Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute’s Post

New work led by Izzuddin Aris highlights a pivotal period for improving cardiovascular health in children. Read more in JAMA Cardiology: https://lnkd.in/ecR9S2JT

EBC-led EU Health Policy Platform Thematic Network, “Towards an EU Coordination Plan for the Brain”, officially launches. The European Brain Council (EBC) has been selected to lead one of the 2024 EU Health Policy Platform Thematic Networks, focused Towards an EU Coordination Plan for the Brain. This decision underscores the growing importance of brain health and science in shaping EU health, social, and research policies. https://lnkd.in/de2NiN3v

It's an honor to share SAHELI trial results in JAMA Cardiology The FIRST large clinical trial to evaluate the reach and effectiveness of lifestyle counseling among US South Asian adults with cardiovascular risk factors. Bottom line: The 16-week culturally adapted, group lifestyle intervention did not lead to greater reductions in clinical risk factors than monthly health education materials but did lead to modest improvements in self-reported diet and physical activity. What we learned: We have more work ahead of us to optimize CVD prevention for South Asians, but a critical lesson from SAHELI is that trust and partnership with underrepresented communities is central to equitable cardiovascular clinical trials. https://lnkd.in/gj9xta9x Nirav Shah, MD, MPH Emily Anderson Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine #cardiovascular #clinicaltrial

High blood pressure, smoking, and atrial fibrillation - a common irregular heartbeat - are associated with increased severity of stroke, according to new findings from the global INTERSTROKE study led by University of Galway in collaboration with McMaster University, Canada. 
 INTERSTROKE is one of the largest international studies on stroke risk factors, involving over 26,000 people across 32 countries, including almost 13,500 who had experienced their first stroke. Lead author Dr Catriona Reddin, researcher at University of Galway and Geriatric Medicine Specialist Registrar at Health Service Executive, Ireland, said: “Stroke can cause disability or death, yet many risk factors can be managed with lifestyle changes or medication. Our results show that controlling high blood pressure, along with managing atrial fibrillation and avoiding smoking, are especially importance in reducing the risk of severe stroke.” The study’s findings are published online in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. https://lnkd.in/ekjFXMAw #StrokeAwareness #StrokePrevention #Research #Findings #INTERSTROKE University of Galway - College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Heart Health and Holistic Living: Integrating Mind, Body, and Spirit: The profound influence of psychological states on cardiovascular health is underscored by a multitude of clinical studies. A landmark meta-analysis conducted by Rozanski et al. (1999) examined the relationship between depression and heart disease, revealing a significant association between depressive symptoms and adverse cardiac outcomes. Similarly, a longitudinal study by Kubzansky et al. (2001) found that individuals with a more optimistic outlook exhibited a reduced risk of coronary heart disease over a 15-year follow-up period. By acknowledging the intricate interplay of psychological, physiological, and spiritual factors, we can adopt a more holistic approach to heart health that transcends conventional medical paradigms. Moving forward, interdisciplinary collaboration and empirical research will be essential for elucidating the underlying mechanisms and optimizing interventions aimed at promoting cardiovascular resilience and well-being. For more info visit:https://bit.ly/3LwQoKa #hearthealth #clinicalstudies #cardiocaremax #CardiovascularAwareness #heartawareness #physiological #holistichealth #holisticliving

🌟Exciting News!🌟 I’m thrilled to announce the publication of our research article titled “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women: A Cross-sectional Study to Investigate the Prevalence, Psychophysiological Manifestations, Risk Factors, and Treatment” in COJ Nursing & Healthcare(IF:1.61). This study sheds light on the prevalence and symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder among women, focusing on its psychophysiological impact and associated risk factors. Our findings highlight severe hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, and mood changes/depression as prominent symptoms, while identifying dietary habits and genetics as significant risk factors. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my co-authors Aqsa Qaisar, Wajahat Ashraf, Ayesha Usmani, Maryam Sikandar, Muhammad Adnan,Muhammad Awais Bin Abdul Malik , and Sameen Abbas for their invaluable contributions to this research. Our study emphasizes the need for awareness, early diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment strategies involving lifestyle modifications. I’m excited to continue contributing to public health research! #PCOS #MedicalResearch #Endocrinology #WomensHealth #Publication #Research #PCOSAwareness

🚨 New Research Alert: PCOS May Impact Brain Health in Later Life 🧠 Francesca Lyon, lead nutritionist at FUTURE WOMAN, is always on the lookout for new research. 👀 A recent study on women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (or PCOS) has caught her attention - and it's findings are pretty worrying. 🔬 The study suggests that women with PCOS may face faster cognitive decline as they age, showing lower performance in attention, memory, and verbal skills by the time they reach their 40s and 50s. But why? The research points to two potential culprits: insulin resistance and inflammation. However, Francesca believes there's a third key factor that warrants investigation - one that's often overlooked in PCOS research. Curious about what it could be? Check out Francesca's full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dsMNhFee #mentalhealth #productivity #womenshealth

Diaphragm cramp-contracture (#DCC) is a legitimate #SIDS mechanism. The evidence supporting it is highly compelling, however, the hypothesis is based on a solitary patient (N = 1). Regardless, this paper reveals numerous novel findings related to diaphragm fatigue and excitation in the form of spasms, diaphragm flutter and cramps (sustained spasms). We believe it causes sudden unexpected and silent respiratory arrest in vulnerable individuals, primarily premature infants because their underdeveloped respiratory muscles are prone to fatigue. For full details, see this comprehensive paper that took over two years of full-time research to prepare.

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Health Awareness Month. Some observational studies suggest that diets high in long chain omega-3s (DHA and EPA) are associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Because DHA is an essential component of cellular membrane phospholipids in the brain, researchers hypothesize that omega-3s might protect cognitive function by helping to maintain neuronal function and cell membrane integrity within the brain. Learn more in our health professional fact sheet: https://lnkd.in/ecJf2kgn

A study featured in The Guardian found that people with high cardiorespiratory fitness also had high cognitive function and a lower risk of dementia.🧠 https://lnkd.in/g43Da4pg An alternative study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) Medicine with 311 citations and a 100% content novelty score found high physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 25-30%! https://shorturl.at/ghHia 🔗Explore the study: https://shorturl.at/ghHia 🔗Discover more novelty scores: https://shorturl.at/F5DGV 📚Researched at Alberta Health Services. #Health #Fitness #Cardio #CognitiveFunction #DementiaPrevention #BreastCancerPrevention #PhysicalActivity #Research #HealthInnovation #AlbertaHealthServices #ExerciseScience