARP. AARP does not make health plan recommendations for individuals. You are strongly encouraged to evaluate your needs before choosing a health plan. AARP and the AARP Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of AARP. The Secure Horizons and Medicare Complete marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of United Healthcare Alliance, LLC and its affiliates. MOOll 070905J802 11 -AARP 4 McdiCJlr 9 AdvwrtJgt ■ t\pUi"wd Mt f M Call for your FREE Educational Guide 1-800-841-4446 TTY 1-866-832-8671 Medicare Complete provided through SecureHorizons'