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  • Top Virologist On Yoga’s Role In Preventing Lifestyle Diseases

    Top Virologist On Yoga’s Role In Preventing Lifestyle Diseases

    Top Virologist On Yoga's Role In Preventing Lifestyle Diseases

    Dr Kang also said she would like to see India focusing on solving tuberculosis in the country.

    New Delhi:

    India has, in the past, tended to borrow solutions from the West and is finally being able to frame its own questions about health and seek to answer them – which was evident during the Covid pandemic – Dr Gagandeep Kang, one of India’s top virologists, has said. 

    Dr Kang, who was honoured with the ‘Health Leader Of The Year’ award at the NDTV Indian Of The Year awards on Friday also spoke about the impact of long Covid and the importance of yoga in tackling the rise of lifestyle diseases. 

    Speaking after receiving the award, Dr Kang said, “In India, we tend to borrow our solutions from the West and what we have been trying to do over the past few decades is for us to frame our own questions about health in India and seek to answer them. I am really excited about the fact that we are finally doing that; we saw it during Covid, but I hope that this is a revolution that will continue because we do need to rely on ourselves to be able to solve our problems,” she said.

    Dr Kang said there are two areas that she would like to see India focus on, including solving tuberculosis (TB) in the country. She said TB is the biggest infectious disease killer in the world and Covid had beaten it for a year, but it is now back. The second area, she said, is nutrition – both under- and over-nutrition. 

    The virologist also spoke about integrating traditional Indian systems of medicine and knowledge, which have not been fully integrated into healthcare, prompting a question on whether she sees the dissonance between traditional and modern medicine reducing. 

    “I think with the increase of westernised lifestyles, we are seeing more lifestyle diseases and if you look at our traditional systems of medicine, they are holistic in the advice that they offer, in terms of diet, exercise and what people need to be doing. Yoga is union,” she said. 

    Dr Kang said she chose research as her field because there is nothing more exciting than the opportunity to ask your own questions and then figure out the answers. 

    ‘Lot Of Work To Do’

    On Covid, its mutations and long Covid, which is still affecting many, she said, “I think we are learning more about long Covid and the consequences of viral infections. We clubbed it all as one syndrome and what we are learning today is that it actually has multiple manifestations that can last long term. So, there is a lot of work for us to do to understand the consequences of both single and multiple infections, which is the situation we are dealing with today.”

    Asked whether she had a message for young girls who have an interest in science, the virologist said, “Economic independence really matters and if you can achieve that doing something that you enjoy, you are doing the right thing for yourself and your family.”

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  • Top Virologist On Yoga’s Role In Preventing Lifestyle Diseases

    Top Virologist On Yoga’s Role In Preventing Lifestyle Diseases

    Top Virologist On Yoga's Role In Preventing Lifestyle Diseases

    Dr Kang also said she would like to see India focusing on solving tuberculosis in the country.

    New Delhi:

    India has, in the past, tended to borrow solutions from the West and is finally being able to frame its own questions about health and seek to answer them – which was evident during the Covid pandemic – Dr Gagandeep Kang, one of India’s top virologists, has said. 

    Dr Kang, who was honoured with the ‘Health Leader Of The Year’ award at the NDTV Indian Of The Year awards on Friday also spoke about the impact of long Covid and the importance of yoga in tackling the rise of lifestyle diseases. 

    Speaking after receiving the award, Dr Kang said, “In India, we tend to borrow our solutions from the West and what we have been trying to do over the past few decades is for us to frame our own questions about health in India and seek to answer them. I am really excited about the fact that we are finally doing that; we saw it during Covid, but I hope that this is a revolution that will continue because we do need to rely on ourselves to be able to solve our problems,” she said.

    Dr Kang said there are two areas that she would like to see India focus on, including solving tuberculosis (TB) in the country. She said TB is the biggest infectious disease killer in the world and Covid had beaten it for a year, but it is now back. The second area, she said, is nutrition – both under- and over-nutrition. 

    The virologist also spoke about integrating traditional Indian systems of medicine and knowledge, which have not been fully integrated into healthcare, prompting a question on whether she sees the dissonance between traditional and modern medicine reducing. 

