Unfortunately, no matter how fantastic supplements are, stress releases damaging hormones into system and shuts down immune function, and no pills or supplements will reverse that process. Only identifying source of stress, and doing something about it, will solve that problem.

But, unfortunately, that takes work. Quick and easy is always easier to sell. It is a little harder to stop, look around, and make life changes, than to stick something in our mouth every day. It is much easier to merrily continue to do what we have always done, and get what we have always gotten. And what we get is chronic stress. And chronic stress brings with it worries and fears, stomachaches, backaches and migraines, arthritis and heart disease, numerous doctor appointments, and strained relationships at home and at work.

What is answer? Fortunately answer is not as difficult as it may seem. You don't have to stop with your supplements, vitamins, yoga or meditation. Just add a few minutes a day to go inside and become aware of you. Look at your life as a pie, with each slice a different area such as physical health, spiritual health, relationship health, finances, work, social, etc. Consider each area and ask yourself, "On a scale of one to ten, how do I feel about this part of my life? Do I experience stress in this area of my life?

If you identify a problem area, decide whether you want to do anything about it. If you do decide on change, develop a plan of action to reduce stress and improve satisfaction in that area. Then follow through with your plan. If you have trouble following through, or feel you would benefit from a little help, hire a life coach. They say two heads are better than one. There is no limit to what you can achieve with a little support and a lot of encouragement from a friend.

Chronic stress is a major factor in most chronic illnesses including fibromyalgia, heart disease, arthritis, migraines, gastrointestinal problems, cancer and more. If we do not model self-care, how can we preach it? Sadly, healthcare professionals rarely preach life balance either. They aren't even aware it's missing, in their lives or in lives of others! Self-care is seen as selfish. Women especially feel guilty as long as there is one poor soul anywhere that might benefit from their help. These professionals end up with clients dancing just as fast as they are. They send their clients out of their office with same expectations, limitations, and frenzied lifestyle as they themselves have. They never even notice. They're too busy.

Health care professionals, wake up! People depend on you. People's lives depend on you. Until you prioritize, balance your life, reduce stress, relax, and get real, don't expect your clients to. Their denial parallels yours. As long as you stay on merry-go-round, they will stay. As long as you run around like a chicken with its head cut off, they will.

Many health practitioners and wellness experts are sorely lacking these days. All have their own agenda. Diet and exercise are main focus it seems, followed by a few candles and some yoga. Eat this food and avoid that and everything will be fine. Workout three times a week or more and you will be healthy. Add a yoga class to your already busy schedule and you will be ok. Few take whole person into consideration even though they say they do.

Let's face it, who do you think is healthier? A happy, laughing, stress-free person who eats cheese dogs in a white bun with chips on side, or someone who eats only organic foods, no dairy, meat or white bread, takes supplements daily, and is so stressed that they bite everyone's head off and have no time to enjoy their life? People in great shape drop dead every day due to stress.

Learn to solve problems that precipitate your stress. If you have trouble knowing where to start, hire a life coach.