Why to Ban Birthdays

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For those who missed the latest issue of Psychosomatic Medicine, a finding that is odd but demonstrably true: men run the greatest risk of dying shortly before their birthday, while women tend to die in the week just after. The biological reason is unclear, but speculation is focusing on the possible connection between mental state and physical health -- and no wonder, since the study was done in California. The increased risk is small enough that no one should worry, say the experts -- but to be safe, don't schedule major elective surgery for that time of year.