Can Chronic Jet Lag Kill?
If the answer to that question is “yes” then I know a few people who are close to kicking the bucket. In all seriousness, recent tests on mice suggest that chronic jet lag and other behavior involving sharp light-cycle changes, like rotating shift work, could shorten a person’s lifetime.
The study done by University of Virginia scientists found that disrupting the circadian rhythms (the 24-hour physiological cycle of humans and many animals) for test mice increased the mortality of especially older mice.
During the course of the study the scientists adjusted the light-cycle of the mice, moving it for one group six hours forward and another six hours backwards, “mimicking changes that humans go through when they take a transoceanic flight or change from a day shift at work to an overnight shift.”
In addition, researchers found that for the elderly mice–of those subjected to the backward-shift regimen–32% died. Meanwhile, 53% of those with the forward shift schedule, died. However, researchers found just 17% of the mice died in the test period if they had not experienced any light cycle alteration.
So Much For The Train Option
If you are one of the millions of travelers who have ditched the airlines in favor of train travel in order to avoid the arduous TSA security checkpoint lines, I have bad news for you. Sadly, the party may be over. According to a New York newspaper: “Beginning this week, Buffalo-area rail travelers will be among the first in the country to be subject to a ‘once-over’ before boarding.”
The newspaper goes on to write that TSA officers working with local law enforcement will test passengers for explosives residue. According to local reporters: “Travelers who refuse to comply with the random screenings, which take about 30 seconds, will be barred from getting on Amtrak trains” and the Buffalo-area light rail system.
Federal officials describe the one-month pilot program as “an overall effort to improve transportation system safeguards.” But some passengers interviewed were noticeably upset that they forced to endure physical searches prior to boarding the train.
When Was The Last Time You Checked Your Frequent Flier Account?
If you haven’t checked your frequent-flier account lately, you may want to do so immediately… and don’t be shocked if some of your miles aren’t there. Blame it on the airlines–some of the traditional U.S. airlines are changing the expiration period for miles sitting in dormant accounts. According to news reports, the latest airline making a change is US Airways, which now “requires frequent flier members to have any sort of account activity at least once every 18 months to prevent miles from expiring.” Previously, the limit was three years. The first group of US Airways frequent fliers affected by the new limit could lose their miles as of January 31, 2007 if they have no new account activity. Continental has the same rule: “Use a frequent flier account once every 18 months, or the miles expire.” Delta allows a two-year grace period for miles in accounts with no activity, while American, Northwest and United currently give fliers a three-year window.
Related Articles:
Selecting A Frequent-Flyer Program