I need a vacation! There may be more to that statement than people realize. Recent studies show your life may depend on it. With a struggling economy and corporate layoffs, Americans are leaning towards not planning a vacation next year.

The Conference Board, a private research firm, reported the number of Americans planning to take a vacation in the next six months is at a thirty year low. Their regular consumer survey showed 39% of respondents were not considering a getaway next year, the lowest figure since 1978. Public health experts say this is a mistake.

Just when stress and job insecurity are at an all-time high, we all need a break, a healthy vacation. The Framingham Heart Study, an ambitious health research project, has been striving since 1948 to identify common factors contributing to heart disease. Researchers of the project observed questionnaires filled out over a twenty year period. The data showed women taking vacations once every six years or less were about eight times more likely to develop coronary heart 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 similar findings. Men that 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 shoe string budget. Requesting the time off from work may be the only obstacle.

Almost 25% of Americans working in the private sector do not receive paid vacations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are 137 countries that mandate paid vacations. The U.S. does not. John de Graff, executive director, of Take Back Your Time is lobbying Congress to pass the Minimum Leave Protection, Family Bonding, and Personal Well-Being Act that will mandate three weeks of vacation. It's a tough sell to business, but more enticing than sick time because it is more predictable.

Indications are that the economic downturn is not over. Offsetting the negative ramifications is vital to our health. It may be necessary to set aside funds to ensure a relaxing and luxurious vacation. We all deserve it.

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-transferable lifetime membership. Unlimited guest passes without additional fees and a VIP upgrade to new members will provide even more value. A product such as this may increase your work-life balance and stretch your travel budget....You need a Healthy Vacation!