ACC Study Examines CHF in Women with Prior Cardiotoxicity

A board-certified cardiologist with more than 20 years of experience, John M. Kennedy, MD, serves as the medical director of a multidisciplinary team at Kindred Health Systems in Los Angeles. Actively engaged in his profession, John M. Kennedy, MD, is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

Recent research highlighted in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that young women who have undergone cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy in the thorax area that are associated with a risk of damaging the hear are at a greater risk of developing congestive heart failure (CHF) while they are pregnant or afterward. Researchers looked at data from 78 women who have survived cancer after having received such treatments to determine if there was any correlation to negative heart outcomes either in response to becoming pregnant or postpregnancy.

In examining the data, researchers found a total of 55 patients who had been exposed to anthracycline chemotherapy, while the others were treated with non-anthracycline chemotherapy or had undergone radiation therapy. Of those who received anthracycline treatment, 13 had been diagnosed with cardiotoxicity, and 31 percent of them developed CHF either while they were pregnant or shortly after giving birth.

A Guide to Properly Gripping a Golf Club

The creator of the BREATHE relaxation technique, John M. Kennedy, MD, is a renowned cardiologist who has written dozens of publications and earned several awards for his work. Outside of his role as the CEO of Encardia Wellness, John M. Kennedy, MD, loves playing golf with friends.

During a round of golf, most players grip their club between 70 and 100 times. For this reason, the grip is often the first thing instructors teach their students.

To hold a golf club properly, take the club in your right hand, and hold it out in front of you at a 45-degree angle. Place the grip between the top of the palm and the first knuckles of your left hand, and curl your pinkie, ring finger, and middle finger around the grip. Finally, roll the thumb onto the right side of the grip so that the fleshy part under the thumb presses directly on the handle, and the index finger is curled around under the grip.

At this point, you can check that the positioning is correct. There should be an inch between the end of the club and the top of the grip. Further, the grip should run diagonally along the top of the palm to ensure you have freedom to move your wrist.

Now, it’s time to get your right hand into position. Rest the grip between the palm and first knuckle, and move your right hand toward your left hand. Curl the right pinkie around the index and middle fingers of the left hand, while the right middle and ring fingers curve around the grip. Again, the thumb should be rolled over the left thumb. Both hands should place a comfortable amount of pressure on the club such that there is no tension in the forearms.

The South Bay Bicycle Trail

A graduate of Brown University Medical School, John M. Kennedy, MD, completed his internship and residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center before embarking on a medical career that has spanned more than two decades. During his free time, John M. Kennedy, MD, pursues a range of hobbies, including bicycling in the South Bay of Los Angeles.

The temperate climate and beautiful landscape of Southern California offers outdoors lovers and fitness enthusiasts numerous opportunities. Cyclists have no shortage of options for exploring the region by bike. The South Bay Bicycle Trail stands out as one of the most popular routes in the city. 

A paved bicycle path, the South Bay Bicycle Trail spans 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach at its north end to the Torrance County Beach at its southern terminus. The trail is especially popular because it traverses well-known beaches, including Santa Monica State Beach and Venice City Beach, and allows for easy access to the piers and other attractions of the area. 

The South Bay Bicycle Trail also offers numerous amenities along the route, including access to public restrooms and multiple stands that rent out bicycles, roller skates, and other equipment. However, the trail is one of the most popular in the city and can often get crowded on weekends and later in the day. Those who want to avoid the crowds should consider exploring it in the early morning.