That barrier prevented even women referred to CR from participating, according to the study, which included 2163 patients (42% women) from 16 countries across all World Health Organization regions. Other major barriers for referred women who did not participate included the program’s failure to contact them after referral, cost and finding exercise tiring or painful.

The researchers also found that among women who did enroll in CR after referral, the greatest barriers to session adherence were distance, travel, family responsibilities, and difficulties in accessing sessions that require attendance in person.

“We tested some mitigation responses for each barrier in this study and patients particularly women rated them as highly useful,” study author Sherry L. Grace, PhD, professor at York University and University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario & Canada. “We have further research, a randomized trial, underway now to test if this can actually result in more CR participation.”

The study was published online September 24 in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

Significant Regional Differences

The investigators administered the English, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, or Korean version of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS, a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating more barriers) to 2163 patients indicated for CR from October 2021 to March 2023. Members of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) community facilitated participant recruitment. Mitigation strategies were offered and rated.

Globally, there was no sex difference in total CR barriers or subscales. But there were significant differences in total barriers in women regionally. Women’s barriers were greater in the Western Pacific (mean CRBS score, 2.6) and South East Asia (mean CRBS score, 2.5). Lack of CR awareness was the greatest barrier in both regions. The Eastern Mediterranean region was the only region in which men reported greater total barriers.

In Brazil, women reported significantly greater barriers related to logistical factors and comorbidities or functional status, compared with men. Brazilian women reported fewer barriers related to work or time conflicts. The findings were similar for the Western Pacific region.

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Understanding Toxic Positivity

Toxic positivity is when we try to brush off negative emotions or experiences, often by insisting on positive thinking. It’s like putting a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches. For example, when you share a tough day with a friend, and they respond with, “Look at the brighter side,” it’s well-intentioned but may not always provide the support you truly need.

Some of the Consequences of Toxic Positivity:

1. Emotion Invalidation: It dismisses genuine emotions, making people feel unheard and unsupported.
2. Suppression of Negative Feelings: Encourages the avoidance or suppression of negative emotions, potentially leading to emotional issues.
3. Strained Relationships: Can damage relationships by creating a lack of genuine connection and understanding.
4. Failure to Address Real Problems: Avoiding difficult conversations hinders problem-solving and personal growth.
5. Increased Stress: Puts pressure on people to pretend they’re fine, causing additional stress.
6. Lack of Growth: Hinders personal growth and learning by avoiding adversity and challenges.
7. Unrealistic Expectations: Sets unrealistic standards for how people should feel or act, leading to a sense of failure.

Discovering Authentic Positivity

Authentic positivity is about finding joy, purpose, and meaning while acknowledging life’s complexities – both the good and the challenging. It’s not about ignoring reality or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it’s saying, “Things are hard right now, but I have the power to choose how I respond.”

In difficult times, it’s important to remember that while we can’t always control external circumstances, we can always choose our attitude and response. This means acknowledging that sometimes life is chaotic and senseless but finding ways to create value from the mess.

Supporting Loved Ones

When someone you care about is going through a tough time, it’s crucial to offer genuine support, empathy and understanding. 

Acknowledge the Challenges: Instead of saying, “Look at the brighter side,” try, “It’s okay to admit things are tough. Let’s work through them together.”

Validating Feelings: Instead of dismissing feelings with, “Others have it worse than you,” say, “Your feelings are valid. Let’s focus on what helps you feel better.”

Encourage Expression: Avoid telling someone to “stop being negative.” Instead, say, “It’s okay to express your concerns. We can address them together.”

Open Conversations: Instead of saying, “It’s all in your mind,” offer, “Let’s talk about what’s bothering you and how we can work through it.”

In conclusion, life is a mix of ups and downs, and it’s important to approach it with both positivity and authenticity. So, let’s cherish our hearts, offer kindness to ourselves and others, and find hope not just in the sunshine but in the rain too.

