Latest news with #Vass
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Doctor shares 5 simple habits that may help reduce risk of heart attacks
Heart attack is one of the leading causes of deaths globally. It's usually considered to be silent, but the conditions build up over the years, which many may not be attentive to. But changing your small habits may make a big difference over time, keeping your heart healthy for the long haul. General Surgery and Emergency Medicine, Dr Vass, who frequently shares on his Instagram valuable insights on how to improve health, recently, on June 29, posted about the essential habits that help to improve heart health, reducing the risks of heart attacks. Symptoms can be mild or vague, making it difficult to recognise a silent heart attack.(Freepik) 1. Walking after meals to reduce blood sugar and inflammation Avoid sitting after a meal and briefly stroll.(Shutterstock) A simple walk, even as gentle as a stroll, can evoke meaningful results for heart health. He said, 'Even walking for just 10 minutes after a meal can help lower that postprandial blood sugar spike, which can significantly reduce inflammation, which are two major risk factors for plaque buildup in arteries.' The plaque buildup in the artery is one of the main causes behind heart attack, blocking blood flow to the heart." 2. Consume Omega-3 Fish types like salmond contain omega-3 fatty acids. (Adobe Stock) Certain nutrients strengthen your heart health. Omega-3 is one of them, and the doctor urged adding them to the diet. Dr Vass explained, 'Prioritise omega 3 intake. Wild cod fish, like salmon or a high-quality omega 3 supplement, can help to lower triglyceride levels, lower intravascular inflammation and reduce arterial stiffness.' Omega-3 falls in the category of healthy fats. 3. Sleep like your life depends on it Sleep well to stay healthy.(Shutterstock) Sleep is one of the pillars of good health, acting as the very foundation because many physiological functions rejuvenate during rest. The doctor connected this to heart attack and said, 'Sleep like your life depends on it, because it does. Sleeping less than six hours a night can increase heart attack risk by up to two hundred per cent. Prioritise your sleep, aim for consistency and eight quality hours a night.' 4. Swap plastic for glass Plastics are pervasive, available everywhere for several different utilities, in shapes, sizes and forms. But this is a big health hazard, big enough to stop your heart, too. Dr Vass elaborated, 'Plastic leak chemicals like phthalates, which disrupt hormones, drive inflammation, and over time can help to push into the arteries. Store food in glass, filter your water and never heat anything in plastic.' 5. Get the right tests done Regular checks help keep your heart healthy. While a cholesterol test is one way to track heart health, there are several other tests as well that can help with early warning. He said, 'Track the right labs. Don't just check LDL. Get your protein B, lipoprotein little A, homocysteine and high sensitivity CRP checked on a regular basis. These can help you show your real heart attack risk, years before any symptoms show up.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. ALSO READ: Cardiologist shares how stress and modern lifestyle are raising heart risks in 30s and 40s: 'Don't wait for chest pain'
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
5 daily habits suggested by top US doctor that protect the brain from early cognitive decline
Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos suggests five habits to protect the brain from cognitive decline, which can start as early as your 30s or 40s. Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep, engage in 30 minutes of daily exercise, and get sunlight exposure to regulate your circadian rhythm. Keeping the brain sharp and focused is important for overall well-being. Though many assume cognitive decline appears suddenly during old age, it often starts way earlier. This may start as changes in memory, focus, and mental energy. These signs can begin as early as the 30s or 40s. The good news? Research has shown that 90% of Alzheimer's risk is preventable. Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos, M.D., a board-certified emergency medicine doctor from New York, has now shared that five habits can help protect the brain from cognitive decline and make the brain sharper. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep (Pic courtesy: iStock) Sleep is important for brain health. A restful sleep is essential for brain function. A 2023 study found that sleep deprivation can induce adverse changes in cognitive performance. It is linked to decreased brain function and impaired cognitive performance. Remember, sleep is non-negotiable. Try to get about 7-9 hours of sleep every night to prevent cognitive decline. Practicing proper sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent bedtime, avoiding screens an hour before bed, and creating a dark, cool bedroom environment, can facilitate a restful sleep. Get 30 minutes of exercise Dr. Vass recommends getting 30 minutes of Zone 2 cardio or walking every day to improve brain function. Zone 2 cardio is about maintaining a specific heart rate zone or intensity level while exercising. This typically ranges from 60% to 70% of your maximum heart rate. Focus on maintaining a light to moderate intensity throughout the workout. Those who enjoy walking can turn to it. Walk at a brisk pace daily to boost memory, focus, and brain health. Get some sun Any changes in the circadian rhythm, aka the body's internal clock, can increase the risk of cognitive decline. It can alter the sleep-wake cycle and affect metabolism, mental and physical performance, immunity, and brain health. The fix? Get some sunshine. Exposure to early morning and daytime sun can improve sleep, which also boosts brain health. King Charles' Cancer CONFIRMED As 'Incurable'? Royal Health Secret Finally Revealed | Shocking Update Challenge your mind Your brain loves novelty. Learning a new language, skill, or even socializing has a positive effect on cognition. Keeping your brain engaged can slow down cognitive aging. Simple activities like solving puzzles or even reading a book stimulate neural connections and promote brain plasticity. Dedicate at least 15 minutes daily to brain games, crosswords, or to learn a new language that requires active thinking. Less screen time Binge watching television shows or YouTube videos may sound fun, but it is not beneficial for your brain. Increased screen time is linked to cognitive decline. A 2019 study found that increased use of screens among adults may harm learning, memory, and mental health. Excessive screen time also increases the risk of early neurodegeneration. The study followed adults aged between 18 – 25 with excessive screen time and found that it causes thinning of the cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer responsible for processing memory and cognitive functions, such as decision-making and problem-solving. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The National
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Kathleen MacInnes records Scottish Gaelic album at sold-out show
