In medical news this morning, the ability to cope with stressful situations might play a role in increasing levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol in older men.

The study from the University of Hawaii included data from more than 700 men who were mostly white. All of the participants answered questionnaires about their coping strategies then underwent blood cholesterol screening.

Those who were better able to cope with stress had higher levels of the good cholesterol than men with more hostility.

Coping mechanisms had -no- effect on levels of LDL or “bad" cholesterol.

In other medical news…

Coping with the stress of balancing work and family life is the subject of a new study from the University of Michigan.

About 20% of Air Force women deployed during the Iraq war say they've experienced at least one major symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Women who had higher levels of conflict between work and family life were more likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Women comprise about 13% of the nation's military force.