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Hartford HealthCare recognized with John Thompson Award

Hartford HealthCare recognized with John Thompson Award

Yahoo12-06-2025
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Best practices are lifesaving interventions when it comes to patient care.
The impact is most critical for the sickest of patients.
A Hartford HealthCare team is being recognized for doing just that.
Dominick Mariconda, system director of quality and patient safety with Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Vincent's Medical Center, joined Good Morning Connecticut at 9 a.m. to discuss.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Indigenous Canadians Lack Access to Cardiologic, Stroke Care
Indigenous Canadians Lack Access to Cardiologic, Stroke Care

Medscape

time5 days ago

  • Medscape

Indigenous Canadians Lack Access to Cardiologic, Stroke Care

Canada's Indigenous population continues to face major disparities in heart and stroke care. These disparities result from a combination of neglect, inaccessible resources, and lack of cultural sensitivity when it comes to community values and healthcare practices. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Canada's Indigenous population, which includes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients. According to a 2022 study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology , incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates for cardiovascular disease are higher among Indigenous peoples than among non-Indigenous Canadians. First Nations patients have approximately 2.5 times the cardiovascular disease prevalence compared with that of non-First Nations patients. Complicating the situation, access to and inequality in cardiovascular care for Indigenous Canadians remain poorly studied and understood, the study noted. Isolation in remote communities, lack of access to emergency services, negative past experiences with the medical system, and resulting mistrust are factors contributing to this long-standing and growing healthcare crisis. 'The disparities in care for Indigenous Canadians are due to a mix of historical, systemic, and social factors,' Christine Faubert, vice president of Health Equity and Mission Impact at Heart & Stroke in Toronto, told Medscape Medical News. 'The legacy of settler colonialism has left deep scars, creating conditions that lead to significant health disparities. This includes trauma and socioeconomic disadvantages from policies like residential schools and forced relocations.' Bridging the Cultural Divide Many patients delay medical care because they've had such negative experiences in the past, and this decision often results in advanced disease by the time they seek care, Heather Foulds, researcher and professor of kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, told Medscape Medical News. 'Also, when patients undergo stroke or cardiac rehabilitation, healthcare practitioners place great emphasis on the individual patient. However, Indigenous communities are much more family-oriented, and the patient might have grandchildren for whom they're caring and can't simply leave behind,' Foulds noted. She is a former Heart & Stroke and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Indigenous Early Career Women's Heart and Brain Health Chair. 'Some patients have 3-day delays following a stroke because there are no healthcare providers. Most rehabilitation centers are in major cities, and patients have no way of getting to them.' Conflicting life priorities also play a role. 'A patient might say to themselves, 'What's the most important challenge I'm facing today? Maintaining my blood sugar levels might not be the most important thing right now when I'm trying to find a place for my kids to live.'' In addition, Western and Indigenous views of medicine differ significantly. For Indigenous Canadians, living within a healthcare paradigm so different from their own can be challenging. Some Indigenous community members are carving out their own academic paths as a way of focusing on their people's distinct needs. Pathways for Change Originally from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba, Margaret Hart is a doctoral student in the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Education, Winnipeg. Hart has been seeking to rebuild the occupational therapy program to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. 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The #1 Food You Should Be Eating More Of If You Have High Cholesterol, According to Dietitians
The #1 Food You Should Be Eating More Of If You Have High Cholesterol, According to Dietitians

Yahoo

time7 days ago

  • Yahoo

The #1 Food You Should Be Eating More Of If You Have High Cholesterol, According to Dietitians

