No doubt you’re concerned about the unsteady state of the economy. Who isn’t? But it seems that it’s a bigger stress factor for women than for men. The American Psychological Association’s (APA) recent Stress in America survey shows that 84 percent of women are anxious about the economy, compared with 75 percent of men. Since chronic stress ups your risk of illnesses from cancer to heart disease, try these strategies from the APA to help you cope. Make a plan. Figure out which issues are most troublesome and attack them first. High credit card debt? Negotiate a lower interest
rate. Accentuate the positive. For example, cooking dinner as a family rather than going out can bring you closer together. Get help from the pros. A financial planner or credit counseling service can help you get a grip on your finances, while a psychologist can help you manage serious stress.