is-drinking-olive-oil-good-for-you?-a-nutritionist-weighs-in
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Is drinking olive oil good for you? A nutritionist weighs in

Bydi Monica Coviello

Olea europaea. (Photo by: Paroli Galperti/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) REDA&CO/Getty Images After turmeric water, lemon water and apple cider vinegar, the new trend among the health-conscious seems to be drinking extra virgin olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach. A special elixir which, as videos and testimonials on social media assure, is capable of providing numerous heath benefits and can even help with weight loss. But do you really need to drink it to reap the rewards? La Cucina Italiana asked the biologist and nutritionist Concetta Montagnese, a researcher at the Institute of Food Sciences of the CNR. The benefits of extra virgin olive oil Concetta confirms that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is indeed a very precious and indispensable food with many beneficial effects. “Olive oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient, which helps fight cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Rich in important monounsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid, and polyphenols, particularly oleocanthal, it also contains a lot of vitamin E, which is beneficial for the immune system and the skin. Thanks to its antioxidant compounds, it helps cells stay younger,” the nutritionist explains. “Some studies have also associated high consumption of extra virgin olive oil with cancer prevention.” Extra virgin or regular: Which olive oil is better? For the most benefits, make sure to get extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Extra virgin olive oil boasts a higher concentration of all the great vitamins and antioxidants. Is a spoonful of olive oil a day good for you? To benefit from its full effect, a consumption of more than 20 grams per day of olive oil is recommended, which is equivalent to more than two tablespoons. The effects seem to be stronger with increasing consumption. However, we know that extra virgin olive oil is a very calorific food (100 grams contain about 900 calories). “The Italian guidelines suggest consuming between 20 and 40 grams per day, from two to four tablespoons,” says Concetta, “because when we talk about a balanced diet, we must not only refer to the number of calories but also to the nutritional values and the composition of the food. Extra virgin olive oil contains 99% fat, but predominantly good fats, which help keep the body healthy and are also essential for the proper functioning of the metabolism. This precious food is therefore also indicated in cases of obesity and metabolic syndrome. If anything, its deficiency is harmful: EVOO is one of the cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet and cannot be replaced with any other type of food or condiment.” Should you drink olive oil on an empty stomach for the most benefits? Contrary to what social media may say, it is not necessary to drink extra virgin olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach. “To date, no study has shown that drinking oil in the morning is more effective than using it as a condiment in main meals. Its consumption throughout the day is certainly beneficial and keeps the body healthy, but more than taking it alone, combining it with certain foods can help improve the absorption of important bioactive compounds (for example, the antioxidants in tomatoes), with beneficial effects. It is somewhat fashionable to seek a magic potion for health, and thus prepare elixirs to consume in the morning or on an empty stomach, but it is enough to consolidate the healthy habits of the Mediterranean diet – and use the oil as a condiment, preferably raw, and in sautéing – to reap all the possible benefits.” Alziari Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 500ml Frantoio Muraglia Intense Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Sardine Terracotta Bottle MEET THE EXPERT Concetta Montagnese is a researcher at the Institute of Food Sciences of the CNR and a biologist and nutritionist in Italy. This story originally featured on La Cucina Italiana

im-abandoned:-seniors-trapped-by-broken-elevator-in-vancouvers-west-end
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Seniors trapped by broken elevator in Vancouvers West End

BySimon Little

Seniors living in an apartment building in Vancouver’s West End say they’ve had no elevator service for over a month, leaving many of them stranded. Some residents of the 12-storey building at 1254 Pendrell St., like Nicholas Lebessis, say they’ve essentially been trapped in their apartments because they can’t use the steep stairway. “I can’t live like this. I can’t even go down one stair. I have a reconstructed knee,” Lebessis said. Lebessis, who lives on the top floor of the building, hasn’t left his apartment in a month. “I can’t go out of here, I can’t get any exercise,” he said. “It is frustrating of course. I can’t go out for a little walk around the block, I can’t go out for groceries.” 1:49 Locals offer help as West End seniors’ struggle with broken apartment elevator The elevator stopped working after October’s atmospheric river. During the storm, some residents said they saw water pouring down the elevator shaft. Story continues below advertisement The building houses seniors, some with mobility issues, and neighbours and volunteers have since stepped up to help by delivering groceries, medications and other supplies to residents who can’t get off their floors. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Lebessis said he’s been paying university students to do his laundry for him. “It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it,” he said. “A man cannot live without clean underwear.” Residents say they’ve been told repairs to the elevator could take more than a year, and that there doesn’t seem to be any urgency on the part of the building’s operators to get the job done. They’re also raising safety concerns in the event of an emergency. “This is totally unacceptable,” Lebessis said. “I don’t want to have them to carry me down 12 flights of stairs.” Trending Now 2:01 Vancouver seniors stuck with no elevator The building is operated by the Pendrellis Society, with funding through BC Housing. Story continues below advertisement Freshly re-appointed Housing Minister Ravi Kahon said the province is providing emergency funding. “Seven brand new units opened up on the ground floor for those that have accessibility issues, and we’ve also offered them additional supports for fixing the elevators,” Kahlon said. “They haven’t taken us up on it. They said they’ve got a plan to do that.” The society’s plan remains unclear: the organization listed no contact information on its website, and Global News was unable to reach the operators. Lebessis said he just wants his independence back. “It’s ridiculous. They’re not working on it,” he said. “I’m feeling let down … I’m abandoned.”

