Sports keep kids from smoking, but movies make them start

Joining the softball, football or swim team is great for a child’s self-esteem, teamwork and fitness—and it may also keep kids from lighting up, say researchers at the Hood Center for Children and Families at Dartmouth Medical School. But watching too many movies in which actors smoke can reverse the positive effects. Past studies have suggested that on-screen cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of smoking in American youth. In the new study of 2,048 children, researchers evaluated team sports participation and how much cigarette smoking kids saw in movies. At the start of the study, the kids were 9 to 14 years old; researchers followed up with them up to eight years later. At follow up, 17.2 percent had become established smokers, having smoked 100 or more cigarettes in their lifetime. Those with the highest exposure to movie smoking were more likely to become smokers. Although children who never participated in team sports were twice as likely to become smokers than those who did play sports, athletes who saw more smoking in the movies were much more likely to become smokers. The bottom line: Keeping youngsters involved in team sports and away from movies in which their favorite actors light up could keep them happy, healthy and smoke free!

Heart attack? What’s next?

Despite what you may think, life after a heart attack can be just as wonderful and rewarding as before. You just have to make a few changes to your lifestyle. The American Heart Association offers this advice to make sure you make a full recovery:

      • Rest—but not too much. It’s important to rest after a heart attack, but it’s equally important to get enough exercise and social activity. Always get a good night’s sleep and nap when you’re tired. Be sure to ask your doctor what’s best for you, but most people have plenty of energy for both work and fun activities.
      • Ask your doctor when you can return to work and whether your work is appropriate for someone who’s had a heart attack. Most people can return to work within two weeks to three months, depending on the severity of the heart attack.
      • It’s normal to be depressed and to feel fear, anger and resentment after your heart attack. Don’t be afraid to seek help. Talk to your healthcare provider, family and friends.
      • A loved one’s heart attack affects the entire family. If you feel that counseling would help, ask your doctor to refer you and your family to a counselor.
      • It’s possible to experience chest pain (a light pain or pressure that goes away quickly) after a heart attack. If you’re having ANY chest pains, tell your doctor. Medications and exercise can help relieve the pain.
      • Join a cardiac rehabilitation program to help you get—and stay—healthy. Studies show that cardiac rehab saves lives. These programs often take place at a hospital with a team of specialists or with your doctor, nurse, dietitian or other healthcare professionals.
      • Most people can resume sexual activity after they recover from a heart attack. Talk to your doctor about what would be best for you.
      • Avoid tobacco, become more active and choose good nutrition.

Lack of sleep is harder on women’s hearts

Are you getting less than the recommended eight hours of sleep a night? If the answer is yes, this could put you at greater risk of heart disease and heart-related problems—especially if you’re a woman. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Warwick and University College of London has shown that coronary inflammation markers vary significantly with length of sleep in women, but not in men. The study involved more than 4,600 participants ages 35 to 55, 73 percent of whom were men. The information was gathered using questionnaires and a general health screening examination. Women who reported sleeping eight hours a night as opposed to seven showed significantly lower levels of interleukin-6, a marker related to coronary heart disease. Another inflammatory marker, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, was found in much higher levels in women who slept five hours or less. While further studies are required, it’s apparent that, especially for women, sleep is good for the heart.

Dialysis is safe after heart attack

If you’re worried about having dialysis after your heart attack, new evidence may put your fears to rest. New research shows that there is no connection between the timing of dialysis treatments after a heart attack and cardiac symptoms. Heart attacks are the most common cause of death in kidney disease patients, and because of concerns dialysis might hurt the heart, doctors often delay dialysis after a heart attack. To investigate whether or not this caution is needed, researchers at Elmhurst/Queens Hospital Center/Mount Sinai School of Medicine examined the charts of 131 patients who had heart attacks while on dialysis. They found no difference in symptoms like chest pain among the groups, suggesting that the timing of dialysis doesn’t increase heart risks. They also found several factors that might predict which dialysis patients have a higher risk of having a heart attack. These include how serious the condition is, prior heart disease, high levels of potassium in the blood before dialysis and a large drop in potassium blood levels after dialysis. These findings may help doctors fine-tune treatment for these patients in the future.