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Do people ever call you “hyper” or label you as a Type A personality? Do the stresses of life seem to impact you more than most? Have you experienced a recent life crisis that has impacted your everyday living? If so, you might be suffering from distress, a more severe form of stress that is unrelenting and higher in intensity than typical stress.



According to Robert Myers, Ph.D., a psychologist with Brand New Day, a Medicare Advantage prescription health plan available in 12 California counties, while we all experience some form of stress now and again, the more intense feeling of distress can cause a whole host of health problems like high blood pressure leading to stroke, diabetes, atherosclerosis and heart disease.



Myers says that the following are some of the most common factors that precipitate distress:



Personal health issues

Problems affecting close family or friends

Toxic relationships

Financial crises



So how can you avoid becoming a victim of distress? Myers offers the following advice:

Escape the source of your stress — This might be particularly difficult if your stress emanates from the workplace or at home, but if it’s job related, consider asking for a transfer or perhaps seek employment elsewhere. Family problems may need outside help in the form of a therapist or even a babysitter if your children are amping up your level of distress.



Increase your level of physical activity — Whether you commit to working out at a gym or simply opt for a daily walk around the block, increasing physical activity releases mood enhancing endorphins that reduce distress.



Turn to friends and family with positive attitudes — Rather than wallow in your anxiety or bide your time watching TV or playing video games, get out and socialize with friends or family who are good at cheering you up and inspiring you.



Pray/meditate — Take time for yourself — you and only you. Find an environment free from distractions and try yoga, meditation or praying to a higher power each day.



Brand New Day offers the Harmony Plan for those whose level of distress has caused mental illness. The program also addresses members with major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and paranoid disorder. In addition, Brand New Day offers the Embrace Plan for those with heart disease, hypertension and/or diabetes, and Bridges for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Members with chronic illnesses are not only treated medically, but in a variety of other ways including:



· Education about the member’s chronic or ongoing medical conditions and avoidable risks

· Nutrition

· Exercise

· Self-testing and monitoring

· Medication adherence to doctor orders

· Preventive care planning

· Linkage to community support programs



For qualifying members, it covers transportation to and from medical appointments; vision, dental and acupuncture services; 24-hour/day nurse and physician line; and health and life coaches.



Brand New Day is the Medicare product name of Universal Care, Inc., a privately held California Knox-Keene Healthcare Service Plan licensed by the California Department of Managed Health Care and contracted with the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services as a Medicare Advantage contractor. Universal Care, Inc. is owned and operated by an experienced group of managed care executives and physicians. Universal Care, Inc. was founded in 1983. For more information, visit BNDHMO.com