The study found that optimists did appreciably better in handling disease than pessimists, regardless of whether the condition was inoperable cancer, heart disease, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic severe infections, severe arthritis or other equally serious diseases. Optimists lived longer, had less pain, had a better quality of life, remained more active, and had a general amelioration of their disease. Such was not true in each individual case, but as an average it was.

In explaining the results, the researchers went further than just the psychological or power of suggestion. They investigated the bio-systems of the individual. They found that the immune response was better in the optimists. They had more T cells (disease fighting lymphocytes), and higher levels of immune globulin proteins in their blood. It seems that being positive and optimistic has a beneficial effect on the immune system. The exact mechanization for this is not yet fully understood, but is being investigated further. The whole field of the connection between the mind on the physical aspects of the body, and the neurohumoral effects is most interesting, and I'm sure there will be evidence with more fascinating results and explanations in the future.

Of course other aspects of optimism versus pessimism have results on general good health. Optimists are more apt to work through their pain, and get up and exercise even though they don't feel like it. The old adage -- if you don't use it, you lose it -- comes into play. Pessimists who give up and don't exercise, have a general atrophy of their musculature and cardiovascular reserve, and speed up the process of their disease.

Nutrition also plays a role. Debilitating diseases, including many cancers tend to take away the appetite -- physically and psychologically. Optimists tend to make themselves eat even though they don't feel like it and may even become nauseated. Pessimists give up and eat little. As a result the body's need for normal caloric intake to keep up mobility and activity, maintain the body's mass (muscles, bones, etc.), and to ensure the functioning of all cells in the body, decreases with debilitating results.

Of course optimism needs to be accompanied by reality, and impossible goals not set. But in all aspects of life, not just disease, tempered optimism works best. Optimists, in general, have a better quality of life and live longer, regardless of their station in life. All of us have setbacks and disappointments at times, but optimists come back with a smile, and pessimists respond with depression.

So be an optimist. The payback is not cash, but happiness, contentment and better health.

http://www.kystandard.com/articles/2005/07/03/news/opinion/editorial02.txt