Article - Mind Over matter

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Mind over matter

A recent survey of Canadians' attitudes toward their own health shows that

how a person feels about his own health might have more impact on their

longevity than the actual state of their health.

For instance, statistics show that Newfoundlanders are in poorer health than

Canadians in the rest of the country. Yet, their average life span is only a

year and a half less than the national average. (Nationwide, life expectancy

at birth in 2001 was 79.6 years. In Newfoundland it was 78.1. ) Researchers

believe this is because Newfoundlanders are more positive about their own

health and wellbeing - and have a stronger social network to support them.

'Mind over matter' seems to be more central to one's state of health than

was previously thought. The same survey found that British Columbians report

feeling more stressed out and unhappy with healthcare services than

Newfoundlanders, despite taking better care of their health than people

anywhere else in the country.

The health survey also found:

.. While the province has among the highest rates of elevated blood pressure

and asthma, Newfoundlanders also have the highest level of satisfaction with

their lives.

.. Among Canadians, Newfoundlanders are the least likely to eat the

recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables but they report the

least amount of stress.

.. Physically, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should be on their last legs.

But when it comes to quality of life, residents of The Rock say they lead

the country.

What Newfies appear to have on their side is the family and community

support that is lacking in other parts of Canada. That, and the fact that

they're not living in expensive, stressful cities where people are made to

feel like losers if they don't make lots of money. The result is a feeling

of well-being and satisfaction with their lives that can be elusive in other

parts of the country.

Other proof that mind over matter seems to work in preventing and fighting

disease is found in oncology, where cancer sufferers have shown remarkable

progress in fighting their disease, when facing it with a positive attitude

and therapy that involves the heart and mind as well as the body.

Hypnosis is also being used successfully to aid people in their recovery

from disease and surgeries.

Can a positive attitude do wonders for one's health? Newfoundlanders seem to

be living proof that it can. Feeling positive about your own health (and

life in general) seems to assist the body in ways we have yet to fully

understand.