For a Healthy Heart, Don't Skip Vacation

Next time you're tempted to skip a vacation, consider this: That holiday is good for your heart. In this Health Smarts video, Dr. Oz explains why vacations are good medicine to help prevent heart disease.

If you keep your nose to the grindstone, you could be hurting your heart health. Research shows that regular getaways can help keep your heart healthy. 

A long-term study tracked the health of 12,000 men who were at high risk for heart disease. The researchers focused on the number of vacations they took every year, and the results were striking.

Guys who took at least one vacation were almost 30 percent less likely to die from a heart-related condition compared to those who didn’t take a break.

The researchers think the vacation-takers had better heart health since time off reduces stress  -- and we know that’s one of the biggest contributors to heart disease.

Here’s even better news: The vacations don’t have to be long or expensive. Even a short weekend away can keep your ticker strong.

So, guys, if you've banked some vacation time, be sure to take it! It's good for your heart -- and for your soul.