Men who have depression and problems with erectile dysfunction could benefit themselves and their heart health from a GP visit (and perhaps an overseas trip). A July 2010 report from researchers at the University of Florence say depression and erectile dysfunction are independent risk factors for cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Lead researcher Dr Elisa Bandini told heartwire, "In a large sample of men with erectile dysfunction, after controlling for other risk factors, we found that those with severe depression had increased risk of cardiovascular events.” Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Sexual Medicine, Dr Irwin Goldstein adds that, "What is important about this study is the broader concept of the sexual-medicine problem no longer being just about a man's performance in the bedroom, but about his psychological mood and his cardiovascular health.” Over the Tasman, Dr Sebastian Filep at the Victoria University Centre for Tourism and Services Research, says his recent study on the benefits of travel found a holiday may be a good tonic for those suffering depression. Studying a group of 60 Australian travellers and their journal entries, Dr Filep said their improved happiness related to positive emotions and senses of meaning and engagement. And as a help to those with heart conditions, the British Cardiovascular Society has produced a new report Fitness to Fly, which dispels many myths such as the effects of cosmic ray on pacemakers, and is soon to be translated into patient resource by the British Heart Foundation.