Mark,

Hmmmmm.. your whole story there sounds a bit familiar.....

Minus the back surgery.

My stress levels were appoaching the 3rd Sun of Jupiter, but I am HEAPS better now...

My tips..

#1 Exercise. Everyday. Get off you butt, go to the gym, shoot hoops, walk a couple of miles, go for a ride on your bike. but get out and do something physical.

#2 Drink LOTS of water and green tea. I do at LEAST 2 litres of water everyday, plus 6-8 cups of green tea (added hint - throw a small piece of fresh ginger into your cup and leave it there everytime you refill).

#3 Have one "doona" day a month. DO NOT get out of bed. Turn off the phone. Sleep, dial pizza.

#4 Have good sex at least 4 times per week. Any less does not work any where near as well. Preferably with someone you care for :-)

And finally...

Don't worry about worry.

My old man always said to me:
Son you don't die from the first heart attack, you die from worrying about the second one.

The preceeding advice will cost you 2 beers and a bowl of pretzels in Florida.

:biker: