Stress reduction workshop offered at the HAWC Published Oct. 26, 2007 By the Whiteman Health and Wellness Center WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. -- Stress is a significant factor in all of our lives - literally from birth to death. Simply stated, it is our body's response to any kind of change, demand, pressure or threat on our well being. Above and beyond the typical pressures of civilian life, including financial challenges, many military families experience the added demands of separation of loved ones for uncertain periods of deployment; parenting stress; emotional and physical distance from extended family; frequency with which young families must move; remote assignments; extended TDY's or natural disasters. Any one or a combination of these could unexpectedly lead to an increase in anxiety and stress for service members and their families. In addition to the many tools we have available in the Whiteman community to guide us through the stressful events in our lives, the health and wellness center will be offering a new workshop starting in December called, "Stress Reduction: creating a low-stress lifestyle." This three-session workshop is designed for individuals interested in understanding stress, identifying opportunities to manage their own stress and developing an action plan leading to a low-stress lifestyle. Participants who attend will learn about stress; review the effects of stress on health and well being; explore, assess and understand the causes, signs and symptoms of stress in their lives; learn a variety of approaches to manage stress, expand opportunities for relaxation; and practice effective stress management tools and techniques to help guide them on the path for living a low-stress lifestyle. A special section on "tips for managing holiday stress" will also be included this season. The workshop will meet Dec. 6, 13 and 20, at the HAWC. All sessions will be from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information or to register, call the HAWC at 687-7662.