On 2nd November RioMed are supporting National Stress Awareness Day 2011.

"Stress has become the most common cause of long-term sickness absence" -CIPD Survey October 2011

"British businesses lose an estimated £26 billion each year in sickness absence and lost productivity. With greater awareness and mental health support, they said businesses could save one third of these costs - 'a mammoth £8 billion a year'." - Mind June 2011

Stress can lead to a number of illnesses, both short and long term, including:

• disturbed sleep and eating patterns
• feeling of inability to cope
• loss of confidence
• difficulty in concentrating and making decisions
• headaches
• stomach upsets, feeling sick, butterflies
• emotional distress
• depleted immune system
• irritability
• feeling de-energised

For more information, advice and stress-busting games please visit http://www.isma.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-day/