    “I think with the increase of westernised lifestyles, we are seeing more lifestyle diseases and if you look at our traditional systems of medicine, they are holistic in the advice that they offer, in terms of diet, exercise and what people need to be doing. Yoga is union,” she said. 

    Dr Kang said she chose research as her field because there is nothing more exciting than the opportunity to ask your own questions and then figure out the answers. 

    ‘Lot Of Work To Do’

    On Covid, its mutations and long Covid, which is still affecting many, she said, “I think we are learning more about long Covid and the consequences of viral infections. We clubbed it all as one syndrome and what we are learning today is that it actually has multiple manifestations that can last long term. So, there is a lot of work for us to do to understand the consequences of both single and multiple infections, which is the situation we are dealing with today.”

    Asked whether she had a message for young girls who have an interest in science, the virologist said, “Economic independence really matters and if you can achieve that doing something that you enjoy, you are doing the right thing for yourself and your family.”

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  • Holistic lifestyle interventions outshine drugs in preventing cardiometabolic diseases

    Holistic lifestyle interventions outshine drugs in preventing cardiometabolic diseases

    While lifestyle interventions show promise in tackling cardiometabolic diseases, their long-term success hinges on policy-driven environments that make healthy living accessible for all.

    Study: Lifestyle interventions for cardiometabolic health. Image Credit: Shutterstock AI

    Study: Lifestyle interventions for cardiometabolic health. Image Credit: Shutterstock AI

    A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine reviewed the benefits of combined lifestyle interventions (CLIs) on cardiometabolic health.

    Obesity and overweight are risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), and their global prevalence has tripled in recent decades. Societal changes have shifted from leisure activities or labor-intensive work to more sedentary and inactive lifestyles. Concurrently, dietary patterns have shifted from plant-based diets to Western diets that are characterized by high-energy, low-fiber, and high-sugar foods. The study highlights that these trends disproportionately affect socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, where CMD prevalence can be up to five times higher than in more affluent groups.

    CLIs target multiple lifestyle behaviors and have the potential to prevent CMD in at-risk populations. However, in the long term, they are not always sustainable, and their effects attenuate in routine care. In the present study, researchers reviewed the short—and long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness of CLIs for obesity, overweight, and related CMDs in controlled studies and routine care.

    Contributions of Lifestyle Behaviors to CMD Risk

    Unhealthy diets high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar and low intake of fruits and vegetables are major contributors to premature mortality related to CMDs. Collectively, they account for up to 35% of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths. In addition, physical inactivity impacts CMD development and contributes an estimated 6% and 7% to CVD and type 2 diabetes (T2D) burden, respectively.

    Moreover, sedentary behavior also increases the risk of CMDs. Although other lifestyle behaviors, such as chronic stress and sleep deprivation, are associated with a greater CMD risk, their contribution to the global CMD burden is unclear. The study highlights that unhealthy behaviors often cluster, particularly in disadvantaged communities, compounding the risk of premature death. Therefore, addressing multiple lifestyle behaviors concurrently is crucial to improving cardiometabolic health.

    Effects of CLIs

    CLIs are delivered by health professionals in structured and controlled programs and commonly target sedentary, physical activity, and dietary behaviors. Evidence indicates that CLIs have consistently reduced T2D incidence by about 40% over three to six years of intervention in high-risk individuals compared to usual care in controlled settings.

    CLI effects are mainly driven by decreases in glycemic markers, body weight, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Further, studies comparing CLIs to metformin, a glucose-lowering medicine, observed that the drug was about half as effective as CLIs. A network meta-analysis found that a CLI reduced T2D risk by 60% compared to pharmacotherapy, and this effect was partly persistent for many years post-intervention. For instance, the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study reported a sustained 20% reduction in diabetes incidence 20 years after the intervention, highlighting the potential for long-term benefits.

    Longitudinal evaluations of CLIs beyond the active intervention period have revealed T2D risk reduction, albeit to a lesser extent, over 3–20 years of follow-up. Despite these long-term benefits, meta-analyses have not observed long-term benefits of CLIs on CVD or all-cause mortality. However, the Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Study in China demonstrated a significant reduction in all-cause and CVD mortality after 23 years of follow-up, underlining the variability in outcomes across different settings.

