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Barbie’s small-neck-artery problem

This 1960s Barbie doll was bought for $30 by Toy Roadshow on Tuesday. The amount would have been higher if the doll hadn't had a broken pinkie finger. (Photos by Kathy Plonka/ / The Spokesman-Review)
This 1960s Barbie doll was bought for $30 by Toy Roadshow on Tuesday. The amount would have been higher if the doll hadn't had a broken pinkie finger. (Photos by Kathy Plonka/ / The Spokesman-Review)

The Barbie doll turns 53 today. The reason I know this? I am somehow on the press release list of the Society for Vascular Surgery. The woman who sends out the press releases always makes some interesting connections between vascular surgery and popular culture.

So her Barbie release connects the fact that Barbie has always been active with the fact that an active lifestyle translates to good vascular health, an issue as women age because "women's smaller neck arteries result in quicker buildup of plaque which restricts blood flow leadng to strokes and heart attacks."

Happy Birthday, Barbie. I have three years on you! Loving the 50s for their clarity, unless your neck arteries restrict blood flow to your brain.

(S-R archives photo)

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.