fermented-milk-products,-like-kefir,-may-be-better-for-heart-health
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Fermented milk products, like kefir, may be better for heart health

ByErika Watts

Share on Pinterest Regular milk consumption may have a negative effect on heart health in women, but fermented milk products appear to be safe. Image credit: Tatjana Zlatkovic/Stocksy. Researchers recently studied how consuming fermented and nonfermented milk may impact heart disease in men and women. Fermented milk, also known as cultured milk, undergoes a process to add beneficial bacteria, yeast, or acids. The study found that taking in higher amounts of non-fermented milk is associated with a higher risk of ischemic heart disease (also called coronary heart disease) and myocardial infarction (heart attack) in women. While nonfermented milk was associated with a higher risk of these heart issues in women, the study did not find a negative impact on heart disease in men. A recent study involving around 100,000 Swedish women and men examined how milk consumption impacts cardiometabolic proteins. Doctors use these protein patterns to determine someone’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Karl Michaëlsson, MD, PhD, a professor of medical epidemiology in the Department of Surgical Sciences at Uppsala University, Sweden, led the study. The researchers analyzed two multidecade cohort studies that followed the participants’ diets and lifestyles. Through tracking various metrics and self-reported food and beverage intake, the researchers found that women who consumed 300 milliliters (mL) or more of nonfermented, or regular, milk had an association with a higher risk of ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction (heart attack). While nonfermented milk showed a negative association with heart disease in women, fermented milk products —such as sour milk and yogurt — did not show an association with such a risk. Heart disease is the top cause of death in the United States, with statistics showing it was responsible for more than 700,000 deaths in 2022. While heart disease is more prevalent in men than in women, women die at higher rates from heart disease. A number of factors can contribute to developing heart disease such as genetics, diet and lifestyle, smoking, and drinking alcohol. The current study of Swedish men and women examined how milk consumption can contribute to heart disease. Even though milk has health benefits, such as providing vitamin D and protein, many scientists wonder how it impacts the heart. Both of these studies tracked lifestyle data from the participants, including food and drink consumption, body mass index (BMI), heart disease events, and heart attack events. Some participants also provided plasma samples that the researchers used to analyze the proteomics, which refers to the study of protein patterns . As part of the food and beverage reporting, participants reported their milk consumption. They listed how frequently they consumed milk, whether it was fermented or non-fermented, and the quantity of milk consumed. The blood plasma analysis measured 276 protein biomarkers. The goal was to see how the presence of biomarkers associated with ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction compared to milk consumption. After analyzing the blood plasma and comparing that to the participants’ self-reported milk consumption, the researchers found no correlation between fermented milk and an increase in heart disease for men or women. When comparing the amount of nonfermented milk consumed, the scientists noted an increase in both ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction in women who drank higher amounts of milk. There was no increase in this risk with men. Women who drank 100 mL (or half of a glass) of nonfermented milk daily saw lower rates of these diseases compared to women who consumed more than 300 mL (or 1.5 glasses) of nonfermented milk. The scientists found that consuming 4 glasses of nonfermented milk daily was associated with a 21% higher risk of developing ischemic heart disease compared to consuming half of a glass per day. The researchers noted that even when adjusting for lifestyle factors, the results were consistent at all milk fat percentages. Women who drank higher amounts of non-fermented milk had higher levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ( ACE-2 ) and lower levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Both are markers that are associated with ischemic heart disease risk. People with elevated ACE-2 experience have shown higher cardiovascular mortality rates and elevated FGF21 levels may be associated with heart damage. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, who was not involved in this study, spoke with Medical News Today about its findings. Reflecting on why there would be an association of an increased risk in women who consume nonfermented milk developing heart disease or heart attacks compared to men, Chen said it remains unclear. “It is possible that sex-specific differences in the metabolism of milk components such as lactose result in differences in degradation products, which can potentially cause differences in oxidative stress and inflammation,” he suggested. “This could then lead to increased risk of developing heart disease.” Chen also discussed how fermented milk could potentially offer heart-protective benefits. “Fermented milk products such as yogurt are rich in bacteria ([for example,] Lactobacillus) that influence the composition of our gut microbiome,” he explained. The beneficial effects of yogurt are likely related to its benefit to the microbiome.” Chen further noted that while more research is needed about the microbiome and heart health, “many studies have found that different compositions of the microbiome can help with decreasing the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and even heart disease.” John Higgins, MD, a cardiologist at UTHealth

what-makes-a-diet-actually-healthy?
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What makes a diet actually healthy?

