I need to take a vacation! There might be more underlying this statement than most people realize. Recently, studies have shown that your health may depend on it.
According to the Conference Board, a firm specializing in private research, the number of Americans who will take a vacation within six months is the lowest in thirty years. 39% of the respondents who took their standard consumer survey were also not considering travel next year -- a low since 1978. Public health consultants believe this is a mistake.
Just when job insecurity and stress are at an all-time high, we could use a break. The Framingham Heart Study, an ambitious health research project, has been striving since 1948 to identify common risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease. Researchers of the project observed three generations of questionnaires filled out over a twenty year period. The data showed women who vacationed only once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary artery disease or have a heart attack.
The correlation between stress and way of life is evident. In 2000, the results of another study involving 12,000 men over a period of nine years had similar results. Men who did not travel on an annual basis were 33% more prone to dying from a heart attack and had a 21% risk of dying from other causes. Mental health is also indicated to be affected by travel. According to research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic of Wisconsin, the instances of depression increase as frequency of travel decreases.
This is real evidence that vacations are necessary to your physical health. It is time to rethink our vacation plans. As budgets tighten, it may be a good idea to consider all the options. The up-and-coming travel giant, MOR Vacations, recently announced a new product that may address the issue of family travel on a shoestring budget. Requesting the time off from work may be the only obstacle.
Almost 25% of Americans working in the private sector do not receive paid vacations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are 127 countries that mandate paid vacations. The U.S. does not. John de Graaf, executive director of the Take Back Your Time board, is lobbying Congress to pass the Minimum Leave Protection, Family Bonding, and Personal Well-Being Act that will mandate three weeks of vacation. It's a tough sell to business, but more enticing than sick time because it is more predictable.
Indications are that the economic downturn is not over. Offsetting the negative ramifications is vital to our health. It may be necessary to set aside funds to ensure a relaxing and luxurious vacation. We all deserve it.
A lifetime travel club membership could add up to be an excellent investment. Steer clear of timeshare scams which require annual maintenance fees and lengthy payment arrangements. Investigate options offering only an up-front fee and a membership that is fully-transferrable. Free unlimited guest travel and upgrade to VIP status for new members is even more valuable. A product like this will leverage your work-life balance and make the most of your travel budget.
According to the Conference Board, a firm specializing in private research, the number of Americans who will take a vacation within six months is the lowest in thirty years. 39% of the respondents who took their standard consumer survey were also not considering travel next year -- a low since 1978. Public health consultants believe this is a mistake.
Just when job insecurity and stress are at an all-time high, we could use a break. The Framingham Heart Study, an ambitious health research project, has been striving since 1948 to identify common risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease. Researchers of the project observed three generations of questionnaires filled out over a twenty year period. The data showed women who vacationed only once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary artery disease or have a heart attack.
The correlation between stress and way of life is evident. In 2000, the results of another study involving 12,000 men over a period of nine years had similar results. Men who did not travel on an annual basis were 33% more prone to dying from a heart attack and had a 21% risk of dying from other causes. Mental health is also indicated to be affected by travel. According to research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic of Wisconsin, the instances of depression increase as frequency of travel decreases.
This is real evidence that vacations are necessary to your physical health. It is time to rethink our vacation plans. As budgets tighten, it may be a good idea to consider all the options. The up-and-coming travel giant, MOR Vacations, recently announced a new product that may address the issue of family travel on a shoestring budget. Requesting the time off from work may be the only obstacle.
Almost 25% of Americans working in the private sector do not receive paid vacations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are 127 countries that mandate paid vacations. The U.S. does not. John de Graaf, executive director of the Take Back Your Time board, is lobbying Congress to pass the Minimum Leave Protection, Family Bonding, and Personal Well-Being Act that will mandate three weeks of vacation. It's a tough sell to business, but more enticing than sick time because it is more predictable.
Indications are that the economic downturn is not over. Offsetting the negative ramifications is vital to our health. It may be necessary to set aside funds to ensure a relaxing and luxurious vacation. We all deserve it.
A lifetime travel club membership could add up to be an excellent investment. Steer clear of timeshare scams which require annual maintenance fees and lengthy payment arrangements. Investigate options offering only an up-front fee and a membership that is fully-transferrable. Free unlimited guest travel and upgrade to VIP status for new members is even more valuable. A product like this will leverage your work-life balance and make the most of your travel budget.
About the Author:
Dardent Loren Sullivan is an ardent traveler and affiliate with MOR Vacations. Visit his web page for more tips and solutions for luxury travel.
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