Heart Attacks and Women
Many women miss the the warning signs of a heart attack because the warning signs are often radically different from their male counterparts. Most believe that only crushing chest pains and pain in the left arm signify a heart attack. However, that cannot be further from the truth for women. Women often have symptoms months in advance ranging from feelings of indigestion to nausea. It is important to understand the warnings. We have had education sessions of heart disease and women at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Marietta and many are surprised how the warnings often present. But, before I list symptoms, first you must understand what exactly a heart attack is.
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) means that some portion of your heart is dying. Pretty scary, huh? Plaque or fatty deposits blocks the heart’s artery cutting off blood supply leaving the heart starving of oxygen. Sometimes heart attacks stem from a piece of plaque breaking off and causing a blood clot. The clot will result in a blockage in the artery and cut off oxygen supply. Simply put, without oxygen your heart will begin to die, which is the pain experienced when having a heart attack.
However, some women experience “silent” heart attacks. Silent attacks come without any warning, symptoms, or pain typically experience while suffering an attack. They are dangerous because they can only be diagnosed by a EKG or blood enzyme test, and any subsequent attacks greatly diminish the heart’s ability to recover. The chances of having a silent attack are increased in post-menopausal women, as well as when there are least three risk factors of heart disease present. Women who smoke have a higher chance of developing heart disease.
Symptoms
As mentioned before the symptoms or heart disease are different in women. They also vary from woman to woman. Below is a list of potential symptoms of cardiac arrest:
- Nausea
- Abdominal Pain
- Dizziness
- Clamminess
- Tighten jaw, back, shoulders, and arms
- Crushing chest pain or chest discomfort
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Paleness
Risk Factors and Diagnosis
There are both both controllable and non- controllable factors for heart disease. Non-controllable factors are as follows:
- Over the age of 55
- Post menopausal
- Family history of coronary disease or stroke
- Pregnant women with high blood pressure or gestational diabetes
- Diagnosed with metabolic syndrome
Controlled factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High total cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Being Overweight or obesity
- Smoking
- Taking birth control pills and smoking
- Lack of exercise
Your doctor can do a series of test to determine your risk as well. Ask for your doctor to conduct a stress test on a treadmill. An EKG (electrocardiogram ) can use electrical impulses of the hearts contraction to determine what is going on with your heart. A stress electrocardiography can also be performed if results are still unclear. With the radionuclide, the doctor can insert a small camera in the body to get a better look at the heart. During a coronary angiogram, a tiny catheter is inserted through the skin to an artery. The doctor then uses a fluoroscope for guidance to the opening of the coronary artery. Iodine is injected into each coronary artery in order to capture an x-rayed image called an angiogram.
What You Should Know
Heart attacks are especially dangerous for women because many women (and even some doctors) do not always recognize the signs. However, you must listen to your body. It will not lie to you. If you notice changes in your body, see your doctor, if only for reassurance that everything is fine. Secondly, take charge of your health. There are things that you can do to limit your chances of suffering a heart attack. See the list above concerning controlled factors. If any of those risk describe you, strive to be or do the opposite.
If you start to feel as though you are going into cardiac arrest, immediately chew an aspirin, drink water and call 911 immediately. The aspirin can stop any further damage to your heart and could save your life. It is wise to keep aspirin in your purse or wallet in case of serious medical emergency.
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Our Interview with Resident Martha Howard
Martha grew up in Rome, Georgia and has wonderful memories of being with her mother and father. As an adult, Martha was a secretary at Bell Aircraft (Lockheed-Martin). She met her husband, Oscar at Lockheed and they were married for 65 years. Martha recalls that during WWII she was mustering out the GI’s at Tupane Co., and processing their insurance. The accomplishment that she feels most proud of in her life is that she has a wonderful son named Clay. Martha has learned that we should love one another and keep God first in our lives. She watched Dogwood Forest being built and her sister Mildred was the first resident. This was the time that she met our Dietary Director, Ken Jacobs. Martha likes assisted living here at Dogwood Forest in Marietta, GA very much, and says that the staff is so nice and very attentive. Dogwood Forest is so clean and the staff is so professional. Her best friend at Dogwood Forest is Ken Jacobs.
