A new study from Sweden has found the risk of having a heart attack rises nearly 40 percent on Christmas Eve. Cardiologist Dr. Frank Smart at LSU Health New Orleans says the research shows that coupled with the cold weather of the winter months which causes arteries to spasm, emotions and other influences can make a cardiovascular impact.
Cut 6 (09) “…or see family.”
The study observed the timing of 283,000 heart attacks over 15 years. Smart says the research indicates that the peak timing of heart attacks on Christmas Eve is around 10pm.
While many internet transactions are already seeing sales taxes collected for the state, as of January 1, all purchases from out of state internet retailers will be subject to a flat 8.45 percent tax. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says some of the bigger retailers have already been collecting the tax.
AAA projects over 1/3 of the nation’s population will be on the move during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday. Spokesperson Don Redman says it’s important that travelers practice patience and give themselves a little extra time to get where they need to go, as there is a notable jump in travelers compared to last year.
Cut 8 (07) “…number of people.″
The state GOP is calling for a return to closed primaries that only let party members vote for party candidates. Currently voters are free to vote for whoever in the primary, and the top two candidate’s progress to the general election. Most states have closed primaries, but on Ask the Governor, Governor Edwards says closed primaries would foster a political culture that’s closer to the one we see in Washington DC.