    CLI Implementation and Cost-Effectiveness

    Studies have translated controlled CLIs to routine care settings, given their promising effects on T2D risk. A meta-analysis of 25 translational or before-after studies found about a third to half of the effectiveness noted in the original studies, with a clinically relevant weight loss after one year, leading to improvements in CMD risk factors.

    Based on these analyses, diabetes prevention programs were implemented for high-risk individuals in Finland, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of these implementations, although the programs appear effective for people who completed them. Regarding the cost-effectiveness of CLIs, there is a paucity of evidence in routine practice. The study emphasizes the need for further economic evaluations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where CMD prevalence is rising rapidly.

    Population-Level Approaches for Healthy Lifestyles

    Although CLIs have been effective at CMD prevention, targeting only high-risk individuals in routine care is insufficient to curb metabolic disease prevalence in the population. Therefore, measures targeting the entire population are needed. Population-based approaches have been successful in reducing smoking by 27% to 37%; this could be exemplary in informing policy decisions affecting other lifestyle behaviors.

    Urban planning policies can also play a pivotal role in reducing CMD risk. For example, designing walkable neighborhoods and increasing access to green spaces have been associated with lower rates of T2D and CVD. Similarly, implementing sugar-sweetened beverage taxes and subsidizing fruits and vegetables can positively influence dietary habits, particularly in underserved populations.

    Concluding Remarks

    While CLIs yield CMD benefits in trials and clinically relevant improvements in translational studies, their long-term effects in routine practice require further evaluation. In addition, drivers and barriers to implementing CLIs in routine practice should be evaluated. Together, CLIs can yield clinically relevant metabolic health effects, especially when reinforced by policy measures and supportive environments targeting population-level lifestyle behaviors. As such, CLIs should remain an essential component of approaches to combat the CMD epidemic.

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  • Preventing stroke: 5 simple lifestyle changes for your parents that make a big difference | Health

    Preventing stroke: 5 simple lifestyle changes for your parents that make a big difference | Health

    Certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and sedentary lifestyle can make one susceptible to stroke. Want to know what you can do to prevent it? Sweat not as we got an expert on board to highlight the vital measures that one should take to reduce the chances of a stroke.

    A stroke usually occurs when the blood flow to the parts of the brain is interrupted or stopped. It can happen to anyone at any time and can further increase the risk of severe brain damage along with major health complications.(Photo by Pixabay)
    A stroke usually occurs when the blood flow to the parts of the brain is interrupted or stopped. It can happen to anyone at any time and can further increase the risk of severe brain damage along with major health complications.(Photo by Pixabay)

    Brain strokes could lead to 10 million fatalities in low-middle-income countries, including India, by the year 2050, a Lancet medical journal study, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has warned. The report said stroke-related deaths are projected to escalate from 6.6 million in 2020 to a staggering 9.7 million by 2050.

    It also reveals that India reports the highest incidences and prevalence of stroke cases, with 1.29 million new cases and 9.65 million existing cases, followed by Indonesia and Bangladesh. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Nirmal Surya, Consulting Neurophysician and President of the ISA (Indian Stroke Association), shared, “A stroke is an emergency that can strike anyone while leaving long-lasting effects on the well-being. A stroke usually occurs when the blood flow to the parts of the brain is interrupted or stopped. It can happen to anyone at any time. This can further increase the risk of severe brain damage along with major health complications.”

    The common symptoms of stroke are trouble in walking, understanding and speaking. (Unsplash)
    The common symptoms of stroke are trouble in walking, understanding and speaking. (Unsplash)

    According to Dr Nirmal Surya, multiple risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, moderate alcohol consumption, high cholesterol and ones having nicotine in any form such as smoking or chewing tobacco are at a higher risk when compared to those who don’t have these comorbidities. Dr Nirmal Surya asserted, “This is why it becomes crucial to take utmost care and follow necessary precautions to improve your health. Recognising and understanding these risk factors early on can help individuals make informed choices about their health. Incorporating simple lifestyle changes can be effective in reducing the risk of experiencing stroke.”

    Talking about the lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of stroke, Dr Nirmal Surya suggested –

    1. Manage your blood pressure:

    If you have blood pressure issues like hypertension, you should be cautious. High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for stroke in many people. Keep your blood pressure levels in check by regularly monitoring them. Strictly avoid foods that are high in sodium, like packaged or junk foods.