Key Points Chia seeds provide fiber, omega-3s and antioxidants that can help lower cholesterol. Chia seeds are versatile, cost-effective and easy to incorporate into a heart-healthy diet. Eating plant-based foods, exercising and not smoking are also important for better it comes to lowering cholesterol levels, lifestyle changes are key. High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, occurs when excess cholesterol is present in the Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND says, 'High cholesterol is linked to diet, genetics and lifestyle. Over time, this can increase your risk for heart disease.' The good news is that even just a few simple tweaks to your diet can make a big difference in managing your cholesterol levels. For example, adding a sprinkle of chia seeds to your meals is an easy way to boost your intake of soluble fiber and healthy fats—key nutrients for lowering cholesterol. In fact, one review showed that consuming 35 grams (about 2.5 tablespoons) of chia seeds per day led to noticeable reductions in LDL ('bad') cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to the control group. Here, registered dietitians explain why chia seeds are the #1 food to eat more of if you have high cholesterol, along with other strategies for managing your levels. How Chia Seeds Can Help Lower Cholesterol Chia seeds are the edible seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant and are an impressive source of dietary fiber, plant-based protein, antioxidants, omega‐3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. They're also naturally low in saturated fat and easy to incorporate into meals and snacks. Here are some of the reasons why adding chia seeds to your diet may be beneficial if you have high cholesterol. They Provide an Ample Amount of Fiber Chia seeds are rich in fiber, with a 2-tablespoon serving providing 10 grams of fiber, including 1.5 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber has been shown to help lower cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the small intestine and removing it from your body. 'When chia seed is mixed with water, the soluble fiber forms a gel called mucilage, which can help transport cholesterol out of the body through the digestive tract,' says Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN. Research suggests that consuming at least 5–10 grams of soluble fiber per day may reduce LDL cholesterol by 5.5–11 mg per deciliter. They Contain Plant-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids Another impressive benefit of chia seeds is their rich concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory effects. 'Chia seeds are rich in plant-based omega-3 fats, which positively support heart health,' says Sheth. Research suggests that ALA can help lower total and LDL cholesterol levels. It may also help increase HDL ('good') cholesterol levels, though the findings weren't significant. They May Help Reduce Inflammation Chronic inflammation has been shown to reduce HDL cholesterol levels and increase LDL and triglyceride levels. Lorena Akerman, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES, says that chia seeds are rich in polyphenols—plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. While more research is needed, high dietary intake of polyphenols has been linked to higher levels of HDL cholesterol in people with metabolic syndrome. Besides being linked with a reduced risk of heart disease, HDL is beneficial as it helps transport LDL away from the heart and back to the liver, where it can be broken down and removed from the body. They're Versatile and Economical Chia seeds are simple to incorporate into a healthy diet and are relatively inexpensive—especially if you buy them in bulk. Akerman notes that while the price varies by brand, chia seeds are generally cost-effective as you'll likely only use a tablespoon or two at a time. How to Include Chia Seeds in Your Eating Plan Chia seeds can be added to virtually any dish, from creamy overnight oats to dinner-sized salads. 'Add chia seeds to a smoothie, mix into a yogurt, soak overnight in soy milk (also good for lowering cholesterol) to make a chia pudding or use [them] in granola. Powder form can be used in baked goods, bread or cracker doughs, oatmeal or smoothies,' says Del Coro. Overnight chia seed pudding is Sheth's favorite recipe for a delicious, heart-healthy breakfast or snack. She varies up the milk (almond, soy) and adds fresh fruit (berries, mango, stone fruit) and a small handful of chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, almonds). You can also sprinkle chia seeds over a slice of avocado toast, add them to a classic PB&J or use them to make a DIY protein powder. Just make sure to add chia seeds gradually into your diet and drink plenty of water to avoid digestive side effects, like bloating or gas. Sheth notes that this is particularly important if you're not used to eating a high-fiber diet. Unopened, chia seeds can last up to 5 years when stored in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cabinet. Once opened, Akerman recommends storing chia seeds in an airtight container in the fridge to extend their shelf life and prevent them from going rancid. Other Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Reduce Cholesterol Certain risk factors for high cholesterol, like your genetics, age and family history, are outside of your control. However, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your cholesterol levels and support heart health. Here are three strategies to try: Eat more plants Sheth recommends filling your plate with plant-based foods and heart-healthy fats, like olive oil, to help lower cholesterol. Whole, minimally processed plant-based foods, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes, are packed with beneficial nutrients for heart health and cholesterol levels. In addition to providing fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals, they're also typically low in saturated fat. Compared to omnivorous diets, vegan and vegetarian diets have been associated with lower total and LDL cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease. Move your body Akerman highlights the importance of physical activity. Regular exercise is shown to increase HDL and lower LDL levels. To help prevent or reduce high cholesterol, the American Heart Association recommends engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense cardiovascular exercise per week. Swimming, cycling, running and brisk walking are all classic examples of aerobic exercise. Dancing, hiking, vigorous yard work and gardening also count. If you're new to exercise, it's important to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. Do not smoke Smoking and vaping can lower HDL cholesterol. Smoking can also increase the risk of heart disease by increasing triglyceride levels and other health conditions associated with high cholesterol, like diabetes and high blood pressure. If you currently smoke, reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance and resources on how to quit. Our Expert Take Chia seeds contain soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, all of which can help improve cholesterol levels and support overall heart health. Besides being incredibly nutritious, these tiny but mighty seeds are also easy to use, versatile and relatively inexpensive, making them an excellent addition to your pantry (or fridge). Of course, no one food can magically improve your cholesterol levels. Eating an overall healthy diet that's rich in minimally processed plant-based foods, moving your body daily and not smoking are also key. Cholesterol-lowering medications may also be necessary for some folks. Regardless of where you start, identify at least one or two changes you can make today to start moving towards a more heart-healthy lifestyle. Read the original article on EATINGWELL

