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Heart To Heart
Newsletter of the Cape Cod-Hyannis Chapter #315 - Mended Hearts, Inc.
Newsletter Mission: To Offer Current Ideas, Suggestions, Observations and Information on Heart Disease and to Inform members of Chapter #315 activities
Volume 8, Issue 2 www.capecodmendedhearts.com Mar. - Apr. 2008
VISITOR’S REPORT
January/February Visits
Cape Cod Hospital…...... 19
Cath. Lab (care-givers)...13
Telephone……........……….........0
Home.….………………....................0
Email..…………………....................0
Cardiac Rehab............... ...6
Men. Hrts. Affair......... ...2
Total Visits 40Visits listed were on hospitalized patients and phone calls with any type of heart disease. Phone calls were also included.
VISITORS: Tim Crane, Don Moberg, Bob Silverberg, Mike & Ellie Brennan, Pat Boris, Ray Levesque
ACCREDITED VISITORS
Tim Crane – Visiting Coordinator 896-2560
Katherine Beach Brewster 896-9436
Brewster 896-9436Pat Boris Brewster 896-5941
Brewster 896-5941Ellie BrennenE. Dennis 385-7472
E. Dennis 385-7472Mike Brennen E. Dennis 385-7472
E. Dennis 385-7472Bobby BrownW. Yarmouth 775-2638
W. Yarmouth 775-2638Ken Ethier Hyannis 775-8675
Hyannis 775-8675Maryse Ethier Hyannis 775-8675
Hyannis 775-8675Charlie Fosgate Pocosset 563-6334
Pocosset 563-6334Betsy Gerhardt W. Yarmouth 790-8758
W. Yarmouth 790-8758Ron Levesque Dennis 385-6922
Dennis 385-6922Bill Lipsky Dennis 385-5654
Dennis 385-5654Don Moberg E. Sandwich 888-1117
E. Sandwich 888-1117Bob Silverberg Centerville 778-4578
Centerville 778-4578These 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:
Katherine Beach, Treasurer
67 Leland Rd.
Brewster, MA 02631
508-896-9436
kbeach0313@aol.com
THANK YOU
Take Note
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
Donald Chenard
BIRTHDAYS: March - April 2008
March
Katherine Beach
Helen Berger
Marion Cooke
Ann Hubby
Walter Hubby
Judy Lipsky
John Marshall
Walter Stratton
April
Phyllis Kazin
Linda Dexter
Ellie Brennan
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 January/February -- Thank You
aPrintery - Kathy St. George
Joanne Wiseman
THANK YOU
Meeting Schedule for 2008
All meetings will be held the third Thursday of each month.
No meetings, July & August.
Meetings will be held in the Martin's Conference Room in CCH unless otherwise specified.
Meetings start at 4:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. - Business meeting
- 4:30 p.m. - Interaction
- 5:00 p.m. - Speaker
- 6:00 p.m. - Adjourn
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!”
ASSISTANCE FOR HOSPITAL VISITORS
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?
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:
Tim Cranetcrane7632@comcast.net508. 896.2560BENEFITS OF BEING A MENDED HEARTS MEMBER
- Established Visiting Program
- Excellent and Uniform Visitor Training
- Medical Recognition and Acceptance
- Non-Profit Status
- Education in Heart Disease & Other health Topics
- Heartbeat Magazine
- BI-Monthly Newsletter
- Cluster Meetings
- Regional Workshops
- National Conventions
- Participation in National Research studies
- Availability of Promotional Items
- Free Supplies (Path Paks)
- Recognition & Affiliation with AHA
- Vast Network of Members & Friends
- Camp Madden
RECOGNIZING A STROKE - REMEMBER S-T-R
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S * Ask the individual to SMILE. T * Ask the person to TALK or SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e... It is sunny out today).R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS. *NOTE: Another sign of a stroke is this: Ask the person to stick out their tongue,If the tongue is crooked, if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke. If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks call 911 immediately!! and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
PLEASE CONSIDER
aPrintery
for your printing
and copying needs.
Kathy St. George very graciously donates
printing HEART TO HEART.
Without this help we would be unable to print this
newsletter.
When you stop in please be sure you mention MHI
aPrintery is located opposite Captain Parker’s
Restaurant on Rte 28 – W. Yarmouth
Objectives of Mended Hearts
The purpose of Mended Hearts, Inc. is to offer help, support, and encouragement to heart disease patients and their families and to achieve this objective in the following mannner:
- to visit, with physician's approval, and to offer encourahement and support to heart disease patients and their families.
