These days in the medical realm they say that a major factor in optimal health and longevity is our personality, especially our tendency toward either positive or negative thinking.

According to a Mayo Clinic study a while back, the exact mechanism for personality as a risk factor for poor health or indeed early death has not been found. However, they do find that pessimists have increased chances for future problems with physical health, career achievements and emotional stress, particularly depression. And they say perhaps negative thinking causes actual changes in the immune system.

So, basically, looking at the wory because of a predisposition to react constructively to emotional, social or other adverse situatld through the proverbial rose-colored glasses is good. Plus being “conscientious,” especiallions and being more likely to create working and living environments that make us happy. And being happy does promote good health.

All right! Sounds great! But if that’s the cheering prognosis for us ordinary mortals, think for a moment about George W. Bush. The Lord only knows, as practiced at rationalization as this guy is, he’s going to outlive Methuselah!