
Keep fit to avoid heart rhythm disorder and stroke, study suggests
Keeping fit could help you avoid heart rhythm disorder and stroke, new research suggests. The study of more than 15,000 people found that physical fitness is linked with a lower likelihood of developing both conditions. Atrial fibrillation – irregular and often fast heartbeat – is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. The findings indicate that keeping fit may help prevent atrial fibrillation and stroke Dr Shih-Hsien Sung Patients with the condition have a five-fold higher risk of stroke than their peers, experts suggest. Study author Dr Shih-Hsien Sung of the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan said: “This was a large study with an objective measurement of fitness and more than 11 years of follow up. “The findings indicate that keeping fit may help prevent atrial fibrillation and stroke.” The study examined whether fitness was related to the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation. It included 15,450 people without atrial fibrillation who were referred for a treadmill test between 2003 and 2012. Fitness was assessed using a protocol where people are asked to walk faster and at a steeper grade in successive three-minute stages. Their fitness was calculated according to the rate of energy expended, which was expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs). Follow-ups looked at whether people developed atrial fibrillation, stroke, heart attacks, or whether they had died. During an average follow-up period of 137 months, 515 participants (3.3%) developed atrial fibrillation. Each one MET increase on the treadmill test was associated with an 8% lower risk of atrial fibrillation, 12% lower risk of stroke and 14% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE – a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction and death). People in the study were divided into three fitness levels according to METs achieved during the treadmill test. The levels were low (less than 8.57 METs), medium (8.57 to 10.72) and high (more than 10.72). According to the findings presented at the ESC Congress 2023 in Amsterdam, the probability of remaining free from atrial fibrillation over a five-year period was 97.1%, 98.4% and 98.4% in the low, medium and high fitness groups, respectively. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How to give your home a proper summer sort out What you really need to do in autumn to keep your lawn in shape MRI screening for prostate cancer could help save lives, study finds
2023-08-22 17:23

Greece wildfires: Hospital evacuated as fire intensifies in Alexandroupolis
Dozens of patients are moved to safety as wildfires burn out of control near Alexandroupolis.
2023-08-22 17:17

Russia says Ukrainian boat destroyed in new Black Sea clash
Moscow said Tuesday it destroyed a Ukrainian military reconnaissance vessel near Russian gas infrastructure in the Black Sea, in the latest clash in the waterway since Moscow's withdrawal...
2023-08-22 16:57

IShowSpeed's impersonator fools 18K TikTok viewers while streaming YouTuber's old videos, trolls say 'people fall for anything'
IShowSpeed recently made a comeback to streaming after being hospitalized
2023-08-22 16:56

North Korea airline flies first international flight since Covid
Flight tracking data showed an Air Koryo flight landing in Beijing from Pyongyang on Tuesday morning.
2023-08-22 16:55

Pakistan cable car incident: Rescue under way for eight people trapped
"For God's sake help us," one of those trapped tells Pakistan media, as a rescue effort is under way.
2023-08-22 16:48

Windows are shattered in a Moscow suburb as Russia says it thwarts latest Ukraine drone attack
Russian officials say air defense systems have thwarted four nighttime Ukrainian drone attacks
2023-08-22 16:27

