Caffeine has long been suspected to be a trigger for atrial fibrillation, an all-too-common problem that turns the steady, coordinated beat of the heart's upper chambers into a fast, erratic churn. While it is possible that drinking eight cups of espresso in an afternoon could spark atrial fibrillation, moderate caffeine consumption has little effect on its development, according to a large Harvard-based study. How you respond to caffeine depends on how your body handles it and how accustomed you are to it.

- Harvard Heart Letter


Holiday fitness

The holidays mean busy schedules, work parties and on-the-go travel. Staying on track with your exercise program becomes more of a challenge with all the extra commitments. Here are some strategies: n When you are short on time, opt for high-intensity interval sessions. You need only 20 minutes for a quality workout.

  • Schedule your workouts first thing in the morning to avoid running out of time or pushing them aside for holiday planning.
  • Planning active holiday events with friends and family will allow you to spend time together while working in extra exercise.
  • Park several blocks away when attending holiday events, walk around the mall a few extra times while holiday shopping or do some quick exercises while you cook a holiday meal.
  • - Livestrong.com

    Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

    'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

    Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

    'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

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