A CHANGE IN CHAPTER OFFICER'S RESPONSIBILITY
The responsibilities of the Treasurer and Membership Chairperson have changed.
Phyllis Kazin, the Membership Chair will do everything pertaining to keeping track of members.
She will be answerable for the correct completion of membership forms, the collection of dues, renewals, and insuring the monies are sent to the treasurer, to be forwarded to National.
Phyllis will make certain all membership lists are up to date .
Everything associated with joining or demitting from the chapter must be sent to her.
Phyllis Kazin
Membership Chairperson
59 Shad Bush Circle
South Dennis, MA 02660
508.385.4313
Ed Harris, our Treasurer, will no longer do any of the above details. Ed will keep track of monies and write checks.
To reiterate, all dues checks and renewals should be sent to Phyllis at the above address. If you have any questions, please contact her.
Please consider offering IMPORTANT INFORMATION
When you receive your “dues renewal” bill and you opt to leave the chapter, the courtesy of informing the Membership chairperson would be greatly appreciated. Please don’t leave us hanging.
Also, it would be extremely helpful to explain why you’re leaving. Perhaps if it was something that didn’t meet your expectations, we’d like to know so that, if possible, it can be corrected and thus refine our program, making it better.
Please don’t feel embarrassed or chagrined by leaving and explaining why. You will really be helping us and your input would be extremely valuable.
Possibly you’ll consider telling friends and family with heart disease about Mended Hearts, Inc. and our Cape Cod chapter.
We humbly ask these courtesies be extended to us.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
by Bart Kazin
June is finally over and as we enter into July and the middle of summer; traffic gets heavier, the lines get longer (waiting to go anywhere), and getting a table in a restaurant in a reasonable time is almost impossible.
Although folks arriving on The Cape are vacationing, it’s not a vacation for our members living here. It can be a stressful time.
As we learned from last month’s speaker, Janet Ware-Doucette, we have to manage stress through relaxation, meditation, and good nutrition. One way to reduce stress is to reduce breathing to 6 breaths per minute and learn to respond to stress and not react. Several times a day stop what you’re doing, sit in a quiet place, and close your eyes. Slowly breath in, hold to the count of six, and exhale to the count of 6.
As heart patients, we must concern ourselves with stress and not succumb to it.
There is no secret to the other tricks we might use. The problem is we don’t use them. Too much work and inconvenience, I guess.
Because stress has to be controlled, especially for us, we’re going to have another “stress” speaker for our November meeting. Bernie Herman, who has visited with us a couple of years ago. For those of us who remember, Bernie’s presentation is wrought with wit and humor and making his points with comic banter enables him to drive home important facts.
I know those of us who have not yet met Bernie, are in for a pleasant surprise. A presentation not to be missed.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
REMEMBER…
There are no meetings during July and August
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
SECRETARY’S REPORT
(- report by June Carmel)
NO SECRETARY’S REPORT: JULY & AUGUST
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
ON AND OFF-PUMP CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY OUTCOMES SIMILAR
(...from www.americanheart.Org)
Despite debate over which procedure is better, off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and CABG with a heart lung machine, or “on-pump,” net similar results, according to a new AHA scientific statement.
The statement published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, was based on a review of the best available clinical trial data. The data included reports of a meta- analysis of 53 studies and other prospective and retrospective trials.
“Patients may receive an excellent outcome with either type of procedure, and individuals’ outcomes likely depend more on factors other than whether they underwent standard on-pump CABG or off-pump CABG,” said lead author Frank W. Sellke, M.D. program committee chair of the AHA Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and anesthesia.
CABG is a type of heart surgery that reroutes or “bypasses” blood around clogged arteries to relieve chest pain and reduce the risk of heart attack. In the traditional on-pump surgery, the heart is stopped and blood is pumped by a heart-lung machine, or “pump.”
During the past several years more surgeons have started performing off-pump CABG. During the procedure the heart continues beating as the bypass graft is sewn in place. About 20% of CABG procedures are performed “off-pump,” said Sellke, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA.
On-pump CABG is less technically demanding, has a shorter learning curve for the surgeon, possibly results in better long-term graft patency (openness), and may result in more bypass grafts being constructed.
Off-pump CABG probably has more short-term benefits, such as less blood loss and need for transfusion, shorter hospital stay, and less short term neurocognitive dysfunction. However, patients who switched from off-pump to on-pump revascularization during surgery had a much greater risk of mortality, post operative cardiac arrest and multisystem organ failure compared to patients initially undergoing on-pump CABG, Sellke said.
