The Iranian Students Association successfully held an educational seminar themed "Stress & the Human Body" on 3rd December, 2025, where a group of medical students delivered focused presentations on the neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and long-term systemic impacts of stress.

Ramtin Pariz from G2024 kicked off the seminar with an introduction to the concept of stress. He emphasized that stress functions as a biological alarm system governed by the HPA axis, and underscored the significance of understanding its far-reaching effects on human health.

Amirmahdi Saeidi from G2023 elaborated on stress as the body’s intrinsic alarm mechanism regulated by the HPA axis. He distinguished between acute and chronic stress, highlighting that sustained elevation of cortisol levels can disrupt the body’s metabolic, immune, and mental functions.

Amirhossein Jamshidipour of G2023 delved into how stress influences the cardiovascular system through hormonal and neural pathways, pointing out associated risks such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

Pouya Parvizi Yanganjeh of G2025 focused on the effects of chronic stress on brain function, covering impairments in memory, decision-making capabilities, and emotional regulation.

Masoumeh Amarloei from G2023 explored stress-related digestive disorders through the lens of the brain–gut axis. She addressed conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dyspepsia, stressing that effective stress management is pivotal for maintaining gastrointestinal health.

Mazdak Najafi of G2023 examined the link between chronic stress and biological aging, noting that prolonged stress can shorten telomere length, thereby increasing the risks of chronic diseases and long-term mortality.

Mobina Alsadat Taghavi of G2021 wrapped up the presentations by sharing evidence-based stress management strategies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, lifestyle adjustments, sleep optimization, and the cultivation of strong social support networks.

This seminar was designed to raise awareness about the multifaceted impacts of stress on various body systems, and to encourage students to adopt practical, effective measures to safeguard their physical and mental well-being.