- to distribute information of specific educational value to members of the Mended Hearts, Inc. and to heart disease patients and their families.
- to establish and maintain a program of assistance to physicians, nurses, medical professionals, and health care organizations in their work with heart disease patients and their families; to cooperate with other organizations in education and research activities to heart disease.
- to assist heart disease rehabilitation programs for members and their families.
- to plan and conduct suitable programs of social and educational interest for members and for heart disease patients and their families.
DO YOU NEED A RIDE?
The following members are willing to drive folks to the monthly meetings and to other programs that may arise.
If necessary please take advantage of their generosity:
Ken Traugot Barnstable 362-6618
Katherine Beach Brewster 896-9436
Bill Lipsky Yarmouthport 362-8171
Marilyn Branzetti Harwich 432-0105
As of this date 9/20/07, the above members are willing to help other members attend meetings and functions.
The members of our chapter are unaware of any illnesses or hospitalizations if you don’t tell the
Sunshine Chair, Dot Fleischer
Her phone number is 508-385-5749
Home address: 80 Sturbridge Way Brewster, MA 02631
Web Links
To print this newsletter from your browser perfrom the following two steps:
- Click File ----->Page Setup----->Landscape
- Click File----->Print
"It's Great to be Alive and to Help Others"
HOSPITAL VISITING – SOME STATISTICS
(by Tim Crane, Chapter #315 Visiting Coordinator)
One of the main thrusts of Mended Hearts is our visiting program, where we endeavor to bring our message of hope and encouragement to heart disease patients.
We visit the several cardiac wards at the Cape Cod Hospital as well as the rehab. programs and give assistance to social service groups and individual patients in person, over the phone, and over the internet.
Our Mended Hearts volunteers are a busy bunch.
A look at the statistics that show the number of visits made since our Volunteer Program started in 2002, show just over a 1000 patients have been seen or “spoken to” over the phone or the Internet.
Our President, Bart Kazin has, by far, visited with the most patients – 244 to date.
He’s followed by our previous Visiting Coordinator, Ken Ethier with 139 visits, and our sturdy regular Bob Silverberg with 113 visits. We have a number of stalwarts closing in on those numbers.
It’s wonderful to participate in this group and provide the positive lift the visitors have been able to give and continue to give our fellow heart disease patients.
Care-givers to the patients are also visited by the volunteers in order to keep them in the loop.
____________________________________________________________________________________BRINGING HEART TO HARTFORD
Mended Hearts will literally be bringing Heart to Hartford.
56th Annual Convention
Hartford Connecticut
May 24-28,2008
The biggest expenditure Mended Hearts extends to provide Chapter Support.
Members are encouraged to attend and take part to support the whole organization by participating.
More information pertaining to costs will be forthcoming.
____________________________________________________________________________________PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
by Bart Kazin
February is the start of another year. Time goes by fast, doesn’t it? (especially for those over 50). Look at this: I just finished my 6th year as your President. I’ll be finishing my tenure in June 2008. I believe it’s time to get new thinking
and awareness into the chapter. I’m sure members are tired of the same conventional meetings and want different challenges and discussions.
That’s why a new President is imperative. I hesitate to jump the gun, however, I do want to say there IS someone in the wings that might be willing to take on the position. This person has to be assured the remaining officers, the committee heads, and the members will be willing to take on some responsibilities when asked.
Are we willing to do so? I know Phyllis and I are. Let’s all work together and try not to make excuses if asked to help.
The feeling you get will be very rewarding. However, if you are physically unable to help, you certainly can attend the meetings and give us the benefit of your years of knowledge with ideas.
The coming years will be tremendously breathtaking in the treatment of heart disease...I’d venture to say even astounding!
I believe a group such as ours will be in the forefront in helping heart patients adjust. This will be exciting times for us and I can visualize our role on Cape Cod as being on the cutting edge in helping the recuperation process.
____________________________________________________________________________________ SHORT & SWEET
(Contributed by Marilyn Branzetti)
“Every morning is the dawn of a new error.”
“I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one”
____________________________________________________________________________________POINTS TO PONDER
Red meat is not bad for you
Fuzzy green meat is bad for you
____________________________________________________________________________________ Secretary’s Report – February 21, 2008
written by Acting Secretary Phyllis Kazin
President Bart Kazin opened the first meeting of the 2008 season at 4:05 PM. After welcoming everyone and introducing two visitors and explaining to them what Mended Hearts, Inc is about, he went on to ask Katherine Beach for the Treasurer’s Report and Tim Crane for the Visitor Chairman’s Report. The membership learned we are in decent financial shape and that our Visiting Program is doing extremely well. Tim told the group he will be conducting a Visitor Training Class in the near future. Any one interested should contact him at (508)896-2560.
