SURVIVING STRESS Stress is part of being human and has been documented since the caveman era. However in the 21st century, with problems such as terrorism, wars, pollution, unemployment, criminal acts, serious diseases, and excessive divorces, stress is rampant and must be dealt with. First described is the nature of stress and what it can lead to (for example, heart attacks, alcoholism, divorce and death). Then, both negative (for example, drinking, taking drugs, smoking, overeating, and using denial) and positive (for example, exercise, relaxation, consultations, nutrients, humor, and diversions) ways of stress management are presented. After this, the stress associated with the disadvantaged and their caregivers is examined. Finally, stress and the afterlife (if there is one) is considered. A unique aspect of this book is humor. Reducing stress, using humor, is both natural and universal. Humor is displayed in fun-filled, stress-related stories and cartoons, which are an integral part of the book and illustrate points made in the text. They serve two other purposes: (1) give a needed break from the seriousness of the subject matter; and (2) act as a means of reducing stress. The cartoons are by Dr. Marvin Herring, a renowned cartoonist and exceptional physician.