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Omani parents are different, since its country has a land rich in culture and tradition, it long held a deep-rooted connection to the land and its agricultural heritage. The Omani people have passed down invaluable knowledge and practices through generations, centering their way of life around maintaining farms and embracing the health benefits of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables.

For Omani parents, the farm-to-table approach plays a vital role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. By cultivating their own fruits and vegetables in their own farm or backyard, they provide their children with access to fresh and nutrient-dense produce. Omani parents prioritize and promotes organic farming methods, avoiding the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, thus ensuring the consumption of safe and wholesome food.

Oman is blessed with diverse geographical regions that allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Most of many farms are located in Barka and Batinah Region where the climate is subtropical.

So much more goes into health than choices alone. Those without regular access to fresh fruits and vegetables have more significant disease occurrence over time. Education is especially valuable for these families. Simply acknowledging that canned and frozen vegetables are just as healthy as fresh can help aid in increased intake and provision for children.

Parents should understand that raising healthy children encompasses more than just nutritious eating. They encourage physical activity and outdoor play to ensure their children lead active lifestyles. By combining farm work, outdoor exploration, and a healthy diet, Omani parents create a well-rounded environment that nurtures both physical and mental well-being.

As a parent, you need to serve as an inspiration to all the parents around the world by upholding their cultural traditions of maintaining farms and prioritizing healthy eating by consuming proper nutrition. Hands-on approach to farming and farm-to-table practices, teaches us invaluable lessons about responsibility, respect for nature, and the importance of consuming fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables.

By embracing this unique culture, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future for our children, while fostering a deep appreciation for the land and its bountiful offerings. So start making the veggie-eating fun for your family. Have a blind taste test with your children and start growing vegetables even at your small backyard. And you can be honest if you haven’t “learned to like” something yet.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.

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Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Aster Royal Al Raffah Multispecialty Hospital in Ghubra, Dr. Moopen said, “We are trying to introduce robotic surgery for the first time in the Sultanate. We are in discussion with the government to get the permission to start robotic surgery.”

He also indicated that consultations are on with the government to partner in its initiatives to introduce newer areas of healthcare and medical treatment that are not currently available in the country,
Commending Oman’s healthcare services, he said, “The Sultanate is opening new facilities in different wilayats and taking it to doorsteps of people, which is an extremely important step. Even private players like us have a responsibility to see how we can do this. While we are mostly serving the cities through the hospitals, we need to see how we can go beyond the periphery. We do have some clinics, but there is a requirement for more of involvement in areas outside the cities.”

Adding further, he stated: “I see the healthcare delivery in Oman significantly improving in the coming years with the focus of the government on healthcare related areas. And I want to assure that we will be partners in providing that care.”

Explaining about the newly inaugurated multispecialty hospital, he said, “This is a major investment that we have made and this is the largest private hospital in Oman. So, what we are now trying to do is ensure that the facilities here are world class for tertiary and quaternary care so that people need not go out of the country for many of these treatments.”

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Equipped with cutting-edge technology to deliver the highest standard of care, the facility offers a wide range of specialized centers, including a Cath-lab for Advanced Cardiac Care, Interventional Radiology Centre, Advanced Urology Centre (featuring Oman’s first Thulium Laser), Dialysis Unit with CRRT, Neurosciences Centre, Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Centre, Interventional Gastroenterology, Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy, Minimally Invasive Surgeries and a Centre for Women and Child Health with a key focus on natural birthing, among others. Other features include Integration of digital technology, including electronic hospital management systems, electronic medical records, and a secure patient portal, aimed at enhancing patient care and streamlining medical processes. Located just 14 minutes away from the international airport, the hospital ensures convenient access for both local and international patients.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman & Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital in Al Ghubra, Muscat is a testament to our unwavering commitment to making world-class healthcare services available in Oman. We hope this shall help many patients from the Sultanate to avoid traveling overseas to seek advanced medical care. With our focus on many cutting-edge procedures to be done in the Aster Royal, we hope to raise the bar in healthcare excellence in the country.”