Bymichael

Share on Pinterest What five things do you need to take into account to make sure you have a healthy diet? We investigate. Image credit: Iryna Shepetko/Stocksy. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) published a joint statement outlining some key points about what makes a diet healthy. The statement emphasizes the importance of whole foods, especially fruit and vegetables, unsaturated fatty acids, and obtaining an adequate amount of calories from carbohydrates. It also stresses that red meat has been associated with a wide array of diseases and chronic conditions, suggesting that people avoid red meat products. Finally, the report reminds everyone how and why ultra-processed foods, such as fast foods, are harmful to health and best if avoided. Our diets are one of the topmost factors when it comes to health risks. There is strong evidence that a healthy diet can help lower a person’s risk of cardiovascular diseases and dementia. Modeling studies suggest eating healthily could even help prolong a person’s life span. But what elements do all of these diets have in common, and what makes a diet, any diet, healthy? A joint statement recently published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) has sought to outline the “dos” and “don’ts” of healthy dietary habits. It offers an overview of what nutrients are essential, what the best sources for those nutrients are, how many calories each of these nutrients should account for, and which foods a person would do best to avoid. Additionally, two registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), not affiliated with the WHO or the FAO, have spoken to Medical News Today to explain the building blocks behind a truly healthy diet. The recent WHO and FAO statement notes that carbohydrates are an essential part of a person’s diet, explaining that they “provide the primary energy source for the body.” According to the report, carbs should make up 45% of total daily calories at a minimum, and no more than 75% of daily calories. The best sources of carbs are: whole grains, such as whole wheat, oats, and rye vegetables fruit pulses, such as peas, beans, and lentils. And an adult’s daily intake of fruit and vegetables should be at least 400 grams. “Carbohydrates are an essential macronutrient, serving as the brain’s primary source of fuel. Adults need at least 130 grams of carbohydrates daily to support proper brain function. The best sources of carbohydrates are complex carbs, which are found in foods like whole grains, legumes, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and nuts and seeds.” “These foods provide not only energy but also important nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and chromium, which support heart health and help regulate blood sugar levels,” she further explained. Fiber — also a type of carb — is important, too, and the joint statement advises that an adult should consume at least 25 grams of “naturally occurring dietary fiber” per day. Speaking to MNT, Molly Rapozo, MS, RDN, CD, a registered dietitian nutritionist and senior nutrition and health educator at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, explained that “fiber is a part of plants that isn’t fully digested; instead it moves through our bodies picking up stray fats and sugars, feeding the healthy bacteria in our gut, and removing toxins with regular bowel movements.” According to her, “a diet adequate in fiber [content] can help reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.” Some good sources of dietary fiber are vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. While many people may think of fats as unhealthy, the statement notes that “fat is an essential nutrient for proper functioning of cells in the body, and two fatty acids — linoleic acid and [alpha]-linolenic acid — can only be obtained from the diet.” Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid, while alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid. Walnuts, sunflower seeds, and almonds are all good sources of omega-6, and fatty fish like tuna and salmon are a source of omega-3. However, alpha-linolenic acid is derived from plant foods instead, especially rapeseed and walnuts. According to the joint statement, in adults, 15–30% of daily calories should come from fats, primarily unsaturated fatty acids, such as those named above. Routhenstein explained for MNT that “fats are necessary for hormone production, brain function, and to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and certain classes of antioxidants.” “Choosing heart-healthy unsaturated fats like [those obtained from] avocados, nuts, and seeds protect[s] our heart health and help[s] to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels,” she further advised. “Proteins provide the building blocks for much of the structural elements of the body, such as muscle, as well as functional molecules such as hormones and enzymes,” the joint statement notes. It advises that 10–15% of daily calories should come from proteins, and that these can be obtained from a mix of animal and plant sources. However, it also notes that plant protein sources may be more beneficial for the cardiovascular and metabolic health of adults. Rapozo explained that: “Proteins are the building blocks for muscles, enzymes, and important hormones in our bodies. Older adults have additional protein needs to maintain muscle mass and strength, as well as bone health, immunity, and more. Protein needs vary; however, research shows it should be over

mediterranean-diet-may-lower-risk-of-co-occurring-heart-conditions
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Mediterranean diet may lower risk of co-occurring heart conditions