    2. Quit nicotine in any form that is smoking and chewing tobacco:

    Unhealthy habits like smoking can significantly influence your risk of stroke. It can negatively damage your blood vessels resulting in excessive buildup of plaque in the arteries. Quitting smoking can help lower your risk of stroke in later life. Consult a doctor or specialist to begin your smoking cessation journey for this healthy transformation.

    3. Control your diabetes:

    Health conditions like diabetes can contribute to several health complications including stroke. If you have diabetes then it becomes crucial to keep your sugar levels in a healthy range. Ensure that you are regularly taking medications prescribed by the doctor without fail. Other lifestyle modifications like eating well-balanced meals and staying physically active can help manage your diabetes.

    4. Eat a healthy diet:

    Incorporating healthy and well-balanced meals that contain sufficient nutrients can help prevent stroke. Make sure that your diet contains plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins for effective results. Avoid eating foods that contain excess amounts of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. These ingredients all together can elevate your risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

    The risk factors for a stroke include conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes which can be controlled by practicing Yoga.(Pixabay)
    The risk factors for a stroke include conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes which can be controlled by practicing Yoga.(Pixabay)

    5. Exercise regularly:

    Being physically active is essential for maintaining your overall health and optimum weight while reducing the risk of stroke. Individuals should aim for at least 45 minutes of exercise every day. This includes walking, hitting the gym, cardio, Yoga, meditation, cycling, jogging and swimming. Stay vigilant by adhering to these foolproof measures.

    Disclaimer: 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.

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  • Lifestyle changes are as important as screening in preventing breast cancer

    Lifestyle changes are as important as screening in preventing breast cancer

    Early detection of breast cancer is indeed crucial, as Sun-Times reporter Kaitlin Washburn’s story on young women being diagnosed with the disease recently pointed out. However, beyond screening, it’s also critical to address the role lifestyle factors play in reducing cancer risk.

    Genetic predisposition is a key factor in breast cancer, and while we can’t change our genes, we can control our lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and eating a balanced diet all influence metabolic health, which can affect cancer development. This is particularly important for women with BRCA mutations and those in communities where access to health care is limited, leading to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes.

    Metabolic health is a vital aspect of cancer prevention. Studies show that metabolic imbalances such as obesity, high glucose levels and insulin resistance can create conditions that enable cancer to thrive. This is especially true for breast cancer, where these factors are associated with poorer outcomes.

    In addition to diet, maintaining a healthy gut is essential in cancer prevention. A diverse, well-functioning gut microbiome supports immune health and can enhance the body’s ability to fight off disease. Research has even shown that certain gut bacteria can improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy.

    So, assessing your diet and daily movement are good places to start when it comes to lifestyle prevention methods. Monitoring sugar intake, focusing on whole, fiber-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables and incorporating daily movement may help improve metabolic and gut health as well as overall cancer resilience.

    SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. To be considered for publication, letters must include your full name, your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be a maximum of approximately 375 words.

    That said, lifestyle changes alone are not a complete solution. We need to look at the whole picture for tools to reduce cancer risk, including testing for genetic predispositions, regular screenings and addressing barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment.

    But it’s equally important to promote comprehensive prevention strategies that include lifestyle modifications. It’s time to broaden the conversation to include lifestyle factors, empowering women to take control of their health.

    Julia Holden, Lincoln Park

    Gun industry shouldn’t get off scot-free

    In his most recent column, Jacob Sullum argues that the father of the boy who killed two students and two teachers at a Georgia school in September should not face criminal charges for his son’s actions.

    Mr. Sullum has a point — it’s always difficult to judge parents for their children’s behavior. We’ll see what is revealed during the trial and whether in this case, the father did act recklessly.

    But Mr. Sullum might consider another common-sense solution that may have prevented this shooting and many others: Repeal the law that provides gun manufacturers and dealers immunity from civil liability. Instead of seeking justice from parents for school shootings, let’s hold the gun industry accountable for the devastating impact of its product.

    Gun crime and murders are exponentially higher in America than in most high-income nations. This is for one simple reason: Gun manufacturers and dealers have bought the support of the GOP to protect themselves from accountability for the horrific impact of their product on our society. This makes guns more easily available to Americans, even children, than in most similar countries.

