Over two centuries ago, oxygen was discovered as "air vital": the component of the earth's atmosphere necessary for life. Less than five years after this discovery, it was found that oxygen was both a life-sustaining and life threatening inhalant as it plays a role in the two extremes of the animal kingdom: life and death. In the subse quent years, we have made major strides in understanding the role of oxygen in maintaining life and volumes of information are now available on this topic. Our knowledge of the contribution of oxygen in cellular dysfunction and cell death which for the most...

It has been known or suspected for centuries that there is an association between mind and emotions and the occurrence of heart disease apd sudden death. During the past fifty years this relationship has become identified with the concept of Stress, a notion developed and popularized by Hans Selye. In recent years there has been an upward surge of interest in stress by scientists in several disciplines and by the general public. Although, books, journal articles, seminars and media programs devoted to stress now abound, the definition, manifestations, mechanisms, and management of stress...