tag:theconversation.com,2011:/au/topics/kimberley-kitching-32300/articlesKimberley Kitching – The Conversation2022-03-21T06:00:40Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1795782022-03-21T06:00:40Z2022-03-21T06:00:40ZStress can cause heart attacks. Could tackling workplace bullying save lives?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/453197/original/file-20220321-17-1yhelra.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=15%2C39%2C5236%2C3448&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://theconversation.com/drafts/179578/edit">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The sad passing of Kimberley Kitching and Shane Warne (both 52) from suspected cardiac conditions has put a <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/truth-about-heart-disease-laid-bare-in-wake-of-high-profile-deaths/news-story/a4e16a8efa33d26b7a872df17b49bacd">spotlight</a> on the causes of heart disease. </p>
<p>In recent days, attention has turned to the issue of psychological stress in the context of <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-17/kitching-disclosed-bullying-complaint-senate-labor/100915602">allegations of workplace bullying</a> as a potential contributor to Ms Kitching’s physical health before her death. Ms Kitching’s ALP colleagues have strongly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/18/senior-labor-senators-deny-bullying-claims-after-kimberley-kitchings-death">denied bullying claims</a>. </p>
<p>But we are learning more and more about how mental stress can endanger our hearts. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-often-do-young-women-die-of-heart-attacks-and-what-can-you-do-to-improve-your-heart-health-179292">How often do young women die of heart attacks and what can you do to improve your heart health?</a>
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<h2>Heart disease is more common in those who experience extreme stress</h2>
<p>Psychological factors are under-recognised risk factors for heart attack when compared to more established ones like high cholesterol or blood pressure. Yet centuries of evidence show the intricate link between the heart and mind. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1088250/">Historical accounts</a> dating back to the 17th century show heart conditions were more prevalent in people exposed to extreme stress and trauma, like those serving in the military compared to the civil population. </p>
<p>Much of this excess burden was thought to be due to rheumatic fever or heavy labour. But <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4358172/">studies</a> of contemporary, community-based veterans show stress plays a key role. Veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a greater risk of developing heart conditions like heart failure when compared to those without PTSD. </p>
<p>Further evidence comes from people experiencing acute distress following natural disasters or the loss of a loved one. The latter can lead to <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/what-is-takotsubo-syndrome#:%7E:text=Takotsubo%20syndrome%20is%20a%20sudden,induced%20cardiomyopathy%2C%20and%20apical%20ballooning.">Takotsubo syndrome</a> (an acute heart failure syndrome) also known as “broken heart syndrome” which is especially common in women. </p>
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<h2>What our research shows</h2>
<p>Our recent <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-021-02116-7">paper</a>, presenting research led by Deakin University’s Food and Mood Centre’s <a href="https://foodandmoodcentre.com.au/team/meghan-hockey/">Meghan Hockey</a>, found it is not just exposure to extreme stress that can increase one’s risk of having a heart event. </p>
<p>The study followed 195,531 American adults over 5.9 years. We found people reporting mild, moderate and severe levels of psychological stress died prematurely from cardiovascular disease (usually stroke or heart attack). </p>
<p>What was striking was that the association worked in a dose-response manner – the risk of someone dying from a heart condition increased with the severity of psychological stress (22% for mild stress, 44% for moderate and 79% for severe levels, respectively). This association remained even after we considered other factors like age, gender, ethnicity, education, income, body mass index, physical activity, smoking and alcohol intake. </p>
<h2>Job stress increases your chance of having a heart attack</h2>
<p>Workplace conditions – how much control you have at work, long working hours, shift work, discrimination, bullying and sedentary activity – can shape your <a href="https://assets.vu.nl/fdcfbfb4-ea5f-0080-b339-861bb5cb584d/8996ba9e-211d-4259-bf8d-756630bf365b/2004_Steptoe_JH.pdf">cardiovascular and emotional responses</a> over the course of a working day. This, in turn, affects your risk of heart disease. </p>
<p>Chronic exposure to these forms of stress can influence your “<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response">fight or flight response</a>” causing a release of cortisol and an inflammatory response that can accelerate the thickening or hardening of the arteries that lead to heart attacks, called the “<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258672/">atherosclerotic process</a>”.</p>
<p>While there is evidence <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109708032300?via%3Dihub">some of the association</a> between stress and heart disease may be explained by behavioural factors like poor diet, smoking or drinking that might be used as stress coping mechanisms, <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/31/1/248/655967?login=true">research</a> shows an independent relationship exists between both acute and chronic psychosocial stressors and cardiac disease. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/concerned-about-your-risk-of-a-heart-attack-here-are-5-ways-to-improve-your-heart-health-178631">Concerned about your risk of a heart attack? Here are 5 ways to improve your heart health</a>
