VISITOR’S REPORT
December Visits
Cape Cod Hospital…......4
Telephone……........……….... 1
Home.….………………................0
Email..…………………................0
Cardiac Rehab............... 0
Men. Hrts. Affair......... 0
Visits listed were on hospitalized patients and phone calls with any type of heart disease.
VISITORS: Bart & Phyllis Kazin, Bob Silverberg, Ray Levesque, Tim Crane, Betsy Gerhardt, Ken & Maryse Ethier
************************************************************************************************************************************
ACCREDITED VISITORS
Ken Ethier – Visiting Coordinator
Ken Ethier Hyannis 775-8675
Maryse Ethier Hyannis 775-8675
Bart Kazin S. Dennis 385-4313
Phyllis Kazin S. Dennis 385-4313
Don Moberg E. Sandwich 888-1117
Bill Lipsky Dennis 385-5654
Bob Silverberg Centerville 778-4578
Ellie BrennenE. Dennis 385-7472
Mike Brennen E. Dennis 385-7472
Ron Levesque Dennis 385-6922
Tim Crane Brewster 896-2560
Charlie Fosgate Pocosset 563-6334
Betsy Gerhardt W. Yarmouth 790-8758
These members take regular turns visiting in the hospital. They are willing, if necessary, to converse via the telephone and home visits. Visits in the hospital will take place on Fridays. The time? To be determined by the volunteers.
************************************************************************************************************************************
CONSIDERING A CONTRIBUTION?
What better way to honor the memory of a loved one? Or pay respects for an anniversary or special event? Or support Mended Hearts?
Acknowledgement will be made in the newsletter
The donation is tax deductible.
Please make checks payable to: Mended Hearts Chapter #315
Mail to:
Edward Harris, Treasurer
15 Reflection Way
S. Yarmouth, MA 02664
edreflec@verizon.net
THANK YOU
************************************************************************************************************************************
DONATING TO THE AHA IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO TO GIVE TO A CHARITY. IT SHOULD BE MADE CLEAR, HOWEVER, THAT NONE OF THE MONIES DONATED TO THE AHA ARE RECEIVED BY THE LOCAL CHAPTERS OF THE MENDED HEARTS.
IF YOU PLAN TO MAKE A DONATION, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER OF THE MENDED HEARTS.
MONIES ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED AND YOUR BENEVOLENCE WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.
************************************************************************************************************************************
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
No new members this month
************************************************************************************************************************************
BIRTHDAYS - January 2006
Susan Crosby
Charles Fosgate
Gloria McCarthy
Beverly Moberg
Russell Peterson
Kenneth Traugot
Happy Birthday and Many More
If you elected not to, or neglected to put your birth date on the membership application your birthday will not appear in the newsletter. This can be corrected by contacting the editor.
************************************************************************************************************************************
This newsletter contains health related topics.
It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your physician.
Always check with your medical professional about any symptoms or concerns you may be experiencing.
************************************************************************************************************************************
Donations Received During December -- Thank You
Gail Fleischer
Bill & Judy Lipsky
Dorothy Fleischer
aPrintery - Kathy St. George
************************************************************************************************************************************
Meeting Times
Meetings will start at 4:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Business meeting
- 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Interaction
- 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Speaker
************************************************************************************************************************************
WHEN YOU FINISH READING THIS NEWSLETTER...
...please don’t throw it away. Pass it along to a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or drop it off in your doctor’s waiting room. This way more people will get the Mended Hearts’ message.
“It’s great to be alive - and to help others!”
************************************************************************************************************************************
TAKE NOTICE
Our member Dayna Jacobson a Physician’s Assistant who’s specialty is cardiology and a resource
to be called upon to answer most questions pertaining to heart disease is available and offers her
services, (free of charge) should any of our members or hospital visitors be unable to supply a
Complete answer to a question. Please use her expertise...if needed. She can be contacted
at 781-335-1461 and at medicalpa1411@comcast.net
************************************************************************************************************************************
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A MENDED HEARTS VISITING VOLUNTEER?
