From time to time in this space we will present ideas that will help you deal with the ins and outs of aging. Mostly, we will talk about wellness things, especially emotions and attitudes. You probably already know that the mind and the body are interwoven, and that health in one improves the well-being in the other.

But, did you know that stress and the negative thinking that goes with it can make you sick? Or, at least, you can increase the chances that you will become ill. Some years ago, two psychologists studied several thousand people and the effect that stressful events had on them. They found that both positive and negative changes can cause you to have accidents or become ill.

1. Have you had a major change in your life in the past year? (Example: death of a close person, change in residence, change in family status, income, etc.) YES__ NO__

2. Have you or someone close to you had a serious illness or medical procedure? (Example: surgery, stroke, heart attack) YES__ NO__

3. Have you had a change in your social life in the past year (increase or decrease)? YES__ NO__

4. Has your mood been either way too high or way too low? YES__ NO__

5. Do you feel like nothing matters anymore? YES__ NO__

Add up your yesses. If you answered yes to more than two of the above, then you may be a candidate for sickness or accident. Give a mental health counselor or physician a phone call and discuss your condition with him or her.