chronic illness

While being spiritual improved a women's mental health, it spurs men both physically and mentally, researchers say.

Asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in children, affecting as many as 10 to 12 percent of children in the United States.

There are several risk factors for developing childhood asthma, including family history of asthma and/or allergies, frequent respiratory infections, low birth weight and exposure to tobacco smoke before and/or after birth.

Heart disease or chronic illness may leave one anxiety-ridden, but it can adversely affect the overall health of such people as they are less likely to follow prescribed treatments, suggests the analysis.

"Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that physical activities such as walking or weight lifting may turn out to be the best medicine that physicians can prescribe to help their patients feel less anxious," lead researcher Matthew Herring, a doctoral student in the department of kinesiology at the University of Georgia, said.

40 studies reviewed