(with help from chapter 262-Johnson City, NY)
Would you like to share your experiences and be an encouragement to other heart patients and their families? We would like to have you join us in such an endeavor.
What is required?
- That you and/or your spouse has had a diagnosis of heart disease and/or a heart procedure, e.g. angioplasty, stent, valve repair, by-pass surgery, etc.
- A Mended Hearts Membership.
- Attendance at a Mended Hearts training session.
- Attendance at a Cape Cod Hospital training session.
Mended Hearts, Inc. has provided our chapter with an easy-to-follow, step-by-step training program.
New volunteers start out with experienced volunteers to gain familiarity with procedures and to build self-confidence.
For further information or to answer your questions, please contact:
Ken Ethier
hiseas@capecod.net
508. 775.8675
***********************************************************************************************************************************
Web Links
************************************************************************************************************************************
To print this newsletter from your browser perfrom the following two steps:
- Click File ----->Page Setup----->Landscape
TIME TO THINK ABOUT NEW CHAPTER OFFICERS
The chapter will have to elect new officers for April 2006 to April 2007. According to the By-laws, officers can keep their position up to two years. All the officers have completed their tenure. It’s time to get ready for a new slate.
Members might want to volunteer for The Nominating Committee and make recommendations. The committee should consist of 3 members.
The preceding officers will be available to help the new governing body.
It is permissible to bypass the Nominating Committee and volunteer for a leadership position!
Chapter President
The chapter President is the Chief Executive Officer of the chapter and presides over all chapter meetings. He / She:
- Keeps order and enforces rules related to debate.
- Opens and closes all chapter meetings at the appointed times
- Become familiar with the Bylaws and other rules of the chapter
- Helps the officers in their tasks
- Is responsible for ensuring all meetings run smoothly
Chapter Vice President
- Takes over when the President is unable to do so.
- Should attend 80% of the monthly meetings
- Be willing to represent the chapter at public or civic meetings
- Provides council to the President.
Chapter Secretary
- Takes notes at the monthly meetings and prepare the notes for the newsletter
- Sends letters to members, perspective members, and official letters of the chapter
- Communicates with the national office
- Makes suggestions to the President
Chapter Treasurer
- Keeps track of chapter funds
- Communicates with national
- Handles all monies associated with the chapter
- Makes suggestions to the President
Chapter Visiting Chairperson
- Responsible for training visitor volunteers
- Responsible for setting visiting schedules
- Ensures there are at least two visitors available on the visiting day
- Makes suggestions to the President
Board of Directors
The board shall consist of the: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Visiting Chair, Program Chair, Telephone Chair, Sunshine Chair, Membership Chair, and publicity Chairperson.
The Board will meet 4 times a year or at the discretion of the President.
The board will discus changes in the Bylaws, and other items coming before the panel that will make the chapter more efficient
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
by Bart Kazin
The start of another year...again. It just never seems to end. Oh well, I guess we’ll just have to make the best of it.
As the front page of this newsletter explains, it’s time to think about new leaders for the chapter.
I’ve held the presidency for three years and now it’s time for a change and new thinking. Ken Traugot also has held his position for the same length of time. Although I’ve not had the opportunity to discuss it with Ken, I think he might have the same opinion as mine. Our Secretary, June Carmel, has recently been voted in, and I will guess she’ll want to keep the position awhile longer.
Ed Harris was recently voted in as Treasurer and I believe he, too, will be willing to continue on. The most important position, yes, even more important than anyone else, is that of the Visiting Chairman. Ken Ethier has done a marvelous job for 3 years. He may feel, ’that’s enough.” If he wishes to continue that would be wonderful. A very responsible position.
In a month or so, I’ll ask three members to make up a nominating committee to come up with a slate of officers to be voted on at the April meeting.
I realize I’m bringing this up with plenty of time to spare, but I should like to have the new slate ready to hit the ground running after having sufficient occasions to discuss the workings of each office with the present team. We have a successful chapter with 80+ members and growing. This HAS to continue. “It’s time for all good members to come to the aid of the chapter.”
