The way that we “frame” or attach meaning to potential stressors, often determines whether they become actual stressor or not. One person might define something as stressful when someone else does not. If you find that you are someone who is prone to anxiety over potentially stressful events or circumstances, you might be prone to other diseases as well.

Anxiety over the anticipation of stressful situations may increase a person’s risk for developing cancer, heart disease, and stroke, according to a study by University of California, San Francisco. In a study with 50 women, researchers found that those most threatened by the anticipation of stressful tasks such as public speaking and solving math problems looked older at the cellular level. They determined this by measuring telomeres, which are the protective caps on the end of chromosomes. Shorter telomeres are associated with increased risk for a host of chronic diseases. (Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, online Jan 24)