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.
The number of Americans who plan on vacationing within the next six months is near a thirty year low, according to the Conference Board, a private research firm. A general consumer survey by the same firm also suggests 39% of those people surveyed are not considering a vacation next year -- a figure that is at an all-time low since 1978. Consultants in the public health field feel 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.
There is a clear correlation between lifestyle and stress. A study published in 2000 involving 12,000 men over a nine year period had parallel findings. Men who did not vacation annually were 33% more likely to die of a heart attack and had a 21% risk of death from other causes. The facts also point to the effect vacations have on your mental health. Research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin report the rate of depression increased as the frequency of vacations decreased.
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.
Nearly 25% of Americans in the private business sector are not awarded paid vacation time. Moreover, 127 countries do mandate paid vacation time. However, the United States does not. Mr. John de Graaf, the editor of Take Back Your Time, is lobbying for Congress to pass an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act that would ensure three full weeks of paid vacation to workers who have been employed with their organization for at least one year. Even though this may be a tough sell to business, vacation time is more attractive than sick time because it is easier to anticipate.
It seems that economic progression is still on a downhill slide. Neutralizing the negative consequences is essential to our well-being. Earmarking funds for a leisurely and luxurious vacation is now urgent. After all, we are entitled.
A lifetime membership in a travel club may prove to be a good investment. Avoid timeshare scams that require yearly maintenance fees and long-term payment plans. Look for options that offer a one-time, up-front fee and a fully-transferrable lifetime membership. Unlimited guest passes without additional fees and a VIP upgrade for new members will provide even more value. A product such as this may increase your work-life balance and stretch your travel budget. - 14915
The number of Americans who plan on vacationing within the next six months is near a thirty year low, according to the Conference Board, a private research firm. A general consumer survey by the same firm also suggests 39% of those people surveyed are not considering a vacation next year -- a figure that is at an all-time low since 1978. Consultants in the public health field feel 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.
There is a clear correlation between lifestyle and stress. A study published in 2000 involving 12,000 men over a nine year period had parallel findings. Men who did not vacation annually were 33% more likely to die of a heart attack and had a 21% risk of death from other causes. The facts also point to the effect vacations have on your mental health. Research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin report the rate of depression increased as the frequency of vacations decreased.
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.
Nearly 25% of Americans in the private business sector are not awarded paid vacation time. Moreover, 127 countries do mandate paid vacation time. However, the United States does not. Mr. John de Graaf, the editor of Take Back Your Time, is lobbying for Congress to pass an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act that would ensure three full weeks of paid vacation to workers who have been employed with their organization for at least one year. Even though this may be a tough sell to business, vacation time is more attractive than sick time because it is easier to anticipate.
It seems that economic progression is still on a downhill slide. Neutralizing the negative consequences is essential to our well-being. Earmarking funds for a leisurely and luxurious vacation is now urgent. After all, we are entitled.
A lifetime membership in a travel club may prove to be a good investment. Avoid timeshare scams that require yearly maintenance fees and long-term payment plans. Look for options that offer a one-time, up-front fee and a fully-transferrable lifetime membership. Unlimited guest passes without additional fees and a VIP upgrade for new members will provide even more value. A product such as this may increase your work-life balance and stretch your travel budget. - 14915
About the Author:
David Loren Sullivan is an avid traveler and affiliate with MOR Vacations. Visit his web page for more tips and solutions for luxury travel.
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