___________________________________________________________________________________
Donations In memory of Phil Gallagher
Susan Apgar
Sandra Bedle
Helen Berger
Gail Booth
Marilyn Branzetti
Jane Griffin
Carol Mastroianni
Sandra and Adams McHenry
Gerald and Mary Shea
Jane Stealing
Jean and Bob Wands
___________________________________________________________________________________
SECRETARY’S REPORT
(. by P. Kazin substituting for June Carmel)
President Bart Kazin opened the meeting at 4:00 pm and welcomed visitors and gave a short history of The Mended Hearts.
Bart then announced that beginning in January the officers will take their place sitting together in the front of the room.
He introduced new members, Anne and Ed Eckland.
Bob Silverberg was asked to give a dissertation on the Visiting Program – in the absence of Visiting Chairman, Ken Ethier. Bob made an admirable presentation. Bart announced there will be a visitor training class in February. There is room for just 6 members – 4 had made their wishes known to take part, already.
Ed Harris made his treasurer’s report and announced the treasury, although meager, is better than it’s been in a long time.
The speaker for January will be Pauline Philie. Director of Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes Commitment. Her topic, “What is a Heart Attack; What Happens to the Heart when an Attack Occurs” will certainly be of interested to all of us.
Bart told the members while donating to the AHA is worthy, our chapter receives none of that money. So, should members wish to donate in memory of a loved one, a birthday, a wedding, an engagement, or a Bar Mitzvah please consider donating directly to our chapter – Cape Cod Mended Hearts – Chapter #315
Then something extraordinary occurred. A lively discussion took place on the pros and cons of cardiac rehabilitation. Most everyone took part. It was an enjoyable experience. We should thank Mary Lee Pelosky and Irene Harris for opening the conversation.
Bernie Herman a retired lawyer, magician, story teller, clown, and motivational speaker was December’s speaker. Just in time for a little holiday levity. He explained how important laughter is for our well being and that humor lowers our blood pressure and enhances our immune system. Endorphins are released when we laugh and they are natural pain killers. Humor puts grieving in it’s proper perspective and allows you to get on with life.
Bernie believes laughter is the best medicine for stress management. He encouraged us to see humor in everyday situations, particularly in things like church bulletins and newspaper typos, and t-shirt sayings.
Listening to what children have to say really can make your day as they really do say the funniest things.
Surround yourself with levity and when you have a senior moment —take it lightly and grin and share it!
For inner peace, finish what you start and stay loose!
___________________________________________________________________________________
SOME “SERIOUS” THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER
“If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know?”
“Why are they called “stands” when they are made for sitting?”
“Why is it called “after dark” when it really is “after light?”
“Doesn’t “expecting the unexpected” make the unexpected
expected?”
___________________________________________________________________________________
MASSACHUSETTS TRIVIA QUIZ
Subject: Sports & Leisure
(Answers on page 8)
1. In what professional sport was Mike Flanagan voted Most Valuable Player in 1978?
2. What parts of the body can be used to propel the ball in volleyball?
3. What round sporting ball weighs approximately 600-650 grams?
4. Against what college team did Harvard play in the first football game held in Harvard Stadium?
5. What 2 Bruins players took the Ross Trophy home during the 1970s?
6. What was the name of Caroline Kennedy‘s pony?
7. What ingredients are in the cocktail called Cape Codder?
8. What Boston-brewed beer is named after a famous colonial patriot?
9. What did President Reagan drink in 1983 at the Erie Pub in the Boston area?
10. What did Mayor Ray Flynn clutch in his hands while running the Boston Marathon in 1984?
___________________________________________________________________________________
Heart Disease:
Heart Muscle Disease (Cardiomyopathy)
(from WEBMD)
Cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease, is a type of progres sive heart disease in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart muscle's ability to pump blood is weakened, often causing heart failure and the backup of blood into the lungs or rest of the body. The disease can also cause abnormal heart rhythms.
Usually, the condition begins in the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles), but in severe cases can affect the upper chambers or atria as well.
There are three main types of cardiomyopathy:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy
What Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and stiff; this causes a decreased ejection fraction (the amount of blood pumped out with each heart beat). In some cases, it prevents the heart from relaxing and filling with blood as it should. Over time, it can affect the other heart chambers as well.