When people ripped her store’s Pride flag, Laura Carleton hung up another. This time it ended with her murder
When people first ripped down the Pride flag hanging outside her Cedar Glen clothing store, Laura Ann Carleton simply got another and hung it straight back up. Friends say this happened multiple times in the two years since she opened the California store as a second outpost to her first location in Studio City. And, throughout it all, the 66-year-old mother-of-nine remained defiant as a prominent ally to the LGBT+ community. This weekend, it happened once again. Except this time, the flag removal ended with her murder – with the perpetrator shooting her in cold blood in the street. On Friday, police said that the gunman began complaining about the Pride flag hanging outside of the store on Hook Creek Road. He then pulled out a gun, fatally shooting Carleton. The killer, who was named by authorities as Travis Ikeguchi, 27, then fled the scene before being tracked down and killed in an encounter with law enforcement. Hollywood stars and LGBT+ community members are now speaking out about Carleton’s horrific murder, condemning the senseless killing and paying tribute to the 66-year-old – while warning that her shocking murder is a sign of the anti-LGBT+ sentiment and hate spreading across the US. Murder over a rainbow flag On Friday, 18 August at 5pm officers from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a person who had been shot at the Mag Pi clothing store. When police arrived on the scene, they saw that Carleton was suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials from the San Bernardino County sheriff’s office said that there was an initial altercation that took place at Carleton’s clothing store over an LGBT+ pride flag that the owner has displayed outside of her store. The suspect made “several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store before shooting Carleton,” police said. The suspect then fled the scene and was later located near Torrey Road and Rause Rancho Road, armed with a handgun. Police said in a statement when officials attempted to “contact the suspect a lethal force encounter occurred, and the suspect was pronounced deceased.” The investigation into Carleton’s death is ongoing and police said no further details are being released. Residents are urged to contact the homicide department with any information about the incident. A ‘true ally’ and fashion leader Carleton, 66, also known as “Lauri” was the owner of Mag Pi clothing in California. She started her career in fashion during her teenage years and worked in the family business at Fred Segal Feet in Los Angeles, while attending the Art Centre School of Design, according to the Mag Pi store website. Carleton then began running the “top fashion” show floor in the US at Joseph Magnin Century City. She then joined Kenneth Cole and remained there for over 15 years, where she worked with factories and design teams in Italy and Spain. The designer travelled with her husband across the US, Europe and South America, which fuelled her love for design, fashion, food, fine art and architecture among other things. Her clothing store, Mag Pi, is “all about tackling everyday life with grace and ease and continuing to dream,” the website reads. Carleton’s daughter, Ari, posted a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram, remembering her mother as a “fearless, cool and compassionate” human being and describing her death as a “hate crime.” The caption said: “As most of you know our beautiful mommy was taken from us in a senseless act of violence on Friday August 18th. She was murdered over a pride flag that she proudly hung on her storefront. Make no mistake, this was a hate crime. Her flags had been torn down before and she always responded by putting up a bigger one. Our family is broken. We have a long road ahead of us as we navigate this new reality without our loving matriarch.” The post continued: “We find peace in knowing she passed quickly in a place she cherished, doing what she loved while fiercely defending something she believed in. She was fearless, cool and compassionate – always putting others first. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that our family has received from loved ones and strangers alike, it has provided hope and light in our darkest days. We will continue to advocate for love, equality and acceptance in everything that we do. Love will always triumph over hate.” ‘This intolerance has to end’ Tributes are now pouring in for the “beloved” mother of nine and business owner who was known to be a supporter and advocate of theLGBT+ community. The death of Carleton has led to outrage across the country, with family, friends and famous figures sharing their grief on social media. Actor George Takei, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that her death was a result of the anti-LGBT+ sentiment coming from the right. “This is the result of the hate they spew. An innocent woman, a gentle and loving soul, has lost her life” he said. “My heart aches for her family in the wake of this horrific murder. Those responsible go beyond the murderer. Every anti-LGBTQ politician, bigoted pundit, and right-wing hate monger has Laura Carleton’s blood on their hands.” Close friend and Hollywood director Paul Feig, whose works include Bridesmaids and The Heat, posted a tribute on Sunday, calling Carleton his “wonderful friend”. The post, captioned with a photo of Carleton and him said: “We are all devastated for her husband Bort and her family and the LGBTQ+ community, for whom Lauri was such a true ally. “This intolerance has to end. Anyone using hateful language against the LGBTQ+ community has to realize their words matter, that their words can inspire violence against innocent loving people. Let’s all keep moving forward with tolerance and love. Let’s not let Lauri’s tragic death be in vain,” he added. The Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ community also described Carleton as a "friend and supporter” and said that although she did not identify as LGBTQ+, she spent her time “helping and advocating for everyone in the community.” Sex and the City actress Kristin Davis also posted a tribute and said Carleton was a “strong ally” within the community. Davis’s caption said: “I had the pleasure of meeting Lauri and shopping in her charming store over the summer. I cannot comprehend what has happened and I can only imagine what her family and close friends are going through. “We cannot rest in our work towards love and understanding and equality for every person. It is abundantly clear that divisive senseless hate is the only motive for this hate crime. Lauri was a strong ally, when her Pride flags were stolen she quickly replaced them. To think that she was murdered for her support of our LQBTQ+ family tears my heart into pieces. “I want Lauri to be known as the HERO she was and is. I want her family to know we are thinking of them and for everyone to know that we must continue to stand up for what is right! #lovewins.” Read More Laura Carleton shooting – latest: Travis Ikeguchi named as gunman who killed mother-of-nine over Pride flag Travis Ikeguchi: What we know about the gunman who shot Laura Carleton over Pride flag Jamie Lee Curtis and Paul Feig lead reactions to shooting of California store owner over Pride flag
2023-08-22 16:27

Why did LA school drop lawsuit against Kevin Federline? Britney Spears' ex-husband gets relief over non-payment of daughters' tuition fee
Kevin Federline was sued by Los Angeles-based private school West Valley Christian School for non-payment of $15k
2023-08-22 16:22

Is Bianca Censori in charge of Kanye West's 2024 bid? Rapper claims wife will be the 'perfect first lady'
Kanye West is gearing up to run for President in 2024 and has revamped his brand, giving additional responsibilities to his wife Bianca Censori
2023-08-22 16:20

Japan to start releasing Fukushima wastewater as soon as Thursday
Japan will begin releasing treated radioactive water from Fukushima into the ocean as early as Thursday, officials announced on Tuesday, following months of heightened public anxiety and pushback from many neighboring countries.
2023-08-22 16:19

Bosnia-Herzegovina country profile
Provides an overview of Bosnia, including key dates and facts about this country in the Balkans.
2023-08-22 16:18