    If Congress made the gun industry liable for the harm their product causes (just like every other product) the gun industry might shrink dramatically, saving thousands of lives from gun violence annually.

    Barry Owen, Lake View



    Source link

  • Lifestyle changes are as important as screening in preventing breast cancer

    Lifestyle changes are as important as screening in preventing breast cancer

    Early detection of breast cancer is indeed crucial, as Sun-Times reporter Kaitlin Washburn’s story on young women being diagnosed with the disease recently pointed out. However, beyond screening, it’s also critical to address the role lifestyle factors play in reducing cancer risk.

    Genetic predisposition is a key factor in breast cancer, and while we can’t change our genes, we can control our lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and eating a balanced diet all influence metabolic health, which can affect cancer development. This is particularly important for women with BRCA mutations and those in communities where access to health care is limited, leading to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes.

    Metabolic health is a vital aspect of cancer prevention. Studies show that metabolic imbalances such as obesity, high glucose levels and insulin resistance can create conditions that enable cancer to thrive. This is especially true for breast cancer, where these factors are associated with poorer outcomes.

    In addition to diet, maintaining a healthy gut is essential in cancer prevention. A diverse, well-functioning gut microbiome supports immune health and can enhance the body’s ability to fight off disease. Research has even shown that certain gut bacteria can improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy.

    So, assessing your diet and daily movement are good places to start when it comes to lifestyle prevention methods. Monitoring sugar intake, focusing on whole, fiber-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables and incorporating daily movement may help improve metabolic and gut health as well as overall cancer resilience.

    SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. To be considered for publication, letters must include your full name, your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be a maximum of approximately 375 words.

    That said, lifestyle changes alone are not a complete solution. We need to look at the whole picture for tools to reduce cancer risk, including testing for genetic predispositions, regular screenings and addressing barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment.

    But it’s equally important to promote comprehensive prevention strategies that include lifestyle modifications. It’s time to broaden the conversation to include lifestyle factors, empowering women to take control of their health.

    Julia Holden, Lincoln Park

    Gun industry shouldn’t get off scot-free

    In his most recent column, Jacob Sullum argues that the father of the boy who killed two students and two teachers at a Georgia school in September should not face criminal charges for his son’s actions.

    Mr. Sullum has a point — it’s always difficult to judge parents for their children’s behavior. We’ll see what is revealed during the trial and whether in this case, the father did act recklessly.

    But Mr. Sullum might consider another common-sense solution that may have prevented this shooting and many others: Repeal the law that provides gun manufacturers and dealers immunity from civil liability. Instead of seeking justice from parents for school shootings, let’s hold the gun industry accountable for the devastating impact of its product.

    Gun crime and murders are exponentially higher in America than in most high-income nations. This is for one simple reason: gun manufacturers and dealers have bought the support of the GOP to protect themselves from accountability for the horrific impact of their product on our society. This makes guns more easily available to Americans, even children, than in most similar countries.

    If Congress made the gun industry liable for the harm their product causes (just like every other product) the gun industry might shrink dramatically, saving thousands of lives from gun violence annually.

    Barry Owen, Lake View



    Source link

  • Lifestyle changes are as important as screening in preventing breast cancer

    Lifestyle changes are as important as screening in preventing breast cancer

    Early detection of breast cancer is indeed crucial, as Sun-Times reporter Kaitlin Washburn’s story on young women being diagnosed with the disease recently pointed out. However, beyond screening, it’s also critical to address the role lifestyle factors play in reducing cancer risk.

    Genetic predisposition is a key factor in breast cancer, and while we can’t change our genes, we can control our lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and eating a balanced diet all influence metabolic health, which can affect cancer development. This is particularly important for women with BRCA mutations and those in communities where access to health care is limited, leading to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes.

    Metabolic health is a vital aspect of cancer prevention. Studies show that metabolic imbalances such as obesity, high glucose levels and insulin resistance can create conditions that enable cancer to thrive. This is especially true for breast cancer, where these factors are associated with poorer outcomes.

    In addition to diet, maintaining a healthy gut is essential in cancer prevention. A diverse, well-functioning gut microbiome supports immune health and can enhance the body’s ability to fight off disease. Research has even shown that certain gut bacteria can improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy.

