Vacation is Good For the Heart!

Here's an interesting study showing the protective effects of vacation on heart health. A study from Syracuse University found that vacationing decreased the risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The more risk factors you have, the higher risk of CVD. Shocker right? Time away from work, in a foreign place, relaxing and being worry-free is good for your health? Who knew! But why?

The study used blood measurements and physical measurements and found the following:

• 24% decreased risk in metabolic syndrome (if vacationed in past 12 months)

• 46% increased risk in metabolic syndrome (if no vacation was taken)

• Each additional vacation (in 12 month span) resulted in 8% decreased risk.

Considering $212 million paid vacation days get unused each year in the United States, I think we can all agree to take a little time off -- for our own health!