Stress, Inflammation, Disease

While Inflammation is the body’s natural healing mechanism, chronic inflammation is understood to be the underlying cause of virtually every significant health issue. Similarly, while the body’s natural ‘flight-or-fight’ response to stress protects us from danger, prolonged, unrelieved periods of stress can have profound negative effects on our health. Contributors to this issue would agree. But they would also emphasize the importance of understanding the sources of the inflammatory response. Stress, disease, and trauma are certainly among the causes, but poor diet, sleep problems, and other issues over which each of us has control also play a role. In the following articles, local experts offer guidance to understanding the links between stress, inflammation, and disease and to consider paths for moving toward long-term, robust good health.

The Peanut Project: Compounding Medicines for a Growing Health Problem
Zoe Stefanadis, RPh
CHAPEL HILL COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

Inflammation and Sleep: Inextricably Linked
Charles Ferzli, DDS, FAACP
TMJ & SLEEP THERAPY CENTRE OF RALEIGH-DURHAM

Treating the Inflammatory Emotional Response
Lucy Chartier, PhD, NP, APRN-BC
LIFE QUALITY RESOURCES

Stress, Inflammation: At the Root of Skin Disease
Laura Briley, MD
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER CENTER

Stressed? Many Options for Relief
Jennifer Burch, PharmD
CENTRAL PHARMACY & CENTRAL COMPOUNDING CENTER

Aging: An Inflammatory Process, Healing: An Inflammatory Response
Cynthia Gregg, MD, FACS
CYNTHIA GREGG FACE & BODY SPECIALISTS

Hidden Sources of Disease
William Dolch
CERTIFIED INDOOR AIR, INC.

More than a Grade: Authentic Learning Assessment
Katherine Scott
CAROLINA FRIENDS SCHOOL