Need a Vacation? Dr. Says a Day Will Do

Right in the middle of prime vacation season, you may be thinking you need to get away. But who has the time? I still haven't taken a "Spring Break" so I'm not even over the winter blues yet. And I'm just realizing this as I notice the new fall clothing lines are already in stores. Good luck finding a bathing suit amongst the tweed if your get-away dictates a visit to the beach.

If you can't afford to get away, don't have the time, and are stressed at a job you only took to pay the bills, then you need a vacation the most. Chief of Cardiology at Norwalk Hospital, Martin Krauthamer, M.D., says a change from your daily grind is essential. However, you don't need to go on an expensive exotic trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. Dr. Krauthamer says a long weekend, or even one day away from the job can be very beneficial to your health. He says a change could lower blood pressure and the adrenaline response of the body a little bit, as well as allow a sense of recovery. He says you just need to do something different. If you sit in front of a computer all day every day, he suggests taking a day to hike or work in the garden. Those who do manual labor are advised to do something more relaxing on their time off.

A recent survey  shows American's aren't taking enough time off to recharge. It also offers tips on how to get away from work without getting behind.

On the other hand, Dr. Krauthamer says vacations can be dangerous, especially if one isn't carefully planned. He says put two people in a hotel room with limited activity and a lot of bickering can occur. He says if you are going somewhere, you need to plan it emotionally as well as physically. He told me that patients frequently ask him about the dangers of flying. His answer is, being on the airplane is the safest part. Airports are what he warns people about because they can be very tension-provoking. You have to get there early, carry your bags, wait in several lines to be searched, all while possibly worrying about missing the plane. If you have a heart condition or serious physical limitations, he says you have to plan ahead so that you aren't carrying a 20-pound suitcase for nearly a mile in an airport. He says a vacation has to be planned to be restful for the person taking it. The problem is what is restful for one person may not be for another.

Vacation Deprivation? Book here. However, especially now with the recent terror threats, you might not want to fly anywhere. You don't have to. Sometimes I like to pretend I'm on vacation here at home. I've found that hotels often offer special deals to unwind and relax. Here are some of the specials at  The Stamford Marriott.  1. Couple's Getaway, includes a deluxe overnight stay, breakfast for 2 adults, dinner for 2 at Vuli's and 25% discount on their choice of spa treatment. The rates are $189 weekends, $309 midweek.

2. Romantic Rendezvous Package for 2, An overnight stay, breakfast for 2, with a 50 minute Couple's Massage at The Agora Spa. Champagne & fresh cut strawberries through room service, a CD of romantic love songs to take home. Rates are $279 weekend, $389 midweek.

3. Girlfriend's Getaway, Overnight stay, including breakfast for 2, two spa treatments, one per person, including ½ price on purchase of any Aromatherapy Body Polish and a popcorn lover's basket with movie from On Command. Rates are $269 weekend and $379 midweek. You can also enjoy the Marriott's indoor/outdoor pool, whirlpool and pool bar.

Or take a dip in the Big Apple.

Hotel Gansevoort  offers special getaways including "The Renewal Day Package" and "Honey We're Stuck With the Kids" to name a few. All include use of the boutique hotel's 45-foot heated outdoor pool with underwater music.

Oh. And don't worry if you can't leave that laptop behind. The doctor says if you are using it for work, then just set a schedule where you check in for a couple hours in the morning, then put it all away. However, a recent study reveals that that person on the beach with his or her laptop, might not be working after all; it could be providing entertainment.