Cost is about the same for the two procedures, he said.
The most conclusive benefit for off-pump CABG was for patients with a severely calcified or diseased aorta in which clamping the aorta can be associated with “dire neurological consequences.”
Sellke said the skill of the surgeon, the quality of the institution, and the systems approach play a much greater role in determining outcome of the type of CABG procedure.
“Choose a quality surgeon at a quality institution and follow his advice in choosing an on- or off-pump procedure,” he said.
Definitive answers to which method is superior for which patients will require a large scale protective, randomized trial.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
A SURVIVOR’S STORY
Introducing a Member of Our Chapter
MEET
TIM CRANE
Tim was a native New Yorker spending most of his early years in Larchmont, NY. He graduated from Mamaroneck High School and Dartmouth College.
He had a long career (34 years) in Corporate Trust banking,beginning with The Hanover Bank (now J.P. Morgan Trust)
After an early retirement Tim had fun with a successful second career, consulting in his field, doing expert witness work and chairing the editorial board of a small financial newspaper. They moved to Cape Cod after many years in Cortland Manor, NY.
Tim and his wife Louise, of 44 years, have been living in Brewster for the past 8 years. They have two grown children and 4 grandchildren.
A family history of heart disease has been a concern for many years. Tim’s dad died at age 56 of a second heart attack, an uncle died in his 30’s, and a cousin already has had two heart attacks.
Although Tim has been taking medication, been through many tests, and does exercise, one night in late 2002, he had an ominous sense something was terribly wrong.
He had his wife call 911. The end result? Several stents. In November of 2003 further hospital visits resulted in a triple bypass.
He said he heard of Mended Hearts during his rehabilitation and decided to join, to stay connected with others going through this life-sustaining process.
Tim is an avid ice-skater and competes, periodically, in adult events.
After being taken out of the front door on a stretcher, wondering if he’d ever come back through the door again, the phrase, I’m glad to be here has new meaning.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
ACTUAL NEWSPAPER SCREW-UPS
Doctor Benjamin Porter visited the school yesterday and lectured on “Destructive Pests.” A large number were present.
The women included their husbands and their children in their potluck suppers.
The attorney general’s office said yesterday that an autopsy performed on the headless body of a man found in Mason failed to determine the cause of death.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE JUNE 16TH LUNCHEON AT THE CENTER STAGE CAFÉ – DENNIS VILLAGE- WAS A TERRIFIC SUCCESS
Twenty-eight folks attended and they all had a wonderful time. Two guests even joined the chapter! The food was excellent and the service, outstanding. Those members who did not attend missed a notable gala. They are encouraged to make note of the next two affairs and make sure they attend. Marion Cooke puts on a great “show!” Be on the lookout for the annual Popplebottom Potluck Picnic in August and the Christmas party-meeting tentatively scheduled for Thursday December 8th. at the Scargo Café in Dennis Village. Dates will be cast in stone shortly.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
MASSACHUSETTS TRIVIA QUIZ
Subject: Arts & Literature
(Answers on page 8)
1. What famous hymn did Boston‘s Julia Ward Howe write?
2. How many museums make up the quadrangle in Springfield?
3. Who was the model for John Singer Sargent’s painting,
4. What did Isabella Stewart Gardner want to be before she began writing poetry?
5. What symphony calls the Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts its summer home?
6. How many poems were found after Emily Dickinson‘s death?
7. Who wrote “Murder in the Rue Morgue.” one of the first- known published short stories?
8. In what publication was Amy Lowell‘s first verse printed?
9. What is the name of Edward Cummings‘ first book?
10. Where did writer H. Phelps Putnam attend college?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To The Editor:
I enjoyed the June newsletter!
A family member is going on a holter monitor, so I will send the newsletter to him. Thanks for that article and all the rest!
Kenneth Traugot
Barnstable Village
To The Editor:
To show that I read the newsletter, my birthday is in May not June. Good newsletter for June. You are nominated again for President.
William Lipsky
Dennis Village
ed. Note - Sorry Bill. I apologize. Thank you for the kind words.
To The Editor:
I’m very sorry I’ve been remiss in not telling you how much I enjoy the newsletter. I’ve tried some of the recipes as I do like trying new things. The quiz is fun and the medical information, valuable. I promise to be more reactive in the future. I enjoyed coming to my first Board of Director’s meeting and talking with the members who are responsible for seeing that the chapter runs well.