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Henry Shows Music Therapy Can Work
In March, I published an article on the benefits of music therapy for seniors who have suffered cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Last week, I came across a video about a resident named Henry who lives in a nursing home, and has Alzheimer’s disease. Henry’s response to his favorite music played on a iPod has made this video go viral. Check out the story about Henry below! It is pretty remarkable.
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Strength Training for Seniors
I came across interesting videos a few days ago about female bodybuilders who also happen to be in their 70s and 80s. The first video feature Morjorie Newlin a 86 year old woman who had the physique many of us could only dream about. She was a great grandmother and retired nurse of 45 years and had been a bodybuilder since the age of 72. Her body was completely sculpted and she continued to train until her death in 2007 from Leukemia at the age of 87. The second video featured Ernestine Shepherd, who holds the world record for being the oldest professional female bodybuilder at 74 years of age. She started weight lifting to fight osteoporosis in her late 50s.
Strength Training
Strength training is essential for building strong muscles and healthy bones and it counteracts the frailty that typically comes with age. Strength training improves muscular strength and endurance to perform a task repetitively. This endurance is imperative for an older adult to maintain quality of life. Having the strength to do such things as carrying groceries, carrying laundry baskets, vacuuming, yard work and lifting the body out of the bathtub is essential to preserving independence.
As referenced above, anyone can start a weight training program and at any age. Many residents at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Marietta, Ga use resistance bands for resistance training. Resistance bands are a great option for seniors because they versatile, easy to use, and affordable. Studies have shown that a seniors muscular strength improved after just a few sessions. Regardless of age, muscles still have the need to perform and to grow so its really never to late to weight train. However, considering that the muscles of a senior living in Marietta, Ga is different than a person in their 20′s living in Marietta, Ga, it would be important to speak to a personal trainer or physical therapist about a strength training program that is individualized based on fitness levels.
Benefits of Strength Training
- Ward off osteoporosis
- Build muscle strength
- Improve bone strength
- Improve quality life by having the strength to maintain independence
- Stay fit
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Our Interview with Resident Mary Knapp
Mary Knapp was born and raised in Bridgeport Connecticut. She went to a private Catholic School throughout her childhood. Mary had a wonderful childhood. In speaking with her I have found out that her grandfather owned a winery and that she was a kind of wine taster at times for her grandfather’s business. Mary had a long time career as a traveling spokesperson for the Teamsters Union, which she enjoyed very much. Speaking out in front of crowd was one of her favorite things.
Mary was married to a wonderful man and had two lovely children. Mary’s son owns a bar in Key West, Florida and her daughter works for the government. She believes that whatever you learn in life you should give back to someone who might gain something from your knowledge. Her daughter brought her from Connecticut to to live at Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community in Marietta, GA so that she would be closer to her. She enjoys living at Dogwood Forest of Marietta very much. She says, “Dogwood Forest is very relaxing and they take good care of me.” She enjoys the entertainment here and loves to play bingo with her friends Hank and Alice. Her favorite part of living here at Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community of Marietta, GA is that she does not have to do anything as far as cooking, cleaning etc. and that everything is done for her. Mary Knapp has enjoyed every bit of her life and continues to do so in her home at Dogwood Forest of Marietta.
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Our Interview with Resident Dorothy Kraft
Dorothy grew up in Guttenberg, New Jersey and lived in New Jersey for the first part of her life. Dorothy had a happy childhood where she visited her aunt’s farm in upstate New York every summer. Dorothy loved to dance and enjoyed going to dances very much. She remembers going through the Depression but says that, in those days, no one was different than anyone else because everyone was in the same boat. That’s just how it was at that time. During WWII, she was still in high school and remembers that they lost many of the male students to go to war. At that time, there were not many males around due to the war, so she formed a girls club with her girlfriends. The group of girls called themselves “The Spinsters”. The girls would get together and go to dances, plays, trips etc.