Ms. Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Having started our journey in the Sultanate of Oman 14 years ago, Aster DM Healthcare with its 4 hospitals, 6 clinics and 6 pharmacies, is all-set to redefine clinical excellence and patient experience in the country. Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital in Muscat is our commitment to make quality healthcare easily accessible for the people of Oman.”

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.

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Arugula is a leafy green with a distinctive, peppery flavor that originated in the Mediterranean regions of Morocco, Portugal and Turkey. It is also called rocket, rucola, baby rocca and gerger. Arugula is a member of the brassica, or cruciferous family. This classification includes mostly cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts.

This delicious green is nutrient dense, high in both fiber and beneficial phytochemicals, which are compounds in plants that contribute to their color, taste and smell. Arugula is also full of antioxidants, which can reverse damage to your cells.

How Does Arugula Stack Up Against Other Greens

Arugula’s distinctive and peppery flavor adds flair to a variety of cold dishes, as well as salads. Its overall nutritional value is generally lower than some of the other green leafy vegetables, but it does combine well with its leafy cohorts spinach and kale.

Arugula provides a variety of antioxidants and fiber and does have more calcium than kale. Like parsley, it can be chewed to help combat sour breath. It has a distinctive leaf shape, and all of its flowers, seeds and leaves are edible.

Arugula is rich in nutrients. It is low in sugar, calories, carbohydrates and fat. It’s high in several vital nutrients including:

• Vitamin A : Vision
• Vitamin K : Blood Flow
• Vitamin C : Immune System
• Folate : DNA
• Potassium : High Blood Pressure
• Calcium : Bone Function

Heart Health main Keeper

Cruciferous vegetable intake is known for having a protective effect on the heart. Studies report that diets rich in cruciferous vegetables, salads and green leafy vegetables are linked with a reduced risk for heart disease. The heart protective effects of these vegetables may be due to their high concentration of beneficial plant compounds, including polyphenols and organosulfur compounds.

Apart from that, Arugula helps with osteoporosis prevention because arugula is high in calcium and vitamin K, these are key nutrients for adequate bone health. Providing 32 milligrams per cup, arugula also contributes to a person’s daily need for calcium, 1,000 mg for adults.

Serve and Prepare like a Chef

Arugula is used in pasta sauces and to top pizzas hot from the oven with sharp cheese like Parmesan or soft cheese like burrata. The leaves can also be stirred into soups, folded in grain dishes like farro and kamut, made into a flavorful pesto or wilted to serve as a bed for roasted or grilled meat, fish and poultry.

Arugula is ideal to serve with other milder greens for a salad with a nicely sharp, spicy edge. One of my favorite ways to eat arugula is as a simple salad with olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper and salt tossed with a chunk of fresh shredded Parmesan cheese.

Prepare arugula with care to avoid bruising its delicate leaves. If needed, trim the thick stalk ends. Arugula bunches can trap soil and grit, so wash them well before serving. Immerse the leaves in cold water and then lift them out and let the grit settle at the bottom. Repeat this step as necessary. Dry thoroughly in a salad spinner or gently shake the leaves in a kitchen towel and enjoy the serving. 

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A distinguished panel of surgeons from Spain, Prof. Torres, Dr. Sanchez Pernaute, and Dr. Muguerza, will address the symposium in addition to the experts from Oman and they have earned international recognition for their extensive experience and contributions to the field. The symposium was attended by both online and offline attendees as well as experts from around the globe. The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the latest developments in metabolic revisions as well as bariatric surgery, as well as hearing from professionals in these fields.

The key objective of this symposium is to provide an opportunity for healthcare professionals, surgeons, researchers, and industry experts to share ideas, discuss challenges, and explore innovative approaches in the field of revisional metabolism and bariatric surgery. The event will feature keynote lectures, panel discussions, two operations with their unique techniques being broadcast worldwide, and networking sessions, all of which aim to stimulate collaboration and enhance knowledge exchange.

