Multiple stresses threaten nation's success

One of the most significant means to measure the health and happiness of a country is its life expectancy. Its determinants are many, but leading is the stress level citizens experience in their daily lives.

Currently, the United States doesn't rank in the Top 25 but by 2040, the country is expected to drop to 40th in world standings.

Stress? Political turmoil - divisive issues with no meaningful attempt to resolve. Economy - job loss, the growing disparate gap between rich and poor, real unemployment, not understated labor statistics in favor of the current political party in power. Fear - real or contrived, of immigration, unabated foreign interference in elections, the loss of this once vibrant democracy. Health - climate change already taking its toll, its affordability, the longevity of insurance ending with no viable replacement.

Our health care costs are the highest among all industrialized nations and yet more are suffering and dying; many choose to avoid bankruptcy rather than treating onset disease.

We can control our stresses if we choose. Whether it's the key to health and happiness of this country may be debatable. Should we give it a try?

James D. Cook

Schaumburg