Tom Heston MD

Cues to Action as Motivators for Children's Brushing.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:40:00 +0000

Social media can play an important role in understanding the importance of brushing your teeth. This study of grade school children found that social media helped their understanding of dental health, and helped them brush their teeth better. (Health Commun. 2015 Sep;30(9):911-21.) Read More

Silver Valley Doctor

The Effect of the Mediterranean Diet on Serum Total Antioxidant Capacity in Obese Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:40:00 +0000

Total serum antioxidant capacity was increased by following the Mediterranean Diet - olive oil, nuts, and fish in particular. (J Am Coll Nutr. 2015 May 19:1-12) Read More

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A 3 years follow-up of a Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil is associated with high plasma antioxidant capacity and reduced body weight gain.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:40:00 +0000

The Mediterranean Diet - especially rich in olive oil - was associated with increased serum antioxidant activity and weight loss after 3 years of following the diet. (Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009 Dec;63(12):1387-93.) Read More

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Abstract recall of a happy memory to repair sad mood in dysphoria: A possible link to negative cognition.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Fri, 08 May 2015 22:40:00 +0000

Recalling a happy memory results in greater happiness than distraction. (Memory. 2015 Aug;23(6):817-28.) Read More

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Effect of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity on All-Cause Mortality in Middle-aged and Older Australians.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Fri, 01 May 2015 06:40:00 +0000

There is an inverse relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity and mortality. (JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Apr 6.)

Leisure Time Physical Activity and Mortality: A Detailed Pooled Analysis of the Dose-Response Relationship.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Fri, 01 May 2015 06:40:00 +0000

Engaging in 75 vigorous-intensity or 150 moderate-intensity minutes per week of exercise was found to reduce mortality risk by about 30%. (JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Apr 6.a)

Effects of combined exercise on gait variability in community-dwelling older adults.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 20:10:00 +0000

A 12-week exercise program consisting of strength, balance, and endurance was found to positively affect gait endurance and gait performance among older adults. (Age (Dordr). 2015 Jun;37(3):9780)

What carers and family said about music therapy on behaviours of older people with dementia in residential aged care.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 17:40:00 +0000

This study of families and care givers taking care of elderly people with dementia found that the study participants all wanted policymakers to ensure more, not less, music therapy. More funding for music therapy was determined to be important as part of ongoing care in the residential aged care context. (Int J Older People Nurs. 2015 Jun;10(2):146-57) Read More

Chants For Health

Impact of smoking and smoking cessation on cardiovascular events and mortality among older adults: meta-analysis of individual participant data from prospective cohort studies of the CHANCES consortium.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 02:10:00 +0000

Current smokers have twice the risk of cardiovascular mortality compared with never smokers. Former smokers have about a 37% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to never smokers. The excess risk in smokers was positively correlated with number of cigarettes smoked per day. The excess risk in former smokers decreased continuously with time since smoking cessation. (BMJ. 2015 Apr 20;350:h1551.) Read More

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Exercise habit formation in new gym members: a longitudinal study.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 19:40:00 +0000

This study found that to establish an exercise habit, it is necessary to exercise at least 4 times a week for 6 weeks. (J Behav Med. 2015 Apr 8.) Read More

Cardiactivist.com

Aspirin and Acetaminophen Use and the Risk of Cervical Cancer.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 17:40:00 +0000

Frequent aspirin use was found to be associated with a decreased risk of cervical cancer. Acetaminophen use was not associated with an increased or decreased risk of cervical cancer. (J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2015 Apr 8) Read More

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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine in early pregnancy and risk of birth defects: population based cohort study and sibling design.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 17:40:00 +0000

No substantial increase was found in the prevalence of overall cardiac birth defects among infants exposed to SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline)or venlafaxine in utero. (BMJ. 2015 Apr 17;350:h1798.) Read More

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Mindfulness-based stress reduction teachers, practice characteristics, cancer incidence, and health: a nationwide ecological description.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 16:40:00 +0000

Greater practice of mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques may decrease the risk of cancer. This study found that a greater number of MBSR teachers per capita was associated with a lower rate of colorectal and cervical cancer. (BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015 Feb 14;15(1):24.)

