STR(SS KILLS ---L(ARN TO (OP
In the past 42 months alone, 53 New accumulate over a persons life. Chronic stress
York City Correction Officers have passed
away prematurely from a host of illnesses,
many of rhern stress-related and preventable.
These 40 men and 13 women died in their
prime, at an average age of JUSt 38, leaving
family members and other loved ones. How
can this happen?
No one Iikes to feel stressed out. Work
stresses, relationship problems, even the year-
end hol idays can make us feel as if we can't
handle what's in front of us. But there is a
rnore serious side to stress that many don't
talk about. New research shows that nor only
can stress make you feel bad, it can also kill
you.
Science is giving us some answers. ACUle
stress events produce an adrenaline rush
(pounding heart, dry mouth, butterflies in the
stomach). Once the Stress is over, the body
can return to normal. Bur if the stress keeps
happening, over and over again, rhe effects
COBA
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New York, NY 10013
"Patrolli n g The Toughest Preet ncts In New York"
on lead to a weaker immune system, heart
disease, STrokes, ulcers, loss of memory and
obesity. Many people can be lefr disabled by
these medical conditions, unable to work or
to fuUy enjoy their lives,
Correction Officers do nor need to be
cold the level of stress they face every day,
working closely with inmates and the dangers
char doing so entails. Noc co mention the
erratic shirrs, dealing with family members
who do not understand rhc roll rhe work
rakes, and working in a bureaucracy that
often docs nor seem to care about its employ-
ees, It all adds up, and officers -- and [heir
loved ones --- pay rhe price.
COPE --- Correction Officers Pursuing
Excellence --- is a new program developed by
and for Correction personnel. COPE's gual is
co help fight the effects of Stress that CO's
face by caking a proacri ve ap preach co deal ing
with stress. COPE is a comprehensive pro-
gram designed co reduce the negative effects
of stress by addressing physical health, and
providing education and emotional support as
needed.
COPE is a private organization that is
independent of CORA, the dry and the
Department, thus ensuring participants' con-
fidentiality. Most services are covered by
insurance and participation is completely vol-
untary, COPE will be fully operational by
January 15, 2000. 51aff will be available 24
hours a day. year-round to discuss access to
the program and services offered; peer coun-
selors will also be available co answer ques-
tions about stress management and how to get
help. COPE can be reached at 888-775-
COPE.
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