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Optimism and Recuperation
Optimism and Recuperation
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Just how much of a role does your mind have in getting over an illness? Can your will suggest yourself back to health? Certainly there have been numerous reports suggesting that people with incurable diseases have been cured because of their attitude, but what does science say about it? Actually, you might be surprised. Several recent studies have shown that the mental approach of the patient can have an impact on illness; but the impact is a subtle one. For instance, it is hard to prove that people can will themselves back from heart failure to running marathons or from AIDS to total remission; but there are countless stories of people dealing with illnesses like this, or just as serious, and maximizing their potential. If you add to this the fact that stress reduction and a cheerful approach to life can work wonders - the bottom line: You are better off being optimistic. How you approach an illness can help reduce the chances of the illness getting better of you.
I am Dr. Brian McDonough.