“We are delighted to be hosting the 1st International Symposium on Revisional Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Oman International Hospital,” said Dr. Roberto Cayon (Medical Director and Head of Surgery). ” The symposium will serve to provide professionals in the field with an opportunity to interact, learn from each other, and ultimately improve patient outcomes through the application of the most modern methods in the field of bariatric surgery.”

Mr. Marcelo Pereira, CEO of Oman International Hospital, stated, “We are honored to host global experts at the International Symposium on Revisional Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. We are committed to advancing patient-centric care through international collaboration and innovation in revisional metabolic and bariatric surgery, aiming to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients worldwide.'”

Oman International Hospital is a leading healthcare institution dedicated to providing exceptional medical care to the community. With state-of-the-art facilities, a skilled team of healthcare professionals, and a commitment to patient well-being, we strive to deliver top-notch medical services.

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AdLife is a 55 bed facility that provides Out-patient and In-patient services, Operating rooms, Maternity, Radiology, 24 hours Pharmacy, Laboratory and Emergency with Ambulance services.  Some of the specialties AdLife Hospital provides include- Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, General & Laparoscopic Surgery, Paediatrics & Neonatology, Orthopaedics, ENT, Cardiology, Dentistry, Ophthalmology, Urology, Dermatology & Cosmetology, Family Medicine and Physiotherapy.

In the Anaesthesiology Department, Dr. Gopal Mani Tripathi has joined as a Specialist with 18 years of experience at various hospitals in India, UK as well as in Oman.  He graduated with his MBBS from G.S.V.M Medical College, Kanpur, India; Master Degree in Anaesthesiology from King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India and pursued Diplomate of the European Society of Anaesthesiology.

He has expertise in various areas of Regional Anesthesia including Epidural- Lumbar & Thoracic/ Spinal/ Peripheral blocks, General cases including high risk pregnancies/ epidural painless labour. Handling critical trauma patients in the ER and facilitating safe transfers to higher level care.  Intensive care for Respiratory/ CNS/ other acute care emergencies, Percutaneous Tracheostomy and Arterial Line/ Dialysis catheter insertion.

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The data come from a secondary analysis of ASPREE, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of healthy adults aged 65 years or older, showing that 100 mg of aspirin taken daily for about 5 years did not provide a cardiovascular benefit but did significantly raise the risk for bleeding.

This new analysis shows that individuals taking aspirin had a 15% lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes and that the medication slowed the rate of increase in fasting plasma glucose, compared with placebo, during follow-up.

However, lead author Sophia Zoungas, MBBS, PhD, head of the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, says, “Major prescribing guidelines now recommend older adults take daily aspirin only when there is a medical reason to do so, such as after a heart attack… Although these new findings are of interest, they do not change the clinical advice about aspirin use in older people at this time.”

Nonetheless, she told, “At this time, our findings are exploratory but ignite the debate of the important role that anti-inflammatory approaches may play in preventing diabetes. Further work is currently underway to understand which subpopulations may be better targeted and to understand the balance of risk vs benefit.”

New Findings Not Robust Enough to Change Current Practice

Asked to comment, Debabrata Mukherjee, MD, told Medscape Medical News, “Given the post hoc secondary nature of the analysis, the findings should be considered hypothesis generating and not definitive… At this time, based on prospective randomized studies, the risks of aspirin outweigh the benefits for aspirin in older adults.”

Among those studies was another ASPREE substudy showing failure of low-dose aspirin to reduce fracture risk while increasing the risk for serious falls, and two other trials, ARRIVE and ASCEND, also showing that harms of aspirin outweigh the benefits in people with cardiovascular risk but not diabetes, and in those with diabetes, respectively, said Mukherjee, professor and chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso.