ByJessica Freeborn

Share on Pinterest The Mediterranean diet may lower the risk of developing several cardiometabolic conditions at the same time. Image credit: Gabi Bucataru/Stocksy. The Mediterranean diet has many known health benefits, and experts are still learning about the benefits of this dietary pattern. One study found that following the Mediterranean diet may help decrease the risk of transition from one to multiple cardiometabolic diseases like heart attack and stroke, particularly over shorter timeframes. People can take multiple action steps to help decrease their risk for cardiometabolic multimorbidity. The Mediterranean diet focuses on plant-based foods, uses olive oil, and includes lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. There has been much interest in the health benefits of this diet, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular health . Researchers found that following the Mediterranean diet may decrease the chances of someone going from developing a first cardiometabolic disease to cardiometabolic multimorbidity — multiple co-occurring conditions related to cardiovascular and metabolic health — during 10 and 15-year follow-up periods. As noted in this study, cardiometabolic diseases include conditions like stroke, heart attack, and type 2 diabetes. Having two or more of these conditions is called cardiometabolic multimorbidity. This research wanted to find if following the Mediterranean diet could decrease the risk for first cardiometabolic disease and cardiometabolic multimorbidity. The research included 21,900 participants who did not have heart attack, stroke, or type 2 diabetes at baseline. Researchers measured participants’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet using two scores: pyramid-based Mediterranean diet score and median-based Mediterranean diet score. The median follow-up time was 21.4 years, and researchers looked at the incidences of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and death. They accounted for covariates like age, education, family history of heart attack or stroke, particular medication use, and physical activity levels. Throughout the study, 5,028 participants experienced one cardiometabolic disease, and 734 participants experienced cardiometabolic multimorbidity. Overall, following the Mediterranean diet had a demonstrated benefit. Looking at both types of Mediterranean dietary scores, researchers found that following this dietary pattern was associated with a decreased risk for cardiometabolic multimorbidity for the 21.4-year follow-up. Researchers next focused on how the Mediterranean diet affected transitioning from first cardiometabolic disease to cardiometabolic multimorbidity. At the 10 and 15-year marks, the Mediterranean diet was associated with a decreased risk of this transition. Further analysis suggested that this observed risk reduction may be particularly related to first experiencing a heart attack or developing type 2 diabetes. However, over the follow-up of more than 20 years, researchers did not find a statistically significant risk reduction for this transition associated with the Mediterranean diet. The researchers also conducted some additional analyses to look at how social class may have played into risk association. Non-manual workers appeared to reap the most benefit from following the Mediterranean diet over the median follow-up of just over 20 years. This group saw a decreased risk for first cardiometabolic disease and a decreased risk for this first instance transitioning to cardiometabolic multimorbidity. In contrast, manual workers did not appear to have this decrease in transition risk. Rigved Tadwalkar, MD, a board-certified consultative cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in this research, shared his thoughts on the study’s findings with Medical News Today. According to Tadwalkar, “the study provides strong evidence that adherence to the Mediterranean diet can significantly lower the risk of transitioning from a first cardiometabolic event, like a heart attack or stroke, to additional cardiometabolic conditions, like type 2 diabetes mellitus.” Moreover, he noted: “The finding that this association is more apparent in shorter follow-up periods [of] 10–15 years suggests that the protective effects of diet are most impactful in earlier stages of disease development. It also highlights how socioeconomic factors, including social class, may modify dietary impacts on health. Specifically, [it highlights] that diet quality and access to Mediterranean foods may be less accessible to some populations.” It is also critical to understand the limitations of this research. For example, the data primarily focused on people of European heritage, which limits generalizability. The participants were also adults aged 40 and older, so looking at younger demographics may be helpful in future research. Researchers did not identify participants who had baseline chronic coronary syndromes, which could have ultimately led to an overestimation of the Mediterranean diet’s effects. They also did not differentiate between stroke subtypes. The researchers only measured participants’ adherence to the Mediterranean at baseline, which could have further affected the results. Moreover, participants also self-reported their dietary choices and adherence, which might not have matched their actual diets. Other information related to lifestyle was also self-reported. Additionally, the scoring methods to measure Mediterranean dietary adherence were not without error risk. The researchers also acknowledged a few possible reasons why adherence to the Mediterranean diet appeared to have the most effect on the transition from first cardiometabolic disease to cardiometabolic multimorbidity at the 10 and 15-year follow-up periods. For one, baseline dietary scores could decrease in accurately reporting diet quality over time. Thus, more research may be needed to look at the long-term effects of the Mediterranean diet on this health area. They also noted a few reasons for the differences between manual and non-manual workers. For example, their research did not look at the specific types of food items, and participants with lower socioeconomic status could

dementia:-physical-activity-of-any-intensity-may-help-lower-death-risk
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Dementia: Physical activity of any intensity may help lower death risk

