Passe Avaunt

The Return

2013-09-22T20:06:00.004+00:00

Hello everyone...

I'm back!

It's The Heart That Matters Most

2010-09-02T23:53:00.002+00:00

I live in Europe where cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death 1. Coronary heart disease (CHD), the likely precursor to myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack, is the leading killer in Western nations and is increasing in developing countries as they increase their consumption of animal products 2. Incidentally, MI may be silent, or manifest as prolonged pain and discomfort as associated with simple angina 2. Diagnosis of coronary artery disease in women is more difficult because of lower specificity of symptoms and diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive testing, in other words, woman may be difficult to read 3. Comparatively, men are more likely to experience crushing substernal chest pain, whereas woman are more likely to experience shortness of breath, jaw or back pain, nausea / vomiting 2. Analogously, the symptoms in woman are multi-colored however, in men more like black and white. Moreover, women are at greater risk for worse outcomes associated with acute coronary syndrome (a medical condition caused by or involving disease of the coronary arteries, including angina pectoris and heart attacks, ACS) than are men, possibly because they tend to be treated less aggressively than men, even when more aggressive treatment is needed 4. Elsewhere, in China, female patients with (ACS) were older than male subjects and thus more often had concomitant (happening or existing along with or at the same time as something else) diseases further complicating the situation 5. Similarly, In Korea invasive treatment was more commonly performed in males than females 6. Unfortunately, proper cardiac care for woman may be delayed or misguided because caregivers as well as patients may believe that woman are not at significant risk for cardiac disease 2. Perhaps raising local awareness of ACS signs and symptoms may save the lives of mothers and daughters here and elsewhere.

eddie S

References:
1. Abreu A, Bettencourt N, Fontes P: Overview of cardiac rehabilitation in Portugal 2007-2009, Rev Port Cardiol 2010, 29:545-558
2. Barnard ND, Reilly JK, Weissinger R, Jaster BJ, Kahan S, Smyth C: Nutrition Guide for Clinicians. Edited by Washington, DC, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, 2009, p.pp. x, 745 p.
3. Wiviott SD, Cannon CP, Morrow DA, Murphy SA, Gibson CM, McCabe CH, Sabatine MS, Rifai N, Giugliano RP, DiBattiste PM, Demopoulos LA, Antman EM, Braunwald E: Differential expression of cardiac biomarkers by gender in patients with unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a TACTICS-TIMI 18 (Treat Angina with Aggrastat and determine Cost of Therapy with an Invasive or Conservative Strategy-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 18) substudy, Circulation 2004, 109:580-586
4. Tavris D, Shoaibi A, Chen AY, Uchida T, Roe MT, Chen J: Gender differences in the treatment of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, Clin Cardiol 2010, 33:99-103
5. Song XT, Chen YD, Pan WQ, Lu SZ: Gender based differences in patients with acute coronary syndrome: findings from Chinese Registry of Acute Coronary Events (CRACE), Chin Med J (Engl) 2007, 120:1063-1067
6. Lee KH, Jeong MH, Ahn YK, Kim JH, Chae SC, Kim YJ, Hur SH, Seong IW, Hong TJ, Choi D, Cho MC, Kim CJ, Seung KB, Chung WS, Jang YS, Cho JG, Park SJ: Gender differences of success rate of percutaneous coronary intervention and short term cardiac events in Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry, Int J Cardiol 2008, 130:227-234

