"Scientists have long known that people who are chronically angry, anxious or depressed have a higher risk of heart attacks," says an AP report. Now, more studies are confirming positive psychology as a way to cut those risks.

A recent Harvard review of dozens of studies concludes that being upbeat and optimistic does seem to help to protect against heart disease.

Rather than focusing only on how to lessen heart risks, "it might also be useful to focus on how we might bolster the positive side of things," said lead researcher Julia Boehm of the Harvard School of Public Health.

Optimism, in particular, seems to be key. It may cut the risk of a first heart attack in half.

(READ the AP story in Columbia Tribune)

[Editor's Note: What a great benefit of reading the Good News Network!]