ByJessica Freeborn

Share on Pinterest Scientists have found cognitive benefits from regular exercise for people at risk for dementia. sofie delauw/Stocksy Exercise is related to many health benefits, and researchers are interested in discovering how physical activity affects specific sub-populations. One study suggests that people who maintain or start physical activity after receiving a dementia diagnosis may be at decreased risk for all-cause mortality. People with dementia can work with doctors, physical therapists, and caregivers to implement helpful physical activity routines. Physical activity can offer multiple benefits , from weight management to decreasing the risk of heart disease. It may also help lower the risk of developing dementia. Another area of interest is the effects of physical activity after dementia has already been diagnosed. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine evaluated the relationship between levels of and changes in physical activity and mortality among people with dementia. The researchers found that maintained physical activity before and after diagnosis was associated with the lowest mortality risk. All levels of sustained physical activity were associated with decreased mortality risk. In addition, the researchers found that starting physical activity after a dementia diagnosis could reduce mortality risk by 20% or more. The results suggest that exercise should be greatly encouraged among people with dementia. As noted by the study authors, Alzheimer’s disease is in the top ten leading causes of death, and the number of people with dementia is continuing to increase. This study aimed to explore how physical activity before and after dementia diagnosis affected mortality risk, taking into account the level and amount of physical activity. The study was a nationwide population-based cohort study. Researchers utilized the Korean National Health Insurance System Database to gather information. The study included over 60,000 individuals ages 40 or older who had received a dementia diagnosis between 2010 and 2016. All participants had gotten health check-ups within two years before and after their dementia diagnosis. The researchers identified people who had dementia based on their use of anti-dementia medications and certain scores that assess dementia. They assessed physical activity using data from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The researchers were then able to break down physical activity levels after dementia diagnosis into categories of vigorous, moderate, and light physical activity and note the amount of exercise per week. They defined regular physical activity as engaging in vigorous physical activity for twenty minutes or more at least three times weekly or engaging in moderate physical activity for thirty minutes or more at least five times weekly. They then noted how participants’ activity levels changed before and after dementia diagnosis. The average follow-up time was 3.7 years, and during this time, 16,431 participants died. The researchers were able to look at how physical activity related to all-cause mortality. Overall, the researchers observed “a dose-response association between an increased amount of PA [physical activity] and a decreased risk of all-cause mortality.” 29% decrease in mortality risk The researchers observed that participants who kept doing regular physical activity before and after dementia diagnosis saw the lowest mortality risk compared to participants who remained inactive, with a 29% reduction in mortality risk. Compared to non-active participants, participants who increased their physical activity to at least 1,000 metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs)-minutes a week saw a reduced mortality risk. METs have to do with measuring the amount of energy required to perform physical activities. The researchers also observed a 3% mortality risk reduction for every 100 METs-minutes per week that participants increased physical activity following their dementia diagnosis. There was also a slight reduction in mortality risk for participants with all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease who ceased regular physical activity after diagnosis. When looking at intensity levels of physical activity, researchers observed that in participants with all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, maintaining physical activity helped decrease mortality risk, with similar risk reductions in categories of light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity. Among participants with vascular dementia, researchers saw that sustained light or vigorous physical activity was linked to lower mortality risk. Eric D. Vidoni, PT, PhD, an associate professor of neurology with the KU Medical Center, the University of Kansas, who was not involved in the study, noted the following about the study’s findings to Medical News Today: “Capturing dementia diagnoses and physical activity on a national level adds compelling evidence to what we already know — that maintaining physical activity supports health, even after a dementia diagnosis. [O]ne of the interesting findings in this study was that light activity held almost as much benefit as moderate and vigorous activity.” Some limitations exist for this research. First, the study focused on Korean individuals, so there should be caution in generalizing the findings. Additional research with greater diversity could be helpful. Over 60% of participants were women, so it may also be helpful to include more men in future research. Second, physical activity levels and other lifestyle habits relied on self-reports from participants, which could have had varying levels of accuracy. However, participants could receive help from caregivers in answering questions. It is also possible that people who had less severe dementia and better functionality were more likely to maintain their physical activity levels. Thirdly, researchers acknowledge that reverse causality is possible. Fourth, using administrative data to note dementia might not perfectly match actual dementia diagnoses. The researchers also lacked data on the type of physical activity that participants did

diabetes,-weight-loss-drugs:-do-they-protect-heart,-vascular-health?
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Diabetes, weight-loss drugs: Do they protect heart, vascular health?