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<h2>What can employers do?</h2>
<p>Often, the assumption is that the responsibility for preventing heart disease rests solely with an individual. But given the sources of stress and trauma may be beyond an individual’s control, it is important we consider the environment in which we work, age and play when we think about our heart health. </p>
<p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/40/14/1124/5180493">Scientists have calculated</a> 5% of new cardiovascular events (first hospitalisation from heart attack or stroke) could potentially be prevented if workplace bullying was eliminated. Given there are approximately <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts/contents/about">161 cases of heart attack or unstable angina</a> in Australia each day, this is not insignificant. </p>
<p>In 2015, the American Heart Association launched a <a href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2016.1273">Worksite Health Achievement Index</a> by which employers can benchmark their practices related to heart disease prevention. </p>
<p>Such a tool goes beyond assessing individual employees’ health based on conventional risk factors to consider policy, programs and environmental factors that can improve the heart health of their employees. The benefit to employers is likely to be happier, healthier, more productive employees. Of course, rigorous research is needed to confirm this.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/453195/original/file-20220321-15-1g1ez4d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=17%2C0%2C3777%2C2536&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="person clutches chest" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/453195/original/file-20220321-15-1g1ez4d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=17%2C0%2C3777%2C2536&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/453195/original/file-20220321-15-1g1ez4d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/453195/original/file-20220321-15-1g1ez4d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/453195/original/file-20220321-15-1g1ez4d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/453195/original/file-20220321-15-1g1ez4d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/453195/original/file-20220321-15-1g1ez4d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/453195/original/file-20220321-15-1g1ez4d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Addressing workplace bullying could save lives.</span>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/getting-a-heart-check-early-can-prevent-heart-attack-and-stroke-in-indigenous-australians-97699">Getting a heart check early can prevent heart attack and stroke in Indigenous Australians</a>
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<h2>What can you do if you are struggling?</h2>
<p>Seeking professional support via your GP, psychologist, publicly available services like <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support">beyond blue</a> or employee assistance programs to help manage stress is critical. </p>
<p>Promisingly, there is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3899245/">evidence</a> people who receive comprehensive mental health care over one year (antidepressants, therapy) halve their risk of having a cardiac event over the next eight years compared to those who do not. </p>
<p>We are currently developing <a href="https://www.wfsbp.org/educational-activities/wfsbp-task-forces/">clinical guidelines</a> on behalf of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry that aim to provide clinicians with evidence-based recommendations for treating patients with depression that include considerations around employment, environmental, social and lifestyle targets (due for publication mid 2022). </p>
<p>This type of approach is likely to have both mental health and cardiovascular benefits which in turn benefit individuals, families, businesses and society.</p>
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<p><em>If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/179578/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Adrienne O'Neil receives funding from the National Health & Medical Research Council</span></em></p>Psychological factors are under-recognised as risk factors for heart attack. But research shows the more stress someone is under, the greater their risk of heart disease and death.Adrienne O'Neil, Principal Research Fellow & Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellow, Deakin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1795802022-03-18T09:35:48Z2022-03-18T09:35:48ZView from The Hill: Labor’s treatment of Kimberley Kitching – ‘tough politics’ or ‘bullying’?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/453008/original/file-20220318-10615-9969lk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Sam Mooy/AAP</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The so-called “mean girls” story following the death of Victorian Labor senator Kimberley Kitching, has opened up issues of alleged bad behaviour by very senior figures within the Labor party. </p>
<p>The allegations are serious, and Anthony Albanese and his colleagues were never going to get away with denying them oxygen by pushing them aside, as they hoped. </p>
<p>But the fact the claims and denials are being played out even before Kitching’s funeral takes them into an extraordinary realm. </p>