Dorothy’s occupation was a legal secretary. She was very active in her church and spent a lot of time helping out there. Dorothy got married and had three sons. She has lived in Georgia for many years after moving from New Jersey. The accomplishment in her life that she is most proud of is the fact that she raised her three sons. The most important item that she had learned in life and would like to share is to have as good a time as you can without hurting anyone. She says that life is to short and don’t make enemies. She enjoys people and enjoys being around people. Dorothy’s son brought her to live here at Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community in Marietta, GA. She lived down the street and it was very convenient for her to move right in. Dorothy says that at Dogwood Forest of Marietta, they try very hard to please you. She enjoys living there very much and she enjoys the people there.
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Benefits of Music Therapy for the Seniors
I cannot think of one person I know that dislikes music. It is true that we all have different taste when it comes to music, but most people would say they enjoy it. I certainly have a great affinity for music. I listen to it at work, in my car, in my home, in the shower, and at the gym. There is something about the rhythm that keeps me in sync with life. When I think about it, my life has a soundtrack. When I hear certain songs, I know around what year the song was released because I recall what was going on in my life at the time. Many of us may recall listening to certain songs in high school to help us to get through a tough breakup- or to wallow in it. We may recall the songs we listened to while driving across country in college. Or, we may remember the first song we danced to at our weddings. We might even hear a certain song and it would remind us of a love one who is no longer with us. Music is certainly powerful. It affects our moods, and it ignites our senses. But is music medicine? Yes, some might say it is.
It is call Music Therapy, and it is great for seniors! Music Therapy is considered alternative health care in the allied health profession. This therapy requires a professionally trained music therapist. Typically, music therapists would have obtained a degree at a university in this field. Music therapy is a interpersonal therapy that uses music to improve or maintain quality of life. The theory is that music stimulates the mind and spirit. Music therapist work to improve an individual’s health in areas of kinesiology, cognitive functionality, and behavioral and mental health. The therapy is conducted one on one or as a group activity.
The focus is on the use of music in a variety of ways such as singing, clapping, listening, moving to music (dancing), free improvisation or a discussion on music. Usually benchmarks and objectives and goals are established. Music therapist work with children, stroke victims, the mentally disabled, and the elderly. Some of our residents at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Marietta, Ga. participate in a music therapy program. Residents in both of our community neighborhoods in our assisted living in Marietta, Ga. and across Atlanta have engaged in music therapy for cognitive needs and occupational and physical rehabilitation.
Music Therapy is unique because unlike other therapies that affect the human body, Music Therapy is considered both an art and science. There are qualitative and quantitative research, and data to measure outcomes. This therapy involves several fields such as musicology, music therapy, and clinical therapies. Music Therapy can be prescribed by a physician, psychiatrist, or recommended by a psychologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists.
Benefits of Music Therapy
- Improved awareness and concentration
- Improved memory and recollection
- Happier outlook on life
- Increases mobility and coordination
- Diminishes pain and improves recovery time
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress
- Enhances interest levels and social interaction
Source for Benefits of Music Therapy: Music Works Wonders
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Tai Chi to Improve Senior Health
T’ai chi ch’uan, also known as Tai Chi, has become increasingly popular the last two decades. This ancient Martial Art form has been common place early mornings in public parks and private yards across China. Senior adults in China have reaped the tremendous benefits of Tai Chi for years. Only in recent years has the art become more prominent in western society. Seniors are embracing the healthful art in hospitals, senior centers, and assisted living communities in Marietta, Ga. and across the US. So what is Tai Chi? How does it help?