ByCorrie Pelc

Share on Pinterest Popular diabetes drugs have been linked with a lower risk of experiencing a second stroke or a heart attack. Image credit: andresr/Getty Images. About 12.2 million new strokes are diagnosed each year. One in four stroke survivors will experience another stroke. Stroke survivors are at an increased risk of developing major heart issues, such as heart attack. A new study says that type 2 diabetes medications GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors may help lower a stroke survivor’s risk of experiencing a subsequent stroke, heart attack, or death, compared to those who did not take these medications. According to the World Stroke Association , one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke during their lifetime, and there are about 12.2 million new strokes diagnosed each year. Previous research shows that one in four stroke survivors will experience another stroke, and people who have a stroke are at a higher risk of developing major heart issues during the first month after their stroke, such as heart attack — clinically known as myocardial infarction. Past studies show that stroke survivors can possibly decrease their secondary stroke and heart attack risk through lifestyle changes — such as moving more, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking — and medications. For this study, researchers analyzed medical data for more than 7,000 adults who had an ischemic stroke — the most common type of stroke caused by a blood clot in the artery that brings blood to the brain — between January 2000 and June 2022. Researchers looked at whether or not study participants had been prescribed either a GLP-1 agonist or SGLT2 inhibitor medication after their initial stroke. “GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors are two types of medications often used to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar,” M. Ali Sheffeh, MD, an internal medicine resident at the Henry Ford Medical Center in Warren, MI, research scholar in the Cardiovascular Department at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and lead author of this study explained to Medical News Today. “They also have benefits for heart and kidney health, which has led to their use in patients with certain heart conditions or those at risk of cardiovascular disease,” Sheffeh continued. “These drug classes have been studied over the last few years in randomized clinical trials and have shown better cardiovascular outcomes in patients with obesity, diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease,“ he added. After an average follow-up of three years, Sheffeh and his team found that stroke survivor participants taking either a GLP-1 or SGLT2 medication had a 74% lower mortality risk and 84% lower risk of having a heart attack, compared to those not taking these drugs. And participants taking either medication also had a decreased risk of experiencing a secondary stroke, compared to those not taking them. “The current guideline for stroke prevention recommends the use of blood thinners, controlling blood pressure, and cholesterol lowering medication in addition to lifestyle modification in order to decrease the risk of a second stroke,” said Sheffeh. “If our findings are externally validated, that might lead to changing practice and we might start prescribing these medications for patients with stroke to prevent future events,” he pointed out. After reviewing this study, Sandra Narayanan, MD, a board-certified vascular neurologist and neurointerventional surgeon, of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in this research, told MNT that she was surprised at powerful the positive response was for both agents to reduce the likelihood of achieving the composite endpoint — mortality, heart attack, or recurrent ischemic stroke. “Two major barriers stroke and myocardial infarction patients struggle with are compliance and education,” she continued. Furthermore, “survey-type research addressing prescribing practices might be informative to assess knowledge among prescribers — internists, family physicians, endocrinologists, and stroke neurologists — before and after dissemination of disease-specific studies,” said Narayanan. MNT also spoke with Mir Ali, MD, a board certified general surgeon, bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, about this study. “I thought it was an interesting study showing another benefit of these medications, so it’s always good to see medications that are helping,” Ali said. As this study showed a potential benefit of these medications, Ali said it was hard to determine at this point how might GLP-1 and SGLT2 medications be positively impacting the heart. “It would be interesting to see how this is helping patients — if it is an independent effect of just the medication itself, or is it secondary to weight loss or better for glucose control,” he added. “A study designed to kind of tease out these details would be helpful.”

medicare-2025-plans:-5-key-changes-to-part-d,-medicare-advantage-costs
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Medicare 2025 plans 5 key changes to Part D, Medicare Advantage costs