The sold-out show took place on the ninth day of the festival, but MacInnes – one of Scotland's most-loved and leading Gaelic musicians – wasn't just performing a show. She was recording live tracks for her much-anticipated third album. Her debut album Òg-Mhadainn Shamhraidh (Summer Dawn) was released in 2006, with another following in 2012, Cille Bhrìde (Kilbride). From South Uist, MacInnes grew up immersed in the Gaelic way of life with her voice moulded at island ceilidhs and the regular sesh. She only began performing publicly in her late 20s, which meant this performance was incredibly unique. READ MORE: Rhoda Meek: Toffs in tweed flock to the Highlands, but what benefits do they bring? In the packed theatre, the stage was set with a fiddle, keyboard, accordion and guitar for MacInnes to be joined by several musicians – but initially, she came out solo. Her humour was clear from the get-go, with a joke disclaiming she would only be playing 'a very short Gaelic song and then I'm going'. MacInnes opened with a 16th century lullaby – singing a capella – and signalled to the audience 'you are safe here, you can relax'. Although just back from starring in the acclaimed production of Macbeth with David Tennant and Cush Jumbo in London's West End, MacInnes looked both comfortable and nervous on the stage. She was joined by longtime friend and musician Mike Vass to share a Benbecula song about a stubborn cow – 'just like me,' she joked, before chiding herself, 'I said I wasn't going to be like this,' despite the audience loving her informality – and another from South Glendale. The songs were of course sung in Gaelic, save one or two later tracks. As the first few were played, I was transported through time – easy enough to do while listening MacInnes – to when I first heard her voice. I can pin it down to the exact moment in my mind. I had been home from school for a few hours and found myself on the internet reading about the Stone of Destiny as we had been studying it during History that day. I soon found her version of Oran Na Cloiche (The Song of the Stone), which bar my parents sharing Runrig and The Corries with me, was my first solo traverse into the world of Scottish Gaelic music. Ever since, her music, and that of dozens of artists I've discovered through her, has been a constant on my playlists. Vass and MacInnes were then joined by Donald Shaw to play a waltz called Jimmy Mo Mhíle Stór. The depth and release of MacInnes's vocals paired alongside the refinement and control of Vass and Shaw gave the impression of a band which was tight but flowing in their artistry. READ MORE: Scottish festival celebrating green initiatives and grassroots talent The trio were later joined by Neil Sutcliffe — an accordionist, singer, and pianist from Stirling, whom I last saw perform live three years ago in Glasgow. Since then, he has clearly carved out a place for himself as a budding talent in the Gaelic music scene. Being chosen as the support act for MacInnes at an event of this calibre, however, sets him apart entirely. Sutcliffe sang duets with MacInnes as well as perform solo songs, all while playing accordion, and later keyboard, while holding a star-quality stage presence alongside MacInnes's already established stardom. While the four performed a waulking song from Ness, the sound from all playing their respective instruments rounded out to raise the breadth of MacInnes's range to be on full show. A sing-along was had to Matt McGinn's Skin – all about skin – which I do believe you can only sing with a smile. The audience weren't too sure whether to believe it was seriously part of the set, as it came straight after an emotional Raasay tune about a woman's love being lost at sea. After a quick interval, MacInnes went on to dedicate an 1885 Swedish song translated into Gaelic to the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV while the three men then played a couple of reels. Fellow South Uist singer Sineag MacIntyre made a quick appearance towards the end, with the two women treating the audience to a talented session of puirt à beul, as well as a gorgeous rendition of Morag. Concluding the set, we were given not one but two Stone of Destiny-inspired songs. I can only imagine Sutcliffe takes inspiration from the Corries, as if you closed your eyes while he sang The Wee Magic Stane, you wouldn't be able to distinguish his jovial delivery from theirs. MacInnes then sang her much-loved version of Oran Na Cloiche. I personally wanted to remember every second of that performance as well as the whole night which had seamlessly moved between centuries and memories. With MacInnes, a pillar of the Gaelic tradition joined by young musicians on stage, giving us – a sold-out show – an insight into her creative process, while the audience sings along to songs from the 1700s, the night embodied this year's Tradfest theme. The past, present and future of traditional music.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Kansas man gets 15-year sentence for child pornography possession
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — An Arkansas City man has been sentenced to federal prison in connection to possession of child pornography. The U.S. Attorney's Office says Scott Warren Vass, 57, of Arkansas City, has been sentenced in federal court in Wichita to 188 months (15 years and 8 months) in federal prison. He had pled guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. President Trump weighs in on vandalism at Wichita Catholic church He was charged following an April 2023 search of his home where the Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered multiple devices belonging to Vass containing material related to child sexual abuse. The U.S. Attorney says several of Vass' Google accounts contained sexually explicit material involving children under the age of 12. Vass's investigation and prosecution are part of the Justice Department's Project Safe Childhood. The FBI was the investigating agency. If you have a tip about a crime involving children, you can report it to the NCMEC CyberTipline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Drug bust in Kittrell results in three arrests
KITTRELL — Members of the Vance County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant on March 6 at a residence on Lynnbank Estates Road after receiving complaints that narcotics were being sold from the residence. Investigators found heroin, cocaine, a Glock handgun and other pieces of drug manufacturing equipment. They arrested one Fuquan Henderson and charged him with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver heroin and maintaining a dwelling for selling controlled substances. Another man, Demarius Vass, was charged with the same crimes, plus possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine. Deputies also arrested a juvenile, and charged on petition him or her with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver heroin and a schedule III controlled substance, maintaining a dwelling for selling controlled substances and with possession of a handgun by a minor. Henderson and Vass were both remanded to Vance County Jail, the former under a $30,000 secured bond. Vass was given no bond. The juvenile was transported to a juvenile facility.
