Ep 137. The Great American Stress Test

The Great American Stress Test is season 2, episode 137 of The Dr. Oz Show. Dr. Oz takes on the topic of stress, focusing on just how much stress Americans are under and how to deal with it in healthier ways. With a panel of experts, Dr. Oz discusses the many sources of stress in America, from finances to work to health concerns. He explains how chronic stress can lead to serious health problems and even death, and provides viewers with tools to recognize and manage their stress.

In the first segment of the show, Dr. Oz talks with a group of people who have agreed to take the "Great American Stress Test." This test is designed to measure the participants' stress levels and give them a sense of how they compare to other Americans. Dr. Oz explains how stress affects the body and how it can lead to dangerous health problems like heart disease and stroke. The participants take the test and receive their results, which range from low to high stress levels. Dr. Oz offers advice to each participant on how they can better manage their stress.

In the next segment, Dr. Oz talks with a financial expert about the stress caused by money issues. The expert offers tips on how to manage financial stress, including setting up a budget and sticking to it, creating an emergency fund, and reducing debt. He also talks about the stress caused by credit card debt and how to pay it down. Dr. Oz emphasizes the importance of taking control of finances in order to reduce stress.

Next, Dr. Oz talks with a nutritionist about the impact of stress on eating habits. She explains how stress can lead to overeating and weight gain, and offers tips on how to combat stress-driven eating. She suggests eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, consuming foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, and being mindful of emotional eating triggers.

In another segment, Dr. Oz talks with a therapist about the stress caused by relationship issues. The therapist explains how stress can impact relationships and offers advice on how to manage stress in a healthy way. She suggests practicing good communication skills, setting boundaries, and seeking professional help if needed.

In the final segment, Dr. Oz talks with a fitness expert about how exercise can help reduce stress. The expert explains how exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, and offers tips on how to incorporate exercise into a daily routine. He suggests finding an activity that is enjoyable, such as dancing or hiking, and setting achievable goals.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Oz highlights the prevalence of stress in America and its impact on health. He stresses the importance of recognizing and managing stress in healthy ways in order to improve overall wellbeing. With expert advice and practical tips, The Great American Stress Test offers viewers the tools they need to combat stress and stay healthy.