Stress (0) IS often called a 21st century illness but it has always been with us if perhaps with different names. These days we regard stress 1 a necessary evil of modern living. Yet stress is not negative and without 2 we would not enjoy some of the highpoints in life 3 as the anticipation before a date or the tension leading up to an important match. All these situations produce stress but 4 you can control it and not the other way around, you will feel stimulated, not worn out. However, unlike these situations, 5 are generally positive and easier to deal with, sitting in a train that is running late, 6 stuck in a traffic jam or working to a tight deadline are much harder to manage and control and can be a significant cause of stress. Stress is now recognised as a medical problem and as a significant factor 7 causing coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and a high cholesterol count. Patients are often unwilling to admit to stress problems since they feel they are a form of social failure and it is important that symptoms 8 identified in order to avoid unnecessary suffering.