The members then listened to Vice President, Joanne Wiseman tell about our chapter’s involvement in the AHA’s GO RED FOR WOMEN which was a recent event.
Next our Publicity Chairperson, Patricia Boris gave an excellent report on what has been happening to keep the MHI in the public’s eye:
- An article in The Scanner Cape Cod’s Hospital’s newsletter telling about the gifts the chapter gave the CCU, fulfilling a promise we gave to the hospital if there was money enough at the end of each year.
- Articles in the Cape Cod Times ( CCT ) and in many of the local Cape Cod newspapers and newsletters about when and where we meet for our monthly meetings.
- The letter to the Editor of the CCT about February being National Heart month and that MHI is ready to help heart patients in their recovery from surgery and other treatments.
Janet Benson, Cape Cod Hospital’s Volunteers Director, was introduced and gave a short dissertation about what it takes to be a hospital volunteer. It was also mentioned that after chapter training, a volunteer will need to go through the hospital training. Volunteer Visiting training takes about 3 hours, while the hospital training requires 3-4 hours.
Before the speaker was introduced, there was a short discussion on the major yearly fund raiser. It was decided tickets would be sold for a “dinner for 8.” at a place yet to be determined. A local well-known chef would prepare the entire meal. Our member, Ken Traugot has volunteered to put this program together with help from Pat Boris.
The 50/50 drawing was won by our VP Joanne Wiseman. She very graciously donated her winnings back to the chapter. Thank you so much, Joanne.
Our speaker, Susan Sarro, Northeast Region AHA Vice President , was introduced. Her topic. “AHA – Did you know” told about the history of the AHA, offered an insight into the current Strategic Plan, and related the research in which the organization is involved.
In Susan’s opening she said “children will not outlive their parents in the coming years.” An alarming statement to be sure. The AHA is now on a fast prevention track to help people and children become healthier.
Susan then gave us the history of the AHA.
In 1924 the heart and torch symbol was born. In 1925 two physicians brought a group of 200 doctors together to talk about heart disease and treatment. In 2007 thirty-three thousand physicians attended the last AHA Symposium.
This meeting’s goals was to reduce coronary artery disease (CAD) & stroke by 25%, raise $560 million dollars annually for research, and address demographic problems:
- The unemployed – people not taking care of themselves
- People failing to seek preventive care
- People not being compliant with doctor’s orders
The 2006-2010 strategic plan includes:
- Providing knowledge based solutions for people of all ages
- Serving global cardiovascular health needs
- Serving as partner of choice for researchers, system providers and consumers
- Continuing to focus on childhood obesity “Run-A-Ton it’s Fun”
- Launching START ! - encouraging people to walk to work, asking corporations to change to healthier habits
- Getting funding for stroke treatment...a priority
____________________________________________________________________________________HEART SMART RECIPE CORNER
(from the American Heart Assn.)
Category: Entrée
Garlic Chicken Fillets (serves 8)
8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts halves (about 4 ounces each), all visible fat removed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons olive oil
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetable oil spray
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Dredge breasts in flour; shake off excess.
Heat a large, heavy non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat bottom of skillet. When oil is hot, add breasts. Cook on one side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden. Add garlic. Spray top side of breasts with vegetable oil spray. Turn breasts and continue cooking about 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden.
Add broth, balsamic vinegar, and pepper. Reduce heat to
medium-low and cook, covered for 5 to 10 minutes, or until chicken is tender. Remove chicken from skillet. Keep warm
Pour water into a cup. Add cornstarch, stirring until it dissolves. Add to skillet and boil for one to two minutes or until thick and smooth. Pour sauce over chicken.
Nutrients per serving:
- Calories: 183
- Total fat: 4 grams
- Saturated fat: 1 gm
- Monounsaturated fat: 2gms
- Polyunsaturated fat: 1 gm
- Carbohydrates: grams
- Protein: 26 gm.
- Carbohydrate: 9 gm
- Cholesterol: 62 mg.
- Fiber 0 gm.
- Sodium: 65 mg.
____________________________________________________________________________________LINES TO MAKE YOU LAUGH
(from Marilyn Branzetti)
My husband and I divorced over religious reasons. He thought he was God and I didn’t.
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
Some people are alive only because it’s illegal to kill them.
I don’t suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.
Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.
