Its true, stress is bad for your heart. It raises your heart rate and blood pressure. Also, stress causes your body to release hormones that make your heart work harder. A stressful event can even trigger heart attacks and irregular heart rhythms. Besides harming your heart, stress can make some chronic diseases, such as arthritis or diabetes, or worse. In addition, it can make it harder to remember things or pay attention. Even kid's health can be affected by family stress, such as an unemployed parent, or violence in the home. Stress is related to more stomachaches, fevers, colds, and other illnesses in kids, according to a recent study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Reduce stress by exercising, mediation, yoga, though music, or just talking to a trusted family member, husband, wife, or friend. Take care of your heart and your heart will take care of you.