Thinking about our ultimate demise can make us healthier

The next time life has got you down and you need a little pick-me-up, thinking about your imminent demise might be just the thing you need. Instead of being the ultimate downer everyone thinks it is, death might actually cause us to make healthier choices while we're alive and kicking. Researchers note that contemplating their own mortality can spur people to do things such as apply sunscreen before heading outside, cut back on smoking, increase their amount of exercise and even motivate women to perform more breast self-exams. Plus, now that our taxes have been paid for 2011, death is the only other sure thing for 2012.