Functions of Cortisol & DHEA. Cortisol is a primary stress hormone produced by the adrenals, and is also a potent anti-inflammatory hormone. Cortisol's action can suppress immune function. Another of its primary functions is to raise blood sugar through gluconeogenesis.
In the context of human society, a family (from Latin: familia) is a group of people affiliated either by consanguinity (by recognized birth), affinity (by marriage or other relationship), or co-residence (as implied by the etymology of the English word family) or some combination of these.
Person, or family, is viewed as encountering hardships and changes as an inevitable part of family over the life cycle. Families also develop strengths and capabilities to enhance the development of individual members and to protect the family unit from major disruption during times of transition and change, (p. 6). In studying Navajo parents it is important to identify how they define family.