ByCorrie Pelc

Share on Pinterest Big changes to Medicare plans are in store for 2025 as open enrollment is underway. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Medicare is a federal health insurance program for older adults ages 65 and older. Open enrollment for 2025 Medicare plans runs through December 7. Some major changes in 2025 include a new $2,000 out-of-pocket max under Part D, eliminating the plan’s “donut hole” coverage gap, and fewer Medicare Advantage plans. As of January 1st, five big changes will take effect for Medicare — a federal health insurance program for adults ages 65 and older. Every year, senior adults have between October 15th through December 7th to enroll in Medicare or change plans. Part A helps to cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. Part B is for outpatient coverage, such as diagnosing and treating an illness at the doctor’s office, as well as preventive services, such as vaccines and wellness visits. Part C —also known as the Medicare Advantage plan—is bundled coverage that includes Parts A, B, and sometimes D. Part D provides coverage for prescription medications Medical News Today spoke with three Medicare experts to learn more about the biggest changes coming in 2025 and how they may impact readers. Starting January 1st, there will be fewer Medicare Advantage plans available. “Medicare Advantage Plans are the alternative to receiving their Medicare through Original Medicare,” said Ryan Ramsey, associate director of health coverage and benefits for the National Council on Aging. “These plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare and provide Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) coverage, as well including drug coverage (Part D) in most cases, all under one plan,” Ramsey told MNT. “In most cases, you’ll need to use health care providers who participate in the plan’s network; however, some plans offer non-emergency coverage out-of-network, but typically at a higher cost,” he continued. “These plans may also offer additional extra benefits like vision, dental or fitness and wellness benefits that are not covered by Medicare.” “The number of Medicare Advantage plans that will be available to the average person is expected to decrease by 7%,” Ramsey added. “This may result in less additional benefits being offered, smaller networks within plans, and an increase in overall out-of-pocket costs. However, the number of plans available in 2025 is still in the top three largest since 2010.” Starting on January 1st, a new approach to Medicare Part D will remove the infamous “donut hole” and establish a new hard limit of $2,000 per year for out-of-pocket Part D drug spending. “The Inflation Reduction Act aims to improve Medicare benefits by reducing out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs,” Kanwar Kelley, MD, JD, co-founder and CEO of Side Health explained to Medical News Today. “This is being done by shrinking the ‘donut hole’ for prescription drug coverage. The ‘donut hole’ refers to the gap between a plan’s initial prescription medication coverage by co-payment or coinsurance and the time when a person meets catastrophic coverage limits where Medicare resumes sharing costs. “While inside of the ‘donut hole,’ an individual must pay for their medications entirely out of pocket. Starting in 2025, the out-of-pocket costs before reaching the catastrophic stage will be capped at $2,000. Until now the limits were set at $8,000. This will mean substantial savings for patients who depend on costly prescription medications.” Another 2025 change impacting Medicare Part D is an anticipated base premium increase. “The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has now capped the amount companies are allowed to increase their annual premiums at 6%,” Ramsey noted. “The base beneficiary premium will be $36.78, which is $2.08 more than 2024 and the maximum of a 6% increase.” According to Tim Smolen, Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program manager in the Consumer Protection Division of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, said the best way to learn more about Part D base premium increases is to use the plan finder tool on the Medicare website. Smolen added: “Broad ranges and base premiums are useful guidelines, but every person’s experience is different. Each person should check their own drugs and pharmacies. It’s possible that each person in a couple might have a different Part D plan.” There will also be a reduction in the number of stand-alone Medicare Part D plans available, according to KFF, a nonprofit focused on health policy. “In 2025, 524 PDPs (Prescription Drug Plans) will be offered across the 34 PDP regions nationwide which is a 26% decrease from 2024,” Ramsey said. “This means that the average beneficiary in each state will have a choice of at least 12 stand-alone drug plans. This could mean a change in formularies, pharmacy networks on plans, and whether your plan has a deductible in 2025.” “There will be a reduction in prescription drug plans under Part D, but this reduction may streamline options in favor of more plans with the built-in price stabilization feature,” Kelley said. “So, though fewer plans will be available, they should be more cost-effective.” And the last big change affecting Medicare in 2025 is an expansion of mental health care and caregiver resources. “Elder care is a huge source of financial burden and stress on families,” Kelley said. “Additional financial support will help reduce that burden and give back time to those looking for caretakers

vancouver-cake-challenge
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Vancouver Cake Challenge