Effect of exercise training on the quality of life and echocardiography parameter of systolic function in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized trial.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 16:40:00 +0000

A walking exercise program was found to increase left ventricular ejection fraction and quality of life in chronic heart failure patients. (Asian J Sports Med. 2015 Mar;6(1):e22643.)

What features do Dutch university students prefer in a smartphone application for promotion of physical activity? A qualitative approach.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 18:40:00 +0000

Students prefer physical activity smartphone apps that coach and motivate them, as well as provide tailored feedback toward personally set goals. They also prefer apps that allow competition with friends. (Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2015 Mar 1;12(1):31) Read More

Cardiactivist.com

Prospective validation of a 1-hour algorithm to rule-out and rule-in acute myocardial infarction using a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T assay

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 03:40:00 +0000

A rapid strategy to evaluate patient with suspected acute myocardial infarction included a baseline high sensitivity cardiac troponin T level, a repeat level in 1 hour, and observation care for equivocal cases. Within 1 hour, 40% of patients were classified as ruled-in or ruled-out, and 60% went on to observation care. The sensitivity and negative predictive value in the ruled-out group was over 99%. 30-day mortality was 0% in the ruled out group. (CMAJ 2015. DOI:10.1503 /cmaj.141349) Read More

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No effects of a 12-week supervised exercise therapy program on gait in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis: a secondary analysis of a randomized trial.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 03:40:00 +0000

Education was just as good as Education + Structured Exercise Program in improving stance gait in patients with hip osteoarthritis. (J Negat Results Biomed. 2015 Mar 5;14(1):5.) Read More

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Biostatistics Faculty and NIH Awards at U.S. Medical Schools.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 03:40:00 +0000

The number of biostatistics faculty is positively associated with the amount of NIH research awards in medical schools in the U.S. (Am Stat. 2015 Feb;69(1):34-40.) Read More

Practical Biostatistics

In fatal pursuit of immortal fame: Peer competition and early mortality of music composers.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 02:40:00 +0000

Although competition creates economic benefits, too much competition appears to have a significant negative effect on the competitors by reducing their lifespan. (Soc Sci Med. 2015 Mar 31;134:30-42.)

Self-Regulation of Breathing as a Primary Treatment for Anxiety.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 20:10:00 +0000

Breathing exercises appears to be helpful in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and some emotional disorders. (Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2015 Apr 14.) Read More

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Relationship of vitamin D status with lung function and exercise capacity in COPD.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 20:10:00 +0000

Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with COPD and is associated with airflow limitation and a decreased exercise capacity. (Respirology. 2015 Apr 13.) Read More

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Comparing interval and continuous exercise training regimens on neurotrophic factors in rat brain.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 17:10:00 +0000

Interval exercise training was found to be more effective than continuous exercise training in improving brain neutrotrophins. (Physiol Behav. 2015 Apr 10) Read More

Cardiactivist.com

Reactive Oxygen Species Response to Exercise Training and Weight Loss in Sedentary Overweight and Obese Female Adults.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 22:40:00 +0000

Relatively high intensity physical activity was found to be more effective improving cardiovascular risk factors than a low calorie diet in sedentary overweight and obese females. (J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev. 2015 Mar 24.) Read More

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Exercise and Vitamin D in Fall Prevention Among Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 04:10:00 +0000

Strength and balance training decreased falls resulting in injury in home-dwelling older women. Exercise alone nor vitamin D supplementation, however, decreased the rate of overall falls (injurious or non-injurious). (JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Mar 23.) Read More

Silver Valley Doctor

Oslerisms

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 01:10:00 +0000

"One of the first duties of the physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine." Sir William Osler

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RELATIONSHIP OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEDENTARISM WITH TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, AND MEDITERRANEAN DIET IN SPANISH TEENAGERS.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 00:10:00 +0000

Increased physical activity was associated with an increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet and decreased smoking among Spanish teenagers. (Nutr Hosp. 2015 Apr 1;31(n04):1693-1700.) Read More

Cardiactivist.com

Music decreases aortic stiffness and wave reflections.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 19:10:00 +0000

Stiffness and wave reflections by the aorta are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Listening to music was found to decrease both aortic stiffness and wave reflections. (Atherosclerosis. 2015 Mar 14;240(1):184-189.)

