Research Reveals Parents' Stress Leaves Lasting Marks On Children's Genes

Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the Child & Family Research Institute have shown that parental stress during their children's early years can leave an imprint on their sons' or daughters' genes - an imprint that lasts into adolescence and may affect how these genes are expressed later in life.

The study, published online in the journalChild Development, focused on epigenetics - the expression of genes as opposed to the underlying sequence of DNA. A central component of epigenetics is methylation, in which a chemical group attaches to parts of the DNA - a process that acts like a dimmer on gene function in response to social and physical environments.
Full article Link: 
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/233651.php

Head-to-Toe Solutions for Stress

Worrying about being able to pay the bills? The babysitter canceled—again? Situations like these are the modern-day equivalent of being attacked by a saber-toothed tiger, and our bodies rev up to face the threats, says Paul J. Rosch, MD, president of the American Institute of Stress. Chronic stress can lead to a whole host of physical and emotional problems. Plus, women often have stronger stress reactions than men, says David Rakel, MD, director of integrative medicine at the University of Wisconsin, maybe because the area where emotions are processed in our brains is larger. Even more of a reason to ID your stress and learn to let it go.
Source:http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306683,00.html