Tai Chi is an martial art that has been around for many centuries. You might recognize it as the slow moving exercise often performed at sunrise because if meditative and relaxation qualities. Its origin is in both Taoism and Martial Arts. Tai Chi resembles shadow boxing and the Tai Chi Chuan actually means “Supreme Ultimate Boxing.” At Tai Chi’s origin, the art was used as self defense. However, with its use of relaxation, movements and breathing patterns many are using this Martial Art for exercise. Tai Chi promotes health in seniors by:
- promoting balance control
- improving cardiovascular fitness
- Promoting flexibility
- Improves organ function and stimulates body system
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Strengthens bones and muscles
- Improves joint function
- helps those recovering from chronic stroke, heart failure, high blood, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer,
- Reduce fall risk in the elderly
The art’s slow, rhythmic movements and focus on breathe control also help to burn calories. The exercise itself focuses on inner energies and requires quiet and focus. Tai Chi is a great way to exercise all while enhancing your inner strength.
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Fun Ways to Keep Your Brain Active and Healthy
The emphasis on eating healthy and exercising to help our bodies perform at it is optimum extends beyond Dogwood Forest, our assisted living in Marietta, Ga. Many of us focus on exercising. We watch our calorie intake, sugar intake, and salt intake. We do intense cardio on the treadmill and sweat it out in spin classes. We also lift weights to build our muscles. But, what about the part of our body that keeps us all functioning copacetic. This organ is the source of our emotion, appetite, and our ability to move. Yes, I’m referring to our brains. Ask yourself, are you neglecting your brain?
At Dogwood Forest in Marietta, Ga. ,we strive to engage our resident’s minds because not only do we age physically, but mentally. We know the importance of exercising and stimulating the brain and this is why we have programs like 5 Sense Therapy. The more we use our brains, the more we can protect against cognitive decline. The other great thing is the more we use our brains the more neurons we develop. Did you know we can continue to develop new neurons as we age? So, how do we exercise our most vital organ?
The first goal in giving your brain a workout is to use it. No, I’m not being sarcastic. We need to keep our brains stimulated and the way we stimulate the brain is to give it new things to do. For instance, many of us have played games like Scrabble, Suduko, chess and the classic Rubiks cube. Playing fun games is like sending your brain through a mini bootcamp! A recent study from the University of Calgary, showed middle aged (50′s) competitive Scrabble players brain’s performed better than college age kids who are at their cognitive peak. The scrabble players were able to recognize words much quicker, vertically and horizontally, and could weed out the words that weren’t words at all. The study revealed, that it’s never to late to start training your brain. Suduko and chess works on your reasoning and logical thinking skills. The Rubiks cube improves your spatial intelligence. There are plenty of other games that can get your brain active. If use them quite frequently in Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Marietta, Ga as well as our other locations. They also have new computer programs that target brain activity. So there are a wealth of options.
Aside from games and programs, there are other things that we do on a regular basis that would be helpful in getting our brains moving. Try brushing your teeth with the opposite hand you typically use for instance. Memorize your grocery list. Put down your calculator. Listen to classical music; which several studies have shown that music therapy is excellent for the brain. These are all easy things you could do to get your brain juice flowing. We use our brains for everything of course, so really, the options are endless!
Stay tuned for more articles on brain exercise!
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Our Interview with Resident Dorothy Brazeal
Dorothy was born in Bloomfield, Nebraska but was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up, she had four brothers and a dog named Zipper. Her career entailed being a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. She raised four wonderful children and has two fabulous grandchildren. Dorothy was also a housewife until the children were in High School and then she worked retail in a health food store and a children’s clothing store. The events in history that she remembers well are: The invention of color TV, the microwave oven, and the JFK assassination. The biggest accomplishment in her life was raising her children. Dorothy feels like you should always keep a positive attitude and a smile on your face. She also feels that you should spend time with your children because they grow up too fast.
Upon deciding that she would move to assisted living in Marietta, GA, Dorothy and her family visited a lot of places before choosing Dogwood Forest of Marietta. They chose Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community – one of the most well-known in Marietta, GA – because it felt the most like home. She loves living here and thinks that everyone is so nice. Her favorite part about living at Dogwood Forest is her friend, Calvin the resident dog. Along with Calvin, she has many friends at Dogwood Forest of Marietta.
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