Cognitive plasticity in older adults: effects of cognitive training and physical exercise.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 07:40:00 +0000

In the elderly at risk of cognitive decline, brain exercise and physical exercise both appear to be helpful interventions to reduce risk of dementia. (Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2015 Mar;1337(1):1-6.) Read More

Silver Valley Doctor

Does Positivity Mediate the Relation of Extraversion and Neuroticism with Subjective Happiness?

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 06:40:00 +0000

Three elements of positivity (self-esteem, optimism, and satisfaction with life) are strongly related to subjective happiness, and can be increased with psychotherapy. Happiness may thus be improved by focusing on positivity, rather than trying to change core personality traits such as extraversion or neuroticism, which are poorly malleable. (PLoS One. 2015 Mar 17;10(3):e0121991)

Music and emotions: from enchantment to entrainment.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 22:40:00 +0000

Music activates a combination of emotional and motivational, motor, attention, and memory-related brain regions. (Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2015 Mar;1337(1):212-22.) Read More

Chants For Health

Familiarity with music increases walking speed in rhythmic auditory cuing.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 22:40:00 +0000

In gait rehabilitation (e.g. after a stroke), when patients listened to familiar music during rehab, the result was a elicited faster stride velocity and less variable strides. (Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2015 Mar;1337(1):53-61) Read More

Chants For Health

Exercise and the heart - the harm of too little and too much.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:40:00 +0000

Physical inactivity may be the greatest threat to human health in the 21st century. While many studies have shown a positive correlation between activity and heart health, there is some evidence that high levels of exercise may produce at best similar results to lower levels of exercise, and at worse may be associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Too much, as well as too little exercise may both be associated with suboptimal cardiac health. (Curr Sports Med Rep. 2015 Mar-Apr;14(2):104-9) Read More

Cardiactivist.com

The role of behavioural modification and exercise in the management of cancer-related fatigue to reduce its impact during and after cancer treatment.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 13:10:00 +0000

Exercise appears to be the mainstay of the treatment of fatigue in cancer patients, with probable positive impacts upon survivorship. (Acta Oncol. 2015 Mar 9:1-6.b)

Treatment-related cardiovascular late effects and exercise training countermeasures in testicular germ cell cancer survivorship.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 13:10:00 +0000

Cancer treatments for germ cell cancer can cause or worsen cardiovascular disease. Structured exercise rehabilitation in cancer patients likely optimizes germ cell cancer survivorship. (Acta Oncol. 2015 Mar 9:1-8.)

Sugar Industry Influence on the Scientific Agenda of the National Institute of Dental Research's 1971 National Caries Program: A Historical Analysis of Internal Documents.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 06:10:00 +0000

This historical analysis looked at the relationship between the sugar industry and the National Caries Program (NCP). The NCP was launched in 1971, and was notable for glaring omissions regarding the role of sugar in contributing to tooth decay. The authors conclude that public policy initiatives be carefully evaluated in order to ensure that industry interests do not supersede public health goals. (PLoS Med. 2015 Mar 10;12(3):e1001798.) Read More

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Narrow Tachycardia

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 02:57:00 +0000

Here is an example of narrow complex supraventricular tachycardia. The treatment of Adult tachycardia (with pulse) according to the AHA was published in Circulation.

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Music performance anxiety in young musicians: comparison of playing classical or popular music.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 23:10:00 +0000

Performance anxiety was high for classical musicians between 7 and 16 yrs, which decreased with experience. Performance anxiety increased with age in popular music musicians, regardless of number of performances. (Med Probl Perform Art. 2015 Mar;30(1):30-7.) Read More

Chants For Health

U.S. Cohort Differences in Body Composition Outcomes of a 6-Month Pedometer-Based Physical Activity Intervention: The ASUKI Step Study.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 05:10:00 +0000

A pedometer based workplace physical activity intervention in which workers were encouraged to walk 10,000 steps a day resulted in a significant decrease in waist circumference after 6 months (-3.0 cm). (Asian J Sports Med. 2014 Dec;5(4):e25748.)

Are Members of Long-Lived Families Healthier Than Their Equally Long-Lived Peers? Evidence From the Long Life Family Study.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 05:10:00 +0000

Membership in a long-lived family appears to have benefits beyond just aging benefits. Common, severe mortality-associated diseases are less prevalent in biologic members of a long-lived family, and in addition their spouses also tend to be relatively healthy. (J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2015 Mar 5.)

