SATURDAY, May 28, 2005 (HealthDay News) -- Hectic lifestyles and anxiety may be an unavoidable fact of modern life, but it's important to manage stress to prevent or reduce stress-related health problems.

Mismanaged stress can result in chronic fatigue, body aches, changes in appetite and increased use of alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, according to experts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The VA offers the following stress management tips:

• Exercise regularly, even a half-hour every day. Be sure to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise program, however.
• Sleep well -- between six to 10 hours a night.
• Drink between four to eight glasses of water a day.
• Take time to do something you enjoy.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about coping with stress.