All of us have stress in our lives. Your ability to deal with your stress can make the difference between feeling good and being burdened by ill health.

"When you're overstressed and finding it hard to cope, it can lead to, or worsen, serious health problems," says Stuart Zarich, MD, chief of Cardiology at Bridgeport Hospital. "Problems like high blood pressure, depression, frequent absences from work, and more."

Here's a list of symptoms that may mean you're overstressed. See if you recognize yourself.

Physical:  pounding heart  headaches  sweaty palms  indigestion  skin breakouts  shortness of breath  holding your breath  cold hands  sleeplessness  sleeping too much  fatigue  nausea  diarrhea  muscle pain

Emotional:  moodiness  irritability  depression  anxiety  lack of sense of humor  abrasiveness  hostility  nervousness  Mental:  forgetfulness  loss of concentration  poor judgment  disorganization  confusion  lack of interest  math errors  negative self-talk

Are you in there somewhere? If these symptoms are getting in the way of your life, relax! You don't have to continue feeling like that. Join "Stress Management 2005: A Mind-Body Approach to Wellness!"

This new Bridgeport Hospital program is an eight-week series of 2–hour classes designed to help you get a life-long grip on stress. You'll learn:

• what stress does to your body;
• how your emotions and your body work together;
• how to convert obstacles into motivation;
• how to change your state of mind through body movement and imagery,
• practical tips and techniques for reducing stress, including meditation, yoga, and self-expression,
• and much more.

Free information and sign-up session: Monday, March 21, 6:30–8:00 p.m. (You may sign up without attending this session.)

Class Dates: Mondays, April 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23; and June 6, 13, and 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Cost: $250

Location: First Church Congregational, 148 Beach Rd., Fairfield.

To register or for more information, please call us, 24/7, at 1-888-357-2396.