by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

If you are not stressed in these economic times, you should be, or so it seems if you listen to the media long enough these days.  The holidays are coming up also, and here’s the thing: There is good stress and bad stress but your body treats it the same.  It adds up quickly.  Ever heard of the Holmes-Rahe Live Inventory Scale (PDF download)?

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by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Some studies have actually shown an increase in the incidence of heart attacks (MI’s) during the Christmas holidays. Others have shown that the risk of death from these MI’s is higher also (possibly due to shorter medial staffing during the holidays). So the obvious reaction should be to try your best to decrease your risk of an MI.

The Vanderbilt physicians offer valuable advice toward this end. However, I think they left out a key factor, which is stress. There are so many things going on with the gift giving, parties, traveling, family reunions, etc. Good stress can affect you as much as bad, and it is additive. So plan ahead a little to limit it. (more…)