    So, assessing your diet and daily movement are good places to start when it comes to lifestyle prevention methods. Monitoring sugar intake, focusing on whole, fiber-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables and incorporating daily movement may help improve metabolic and gut health as well as overall cancer resilience.

    SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. To be considered for publication, letters must include your full name, your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be a maximum of approximately 375 words.

    That said, lifestyle changes alone are not a complete solution. We need to look at the whole picture for tools to reduce cancer risk, including testing for genetic predispositions, regular screenings and addressing barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment.

    But it’s equally important to promote comprehensive prevention strategies that include lifestyle modifications. It’s time to broaden the conversation to include lifestyle factors, empowering women to take control of their health.

    Julia Holden, Lincoln Park

    Gun industry shouldn’t get off scot-free

    In his most recent column, Jacob Sullum argues that the father of the boy who killed two students and two teachers at a Georgia school in September should not face criminal charges for his son’s actions.

    Mr. Sullum has a point — it’s always difficult to judge parents for their children’s behavior. We’ll see what is revealed during the trial and whether in this case, the father did act recklessly.

    But Mr. Sullum might consider another common-sense solution that may have prevented this shooting and many others: Repeal the law that provides gun manufacturers and dealers immunity from civil liability. Instead of seeking justice from parents for school shootings, let’s hold the gun industry accountable for the devastating impact of its product.

    Gun crime and murders are exponentially higher in America than in most high-income nations. This is for one simple reason: gun manufacturers and dealers have bought the support of the GOP to protect themselves from accountability for the horrific impact of their product on our society. This makes guns more easily available to Americans, even children, than in most similar countries.

    If Congress made the gun industry liable for the harm their product causes (just like every other product) the gun industry might shrink dramatically, saving thousands of lives from gun violence annually.

    Barry Owen, Lake View



    Source link

  • EXPERT PITCH: WVU neurologist addresses updated guidelines suggesting screenings, lifestyle changes are keys to preventing first strokes | WVU Today

    EXPERT PITCH: WVU neurologist addresses updated guidelines suggesting screenings, lifestyle changes are keys to preventing first strokes | WVU Today

    This week, the American Stroke Association released new guidelines designed to reduce risks of first strokes. WVU School of Medicine Stroke Program Medical Director Dr. Muhammad Alvi is available to discuss what that will mean for patients.
    (WVU Photo)

    A West Virginia University stroke expert says new guidelines from the American Stroke Association that are designed to reduce the risk of a first stroke for patients provide a more comprehensive approach to early detection and prevention and, because of that, could lead to fewer stroke cases. 

    Dr. Muhammad Alvi is the medical director for the WVU School of Medicine Stroke Program. His work as a board-certified neurologist with the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute involves leading an interdisciplinary stroke team of specialists.

    On Oct. 21, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, updated its clinical recommendations.

    The new guidelines state healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as good nutrition, smoking cessation and being physically active, along with routine health screenings and managing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, can help keep people from having initial strokes.

    Quotes:

    “As providers, we are able to recommend behavioral and healthy lifestyle changes, including medications for some patients, by reviewing a patient’s physical exam and blood tests. When we address risk factors like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and elevated blood sugar, we can increase the likelihood of preventing a first stroke.

    “Decreasing sedentary lifestyles and increasing physical activity is key to reducing the risk of stroke. Increased physical activity can help regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammatory markers, insulin resistance, endothelial function and weight.

    “Many adults can decrease their risk of stroke by following a Mediterranean dietary pattern. Mediterranean dietary programs focus on plant-based foods and healthy fats. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains and extra virgin olive oil play key roles in this dietary lifestyle. 

    “Obesity and weight continue to be a factor for many stroke patients, and this new guideline explores using FDA-approved glucagon-like protein-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications, like semaglutide or trizepatide, for patients with this risk factor and Type 2 diabetes.” — Dr. Muhammad Alvi, associate professor, WVU School of Medicine, medical director, WVU Stroke Program, and neurologist, WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

    -WVU-

    ct/10/24/24

    MEDIA CONTACT: Cassie Thomas
    Director of Communications and Marketing
    WVU School of Medicine
    304-293-3412; Cassie.Thomas@hsc.wvu.edu

    Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.

