Pubdate: Fri, 21 Jan 2000
Source: Scotsman (UK)
Copyright: The Scotsman Publications Ltd 2000
Contact: Letters_ts@scotsman.com
Website: http://www.scotsman.com/
Forum: http://www.scotsman.com/

THEY CALL IT STORMY MONDAY

Mondays are bad for our health - it's official. Doctors have
discovered that Scottish men and women are up to 20 per cent more
likely to die of a heart attack on a Monday than any other day of the
week. The high death rate is thought to be caused by a fatal
combination of having too much fun - and alcohol - over the weekend
and the harsh reality of Monday morning. The findings confirm a
suspicion that many have held for a long time, but while everybody
knew that getting out of bed on Mondays was usually unpleasant, few
thought it could be fatal.

It is worrying news which could have far-reaching effects on our work
habits. We can no longer write off that sick feeling on a Monday
morning when the alarm goes off. It could be the early sign of a heart
attack. Calls to the office to excuse absence will take on a new
significance when employees explain they cannot come to work, or even
get out of bed, because, according to statistical evidence, it might
result in their death. And as people put off facing up to the world on
the first day of the working week, Tuesday could become the new
Monday, causing a never-ending cycle.

It is a frightening thought, but there is some good news. A question
first posed by Bob Geldof has finally been answered. At least we now
know why we don't like Mondays.