Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-10 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] PM Tsipras meets with Cyprus President Anastasiades in Brussels [02] Breakfast and small, frequent meals are heart healthy --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] PM Tsipras meets with Cyprus President Anastasiades in Brussels BRUSSELS (ANA/Ch. Vassilaki)---Cyprus government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides called President Nicos Anastasiades' meeting with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Friday in Brussels "constructive". In the meeting held on the sidelines of the EU Summit, the two top officials focused on five issues, said Christodoulides. On his part Anastasiades briefed Tsipras on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue and expressed his sorrow over Turkey's decision to not participate in the dialogue and his readiness and wish the dialogue to start as soon as possible. Tsipras briefed Anastasiades on the condition in the Greek-Turkish relations and they exchanged views on the prevailing condition in Turkey and the imminent referendum which as they said, has an impact on the Turkish government's attitude. Moreover, they discussed the imminent tripartite meetings between Cyprus and Greece and the neighbouring countries (Israel, Egypt, etc). "We should expect a meeting very soon, in May, which will be held in Greece" said Christodoulides. [02] Breakfast and small, frequent meals are heart healthy The importance of breakfast and diet for a healthy heart and circulatory system, but also the impact of socioeconomic factors, psychological health and exercise, were revealed by the clinical study "Korinthia" carried out by a large group of Greek cardiologists and other specialists. The initial findings of the study are due to be unveiled at the 13th International Cardiovascular Medicine Conference "Cardio Athena 2017" that will be held in Athens on March 10-11. Those that regularly take breakfast present with a smaller incidence of peripheral vascular disease and atherosclerosis, while those eating small and frequent meals present a series of favourable cardiovascular factors, such as better heart function, a lower percentage of atheromatosis with minimal degeneration of the carotid arteries and a significant reduction of cardiovascular events. Coffee was revealed as another protective factor, with those reporting the consumption of three or more coffees a day having reduced extent of atheromatosis in their carotid arteries. Socioeconomic status and state of mind were also shown to play a role in heart health, with factors such as low income, poor family status, low education level or a history of depression correlating with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease. The positive effects of exercise were also confirmed by the study, which showed that elderly patients with a higher degree of physical activity in their daily lives had a reduce incidence of atrial fibrillation, a common complaint among the elderly with potential serious repercussions on overall health. The study was carried out on more than 1,700 volunteers from various areas of Corinth with the aim of linking environmental and lifestyle factors with the incidence of chronic ailments such as heart disease, respiratory diseases and various forms of cancer. Corinth was chosen because it includes mountainous, semi-mountainous and coastal areas with different exposures to various environmental factors. The participants were asked to provide blood samples to measure biochemical markers and indicators linked to atherosclerosis and the progression of heart disease. They also underwent a medical examination, an electrocardiogram, examination of their carotid arteries, heart ultrasound and measurements linked to atherosclerosis. Researchers also examined a series of demographic and lifestyle traits. The study was led by Prof. Dimitris Tousoulis, who heads the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens 1st University Cardiological Clinic. The Cardio Athens 2017 conference is organised by the Athens University Clinic, in collaboration with the Arrhythmia Institute and the Foundation for Cardiovascular Research and Education "Kardia".