Milk = Osteoporosis

2010-08-23T02:14:00.002+00:00

Milk = Osteoporosis

As a bone fan and potential orthopedic surgeon, the milk lie needs additional addressing. Firstly, the most common joint disorder, especially in western cultures, is osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease[1]. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis which is characterized by inflammation and swelling, OA usually produces little swelling however, degeneration of hyaline cartilage and bone hypertrophy within the joint are OA hallmarks[1]. Incidentally OA usually starts as joint stiffness lasting less than 15 minutes a day then slowly progressing into full blown pain with joint movements [1]. Since my focus is preventive medicine; what can be done to prevent this common condition? Well, obesity increases the risk for OA, so weight control lowers the odds of developing this disease [2]. Additionally, there is also a correlation between poor diet (such as high fat)early in life and OA[3]. This suggest that a plant based diet may slow or even prevent the disease [1]. This means OA dose not have to stay a “common condition” in this new era, starting with the youth.
Got milk…get osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease distinguish by progressive thinning of the bone matrix and cortex[1]. Consequently, Americans consume more milk and its products than most of the worlds populations[4]. In particular, American woman over the age of 50 have one of the highest rates of hip fracture in the world, second only to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand where they consume even more milk than the United States[5]. Additionally, in a 2000 study it was found that hip fracture, a major health problem, varies in incidence among the populations of different countries and is directly related to animal protein intake, a finding that suggests that bone integrity is compromised by endogenous acid production consequent to the metabolism of animal proteins. Hence, plant based foods provide a countervailing effect, because they are a rich source of base (bicarbonate) in the form of metabolizable organic anions, which can neutralize protein-derived acid and supply substrate (carbonate) for bone formation [5]. Put down that chicken leg or loose mobility of your own leg! Conversely, the study of 72, 000 woman for 18 years found milk consumption had no benefit in the prevention of hip fractures or bone strength and may have even contributed to overall bone weakness [5]. Wow, wipe off that milk mustache Serena!
Lastly, a new day is dawning in wellness creation. Treatment should be focused on prevention, symptomatic therapy and slowing disease progression [1]. Currently, there are many therapies for people suffering from osteoporosis however, the primary therapy is to immediately eliminate all dairy from the diet , consume adequate amounts of calcium backed by vitamin D and frequent weight bearing exercises to increase bone mineral density [1]. Welcome to the 21st century and wellness creation!
eddie S

References:
1. Barnard ND, Reilly JK, Weissinger R, Jaster BJ, Kahan S, Smyth C: Nutrition Guide for Clinicians, vol. 2. Washington, DC: Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine; 2009.
2. Lievense AM, Bierma-Zeinstra SM, Verhagen AP, van Baar ME, Verhaar JA, Koes BW: Influence of obesity on the development of osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2002, 41(10):1155-1162.
3. Peterson RO, Vucetich JA, Fenton G, Drummer TD, Larsen CS: Ecology of arthritis. Ecol Lett 2010.
4. Campbell TC, Campbell TM: The China study : the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted and the startling implications for diet, weight loss and long-term health, 1st BenBella Books edn. Dallas, Tex.: BenBella Books; 2005.
5. Frassetto LA, Todd KM, Morris RC, Jr., Sebastian A: Worldwide incidence of hip fracture in elderly women: relation to consumption of animal and vegetable foods. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2000, 55(10):M585-592.

2010-08-06T23:10:00.000+00:00

I stand in the doorway of a new leg on my educational journey. This term, it’s statistics and diseases of the human body. Not much to report other than the huge workload this term. Conversely, even though the work load is heavy my brain muscles are strong and ready. Through all this, I still chant 3 hours a day…Got to get back to work…

eddie S

2010-07-24T22:36:00.000+00:00

In the photo: Dandelion leaves and I.

Dandelions make a strong paper after all!

At first, writing a research paper on dandelions seemed a thin prospect at best, because I didn’t believe there was enough evidence to substantiate the benefits of eating the plant.

However, I was prepared to dig deep and also had a back up topic just in case the dandelion reasearch withered.

Surprisingly, I discovered much more than I had believed possible.

Not only is dandelion a super food, the extracts of this lawn pest have been scientifically proven to reduce the size of breast cancer tumors and slow the progression of prostate cancer.

If you are interested, I can send you a copy of my research report.

Additionally, I received an “A” on my final research paper in anatomy and physiology honors class; my topic was on the subject of the breast; I received an “A” for this course as well.

I have off till the 28th, where on that day I will begin “diseases of the human body and statistics.

For now, I’m going to enjoy the rest of this night!

Lastly, thank you Professor Vinson, tough yet right.

What you believe you achive.

eddie S

Bizarro's Dan Piraro on Vegan Issues

2010-07-19T16:37:00.000+00:00

2010-07-17T22:22:00.000+00:00

Step by step we’ve climbed, now we’ve arrived at a new apex.

Obviously, we have many more steps to take however, at this echelon, it’s a profound moment to enjoy the view from our new life location.

Collaterally, we can use our recent progress as a stepping stone for further advancement, to rise higher yet, and expand our lives.

This is also a great time to hold appreciation in our hearts for supportive family members, friends, fellow classmates, university staff and last but not least, our professor.

In My opinion, Education is the great chronological equalizer, the more time that passes, the more knowledge one accumulates and the closer one gets to the degree.

After all these years ( 30+) I’m back in school building the brain, bettering the life and getting closer to the MD title.

So, let the gray hairs come.

Hopefully, I’ll have some of you in my coming classes.

Lastly, I bow to all the mothers in this class.

“Human civilization has flourished and survived because of the special characteristics of woman; all humanity owes a profound debt to woman and mothers”, according to former United Nations Under-Secretary-General K Chowdury (2010).

