April is National Stress Awareness Month, so what better thing to do than to learn how to lower the stress of everyday life?

That was the theory behind the Female Factor monthly program hosted by Troy Regional Medical Center on Wednesday.

Many things can cause stress, and stress can do a lot of things to the body. According to Dr. Pamela Trantham, a family physician in Troy, stress can cause obesity, depression, heart disease, concentration disorders and many other problems.

“We’re letting it manage us rather than taking control of it,” said Trantham. “If we don’t take control of it, we suffer the consequences of stress.”

Stress does not have to be a negative aspect of life. Stress, as Trantham pointed out, can be a good push in life and can motivate individuals to change habits or try something new. While some things may be out of any one person’s control, each person can control how he/she reacts to situations and can in turn lower levels of stress.

“Learn to let go of uncontrollable circumstances, people and the past,” Trantham said.

For example, Trantham suggested staying physically active, getting plenty of restful sleep and to become part of a group that encourages one another.

“We are made for relationships,” Trantham said. “Plug into a group where you are both giving and receiving from that group.”

Another way to relieve some stress is to visit a spa and get a facial and/or massage. Leigh Grissom, and Brittany Dozier Royal from the Spa at Deer Run demonstrated and discussed the effects that stress can have on skin and the body, and demonstrated a quick facial. Grissom is the owner of the Spa at Deer Run.

“Stress effects our bodies 100 percent,” Grissom said. “That includes our hair, skin and nails.”

Grissom explained that the Spa at Deer Run also offers skin care products that can help heal the skin from previous damage caused by stress and other factors.

Female Factor, sponsored by Troy Regional Medical Center, among other local sponsors, holds a meeting the second Wednesday of each month at noon in The Studio in Downtown Troy.