"Justice at Work"
Epilogue

There is much anecdotal evidence that stress plays a major detrimental role in our health. There are stories about people getting heart attacks at times of immense stress, such as during a natural catastrophe, a hostile act, or upon hearing about the loss of a very dear loved one. The studies presented here show that stress, as measured by the specific tests in them, is a detrimental factor for some types of heart disease. However, the results are not fully consistent.

In addition, we need to consider that the fact that a physician hasn't been able to detect a "reason" for the symptoms doesn't mean that there is no reason - it just means that the physical cause has not been detected. Western medicine concentrates its efforts on the most obvious illnesses, and often tends to consider pains and aches that can't easily be classified in a perjorative light ("hypochondria"). The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines "disease" as a "condition of the living ... that impairs normal functioning". If stress gives rise to aches and pains, then stress is a disease by definition!

In my opinion, stress relief enables people to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. If this also results in reduced risk for various illnesses, this would certainly be an additional bonus - and the studies indicate that this is a distinct possibility. I don't know of any studies that determine the "best" way to reduce stress - each person needs to find the method that works better for him or her. It is worth doing - life just seems so much better...

Before we demonize stress, lets recall that stress is an important defense system. Sensing danger causes our bodies to release adrenaline that in turn, makes us more alert. Stress can be harnessed for short term work-related goals. What we need to do is to make sure that this behaviorial pattern is of limited, rather than extended endurance.

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