hile American society may revere the workaholic, the most effective employees actually are those who take regular, annual vacations. In fact, these getaways can literally be a lifesaver. Researchers found in a study of 12,000 men that those who vacationed each year were far less likely to die from any medical condition, especially heart disease. An annual chance to de-stress is recommended for good health since high stress increases the risk of a wide range of disease. To make your vacation effective, however, make sure you stick with the following guidelines: Take at least one vacation a year. A week or two is preferable, but even long weekends help. Leave the laptop and cell phone behind. If you are still on duty -- even electronically -- then you can't fully relax and reap the benefits of your away time. Resist the urge to check in with the office and don't leave numbers where you can be reached. Take along family or friends. Quality time spent with your loved ones is one of the best restoratives available -- unless they are part of your stress. If it's a week with your in-laws or a grumpy teen-ager, then a separate vacation may be in order. Involve everyone in planning. Whether it's on line or through a travel agent, make sure everyone who's going along on the vacation has a hand in planning it. That way, everyone has a stake in making it fun. © Your HealthStyle, 2002.