Moderna, Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines Begin Final-Stage Testing
July 28, 2020
Washington, D.C. – “Two of the most advanced experimental coronavirus vaccines entered the pivotal phase of their studies on Monday,” Peter Loftus and Jared S. Hopkins report for The Wall Street Journal.
“The start of the pivotal Moderna vaccine trial is the latest sign that the most advanced coronavirus vaccine candidates are moving into the final stages of testing, and could be ready for wider use before year’s end if results are positive.”
Shootings, Other Crimes Spike in the Poorest Neighborhoods When Cops Pull Back
July 21, 2020
Washington, D.C. – “If there’s one lesson from the unrest and anti-police agitation in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, it’s that poor minorities living in distressed neighborhoods pay the highest price—in fear and in blood—when the cops retreat and the worst elements feel emboldened,” Rich Lowry writes in National Review.
“The spikes in shootings in cities around the country haven’t taken place in high-end neighborhoods . . . No, they blight the most marginal neighborhoods and make everyday life a hazard for people who have no option but to live in a tough place.”
Stent coated with an Erectile Dysfunction Drug may help prevent Blood Clots and Artery Narrowing
July 12, 2017
American Heart Association Meeting Report
Portland OR – A stent coated with an erectile dysfunction drug may someday help prevent arteries from becoming narrow or blocked again, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2017 Scientific Sessions.
Stents help keep coronary arteries open and reduce the chance of a heart attack. With traditionally used bare metal stents, excessive tissue growth within the treated portion of the artery can cause restenosis — the artery to become narrow or blocked again.
If confirmed in human trials, the drug might someday be included in the coating of stents or given orally just after a stent is inserted to open a narrowed artery. (American Heart Association)
American Heart Association reports Overweight and obese people are burdened by cardiovascular disease at younger ages
March 12, 2017
American Heart Association Meeting Report
Portland, OR – People who are overweight or obese may live as long as or less than those of healthy weight, but they experience cardiovascular disease at an earlier age and live longer burdened by the disease, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention / Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health 2017 Scientific Sessions.
Overweight and obese people have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in their lifetime. (American Heart Association)
American Heart Association says Playing Pokémon Go may help people reach 10,000 daily steps goal
March 11, 2017
American Heart Association Meeting Report
Portland, OR – Playing the popular smartphone game Pokémon Go may increase people’s daily steps, especially among young adults with low physical activity levels or those who are overweight or obese, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention / Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health 2017 Scientific Sessions.
In Pokémon Go, a location-based augmented reality game, players move around a physical location capturing animated creatures on smartphones and other mobile devices. Pokémon Go has generated a great deal of interest since it was released in July 2016, but few studies have examined whether playing the game can increase an individual’s level of physical activity.
When guided by internet programs or mobile devices, people can become more physically active, eat better, lose a little weight and reduce tobacco and alcohol use. (American Heart Association)
American Heart Association says Eating in Social Settings may be greatest temptation for Dieters
March 10, 2017
American Heart Association Meeting Report
Portland, OR – For people trying to lose weight or maintain a lower body weight, the temptation to overeat is stronger when eating in a social setting, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention / Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health 2017 Scientific Sessions.
The 12-month study of 150 people (90 percent women) used smartphones and a custom-developed application to capture data as dieters moved through everyday life.
For people trying to lose or maintain weight, the temptation to overeat is stronger when eating in a social setting.
American Heart Association reports Blacks are at greater risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest
July 22, 2015
Dallas, TX – Blacks are more likely than whites to experience sudden cardiac arrest and at a much earlier age, according to research published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation.
Researchers also found that blacks had higher rates than whites of well-established risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including diabetes (52 percent vs. 33 percent), high blood pressure (77 percent vs. 65 percent), and chronic kidney failure (34 percent vs. 19 percent).
Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
American Heart Association says many sudden cardiac arrests preceded by warning signs
December 4, 2013
Dallas, TX – Sudden cardiac arrest isn’t always so sudden, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2013.
In a study of middle-age men in Portland, Oregon, more than half had possible warning signs up to a month before their hearts stopped abruptly.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops due to a failure in its electrical system. Patients can sometimes survive if they receive CPR immediately and a defibrillator is used quickly to shock the heart into a normal rhythm.
The History of Independence Day
July 4, 2013
Washington, D.C. – On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.
The Constitution provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States, however, the Declaration, with its eloquent assertion “all Men are created equal,” is equally beloved by the American people.
Philadelphians marked the first anniversary of American independence with a spontaneous celebration, which is described in a letter by John Adams to Abigail Adams.
AmeriCorps Stories: How 9/11 Changed My Life
September 11, 2011
Washington D.C. – In the aftermath of the tragedy that struck America a decade ago, hundreds of AmeriCorps members stepped forward to help, offering assistance to the injured, serving as family caseworkers, and helping those displaced from Ground Zero find housing and other services. For many, their service was a life-changing experience, inspiring them to pursue lives of public service.
All across the country, the events of that day and the heroism of our first responders inspired thousands of then-teenagers and 20-somethings to give back. Many voluntarily enlisted during wartime and knowingly risked their lives to protect our country. Others chose to serve their country through AmeriCorps, meeting vital community needs in education, health, disaster relief, and other areas. All have upheld the virtues of honor, sacrifice, and selflessness that have always been the source of America’s strength. [Read more]
