Students bring expertise and extra fun to Dundas Manor

How many people realize women’s coronary arteries are understudied, underdiagnosed, and undertreated? The Cleveland Clinic, a leading cardiology centre, says heart disease is seven times deadlier for women than breast cancer. Build up of plaque in the heart’s arteries contributes to the death of one in every three women, more than all cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and accidents combined.

But heart disease kills even more men. This fact and the historical focus on heart disease in men means most people are unaware of the risk factors for heart disease in women.

A report from the American Heart Association (AHA) says there have been stunning improvements in death rates of both sexes from coronary heart disease (CHD) since 1980. But women have not shared the benefits equally.

Maurice Chevalier, the French actor-singer, was not thinking about coronary arteries when he remarked, “vive la différence”. But the difference makes heart attack the number one killer of women.

Heart attack has been considered a male disease as it occurs in men earlier in life. But after menopause the gender gap disappears. But many remain unaware that CHD is on the attack in women.

Can CHD risk be spotted in women by their loved ones? Chest pain is the most common symptom in both sexes. But at least one-third of women do not show this classic symptom during coronary attack. Rather, they complain of shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, palpitations, dizziness, intense anxiety or pain in the jaw, neck, upper back or arm. These problems may be mistaken for a panic attack with fatal delay in diagnosis.

Suppose a family member or friend is good diagnostician and immediately calls 911. Even then, studies show that an immediate electrocardiogram or stress test is less likely to reveal the typical submitted by Jane Adams, Dundas Manor Communications Lead

Even if a woman has an early diagnosis of coronary attack and survives, a bypass operation may be required. But she has twice the risk of dying during the surgery or shortly thereafter.

Heart surgeons can explain why. Coronary arteries are smaller in females. This makes the surgery technically more challenging when vessels the diameter of a piece of spaghetti are joined together.

What should we do to decrease the risk of CHD? First, a woman should see a psychiatrist if she smokes, as the risk of heart attack is seven times greater among women who smoke.

Know your family history. If your father or brother had a heart attack before age 55, or your mother or sister before age 65, this substantially increases your risk. It’s a red flag that warns “start taking preventive measures”.

If there is a history of cardiovascular disease, a daily 81 milligram dose of aspirin may help. But since aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, always discuss this medication with your doctor.

Remember that obesity leads to type 2 diabetes which in turn increases the risk of heart attack. Gaining weight alone is easy; losing weight alone is hard. But if obese, losing weight will improve health. Good strategies and support groups help. Sheer will is probably not enough. Family and friends need to work on weight reduction together.

Have your blood pressure checked. One-third of heart attacks in women could be prevented by controlling blood pressure.

If blood cholesterol is elevated, most cardiologists will recommend cholesterol-lowering drugs. But discuss this with your physician, as there are effective and safer natural options.

It was the wild, wild west at Dundas Manor – thanks to two Algonquin College students who are completing three-month placements at the home. All through July, the western theme was everywhere, culminating with a big country party. It included everything from country crafts to wild west fun facts to toe-tapping entertainment.

“This was my first introduction to long-term care, and I love it,” says Arianna Johnstone, who is studying community justice services. Arianna says she never considered a career in long-term care but is now. She worked closely with the behavioural support specialist at Dundas Manor, tapping into her mental health knowledge.

“Placement as a first-year student can be scary, but everyone at Dundas Manor has gone out of their way to ensure that I got the most out of my learning experience,” adds Samantha Brown, who is studying social work.

Arianna and Samantha are just two of many students who come to Dundas Manor throughout the year. Affiliation agreements with educational institutions such as Algonquin College support students in their learning while bringing new ideas and skills into the home. “It’s wonderful to have young people join our team,” notes Jennifer Hill, Activity Programs and Services Director. “It’s not just about fun activities. They support our residents on their journey and bring expertise that we can all benefit from.”

“From planning birthday parties, going on outings, having bike rides, completing assessments, and participating in 1-1 visits, Dundas Manor is always trying to support their residents and has played a huge part in my learning of how to be a great social service worker,” sums up Samantha.

For Arianna, the student placement is turning into a part-time job as an activity assistant in the fall. “My Dad grew up in Winchester and I remember visiting people at Dundas Manor when I was little. I’m really excited about starting my career here.”

Enjoying the western country party

August 18-21, 2022 2022