888-765-5400BCBSNC Supports Mental Health – The Case for Quiet
As one of the ten essential benefits included in every Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan, mental health and substance abuse disorder services (including behavioral health treatment) is one of the most important. Mental and emotional health is paramount to being a healthy human being and let’s face it, it’s harder to stay physically sound if you are not mentally and emotionally well. Stress can take a big toll on our bodies and we all know it’s important for us to do whatever we can to alleviate stress, but it seems almost impossible at times. With all the hustle and noise and pressure that surrounds us, how can we possibly find ways to eliminate stress and still keep up with all the demands of our daily lives? Especially around the holidays, it seems we are caught up in a whirlwind of activity that simply will not let up.
But here is one thing you can easily do to help alleviate stress and according to a recent study, it can help save you from potential heart failure. We all know that loud noises can have a detrimental effect on hearing and health, but did you know that even everyday noise, such as cell phone rings, conversation and television can actually affect the rate and rhythm of your heart? German researchers recently discovered after monitoring 110 adults’ daily heart rate activity and noise exposure that a as a person’s exposure to noise increased, so did their heart rate. Honestly, as a mother of four young children, I probably could have told you that without a study! In addition, the researchers discovered that as people were exposed to noise, the time interval between heart beats decreased, which is bad news indeed, because the lesser the time between heart beats, the greater the risk of heart attack. Even sounds that were not dangerously loud (over 65 decibels) still had a detrimental effect on the heart rates and rhythm of the test subjects.
So what’s the answer? There’s no way to eliminate noise completely from our lives; however, it’s important for our mental and physical health to find moments of quiet when we literally turn down the sound of our lives. According to the study, they way a person perceives a sound is also important. For example, if you consider a sound to be pleasant, it will not negatively affect your heart rate whereas an annoying or disturbing sound will. That being said, if you are going to be in a noisy environment, it’s important to know your limits. Pay attention to how your body is reacting to the sound and if you find yourself getting anxious, take a break. Likely, this means your heart rate is increasing and you are experiencing stress. Find a quiet place and regroup.
Also, this holiday season if you are traveling and will be in crowded airports and aboard loud airplanes, consider ear plugs. For people with sensitive hearing or an existing heart condition, you may even want to consider a pair of custom ear plugs molded to your ear canal. For most of us, a foam pair from the drug store will suffice. This will help you drown out annoying sounds that may cause you unwarranted stress.
Finally, take a few minutes every day and be quiet! Turn off the radio, the television, the cell phone, the computer, and if possible, the kids, and find a place of complete silence. Give your ears and your mind a break from all the noise. This will not only calm your mind and emotions, it will also slow down your heart rate and restore heart rhythm, which could ultimately save your life!
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina supports preventive care and mental health is an important part of staying well! This season, do what you can to give yourself a moment of peace and quiet! For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.