Stay healthy — take a vacation

July 04, 2008 11:05 pm

— Summer is the season for vacationing, although this year it may be more difficult for families to justify a trip with rising gas prices and a sluggish economy.
Some workers may be thankful to have a job, let alone find time to take off for a week or two.
But there is evidence that vacations can improve health. For instance, a study published in 2000 looked at 12,000 men over nine years who were at high risk for coronary heart disease. Those who failed to take annual vacations had a 21 percent higher risk of death for all causes and were 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack.

Some parents may consider family vacations to be as stressful as working, although it is all part of creating shared family memories. Lugging around many pounds of paraphernalia, a rain-deluged camp site and having a flat tire on the trip aren’t conducive to a serene, happy outing.
Yet it is still an activity different from work, and some of the bad memories are the ones that prompt chuckles in the retelling years after the vacation from hell.

A sensible compromise to expensive destinations involves vacationing in Indiana and surrounding states. There are many parks, museums, festivals and camps in the Midwest that offer fun and enlightenment.
The proximity to Chicago, lakes in Michigan and events in Indianapolis provide Goshen-area residents an advantage in seeking a nearby vacation.
Workers should take a week off to recharge their batteries and relieve stress. Even a trip close to home offers these benefits.