Can we learn from Michael Jackson?

OK, the King of Pop, may he rest in peace, had some big problems in his life. ABC News, medical talking heads on the TV and others are all talking about factors that may have led to his untimely death. And medical examiner results won’t be available for a while. Did he do drugs, prescription or contraband? Did he OD on his doctor-administered Demerol? Was he emaciated? Did his heart just give out?

Until the physiological and medical answers are found, one thing most everyone agrees on is The Gloved One lived a life of enormous stress. From his childhood (or lack of one) under his allegedly abusive father, to the pressure he put on himself to exceed his world-beating record sales to his financial hardships (he was reportedly $400 million in debt when he died), Jackson endured a lot. And many people from some family members to his few close friends believe that this chronic stress may have fueled the physical issues that ultimately did him in.

As we’ve covered in this blog, chronic stress can easily lead to a severely altered immune system that is out of balance (over-reacting and under-reacting to various pathogens and conditions), which can lead to serious health conditions.

So I found some video footage that gives a great primer on the stress/immune system connection. How we manage stress and our immune response greatly influences our fundamental health and quality of life. The thing is, this footage isn’t taken from the latest and greatest research institute or cutting edge health think tank. It’s a CNN story that is so old, there isn’t event a date on the video. It had to be produced not long after CNN actually went on the air (or the cable, that is). Still, it’s reportage rings true today and is still every bit as relevant.