Influence of Japanese food on senility and health maintenance.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 05:10:00 +0000

This study found that in laboratory mice, consumption of a little fish oil was healthy, but consumption of a large amount decreased longevity. The authors conclude that even when foods have been reported to have health benefits, ingestion of large amounts of individual foods is undesirable for health maintenance. (Yakugaku Zasshi. 2015;135(1):57-65.)

Global Burden of Untreated Caries: A Systematic Review and Metaregression.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 05:10:00 +0000

The burden of untreated dental cavities appears to be shifting from children to adults. There are now 3 peaks in prevalence at 6, 25, and 70 years of age. (J Dent Res. 2015 Mar 4)

Two

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 17:59:00 +0000

Falling in love again With the girl of my dreams. I'm going head over heels again Looking forward to brand new things That we are gonna see from a different view and do all the things we've wanted to I'm going head over heels again I'm going one-on-one with you All over again. It's through and through. Two.

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The Success Indicator

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 14:40:00 +0000

Napolean Hill called it the power of habit force. My swimming coach when I was a teenager simply used it to keep track of how far team members swam. Benjamin Franklin used one. So did W Clement Stone and Jerry Seinfeld. All you have to do is make a grid. Each row contains an important action item, that you must do regularly if you want to accomplish your goal. Each column contains a date. On a regular basis, check the box corresponding with the action you took, and the date. With time, you will clearly be able to tell whether you will succeed, or fail. If your grid is full, you will succeed at that objective. The full grid is your "success indicator." If your grid is empty, it becomes a "failure indicator," and you will fail at that particular objective. By using this grid, you...

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Workplace Exercise and Educational Program for Improving Fitness Outcomes Related to Health in Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 00:10:00 +0000

A workplace exercise program effectively improved worker body composition, abdominal strength, upper limb strength, and flexibility. (J Occup Environ Med. 2015 Mar;57(3):235-240.) Read More

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Interactive Video Game Cycling Leads to Higher Energy Expenditure and Is More Enjoyable than Conventional Exercise in Adults.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas F Heston) — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 06:40:00 +0000

Bicycle exercise using an interactive video game was more enjoyable, and resulted in a higher exercise level than conventional bicycle exercise. (PLoS One. 2015 Mar 4;10(3):e0118470.)

What Will Happen If You Boil a Cola?

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 01:46:00 +0000

This is an interesting experiment to show you visually how much sugar there is in soda.

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Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 00:51:00 +0000

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul." - John Muir This quote from John Muir, who was instrumental in setting up the US National Park System and the founder of the Sierra Club, closely mirrors a passage from Deuteronomy 8:3 - "Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." I think Muir was onto something. The word of God can often be heard most clearly when we are in nature, walking in the forest, or observing something of beauty. God speaks to us through music, art, and all...

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Conclusions: These findings suggest that MBSR, a secular meditation training program, is associated with improved depressive symptoms regardless of affiliation with a religion, sense of spirituality, trait level of mindfulness before MBSR training, sex, o

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 03:40:00 +0000

Mindfulness based stress reduction was found to decrease depression, regardless of affiliation with religion or a sense of spirituality. (J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Feb 19.x) Read More

Chants For Health

Plastic Surgery Residents' Understanding and Attitudes Toward Biostatistics: A National Survey.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 15:40:00 +0000

This study found that plastic surgery residents felt that knowledge of biostatistics was important, however upon objective testing they only had a fair understanding of statistical principles. The residents had difficulty with study study design, ANOVA, regression, and identification of a statistically significant result. Confidence was not a good predictor of objective performance. (Ann Plast Surg. 2015 Jan 30.) Read More

Practical Biostatistics

The effect of cinnamon extract and long-term aerobic training on heart function, biochemical alterations and lipid profile following exhaustive exercise in male rats.

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Heston MD) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 04:40:00 +0000

Cinnamon extract supplementation with regular exercise training had additive effects on the improving cardiac function and lipid profile of rats. (Adv Pharm Bull. 2014 Dec;4(Suppl 2):515-20.) Read More

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