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The Unlikely Hero of the Heart: Fish Oil

There is one kind of polyunsaturated oil that may be especially protective against heart attacks—yet, you’d never want to sprinkle it over your beautiful fresh spinach salad. Fish oil.

The first clues that there might be something “fishy” about fish oil turned up some years ago, when scientists studying the health of different world populations noticed an especially low incidence of coronary heart disease among Eskimos of Greenland and Japanese people living in fishing villages on the sea. Though widely separated geographically, these two populations had at least one thing in common: Both groups consumed tremendous amounts of fatty fish, fish oil, whale blubber and other marine life that fed on fish. At first, their healthy hearts seemed incongruous, since very high levels of fat in the diet—regardless of the source of that fat—are considered a risk factor in heart disease. Further studies revealed that both the maritime Japanese and Eskimos had low levels of triglycerides (a kind of blood fat), high levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol—the good kind of cholesterol—and a reduced tendency for their blood to clot. All those things are classic signs suggesting a sound, healthy cardiovascular system. W hat was going on?

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Tags: fish oil for heart, healthy cardiovascular system, protective against heart attacks, the good kind of cholesterol

Finding a Good Travel Agent

The best way to find a good travel agent is to get a recommendation from a friend, says Dick Knodt, executive vice president of the Association of Travel Agents. Then ask your friend to call the agent to introduce you. That way, the agent has the possibility not only of getting a new client, but also of losing an existing one if you’re not happy with the service. According to Knodt, this is the best way to assure you’ll receive the best possible treatment.

Here are some other ways to assess a prospective travel agent:

• The first time you meet, ask what professional organizations the agent belongs to. Agents who are members of professional associations have to live up to a certain code of behavior or risk being thrown out.
• Find out how long the agent has been in business. Agents who have been around for a while and have an established reputation tend to be more reliable. And you can always check with your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any complaints against the agent.
• Check references. Never make arrangements with an agent who calls you out of the blue. You don’t need to meet face to face, but you should certainly speak to a few of the agent’s other customers before charging a big trip to your credit card number.
• Make sure the agent asks you about trips you have liked and disliked in the past, what kind of airline seats you prefer, and what frequent flier clubs you belong to. The agent should keep this personal information in the computer so you don’t have to answer the same questions every time you book a new trip.
• Book a trip. Then assess how important the agent’s help was in making the experience a pleasant (or unpleasant) one.

Tags: choosing travel agent, find travel agent, plan a trip

When to Use Your Travel Agent

The best times to use your travel agent and the best times not to use your travel agent (described by Robert Powell Sangster, the author of Traveler’s Tool Kit: How to Travel Absolutely Anywhere)

Use your travel agent when:

• You are short of time. You lack knowledge about technical issues like visas and permits.
• You want to review tour brochures and get recommendations.
• You are planning a complicated trip to several destinations.
• You don’t speak the language of a country you’re planning to visit.
• You’re going somewhere you’ve never been before.

Don’t use your travel agent when:

• The agent is unfamiliar with your destination. The agent refuses to use consolidator tickets.
• You’re sure you can find far less expensive tickets on your own.
• The agent doesn’t understand your areas of interest or dismisses them.
• You need only one element of a trip, such as a car rental.
• You’re taking advantage of a special discount.

Tags: Don't use your travel agent when, Use your travel agent when

The Right Way Using Travel Agent

Some people use travel agents in ways the industry considers unethical. Sometimes, however, people don’t realize that what they are doing is considered inappropriate. Here are a few simple guidelines to follow if you want to treat your travel agent with respect.

• Don’t ask a travel agent to do in-depth research for you on a complicated vacation and then book the trip with someone else to save a few dollars. Agents provide information for free. Their earnings depend on the bookings.
• Don’t expect your agent to spend hours finding you an airline ticket that will save you only a few extra dollars.
• Reward a travel agent’s good work by becoming a loyal customer.
• Give your agent as much time as possible to book your trip and find you the best prices.
• Don’t blame the agent when airlines or resorts are charging more than you want or are able to pay. In high season especially, agents have very little room to maneuver.

Tags: choosing travel agent, simple guidelines if you want to treat your travel agen