Raising a family while balancing class loads may be the biggest challenge of all.

You’ve done it!

Congratulations!

eddie S

Breast Reconstruction: Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (full surgical version)

2010-07-13T22:08:00.001+00:00

Beth Israel Medical Center surgeons use newer breast reconstruction techniques that rebuild the brea

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

2010-07-08T20:52:00.002+00:00

The German poet and playwright Friedrich von Schiller (1759–1805) declared to the effect that the strongest of all are those who are strong when they stand alone 1 .

Comparatively, it's as if we're sitting alone in a dark tunnel typing, facing our computer screens with the task of bravely putting our thoughts into space.
Standing alone.

This week 9, as we put the finishing touches to our papers, let's show appreciation for professor Vinson and all of our previous teachers, by doing our best theses last two weeks.

There is light at the end of the tunnel and on the other side lies a field of green waiting to welcome us as we continue on our educational journey.

Particularly, thank you to all who participated in the peer review process and for acting as mirrors to one another.

Sometimes, facing ourselves is the most difficult of tasks however, once the reflective work is done growth can continue.

Incidentally, for anyone who's interested, I'll be keeping this blog.
I'll be making weekly entries of my journey toward becoming an MD right here. I'm not sure if I'll keep the phrase "Passe Avaunt," because there's another word I recently discovered that's more in line with what I must posses to get through it all over the next 6 to 7 years.
I'll make a decision in time.

Additionally, I have one other paper due at the end of week 9 for A&P (HS130-01-H).
Next term I'll be taking "diseases of the body" and "statistics."

I look forward to seeing you on the DB this week
and possibly in class next term.
.

eddie S

1 Translated from German. Friedrich von Schiller, Wilhelm Tell, in Sämmtliche Werke (Complete Works), (Stuttgart: J. G. Cotta’schen Buchhandlung, 1838), vol. 6, p. 28.

GATEWAYS EDITED VERSION

2010-07-01T21:38:00.004+00:00

Updated and edited:

Since we are editing this week, here's the edited version of Thursday's publication.

Writing is the key to the gateway of education, leading to the path of success.

Watching Wimbledon tennis these last few days, I've had the opportunity to see true champions in action.

However, there were some big upsets this year, as top ranked players were eliminated very early in the competition, by much lower ranking players.

So...what did I learn thus far?

I learned that in order to beat a champion, to become a champion, you have to fight for each point at each moment, as a champion.

Additionally, keep your composure, play your best game as if it were your last, use all the skills accumulated during this lifetime and never sell yourself short.

Life is similar to a tennis match, yet vitally volatile, more complicated and sometimes much more painful.

Perseverance is the gateway to success in whatever we do.

When our hearts blaze with the spirit of achieving our educational goals, we can write our own futures and vanquish discouragement. The moment we determine to win, we have won!

Great achievements...none of this will be easy, the heat will be on.
However, as legendary Japanese sage Nichiren Daishonin said:

"The flaws in iron come to the surface when it is forged.
Put into flames, a rock simply turns to ashes, but gold becomes pure gold."

These last couple of weeks, let's determine to be golden...determine to be gold!

eddie S.

BIRTHDAY 50

2010-06-25T22:45:00.000+00:00

50 years of life on this day.
I give thanks to my parents for meeting and deciding to raise me well.
I owe them a debt of gratitude that I will repay through my actions and by becoming a person of wisdom, courage and compassion.

Another week has past as we melt into unit 7.
I want to to create value through my writing and help others see the value in theirs.
This unit, we have a chance to show the world our talents through the peer review elevation process.

A wise woman once said "the writing process requires thought, effort and time" (Vinson 2010). How true.
I've enjoyed learning from many of you this term.
Watching skills elevate over the weeks has been encouraging.
Through application of thought, effort, and time, I'm confident we will develop great pieces of work which will give us access to experiencing out true talents.

I look forward to the peer review process this week, although we may not get to see all of each others work due to limited space.
However, over the next 2 weeks we can reach out to each other in the blogesphere for an exchange if need be.

eddie S

2010-06-20T20:02:00.000+00:00

It's great to see we are all winning in writing.

It takes courage and integrity to expose our thoughts on paper as we learn this art

of self expression.

When writing, there may be times when we feel we are in a long dark tunnel

however, as long as we continue, key stroke by key stroke, we will emerge to be greeted by a

beautiful landscape.

A new beginning is near as Week 7 develops in our lives.

Now is the time to put forth our

greatest efforts to create a solid foundation, with a great rough draft, greeting week 7

with confidence and a smile.