Byadmin

Welcome to the Vancouver Foodster Cake Challenge. Restaurants, bakeries and cafes from all over the city were invited to enter their Cake creations into this challenge. Each cafe and bakery will be featuring their cake creations on their menu from November 15-December 8, 2024. How Does this all Work? For the public challenge, you are invited to go out and order any or all of the cake creations in this challenge, then you decide who you think has the best cake creation for the People’s Choice award winners.  Share your experiences: Tweet (and don’t forget to tweet or instagram your photos) throughout the challenge, our twitter and instagram address is @vanfoodster and the hashtag is #CakeChallengeYVR please include this hashtag in all your tweets during the challenge. Voting criteria –  some things to help you judge your favourite cake creations – keep these things in mind: originality, creativity, uniqueness, traditional, non-traditional, price, value and most importantly taste. How to VOTE : Look for our Cake challenge posters in each of the participating bakeries and cafes. Scan the QR code and Vote for your favourites from November 15 – December 8, 2024 Get some friends together, visit 2 places or more to taste the different Cake creations or go solo or with a friend– just remember to  VOTE for your favourites between November 15 – December 8, 2024. Here are the Cake creations in this challenge, listed in no particular order other than when they were received by us. Yudi Patisserie Saitama Hojicha Chiffon cake Price: slice: $9.5; 5.6″: $38; 6.5″: $58 Created by: the team Description: This is a delicious cake that originated from Sitama, Japan. The cake is very soft, airy and delicate. The cream has a strong fragrance of hojicha tea. It can be decorated with/without nuts. Available in slices and whole cakes (5.6″ or 6.5″) Ingredients: milk, oil, vanilla paste, whipping cream, cream cheese, baking powder, flour, eggs, sugar, hojicha tea, nuts & chocolate (optional decoration only). Available: all the time Offered: preorder: contact the store 1 day in advance. Delivery option: Available on Fantuan/ Uber Eats at higher prices.  Yudi Patisserie 8580 Alexandra Road, unit 1195, Richmond Tel: 604-370-0777 Web: https://www.instagram.com/patisserieyudi Instagram @patisserieyudi  Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake Price: Slice: $9.95 or 6-Inch: $42 Created by: The Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake was created by our Trees Kitchen Staff a few years ago. However, the latest version has been expertly crafted under the leadership of our kitchen manager, Nancy Lin Wang. Description: Baked daily in our kitchen, Ferrero Rocher is back and better than ever! We’ve worked tirelessly to enhance the flavour of our beloved creation, and we’re proud to announce that we’ve elevated this cheesecake to new heights. This year, we will combine premium cream cheese with the signature flavour of Nutella. But that’s not all: every slice will be adorned with a whole Ferrero Rocher chocolate, nestled on a new base of chocolate whipped cream and sprinkled with gold flakes! For chocolate lovers, our improved blend of hazelnut paste and crushed hazelnuts ensures the perfect texture and rich taste that makes this cheesecake genuinely extraordinary. Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Vanilla Paste, Eggs, Hazelnut Paste, Nutella, Crushed Hazelnut, Gold Flakes, Whipping Cream. Offered: all the time Delivery: Doordash. Preorder and takeout: Anybody can call directly to our stores to order the cheesecake. Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee 450 Granville Street Phone (604) 684-5022 255 E.Broadway (Mount Pleasant) Phone: 604-695-9639 5078 Joyce St Phone: 604-895-4211 10299 University Dr #104, Surrey Phone: 604-496-1714 Web: https://treescoffee.com Instagram: @treescoffee Just Cakes Bakeshop Biscoff Mousse Cake Price: $7.50 Created by: the team Description: Brown sugar cake layered with biscoff mousse and a brown sugar whipped cheesecake; topped with a biscoff montee, chocolate pearls, biscoff cookie pieces, and a biscoff drip.  Ingredients: Biscoff montee, chocolate pearls, biscoff cookie pieces, and a biscoff drip.  Just Cakes Bakeshop #5-7548 120 Street, Surrey Tel: 604 503 5577 Web: https://www.justcakesbc.com/ Instagram @justcakesbakeshop And Just Cakes Bakeshop 17767 64 Ave Unit #103, Cloverdale Tel: Instagram @justcakesbakeshop Our Media judges for this challenge are: Corey Lee Instagrammer and Influencer Instagram @sweettoothguy tiktok @sweettoothguyishere Jay Minter Writer of food and the arts for On The List, Vancouver Presents and other publications. Instagram @jminter Joyce Lam Food Blogger for her own Vanfoodies Instagram: @vanfoodies TikTok @vanfoodies

rising-costs-may-keep-canadians-from-dental-care:-vancouver-clinic
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Rising costs may keep Canadians from dental care

ByCharles Brockman

Posted October 24, 2024 4:25 pm. Last Updated October 24, 2024 5:04 pm. A new report from Statistics Canada shows that almost one in four adults experience persistent pain in their mouth, and a Vancouver dentist’s office says inflation may be the cause. Statistics Canada published a report on self-reported oral health problems Wednesday. It says adults aged 18 and older were more than twice as likely as children and youth aged 0 to 17 to report mouth problems – either in the form of having oral pain or avoiding certain foods. Among Canadian adults, 24 per cent reported persistent pain in their mouths, with lower-income families disproportionately affected. The executive director of the Strathcona Community Dental Clinic, Erin Riddell, says people have been putting dental care on the back burner by spacing out their appointments or only coming when absolutely necessary. “In past years, [we] have found that [patients] would come for a cleaning twice a year… but then they’re finding that they need to adjust their finances and budget,” said Riddell, adding that those patients often reduced their visits to once a year.  “Others also would even shy away from paying for the cost of cleanings completely, and they would only come if they have major tooth pain.” Riddell says the clinic follows the BC Dental Association Fee Guide and only charges their patients what’s needed for the treatment.  On average, she explained, a cleaning and check-up can cost around $250 at a private clinic; meanwhile, at Strathcona, the cost goes down to about $150 for someone without dental insurance or a care plan.  Unfortunately, Riddell says inflation has also hit the dental industry. She says the clinic has seen its largest increase in fees from the BC Dental Association, due to cost of materials and supply chain issues.  “The fees have truly doubled in the last ten years.”  Riddell says dental problems can increase in severity if not treated properly.  She says a small cavity with a neglected filling can turn into a larger matter that needs a root canal. But even those initial costs for the simpler treatment can be too costly for some. “Just the fear alone of what it would cost may even stop somebody of low income from even going to get a simple exam.”