<p>Although only junior in the parliamentary pecking order, Kitching – who was a close friend and ally of former Labor leader Bill Shorten – made herself a substantial presence in the senate, and a strong voice on issues including China and national security. </p>
<p>Some of her views were more akin to those of the Liberals than to her own side, and she had good friends in the government. </p>
<p>For these and other reasons, she became a square peg in the round Labor hole. She was accused of leaking by Labor’s Senate leadership and frozen out, including being removed from the tactics committee. </p>
<p>From what we know now, she was highly upset by her treatment, but she also fought back, reportedly late last year complaining of bullying by her colleagues to a consultant brought in as part of the effort to clean up Parliament House’s toxic culture. </p>
<p>Earlier, she had complained to deputy Labor leader Richard Marles about how she was being treated. Marles refuses to be drawn, repeatedly saying in a Friday TV interview, “I’m just not going to walk down that path”.</p>
<p>Apart from the pressure she felt under in the parliamentary party, recently Kitching had been stressed by her preselection being up in the air. </p>
<p>Kitching’s friends allege Labor’s Senate leader Penny Wong, her deputy Kristina Keneally and Katy Gallagher, manager of opposition business in the Senate, bullied her. The Australian reported Kitching and her supporters had dubbed these senators “the mean girls”. </p>
<p>Like Albanese, at first the senators refused to engage with the allegations. By Friday, with more information dribbling out, this had become unsustainable. </p>
<p>Wong, Keneally and Gallagher issued a statement saying: “The allegations of bullying are untrue. Other assertions which have been made are similarly inaccurate.” </p>
<p>The statement went on: “Politics is a challenging profession. Contests can be robust and interactions difficult. All of its participants at times act or speak in ways that can impact on others negatively. We have and do reflect on this, as individuals and as leaders.</p>
<p>"It is for this reason Senator Wong wishes to place on record a response to specific claims regarding an exchange in a meeting with Senator Kitching.” </p>
<p>This related to a 2019 discussion in Labor about school children participating in civil disobedience at climate protests. </p>
<p>Kitching’s opposition to this brought the response from Wong who said “if you had children, you might understand why there is a climate emergency.”</p>
<p>In Friday’s statement, Wong said when the incident was publicly reported more than two years ago she had apologised to Kitching. </p>
<p>“Senator Wong understood that apology was accepted. The comments that have been reported do not reflect Senator Wong’s views, as those who know her would understand, and she deeply regrets pain these reports have caused,” the statement said.</p>
<p>While it will seem shocking to many people that all this is playing out even before Kitching’s funeral on Monday, it is also relevant that most of the information and claims being put forward are from Kitching’s friends. </p>
<p>Albanese has denounced the way the Kitching issue has been “politicised”. He defended his senior Senate women, saying “politics is a really tough business”. </p>
<p>The latter observation is something Kitching would have understood extremely well. In the Victorian Labor party over the years she was one of the very tough players herself. </p>
<p>In the context of the battle between government and opposition, the internal Labor claims about how one of its women was treated reduce the scope for Labor to point fingers at the Liberals, who’ve had much trouble themselves on this front.</p>
<p>There have been calls for Albanese to launch an inquiry into the allegations. With the alleged victim dead, it is hard to see what this could achieve. And that’s leaving aside the political considerations, when Labor is weeks from the election. </p>
<p>There’s no doubt Kitching was subjected to harsh treatment by her party. Whether this is judged as “tough politics” or “bullying” is more complex, depending on who is doing the judging. It can be a fine, albeit very important, line between the two.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/179580/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Whether the late senator’s treatment was unfairly harsh or part of the tough business of politics depends on who you ask – and in public life, the line between the two can be very fine indeed.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/674562016-10-21T03:39:18Z2016-10-21T03:39:18ZVIDEO: Michelle Grattan on the political gun debate<figure>
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<p>The Turnbull-Abbott hostilities erupted in a very public manner this week over the terms of a ban on the importation of the Adler seven-shot lever-action shotgun. While the fallout from their conflict over the matter is expected to continue, Michelle Grattan tells University of Canberra vice-chancellor Deep Saini these events highlight that when you have a Senate that’s not in the government’s control, compromises are needed.</p>
<p>“Now everyone says ‘well that’s a good thing isn’t it – compromise is what we want in the political system’. But the darker side of compromise is that there can be some questionable deals in the sense that many people would think ‘well to be talking about some concessions in relation to guns isn’t a very good thing’,” Grattan says.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/67456/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The Turnbull-Abbott hostilities erupted in a very public manner this week over the terms of a ban on the importation of the Adler seven-shot lever-action shotgun.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraPaddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.