What Is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with thickening of the heart muscle, most commonly at the septum between the ventricles, below the aortic valve. This leads to stiffening of the walls of the heart and abnormal aortic and mitral heart valve function, both of which may impede normal blood flow out of the heart.
What Is Restrictive Cardiomyopathy?
Restrictive cardiomyopathy, the rarest form of cardiomyopathy, is a condition in which the walls of the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) are abnormally rigid and lack the flexibility to expand as the ventricles fill with blood.
The pumping or systolic function of the ventricle may be normal but the diastolic function (the ability of the heart to fill with blood) is abnormal. Therefore, it is harder for the ventricles to fill with blood, and with time, the heart loses the ability to pump blood properly, leading to heart failure.
___________________________________________________________________________________
What Is an Aneurysm?
(...from WEBMD)
An aneurysm is a permanent ballooning in the wall of an artery. The pressure of blood passing through can force part of a weakened artery to bulge outward, forming a thin-skinned blister.
Although any weak blood vessel can be affected, aneurysms usually form in the abdominal or thoracic portions of the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart, or in arteries nourishing the brain. Aneurysms in any of these places are serious, while those in more peripheral locations such as the leg are often less hazardous.
The gravest threat an aneurysm poses is that it will burst and cause a stroke or life-threatening massive bleeding (hemorrhage). If an aneurysm ruptures, the patient must be treated within minutes in order to have a chance of survival.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Because aneurysms often produce either no symptoms or mild symptoms, routine examinations are strongly encouraged so that a doctor can regularly test for warning signs of a more serious problem. Even if it doesn't rupture, a large aneurysm can impede circulation and contribute to the formation of blood clots.
There are many types of aneurysms. Here are a few:
- Aortic aneurysm. The aneurysm is located within the wall of the aorta. Typically, the widened part of the aorta is considered to be an aneurysm when it is more than 1.5 times its normal size. They are often due to the build-up of plaques due to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. Aneurysms may also be an inherited condition or a complication of high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Cerebral aneurysm. Also known as a berry aneurysm, this occurs in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. Smoking increases a person's risk of developing a cerebral aneurysm.
- Ventricular aneurysm. This is a ballooning out of part of the wall of the heart. Ventricular aneurysms may be a present since birth or may be due to a previous heart attack or severe chest trauma.
What Causes It?
Any condition that causes arterial walls to weaken or deteriorate can result in an aneurysm. The most common culprits are atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Penetrating wounds and infections can also lead to an aneurysm. Some types are the result of congenital, or inherited, weakness in artery walls.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Tips for Eating Out
(...from the American Heart Assn.)
You can eat out and eat healthy, too. Many restaurants offer delicious low-fat, low-cholesterol meals. Eating less fat (especially less saturated fat) and less cholesterol is important for your health. That's because a diet high in saturated fat raises blood cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke
A guide to choosing healthy meals away from home
- Fried, basted, braised, au gratin, crispy, escalloped, pan-fried, sautéed, stewed or stuffed foods are high in fat. Instead, look for steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted foods. If you’re not sure about a certain dish, ask your server how it’s prepared.
- Even if dishes low in saturated fat and cholesterol aren't on the menu, you may still be able to get a healthy meal, because many restaurants will prepare foods to order. If you’re not sure about a particular restaurant, phone before you go.
- High-sodium foods include those that are pickled, in cocktail sauce, smoked, in broth or au jus, in a tomato base, or in soy or teriyaki sauce. Steer clear of these.
___________________________________________________________________________________
An Eating Plan for Healthy Americans
(...from the American Heart Assn.)
This eating plan from the American Heart Association is based on the latest advice of medical and nutrition experts. The best way to help lower your blood cholesterol level is to eat less saturated fat and cholesterol, control your weight and walk or do another physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day. Our plan is based on these dietary guidelines:
- Total calories should be adjusted to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- Saturated fat intake should be 7 to 10 percent of calories (or even less).
- Polyunsaturated fat intake should be up to 10 percent of calories.
- Monounsaturated fat can make up to 15 percent of total calories.