    Source link

  • EXPERT PITCH: WVU neurologist addresses updated guidelines suggesting screenings, lifestyle changes are keys to preventing first strokes | WVU Today

    EXPERT PITCH: WVU neurologist addresses updated guidelines suggesting screenings, lifestyle changes are keys to preventing first strokes | WVU Today

    This week, the American Stroke Association released new guidelines designed to reduce risks of first strokes. WVU School of Medicine Stroke Program Medical Director Dr. Muhammad Alvi is available to discuss what that will mean for patients.
    (WVU Photo)

    A West Virginia University stroke expert says new guidelines from the American Stroke Association that are designed to reduce the risk of a first stroke for patients provide a more comprehensive approach to early detection and prevention and, because of that, could lead to fewer stroke cases. 

    Dr. Muhammad Alvi is the medical director for the WVU School of Medicine Stroke Program. His work as a board-certified neurologist with the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute involves leading an interdisciplinary stroke team of specialists.

    On Oct. 21, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, updated its clinical recommendations.

    The new guidelines state healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as good nutrition, smoking cessation and being physically active, along with routine health screenings and managing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, can help keep people from having initial strokes.

    Quotes:

    “As providers, we are able to recommend behavioral and healthy lifestyle changes, including medications for some patients, by reviewing a patient’s physical exam and blood tests. When we address risk factors like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and elevated blood sugar, we can increase the likelihood of preventing a first stroke.

    “Decreasing sedentary lifestyles and increasing physical activity is key to reducing the risk of stroke. Increased physical activity can help regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammatory markers, insulin resistance, endothelial function and weight.

    “Many adults can decrease their risk of stroke by following a Mediterranean dietary pattern. Mediterranean dietary programs focus on plant-based foods and healthy fats. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains and extra virgin olive oil play key roles in this dietary lifestyle. 

    “Obesity and weight continue to be a factor for many stroke patients, and this new guideline explores using FDA-approved glucagon-like protein-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications, like semaglutide or trizepatide, for patients with this risk factor and Type 2 diabetes.” — Dr. Muhammad Alvi, associate professor, WVU School of Medicine, medical director, WVU Stroke Program, and neurologist, WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

    -WVU-

    ct/10/24/24

    MEDIA CONTACT: Cassie Thomas
    Director of Communications and Marketing
    WVU School of Medicine
    304-293-3412; Cassie.Thomas@hsc.wvu.edu

    Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.

    Source link

  • New guideline: Preventing a first stroke may be possible with screening, lifestyle changes

    New guideline: Preventing a first stroke may be possible with screening, lifestyle changes

    Healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as good nutrition, smoking cessation and being physically active, along with routine health screenings and managing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke with medication, can help prevent individuals from having a first stroke. Screening for stroke risk and educating people on how to lower their chances of having a stroke ideally begin with their primary care professional and include evidence-based recommendations, according to a new clinical guideline from the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, and published today in the Association’s journal Stroke.

    A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted after a blood vessel becomes blocked by a blood clot or ruptures. The result is the brain does not receive the oxygen it needs to properly function. Stroke causes brain damage that can lead to significant disability, including difficulty thinking, talking, walking and interacting with one’s environment. In the U.S., stroke is currently the fifth leading cause of death, resulting in nearly 160,000 deaths annually. Every year, more than 600,000 people in the U.S. have a first stroke, even though up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

    “The most effective way to reduce the occurrence of a stroke and stroke-related death is to prevent the first stroke — referred to as primary prevention,” said Chair of the guideline writing group, Cheryl D. Bushnell, M.D., M.H.S., FAHA, professor and vice chair of research in the department of neurology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “Some populations have an elevated risk of stroke, whether it be due to genetics, lifestyle, biological factors and/or social determinants of health, and in some cases, people do not receive appropriate screening to identify their risk.”

    The “2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke” replaces the 2014 version and is a resource for clinicians in implementing a variety of prevention strategies for individuals with no prior history of stroke. The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for strategies to support brain health and prevent stroke throughout a person’s lifespan by improving healthy lifestyle behaviors and getting preventive care.

    “This guideline is important because new discoveries have been made since the last update 10 years ago. Understanding which people are at increased risk of a first stroke and providing support to preserve heart and brain health can help prevent a first stroke,” said Bushnell.

