Archives for July 2015

Heart disease is generally not attributed to one single cause, says pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. Several conditions and factors typically act in unison to diminish heart function. The issues may start in either the left or right ventricle. Either way, the heart is unable to do the necessary work of supplying blood to each major region of the body.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, heart failure often affects women differently than men. The Framingham Heart Study studied the nature of heart failure in three separate generations of women and men and then noted the risk factors associated with this disease. The study’s researchers discovered that a number of conditions could be responsible for the onset of heart failure. Below, Marla Ahlgrimm discusses the most likely factors of heart failure in today’s women.

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Spending a few hours each week caring for grandchildren may give women elders an extra boost both mentally and emotionally, reports pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. Here, the women’s health professional shares recent findings and explains why such quality family time may increase mental acuity among this population.

Q: What particular activities did the study entail and who were the subjects?

Marla Ahlgrimm: In total, 186 Australian women in their mid-50s to late-60s were studied. Each of the subjects took three tests that helped to determine their mental acuity.

Q: Were the final results a surprise to the researchers?

Marla Ahlgrimm: In many ways, yes. The women who spent one day each week taking care of their grandchildren scored the highest marks on two of the study’s three tests. It’s important to note that spending additional days with grandchildren would not necessarily improve mental acuity. In fact, women who spent at least five days each week with grandchildren found their mental processing speed and evaluated memory had diminished. This may be the result of greater demands and higher stress levels.

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