Debt stress linked to health problems by Susan Pataky According to an Associated Press(AP)-AOL Health poll people who reported high levels of debt stress suffer from at least three stress-related illnesses. That finding is supported by medical research that has linked chronic stress to a wide range of ailments as announced on June 9,2008. Ten million to 16 million are "suffering terribly due to their debts, and their health is likely to be negatively impacted," says Paul J. Lavrakas, a research psychologist and AP consultant who analyzed the results of the survey. Those are people who reported high levels of debt stress and suffered from at least three stress-related illnesses, he says. This new poll stated  that among the people reporting high debt stress: -27 percent had ulcers or digestive tract problems, compared with 8 percent of those with low levels of debt stress. Note, ulcers are generally caused by the bacteria, H. pylori, but stress can worsen the pain. -44 percent had migraines or other headaches, compared with 15 percent. -29 percent suffered severe anxiety, compared with 4 percent. -23 percent had severe depression, compared with 4 percent. -6 percent reported heart attacks, double the rate for those with low debt stress. -More than half, 51 percent, had muscle tension, including pain in the lower back. That compared with 31 percent of those with low levels of debt stress. -People who reported high stress also were much more likely to have trouble concentrating and sleeping and were more prone to getting upset for no good reason. The article continued by saying  medical research suggests that most of the symptoms reported in this poll are indeed typical of chronic stress. The body reacts with a "fight-or-flight" response, releasing adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol. That helps you react fast in an emergency, but if the body stays in this high gear too long, those chemicals can wreak physical havoc in numerous systems - everything from a rise in blood pressure and heart rate to problems with memory, mood, digestion, even the immune system. If you've been away from your meditative or spiritual practices or been putting off that yoga class, start today! Remember the old adages there's no time like the present & An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Carve out time to attend to your needs so to prevent these repercussions associated and attributed to the daily pressures and stressors that weigh heavily on our minds. You'll be grateful, balanced and centered and better able to deal with whatever life throws at you.