Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Dying for a Vacation?

Dying for a vacation? Take it. A vacation may help you from dying.
It's official. A 9-year study* recently released concluded that "vacations might have protective effects on health."
Vacations reduce stress by removing its ongoing sources and providing a "period of signaled safety." The health benefits of reducing stress—and the anticipation of stress—are well documented, especially for coronary heart disease.
Vacations also provide social contact with family and friends, as well as increased physical activity. These behaviors have "restorative effects on anabolic physiological processes."
Nothing is more important than your health. Protect it. Go on vacation.

*Are Vacations Good for Your Health? The 9-year mortality experience after the multiple risk factor intervention trial by Brook B. Gump, PhD, MPH and Laren A. Matthews, PhD