February 2024 Volume 21

"Just a Little Heart Attack"

What You Need to Know About Heart Disease in Women: A Two-Part Series

We explore women's heart health in our latest episode of "Beyond the Paper Gown." Join Dr. Mitzi Krockover as she interviews Dr. Rachel Bond, a renowned preventive cardiologist who specializes in women’s heart health.  Dr. Bond unravels the complexities of ischemic heart disease—the number one killer of women. Discover how symptoms, often subtle yet crucial, differ in women and men, and may delay diagnosis.  They also discuss prevention strategies like risk factor management, stress reduction and mental wellness. Dr. Bond also delves into the unique risks of stroke in women, as well as specific risks for communities of color for all vascular disease. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to protect their–or their loved ones– heart health. Tune in now for empowering knowledge and practical advice.

ROADMAP TO INNOVATION IN AGING: THE FEMAGING PROJECT

Join us as Dr. Mitzi Krockover sits down with Denise Pines, award-winning documentary and TV producer, publisher, marketer, medical board member, entrepreneur and wellness advocate.

Denise shares her groundbreaking research on aging and women from the women’s point of view. The FemAging Project provides Innovators a roadmap to providing solutions for women during this phase of life.  She also created WisePause Wellness and Tea Botanics--ventures that offer not just products, but also support and understanding for women navigating the complexities of perimenopause. Her dedication to inclusivity shines through her efforts to ensure health solutions are accessible to all women, with a keen focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by women of color.

This episode is an opportunity to gain insights from Pine's vast experience and  research and to understand the innovative approaches being taken to enhance women's wellness during a critical stage of life. Whether you're experiencing these changes yourself or are an entrepreneur curious about what the market needs, this podcast is for you. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to inform, connect, and empower.

EXPERT INSIGHTS ON THE BUSINESS OF WOMEN'S HEALTH

In this enlightening episode of 'The Business of Women's Health,' host Dr. Mitzi Krockover is joined by Rachel Braun Scherl, Co-founder & Managing Partner, SPARK Solutions for Growth, and Brittany Barreto, PhD, Chief Innovation Officer of FemHealth Insights, Host of FemTech Focus Podcast. The discussion revolves around the impactful world of FEMtech and innovation in women's health.

Throughout the episode, the conversation delves into various aspects of women's health, ranging from menopause and workplace issues to the evolution of medical devices and the importance of proper female representation in clinical trials. The speakers highlight the challenges and taboos surrounding women's health and emphasize the need for more inclusive and comprehensive healthcare solutions.

This podcast is an invaluable resource for understanding the current landscape and future potential of women's health and innovation. It provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges, opportunities, and groundbreaking advancements shaping the future of FEM tech and women's health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of health, technology, and female empowerment.

HIGH-RISK STRAINS OF HPV COULD RAISE WOMEN'S ODDS FOR HEART DEATH

(HealthDay)

Women are four times more likely to die from heart disease and six times more likely to die from stroke if infected with a high-risk strain of human papillomavirus (HPV), a new study warns.

5 THINGS TEEN GIRLS  (AND THIER PARENTS) SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HEART HEALTH

(American Heart Association News)

Among many teenage girls, hearts are a communications staple. Heart emojis punctuate their texts, heart hands frame their selfies on social media.

But rare is the girl who thinks about her heart as the critical organ it is, the epicenter of the circulatory system, supplying blood with oxygen to the body to keep things working smoothly.

While good heart health may be a given for most young girls, adolescent health experts say there's still plenty that teenage girls should know about taking care of their ticker.

ALABAMA SUPREME COURT RULES FROZEN EMBRYOS ARE CHILDREN

(HealthDay)

In a ruling that could drastically limit future infertility care, the Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law.

In the decision, judges turned to what it called anti-abortion language in that state's constitution and concluded that an 1872 state law that allows parents to sue over the death of a minor child “applies to all unborn children.”

JILL BIDEN ANNOUNCES $100 MILLION FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN'S HEALTH

(HealthDay)

First Lady Jill Biden on Wednesday announced $100 million in federal funding to fuel research into women's health.

“We will build a health care system that puts women and their lived experiences at its center,” Biden said in a White House news release announcing the initiative. “Where no woman or girl has to hear that ‘it’s all in your head,’ or, ‘it’s just stress.’” Where women aren’t just an afterthought, but a first thought. Where women don’t just survive with chronic conditions, but lead long and healthy lives.”

Biden noted that science hasn't paid enough attention to the health conditions that many women face.

GO RED FOR WOMEN | THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an older man’s disease. To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease & stroke as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red for Women, a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

WOMENHEART

WomenHeart is committed to serving the needs of women with diagnosed heart disease. EMPOWERMENT. WomenHeart believes that education, support and training enable women to take charge of their heart health and advocate for other women. EQUALITY.

You can learn more about WomenHeart by listening to our discussion with CEO, Celina Gorre, "Women's Hearts Matter: Fighting for Equity in Heart Health".

TAKING ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THE ALABAMA RULING ON EMBRYOS

1. Write letters about why this is important to you - find your representative HERE.

2. Share your story at https://resolve.org/

3. Vote in every election you can

4. Follow and/or donate to organizations fighting for all of us - American Society for Reproductive Medicine - ASRM, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, Doctors For Fertility

Thank you to Jessica Bell van der Wal, CEO, Frame Fertility, for these suggestions. Jessica posted her own personal story on LinkedIn (LinkedIn signup needed).

MAKE ACCURATE BREAST CANCER SCREENING ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Mammograms work well for many women, but they are not as effective in finding cancer for the 40% of women who have dense breasts. Legislation has been introduced in Congress, such as the Find It Early Act (HR3086) by Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) along with award winning journalist Katie Couric. This Bill would require all health insurance plans to cover supplemental screening and diagnostic mammograms for women at increased risk for developing breast cancer, including having dense breasts, with no cost sharing (co-payment or deductible).