when the brain's hypothalamus refuses to shut off the chemical signals it is sending, because it still perceives a problem.
In our modern society, with its constantly ringing phones, troubled interpersonal relationships, and an ever-increasing pace enabled by technology, chronic stress is rampant. When the body's stress response is constantly firing, blood cortisol levels are too high and inflammatory proteins become more present in the bloodstream. A host of illnesses and inflammatory conditions have been related to this chemical imbalance. The body's immune system becomes overactive and confused by the aberrant proteins. Unsure what foreign bodies to attack, autoimmune illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis and allergies
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
become real health issues. Unchecked, unacknowledged stress is a killer in too many ways to count. Chronic stress has been linked to a host of physical maladies including abdominal weight gain, cancer, gastrointestinal illnesses, depression, and chronic pain.
We cannot always prevent surprises that send our bodies into reaction mode, but we can prepare them for stress and adopt a positive outlook towards challenge, in general. For me, time spent with my pet, a quiet walk in the woods, or a mindful yoga class are my means of preparing for the stress I know will always come. •
United States Marine Corps Captain Katherine Hendricks Thomas lost her lengthy and courageous battle with Stage IV Breast Cancer on April 5th, 2022. Thomas was diagnosed with three types of breast cancer in 2018 at just 38 years old. The cancer is attributed to the exposure from the burn pits during Thomas' service in Iraq. Thomas was born into a military family and lived in several different bases throughout her life. She grew up with three siblings, and along with her brother, decided to follow in their father's footsteps of becoming a United States Marine. In 2005, Thomas was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq where she served as a military police officer. It was there that Thomas was exposed to smoke from burn pits, containing toxins now known to cause cancer and other service-related diseases. Thomas was a fierce advocate for those who suffered from illnesses attributed to burn pit exposure. On June 7th, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans in Combat Environments (SERVICE) Act, requiring the VA to provide mammograms to women with possible burn pit or other toxin exposure. Thomas left active duty in 2008 and went on to earn a Doctorate degree in Health Education and Promotion. She wrote several books examining veterans' mental health and the unique experiences of women in the military. Captain Katherine Hendricks Thomas is remembered for her dedication to bettering the lives of veterans and active-duty military. Friends and family recall that she was positive and brave up until the very end. She is survived by her husband and son.
Nick Benas grew up in Guilford, Connecticut. The author of Mental Health Emergencies, Warrior Wisdom, Tactical Mobility, and co-author of The Warrior's Book of Virtues, Benas is a former United States Marine Sergeant and Iraqi Combat Veteran with a background in Martial Arts (2nd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon-Do and Green Belt Instructor in Marine Corps Martial Arts Program). Nick attended Southern Connecticut State University for his undergraduate degree in Sociology and his M.S. in Public Policy. He has been featured for his business success and entrepreneurship by more than 50 major media outlets, including Entrepreneur Magazine, Men's Health, ABC, FOX, ESPN, and CNBC.
Richard "Buzz" Bryan is currently the Outreach Coordinator for the West Palm Beach VA medical center. The co-author of The Warrior's Book of Virtues, Buzz previously served as the OEF/OIF Transition Patient Advocate (TPA) for the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN4) based in Pittsburgh, PA for ten years, working specifically with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Buzz was a member of the Navy/Marine Corps team and retired from the United States Navy in July 2011 after 22 years of honorable service as a Fleet Marine Force Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman.
