Ann Blair Kennedy

Bio: Ann Blair Kennedy is an academic researcher from University of South Carolina. The author has contributed to research in topics: Massage & Medicine. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 41 publications receiving 267 citations. Previous affiliations of Ann Blair Kennedy include University of Alabama at Birmingham & Greenville Health System.

Fitness or Fatness: Which Is More Important?

Abstract: Three decades ago, the relative importance of the detrimental effects of obesity on health was called into question by a longitudinal study1 that included 10 224 men and 3120 women who were followed up for more than 8 years. The findings showed that better cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), as measured by a maximal treadmill exercise test, was associated with decreased all-cause mortality in both sexes. Based on the maximal treadmill tests, participants were stratified into quintiles of fitness categories, with 1 equaling the lowest level of fitness and 5 being the highest level of fitness. Analysis of lifestyle behaviors and clinical measures, such as blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), found that for both men and women, all variables, except BMI and familial coronary heart disease (CHD) only for women, were associated with a statistically significantly higher risk of mortality across fitness categories. For example, individuals who were current smokers and were in higher fitness categories had lower relative risk of death compared with current smokers who were in lower fitness categories. These findings combined with similar results from other studies raised questions about the relative contributions of obesity (or fatness) or CRF (or fitness) to all-cause mortality and to cardiovascular disease

Clarifying Definitions for the Massage Therapy Profession: the Results of the Best Practices Symposium

Abstract: Background: Massage therapists are at times unclear about the definition of massage therapy, which creates challenges for the profession. It is important to investigate the current definitions and to consider the field as a whole in order to move toward clarity on what constitutes the constructs within the profession. Purpose: To determine how a sample of experts understand and describe the field of massage therapy as a step toward clarifying definitions for massage and massage therapy, and framing the process of massage therapy practice. Setting: A two-day symposium held in 2010 with the purpose of gathering knowledge to inform and aid in the creation of massage therapy best practice guidelines for stress and low back pain. Participants: Thirty-two experts in the field of massage therapy from the United States, Europe, and Canada. Design: Qualitative analysis of secondary crosssectional data using a grounded theory approach. Results: Three over-arching themes were identified: 1) What is massage?; 2) The multidimensional nature of massage therapy; and 3) The influencing factors on massage therapy practice. Discussion: The data offered clarifying definitions for massage and massage therapy, as well as a framework for the context for massage therapy practice. These clarifications can serve as initial steps toward the ultimate goal of creating new theory for the field of massage therapy, which can then be applied in practice, education, research, and policy. Conclusions: Foundational research into how experts in the profession understand and describe the field of massage therapy is limited. Understanding the potential differences between the terms massage and massage therapy could contribute to a transformation in the profession in the areas of education, practice, research, policy and/or regulation. Additionally, framing the context for massage therapy practice invites future discussions to further clarify practice issues.

Mindfulness and Physical Activity

Abstract: Mindfulness and mindful activity can have a profound effect on physical and mental health. When considering mindfulness and physical activity, it is important to differentiate between physical activities, which are geared toward mindfulness and have mindful components, for example, yoga, platies, and tai chi, from other mindfulness interventions that are then geared toward greater awareness and mindfulness, which may then lead to healthful behavior change such as increasing physical activity. Prescribing mindfulness interventions may be another resource to help physicians when interacting with their patients, considering motivating patients to exercise and become more physically active can be challenging. Engaging in mindfulness can elicit change over time. Integrating mindfulness to interventions with exercise is one way to initiate exercise adherence as well as improve self-efficacy. When practicing mindful-based exercise programs, the benefits can also be seen with improved breathing rate and depth, he...

Chronicling moral distress among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal analysis of mental health strain, burnout, and maladaptive coping behaviours.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many novel situations that have amplified the presence of moral distress in healthcare. With limited resources to protect themselves against the virus and strict safety regulations that alter the way they work, healthcare providers have felt forced to engage in work behaviours that conflicted with their professional and personal sense of right and wrong. Although many providers have experienced moral distress while being physically in the workplace, others suffered while at home. Some healthcare providers worked in facilities that were unable to open during the pandemic due to restrictions, which could contribute to a sense of powerlessness and guilt. The current study assessed whether the ability to see patients each week impacted the relationship between an employee's moral distress and their mental health strain, burnout, and maladaptive coping. A total of 378 healthcare providers responded to weekly surveys over the course of 7 months (April 2020-December 2020). Hierarchical linear modeling techniques were used to examine the study variables over time. Results showed that moral distress predicted an individual's mental health strain and burnout, even after controlling for the prior week. However, moral distress was not a significant predictor of maladaptive coping. Interestingly, there was not a significant difference between the average ratings of moral distress between those who were able, and those who were not able to see patients, meaning that both groups experienced symptoms of moral distress. However, cross-level moderation results indicated that the ability to see patients magnified the relationships between moral distress and mental health strain and burnout over time. Implications of the results and recommendations for how moral distress should be addressed among healthcare providers are discussed.

Medscape

Abstract: Secret History: Return of the Black Death Channel 4, 7-8pm In 1348 the Black Death swept through London, killing people within days of the appearance of their first symptoms. Exactly how many died, and why, has long been a mystery. This Secret History documentary follows experts as they pick through the evidence and reveal why the plague killed on such a scale. And they ask, what might be coming next?

The Association of American Medical Colleges

Abstract: BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT WAS PUBLISHED AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE AUGUSTJOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION. A REPRINT IS ENCLOSED. REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THISOFFICE. -COPIES ARE BEING SENT TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND THE KEY MEMBERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION. CALLING UPON-YOUR SENATORSAND CONGRESSMEN TO TELL THE STORY OF THE ROLE. OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AND HEALTH CARE IS IMPORTANT.I STRONGLY URGE THAT YOU MAKE AN 411 APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES WHILE YOU ARE IN WASHINGTON FOR THE COUNCIL MEETINGON OCTOBER 29. UPON REQUEST WE CAN SUPPLY THE NAMES OF APPOINTMENT SECRETARIES AND PHONE NUMBERS OF YOUR SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN. APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ACTED WITH EXTRAORDINARY ALACRITY THIS YEAR. THE-NIH APPROPRIATION WAS INCREASED BY 242 MILLION DOLLARSOVER 1971, REPRESENTING A 142 MILLION DOLLAR INCREASE OVER. THE ADMINISTRATION BUDGET, THE BLUE SHEET ASCRIBES APPROPRIATIONS OUTCOME TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COALITION FOR HEALTH FUNDING UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF JOHN A. D. COOPER.

Sedentary Behavior, Exercise, and Cardiovascular Health.

Abstract: Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are among the leading modifiable risk factors worldwide for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. The promotion of physical activity and exercise training (ET) leading to improved levels of cardiorespiratory fitness is needed in all age groups, race, and ethnicities and both sexes to prevent many chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. In this state-of-the-art review, we discuss the negative impact of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity, as well as the beneficial effects of physical activity /ET and cardiorespiratory fitness for the prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease. We review the prognostic utility of cardiorespiratory fitness compared with obesity and the metabolic syndrome, as well as the increase of physical activity /ET for patients with heart failure as a therapeutic strategy, and ET dosing. Greater efforts at preventing sedentary behavior and physical inactivity while promoting physical activity, ET, and cardiorespiratory fitness are needed throughout the healthcare system worldwide and particularly in the United States in which the burden of cardiometabolic diseases remains extremely high.