And, Mukherjee noted, in 2019 the American College of Cardiology updated its practice guidelines to say that low-dose aspirin should not be administered on a routine basis for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adults over age 70. In 2021, the American Diabetes Association seconded that recommendation in its Standards of Care.

Asked whether these newest findings might change current practice for any higher-risk subgroup, such as people with prediabetes, Mukherjee replied, “Unless there is a prospective randomized trial that validates these findings in those with prediabetes, the findings should not change practice. There are also no data [showing] that another antiplatelet agent would be indicated or would be beneficial. Instead, I would recommend lifestyle changes including regular exercise and a healthy diet to minimize risk of diabetes.”

The 16,209 ASPREE participants were community-dwelling and did not have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or dementia at baseline. They were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive 100 mg/d of enteric-coated aspirin or placebo. Over a median follow-up of 4.7 years, the proportions developing type 2 diabetes were 5.7% with aspirin vs 6.6% with placebo, giving a hazard ratio of 0.85 (P = .01).

The annual rate of increase in fasting plasma glucose over the follow-up period was slowed by 0.006 mmol/L with aspirin compared with placebo, also a significant difference (P = .004).

According to Zoungas, “The potential for anti-inflammatory agents like aspirin to prevent type 2 diabetes or improve glucose levels needs further study.”

The ASPREE trial was supported by the US National Institutes of Health, the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Monash University, and the Victorian Cancer Agency. Zoungas and Mukherjee have no disclosures.

European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2023 Annual Meeting; October 2-6, 2023; Hamburg, Germany. Abstract 175. To be presented October 5, 2023.

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Failure is a universal aspect of human experience. Regardless of who we are or where we come from, at some point in our lives, we all encounter setbacks, disappointments, and failures. Whether it’s a failed project, a broken relationship, or a missed opportunity, the emotions that accompany failure can be daunting. However, it’s crucial to recognize that failure is not the end of the road; rather, it can be a stepping stone to personal growth and resilience.

Why Failure is Essential for Growth

When we stumble and things don’t go as planned, we get a chance to reflect on what went wrong and figure out how to do better next time. These lessons stick with us because they force us to face our weaknesses and areas where we can improve.

Consider the story of Thomas Edison, whose relentless pursuit of the electric light bulb included countless experiments and failures. Edison’s famous quote, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work,” highlights how he viewed failure as a necessary steppingstone to success.

Moreover, failure helps us become more resilient. It pushes us to deal with difficult emotions and tough situations, making us emotionally stronger. It gives us the ability to bounce back from challenges with greater ease.

How to Deal with Failure

Accept Your Emotions: When you experience failure, it’s natural to feel a range of emotions, including frustration, disappointment, and even shame. It’s essential to acknowledge and accept these feelings rather than suppressing them. Emotions are a normal response to failure, and allowing yourself to feel them is the first step in healing.

Analyze and Learn: Take a step back and objectively analyze the failure. What were the contributing factors? What could have been done differently? Instead of dwelling on blame, focus on understanding and learning from the experience. This analysis will help you avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Set Realistic Expectations: It’s crucial to set realistic expectations for yourself. Understand that failure is a part of life and that nobody succeeds at everything they do. By embracing this reality, you can reduce the fear of failure and approach challenges with a healthier perspective.

Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to seek support from friends, family, or mentors when you face failure. Sharing your experiences with others can provide emotional support and different perspectives that may help you see the situation in a new light.

Persevere: After a failure, it’s easy to become disheartened and give up. However, true growth and success often come from perseverance. Use failure as a motivation to keep moving forward, applying the lessons learned to your future endeavors.

Failure is something everyone goes through, no matter who they are or where they come from. But here’s the thing: failure is not dead-end; it’s more like a turning point. When things don’t work out as planned, take a moment to think about what went wrong. Embrace the lessons, keep your expectations real, ask for help when you need it, and most importantly, never stop trying. As Henry Ford wisely said, “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” 

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