June Carmel
W. Yarmouth Village
To The Editor:
It is nice to read the progress MHI is making under your guidance, Bart.
You will find some people leaving and staying in the organization.
I can say one thing, with your monthly speakers and publication, the members and any people that are attending possibly do not see how fortunate they are having this program.
I have moved to Lexington and believe me I miss the volunteer work and the meetings.
The Lahey clinic that is far ahead of Cape Cod Hospital does not have a MHI group nor has any other clinic around Lexington.
You can mention it at the next meeting, also say hello to the old members.
Hans Maas
Lexington, MA
.ed. Note – I was delighted to receive these letters and learn the newsletter is being received so well. I’d like to encourage members to continue. I will also include letters of criticism as long as they appear to be constructive and have an alternate suggestion.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
A special Poem For Senior Citizens
A row of bottles on my shelf
Caused me to analyze myself.
One yellow pill I have to pop
Goes to my heart so it won’t stop.
A little white one that I take
Goes to my hands so they won’t shake.
The blue ones that I use allot
Tell me I’m happy when I’m not.
The purple pill goes to my brain
And tells me that I have no pain.
The capsules tell me not to wheeze
Or cough, or choke, or even sneeze.
The red ones, smallest of them all
Go to my blood so I won’t fall.
The orange ones so big and bright
Prevent my leg cramps in the night.
Such an array of brilliant pills
Helping to cure all kind of ills
But what I’d like to really know
Is what tells each one where to go.
Submitted by Marilyn Branzetti
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
KEEP YOUR FORK
(An Inspirational Story)
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.
She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.
Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.
"There is one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the pastor's reply. "This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.
"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor.
The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement.
In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!"
"So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork? Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork, the best is yet to come."
The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral, people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.
He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.
Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep their fork."
Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility
...and keep your fork.
(...Submitted by Richard Alto, friend of the editor)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
RESULTS OF NATIONAL OFFICER VOTING
Following are the results of the election for MHI National Officers and Regional Directors, as compiled by the independent auditor, Logan & Associates, P.C. The officers will be installed and their roles officially take place on September 4, 2005, at the Annual National Conference banquet. All chapter presidents, Assistant Regional Directors, and national committee chairs will be notified by US Mail.
The notification has been mailed June 15, 2005.
The results are as follows:
- National President: Margaret Elbert
- Executive Vice President: Dale Briggs
- Vice President: Raul Fernandes
- Treasurer: Gordon Littlefield
- Mid-Atlantic RD: No Candidate
- Southern RD: Donnette Smith
- Southwest RD: Lynn T. Berringer
- Western RD Seymour Miller
All of the candidates our chapter voted for were successful.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Answers to THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIVIA QUIZ
...on page 5
1. “Battle Hymn of the Republic”
2. Four
3. Isabella Stewart Gardner
4. An actress
5. Pittsburgh Symphony
6. More than 1200
7. Edgar Allan Poe
8. The Atlantic Monthly
9. Tulips and Chimneys
10. Yale
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
HEART SMART RECIPE CORNER
(submitted by AHA recipe book)
THAI CHICKEN WITH BASIL AND VEGETABLES
CATEGORY: ENTREE
(Please consider sharing our heart smart recipe)
SAUCE
2 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth or water
2 teaspoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoonful reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, all visible fat removed
1 teaspoon acceptable vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 serrano pepper, seeded & chopped (optional)
2 cups broccoli florets (about 4 ounces)
2 carrots, cut into very thin strips
4 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves
2 cups cooked rice. Jasmine preferred
In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients. Set aside.
Thinly sliced breasts. Set aside
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add oil and swirl to cover bottom of wok Add garlic and serrano pepper. Cook for 10-15 seconds.
Add chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, on until chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Add the broccoli, carrots, and green onions, and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, or until vegetables are tender crisp.
add the reserved sauce mixture and basil. Stir-fry for 1 minute, or until warm. Serve over rice. Serves 4.
Approximate Nutrient analysis per serving
- Polyunsaturated fat: 2 gm
- Cholesterol: 62 milligrams
Food Group Units:
Vegetables: 0
Fruit: 0
Meat and Alternatives:
Very Low Fat: 0
Serves: 4
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