These next few days, lets summon up the determination to win.

eddie S

Student to Student IDEAEX

2010-06-11T23:15:00.000+00:00

Hi everybody this is a column dedicated to sharing the experiences of being a student in cyber space.
This is my 3rd term at Kaplan University.
This is also the farthest I've gone in higher education so everyday is another victory me.
My history with school was simply to get in, get out, and be done with it.
That attitude yielded F's, C's, and D's most of my scholastic life, don't get me wrong I had my highlights here and there but grade wise the letter "A" was not something that crossed my mind.

Well it's week 5, we're half way full to the top of the end of the term, and the letter "A" is all that I've received these past few months
I made the presidents list and I am now an honors student!
Go figure!
My family is speechless, after all I put them through.
The only honor I received was the discharge from the Navy.

I've taken what I've learned from the business world and have learned to modify and apply those skills to school.
I owe a large portion of my success at Kaplan to my wife who has 2 degrees from Columbia University
Who graduated Phi beta Kappa
suma com laude (I'll get the spelling later)
and is now reaching for her PhD here at The University of Cambridge.
I use to tease her about being "Institutionalized" in the university realm
however,
Now I am institutionalized and lovin it!

The truth is, I've changed.
So far I've written over 10 papers with A's on all of them.
Not bragging just sharing a highlight of my life.
So stay with me on this.
I think I'm onto something, or on something, one or the other.
Cyberskool is cool, but the white screen can be a lonely scary space when the flow is slow...so
with that said.
Tomorrow I will share a tip or two to help see you through.
Since I am here to learn,
I also take tips.
This is an open exchange.
Like the NASDQ or NYSE
IDEAEX = idea exchange
From my Wall Street days.
A good idea is worth more than 1 million shares of GOOGLE
So...
Put your thinking caps on
because
we only have 5 weeks left to flow.

eddie S

Gary Null's Age is only a number

2010-06-10T16:04:00.000+00:00

School...the great equilizer...

2010-06-09T01:55:00.000+00:00

Here we are at then beginning of another unit...
Unit5 means 1/2 way there. One of the great things about being in school is that the more time that passes the closer to graduation and the smarter we get.
So...
The older we get the better school gets.
If we stay in school long enough we'll end up doctors.
i look forward to writing with you all this next unit.

eddie S

2010-06-05T02:13:00.000+00:00

2010-06-05T01:03:00.000+00:00

Plagiarism...
The word intimidates me, it sounded like a contagious disease; but I rolled with it.
I understood the relevance of it, dealt with the APA of it, and had been bothered by it.
UNTIL...
One sunny English afternoon my wife discovered that she had been cited in a text book she had just purchased!
My perspective changing moment come when I saw the expression on her face when she said...
"They got the spelling right"
Hey, people we cite have lives, husbands, wives, and lives.
Most of then worked hard to get pubd,
and they could be you in the future.
So...
Cheers to being citized!
Gotaluvit

eddie S

2010-05-30T00:07:00.000+00:00

Hello everyone From The Kingdom!

I'm getting into the onlineskool.
I have an independent spirit so this suits me well.
I'm enjoying the class and the professor has a sensitive soul, which is good for the learning process in all of us.
I'm enjoying looking at all the fotos of you lovely ladies and the 2 other guys in this cool class.
OK guyz you're lookin good too.
I'm working on the foto feature and should have it sorted out soon.
After hearing about blogs for all these years, it nice to finally blog. I fell like a modern part of society now.
Have a great weekend people
!
eddie S

2010-05-22T01:51:00.000+00:00

I'm sitting in my office with such a good feeling about our blogging, the class, and I'm especially proud of all of you for living your lives. I've never felt this way before. This is great! I will post my photo once i sort it out. I will work on my blog and begin to shape its base through time and guidance. Congratulations to all of you for taking this positive step in your human revolution!

eddie S

2010-05-18T13:01:00.000+00:00

Hello All...

Passe Avaunt is a phrase I discovered on a replica of the Hereford World Map, made in around

1300, is recognised by UNESCO as an exceptionally important cultural artifact. "It shows us

how medieval people saw the physical world around them; perhaps more importantly, it also

reveals how they perceived it culturally and spiritually" (Folio Society 2010).

Passe Avaunt means "go forward."

To learn is to go forward. The great thing about being in university is that we can equalize time

as we go forward through it. That is, for everyday that passes, we gain a day of education and

are closer to graduation. This puts a positive touch on ageing process so as those little white

hairs pop up don't fret because they become symbols of our educational rights of passage.

So to all of you I say Passe Avaunt"!

eddie S