Stress is a normal part of life—whether it's a stressful day at work, a sick family member, a job change, a divorce or any other normal change in your life, things happen to make us feel overwhelmed. It may not be possible to avoid stress, but at SIU Medicine, patients are encouraged to learn how to manage daily stress more effectively. 3 surprising effects of stress Excessive amounts of stress—or choosing the wrong stress management strategies, such as tobacco, alcohol or over-eating—can impact your life, and your heart, in many ways. For instance: Too much stress can damage your immune