- Total fat intake should be adjusted to caloric needs. Overweight people should consume no more than 30 percent of total calories from fat.
- Cholesterol intake should be less than 300 milligrams per day.
- Sodium intake should be less than 2,300 milligrams per day, which is about 1 teaspoon of sodium chloride (salt).
This is an easy-to-follow guide to delicious eating. You don't have to calculate anything — and you don't have to give up your favorite foods
___________________________________________________________________________________
THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK OF SOMEONE YOU
BELIEVE MAY BE HAVING A STROKE
Recognizing a Stroke
Neurologists say if they can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours, they can possibly totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally.
hey say the trick is getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and getting to the patient within 3 hours...which can be tough.
Ask the person these 3 questions:
- Ask the individual to SMILE.
- Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
- Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e... It is sunny out today)
If any one of these questions can not be performed...dial 911 immediately.
___________________________________________________________________________________
WILD RICE IS MORE THAN A DELICACY, IT HAS BIG HEALTH BENEFITS
(...from PAGES magazine)
In some parts of the world, the word for "to eat" literally means "to eat rice." It may be the world's most popular food, supplying as much as half of the daily calories for half of the world's population.
The most nutritious kinds of rice are brown and wild rice, say doctors at Louisiana State University. They have high amounts of fiber, complex carbohydrates, and essential B vitamins. And they contain a compound that reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the body.
In the mineral department, a cup of wild or brown rice contains half the daily value of manganese, 27 percent of selenium, 20 percent of magnesium, and 18 percent of a person's daily requirement of tryptophan.
Half a cup of brown rice contains two grams of fiber. This means it passes quickly through the colon, reducing the risk of cancer.
The fiber in brown and wild rice binds with estrogen so there is less of the hormone circulating in the bloodstream. High levels of estrogen have been shown to trigger changes in the cells that can lead to breast cancer.
While white rice is softer and fortified to contain B vitamins, it lacks fiber, containing only 1/10th the amount in brown rice.
Long-grain and wild rice are the gourmet's favorites. Short-grain, however, has similar health benefits.
Brown and Wild Rice Pilaf
In a sauce pan, combine 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms, 1/4 cup chopped celery (or green pepper), and a clove of garlic. Add a tablespoon of butter and cook until tender but not brown.
Stir in 1/2 cup brown rice and 1/4 cup wild rice, 1 1/2 teaspoons instant chicken or beef granules, pepper, and 2 tablespoons dry sherry if desired.
Add 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, decrease heat, then simmer for 40 minutes until rice is tender and
liquid is absorbed.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Answers to THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIVIA QUIZ
...on page 5
1. Soccer
2. Volley ball
3. Basketball
4. Dartmouth
5. Phil Esposito & Bobby Orr
6. Macaroni
7. Vodka & Cranberry Juice
8. Samuel Adams
9. Ballantine
10. Rosary beads
___________________________________________________________________________________
HEART SMART RECIPE CORNER
(American Heart Association)
LOW FAT
CHEESE-HERB CHICKEN MEDALLIONS
CATEGORY – ENTRÉE
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 4 oz. each), all visible fat removed
1 TBL. finely chopped fresh chives or 1 tsp. dried
1 TBL.finely chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp.dried, crumbled
1/4 tsp. paprika
Freshly ground pepper to taste
3 oz. nonfat or part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded, preferably chilled (about 2/3 cup)
2 carrots (optional)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Place breasts on a flat surface. Evenly sprinkle each breast with chives, basil, paprika, and pepper.
Form cheese into 6 loose balls and place one in the center of each breast. Roll chicken around cheese, making sure the ends are tucked in. Tie each breast with twine to retain cheese.
Place breasts in an ungreased baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken has turned white throughout. Allow chicken to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Meanwhile, prepare carrot curls. Using a potato peeler, pare carrots lengthwise into long, thin strips and soak in ice water for at least 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
To serve, cut each breast into 1/2 inch medallions. Arrange on a bed of carrot curls.
Approximate Nutrient analysis per serving:
Food Group Units:
Meat and Alternatives:
Serves: 6
___________________________________________________________________________
