With Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

We all know that stress can have a profound impact on our health, well-being, and the quality of our lives. We have each learned that it is not the problems that can kill us but our reaction to those problems. Two exciting developments from recent studies clearly underscore why we need to be in control of our lives and handle stress in a creative way. Please read on.

Most of us have learned that we have inherited characteristics from our genes and most of us have accepted that genes cannot be changed. However, a fascinating presentation by Dr. Dean Ornish, a major leader in the area of stress management and cardiovascular diseases, clearly shows that our genetic endowment can be significantly changed.

Dr. Ornish's studies and related publications show that creative stress management skills; a diet emphasizing a plant-based program; and regular exercise can clearly modify those genes which impact upon the development of cancer. The initial studies primarily focused on cancer of the prostate and these findings will undoubtedly be investigated in other cancers. So, our lifestyle not only enhances our life but can directly impact upon the development of certain cancers.

Another fascinating study was discussed at the recent international conference on Alzheimer's disease in Chicago. Individuals who exercise on a regular basis clearly documented that there was a "significant relationship" between the size of the key areas in the brain connected with memory and fitness. Patients who are more fit had less brain tissue damage and those with lower levels of fitness had more brain damage.

So, there is a profound incentive for us to follow some of the rock-solid principles we have heard articulated in our blog. Control what we can and creatively let go of the miseries that threaten our serenity.

• There is now overwhelming emphasis of the importance of diet, exercise, and stress-reduction techniques such as having a solid social network.
• When we become stressed out, anxious, or deal negatively with our emotions, we are essentially forfeiting our serenity; we are mortgaging our souls; the impact on our health and well-being can be devastating.

None of us have all the answers so please share with us the one tactic which you have found to be important in times of stress.

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