Stress, Depression and Heart Disease are some of the leading killers of this century. Everyone is at risk and we bombarded with advice about diet, exercise, weight control etc. These are all important and I am not seeking to negate them but there is another factor that good solid scientific research has shown to also be vital to preventing theses killers striking.
A solution that is enjoyable, fun, and something to look forward to with eager anticipation and to look back on with fond and lasting memories.
In brief research shows that not taking a regular vacation will significantly increase your risk of death from a heart attack. I will not go into all the details but will simply summarize a few studies and provide links so you can read them in full if you wish.
In a study of 13,000 middle-aged men at risk for heart disease, those who skipped vacations were found to be 30 percent more likely to suffer heart attacks than those who took at least one week off each year. Even missing one year’s vacation was associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Full report
A separate study, tapping information from the Framingham Heart Study, found vacation deprivation may be equally hazardous for women. Researchers looked at 20 years worth of questionnaires given to 749 women. Their finding: Women who took a vacation once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary heart disease or have a heart attack than those who took at least two vacations a year. Full Report
A study conducted among 1,500 women in rural Wisconsin found that those who take vacations twice a year or more were less likely to become tense, depressed or tired than those who took vacations once every two years. In addition, the odds of marital satisfaction decreased as the frequency of vacations decreased. Full Report 
Finally a sample of 887 law firm lawyers in Canada found that participating in active and social leisure activities and taking a vacation are important in reducing lawyers’ depression Full Report
Americans are at greater risk than those living in most other countries. This is because most countries in Europe have a legal requirement to give staff an annual vacation of between 20 and 30 days (varies between countries. Australia and New Zealand mandate at least 20 days off. Canada only insists on 10 days a year and America has no legal minimum.
There is the mistaken idea that it would cost business too much but that is simply not correct. As an example Jancoa, a Cincinnati janitorial service firm, for example, decreased its employee turnover from 360 percent to 60 percent while simultaneously increasing its productivity with the addition of a week of vacation. Full Report
The Chicago office of Price Waterhouse Coopers, the worldwide accounting firm, once dedicated an entire issue of its in-house newsletter to the importance of taking a vacation, pointing out that vacations enable employees to return to work with a strong focus and energy. Full Article
So start making plans NOW. Your life may depend on it.
BUT I can’t afford it!
In the USA 34% of those asked said that they can’t afford to take their full vacation. Now that is really sad! We all know how important a vacation is for your mental and physical health. Cutting it down because of cost is not necessary.
We can help you!
How?
Register with Christian House Sitters and you can enjoy rent-free vacations all over the world.
We can also arrange for a Christian to look after your home and pets free of charge while you are away.
For more information please have a look at our website CLICK HERE
God bless you,
Ray
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