Popular Sugar Substitute Marketed to Diabetics Linked to Stroke, Heart Attack, Brain Cell Damage
Popular Sugar Substitute Marketed to Diabetics Linked to Stroke, Heart Attack, Brain Cell Damage

Yahoo

time19-07-2025

  • Yahoo

Popular Sugar Substitute Marketed to Diabetics Linked to Stroke, Heart Attack, Brain Cell Damage

A widely-used sugar substitute found in products marketed to people with diabetes may involve more risks than rewards. In a new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder found that erythritol — an organic compound used for so-called "stevia" products sold by the brands Wholesome, Truvia, and Splenda — can harm brain cells and increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Created during the corn fermentation process, erythritol, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration back in 2001, has long been considered one of the best sweeteners on the market because of its near-sugar-level sweetness that barely affects insulin or blood sugar in diabetics. Unfortunately, the sugar alcohol seems, per the new study from Boulder, to be nearly as harmful as the artificial sweetener aspartame, which is used in many diet sodas, has been labeled "carcinogenic" by the World Health Organization, and has been linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk. Following up on a 2023 study that linked increased stroke and heart attack risk with higher erythritol circulation in the bloodstream, integrative physiology professor Christopher DeSouza and graduate student Auburn Berry, both coauthors on the new paper, sought to learn more about this unsettling correlation. In a lab, the researchers saturated the kind of cells that line our brain's blood vessels with the amount of erythritol that comes in the average sugar-free drink. As they found, the treated cells were both lower in the molecule nitric oxide, which widens and relaxes blood vessels, and contained higher-than-normal levels of endothelin-1, a protein that causes blood vessels to constrict. The sweetened cells also spat out a bunch of so-called "free radicals," which inflame and age cells and tissues, and had a "markedly blunted" reaction to the clot-forming compound thrombin. Essentially, the cells that had been treated with erythritol worked the opposite way they were supposed to. "Big picture, if your vessels are more constricted and your ability to break down blood clots is lowered, your risk of stroke goes up," explained Berry in a press release about the new study. Notably, those stark effects were found in cells that had been doused with enough erythritol for one sugar-free drink. For people consuming more than one per day, that inflammatory effect could, as research lead DeSouza warned, be even worse. "Given the epidemiological study that inspired our work, and now our cellular findings, we believe it would be prudent for people to monitor their consumption of non-nutrient-sweeteners such as this one," the professor explained. DeSouza went on to add that people should check labels for erythritol, or "sugar alcohol," as it's sometimes called — a prudent piece of advice, especially considering that people with diabetes are already at double the risk of having a stroke as their non-diabetic counterparts. More on food functions: Scientists Find that Hosing Glizzies Is Basically a Death Sentence

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