Interesting

The most head-scratching note from the study is that the wealthiest Americans -those supposedly with access to the healthiest food, most sophisticated exercise equipment, and most advanced medical technology - were only as well-off, healthwise, as the poorest third of British citizens.

But why? Climate, social structure, and culture are relatively similar between the two nations. However, this research implicates one major factor in the life of a typical American man that is not present in that of his British counterpart: stress, from our hectic overachieving lifestyle.

Americans schedule an average of 14 vacation days a year; the average Englishman takes 24. What's more, Americans typically don't use three of those days, giving the time back to their employers because they are too busy to take off. Could the very Puritan work ethic that founded our country be responsible for our foundering health?

In all likelihood, yes. The American Psychological Association (APA) claims that 43 percent of Americans suffer from stress-induced health effects, such as insomnia, weight gain, chest pains, depression, and fatigue. Earlier this year, a nationwide survey by the APA found that 59 percent of Americans blame their jobs for their stress. And guess which age group led all others in feeling the pressure? 40- to 49-year-olds, 58 percent of whom reported feeling "very concerned" about their daily stress levels.

MSN Health