He suggests that a person can decrease the toll that stress takes on the body by developing a repertoire of coping skills. People with a sense of humor have less suppression of their immune system in times of stress. Being involved with religious practices and beliefs helps keep people out of the hospital and doctor's office. Beliefs can be individualistic and do not need to be organized to serve as protection to the effects of stress. Certain lifestyle changes that broaden social interactions such as joining social or spiritual groups and spending time with supportive friends may increase resistance to infections.
Cardiovascular health leads to mental health by making the body less reactive to stress.
He views physical fitness as the most important variable because it is something people can control relatively easily.