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HEALTH & SCIENCEForget your troubles: It's good for your well-beingTaking the time to take a vacation can make you healthier and happier. And you just might live longer, too.By Susan J. Landers, AMNews staff. July 19, 2004. Some well-promoted research findings pointing up the heart-protective value of vacations caught the eye of Evan L. Lipkis, MD, an internist in Glenview, Ill. "I like the decreased mortality associated with vacations." He was particularly intrigued by a finding that middle-aged men who had risk factors for heart disease -- high cholesterol, smoking and hypertension -- reduced their risk of dying, especially from this illness, if they took time away. "I take about four weeks off a year," says Dr. Lipkis. "That's what it requires for me. I do much better at work if I take care of myself. I can give of myself to my patients, I can give the care they need. I can take in their problems and process them without getting totally depressed. It gives me a much better outlook." He also counsels patients to follow his example. "I tell people that vacations are primary for decreasing mortality and for decreasing stress at home and work." A successful vacation is a very individual matter. For some, it involves quality family time. For others, it is traveling without family. It can also mean completely getting away from it all. "Lots of people goof up their vacations by always being available by phone for their businesses," says Dr. Lipkis, who is also the author of the book Live Longer and Healthier Now. But if the only way to take a holiday is to remain at least somewhat plugged into a job, then that's better than nothing, say others. Dr. Lipkis favors family trips, especially for the good memories and laughter they bring. He chuckles, for instance, about the time he was parasailing in Mexico, narrowly missed a flagpole and landed in the hotel swimming pool. His daughter, who sailed in without mishap, was a witness and frequently relates the tale. "It's important to have that memory," he says. "The creation of good times keeps us together as a family." [...]Full text of AMNews content is available to AMA members and paid subscribers.
Copyright 2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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