    Key stroke prevention recommendations include regular health screenings, identifying risk factors, lifestyle interventions and medications, when indicated.

    Identifying and Managing Risk Factors

    Unidentified and unmanaged cardiovascular disease risk factors can cause damage to arteries, the brain and the heart years before cardiovascular disease and stroke occur. Primary care health professionals should promote brain health for patients through stroke prevention education, screenings and addressing risk factors from birth to old age.

    Modifiable risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, elevated cholesterol and elevated blood sugar, can be identified with physical exams and blood tests. These conditions should be addressed with healthy lifestyle and behavioral changes and may include medications for select patients. Antihypertensive medications to reduce blood pressure and statin medications to lower cholesterol can help to reduce the risk of first stroke in adults with increased cardiovascular disease risk and those receiving CVD care. A new recommendation is consideration of glucagon-like protein-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications, which are FDA-approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with overweight or obesity and/or Type 2 diabetes.

    Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors

    The most common, treatable lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce stroke risk are detailed in the Association’s Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics. They include healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, healthy sleep and weight, controlling cholesterol, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar. The guideline recommends that adults with no prior cardiovascular disease, as well as those with increased risk, follow a Mediterranean dietary pattern. Mediterranean dietary programs have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, especially when supplemented with nuts and olive oil.

    Physical activity is also essential for stroke risk reduction and overall heart health. Physical activity can help to improve important health measures such as blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammatory markers, insulin resistance, endothelial function and weight. The guideline urges health care professionals to routinely screen patients for sedentary behavior, a confirmed risk factor for stroke, and counsel them to engage in regular physical activity. The Association reinforces the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s recommendation that adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.

    Health Equity and Stroke Risk

    New to the guideline is an emphasis on social determinants of health and the impact they have on stroke risk. Social determinants of health are non-medical factors, including education, economic stability, access to care, discrimination, structural racism and neighborhood factors (such as the lack of walkability, lower availability of healthy food and fewer health resources), that contribute to inequities in care and influence overall health. Health care professionals should ensure patient education is available for various educational and language levels, and advocate for their patients by choosing treatments and medications that are effective and affordable.

    Health care professionals are also encouraged to connect patients to resources that help address health-related social needs such as food and housing insecurity, refer them to programs that support healthy lifestyle changes and direct them to support programs that may help defray health care costs including medication expenses.

    New Sex- and Gender-Specific Recommendations

    The guideline also includes some new gender- and sex-specific recommendations for women. Health professionals should screen for conditions that can increase a woman’s risk of stroke, including use of oral contraceptives, high blood pressure during pregnancy, other pregnancy complications such as premature birth, endometriosis, premature ovarian failure and early onset menopause. Treatment of elevated blood pressure during pregnancy and within six weeks of delivery is recommended to reduce the risk of maternal intracerebral hemorrhage.

    Transgender women and gender-diverse individuals taking estrogens for gender affirmation may also be at an increased risk of stroke. Evaluation and modification of any existing risk factors are needed to reduce the risk of stroke for these individuals.

    “Implementing the recommendations in this guideline would make it possible to significantly reduce the risk of people having a first stroke. Most strategies that we recommend for preventing stroke will also help reduce the risk of dementia, another serious health condition related to vascular issues in the brain,” said Bushnell.

    The writing group notes that writing recommendations focused on preventing a first stroke was challenging. There are limitations to some of the evidence that informed the guideline, including that many clinical trials enrolled adults who have already had a cardiovascular event that may include a stroke. The writing group also identified knowledge gaps to help inform topics for future research.

    The guideline highlights the need for risk assessment in primary stroke prevention and includes the use of risk prediction tools to estimate risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease so that patients receive timely prevention and treatment strategies. The Association has recently developed a new Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Events (PREVENT) risk calculator as a screening tool that can help inform preventive treatment decisions. The PREVENT calculator can estimate 10-year and 30-year stroke and heart disease risk in individuals starting at age 30 — a decade earlier than the Pooled Cohort Equations, another CVD risk calculator.

    According to the American Stroke Association, learning the warning signs of stroke and preventative measures are the best way to avoid strokes and keep them from happening again. The abbreviation F.A.S.T. — for face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911 — is a useful tool to recognize the warning signs of stroke and when to call for help.

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