____________________________________________________________________________________MASSACHUSETTS TRIVIA QUIZ
Subject: Sports & Leisure
(Answers on page 6)
1. What Celtic great is ranked next to Wilt Chamberlain with a life-time 21,620 rebounds?
2. What Patriot won The Bert Bell Memorial Trophy in 1971?
3. How many times did Bill Russell win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award?
4. How many assists did Bob Cousy have?
5. Whom did Harvard beat in their only Rose Bowl appearance in 1920?
6. In what category have Jackie Jensen, Dick Stuart, and Jim Rice led the American League?
7. In 1941 Boston College beat Tennessee in what famous bowl game?
8. What two years did Boston College go to the Cotton Bowl?
9. What tool did Bob Stanley use to crush beach balls near the Red Sox bull pen?
10. What is the nickname of the Boston University football team?
____________________________________________________________________________________HANGIN’ IN
(by our own Bob Silverberg)
As many,many years go by,
There are things that I have found
That take me somewhat longer,
Just to get me off the ground.
In earlier days “Rise & Shine”
Had never been a chore.
When I’d awake I’d hit the deck,
And put on what I wore.
For getting into clothes back then
Took no more than a minute.
But now I tug, and twist, and pull,
Just to get me to fit in it.
And if I slept all through the night -
But that’s not guaranteed -
To get both feet square on the ground
Becomes a challenged deed.
Yet when I take the extra time
I still can make the grade.
(with glasses, meds, the false tooth plate,
And, of course my hearing aid.)
Sometimes when it’s all together,
I can still create a buzz.
But must admit the older I get
The better man I was
-January 2008
____________________________________________________________________________________Answers to THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIVIA QUIZ
...on page 5
1. Bill Russell
2. Jim Plunkett
3. Five
4. 6,955
5. Oregon
6. Runs batted in
7. Sugar Bowl
8. 1940 & 1985
9. A rake
10. Terriers
____________________________________________________________________________________LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
You can subnit a "Letter to the Editor" and have your voice read by not only the members of our chapter but across the Northeast, the rest of the country...and the world!
Heart to Heart is sent to newsletter editors of the various Northeast Chapters as well as across the country and around the world via our website: www.capecodmendedhearts.com
Send letters to ccmhi@cocmcast.net
____________________________________________________________________________________SEAT belts are not as Confining as wheel chairs
____________________________________________________________________________________WHAT IS CARDIAC REHABILITATION?
Cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) is a professionally supervised program to help people recover from heart attacks, heart surgery, and percutaneous coronary intervention procedures such as stenting and Angioplasty. Cardiac rehab programs usually provide education and counseling services to help heart patients increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems, including heart
attacks.
WHO NEEDS A CARDIAC REHAB PROGRAM
Many people of all ages who have heart conditions can benefit from a cardiac rehab program. You may benefit if you have or have had a:
- heart attack
- heart condition, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), angina, or heart failure
- heart procedure or surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, angioplasty, stenting, valve replacement, or a pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD).
WHAT KINDS OF SERVICES DO PROGRAMS OFFER?
Programs often include:
- A medical evaluation to figure out your needs and limitations. The medical staff uses this information to tailor a rehabilitation program for you and help set goals.
- A physical activity program tailored to your needs. Training often starts in a group setting where your HR and BP are monitored during physical activity. You learn how to check your HR and your level (intensity) of activity. Later you work up to more intense aerobic activity on a treadmill or exercise bike.
- Counseling & education to help you understand your condition and how to manage it. You may work with a dietician to create a healthy eating plan. If you smoke, you may get counseling on how to stop. Counseling may also help you cope with depression, anger and stress during your recovery.
- Support and training to help you return to work or your normal activities and to help you learn to manage your heart condition.
HOW LONG DO PEOPLE ATTEND CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAMS?
Your rehabilitation plan is designed to meet your needs. You may need six weeks, six months, or longer to learn how to manage your condition and develop healthier habits. Many programs last only 3 months, but some continue for years.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING A SUPERVISED CARDIAC REHAB. PROGRAM?
- Regular physical activity helps your heart and the rest of your body get stronger and work better. Physical activity improves your energy level and lifts your spirits. It also reduces your chances of future heart problems, including heart attack.
- Counseling and education can help you quit smoking, eat right, lose weight, and lower your BP and cholesterol levels. Counseling may also help you learn to manage stress and to feel better about your health.
- You have the advise of close supervision of doctors and nurses to help you improve your health and lower your risk of future problems. These doctors and nurses can also communicate with your primary care doctor or your cardiologist.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT PROGRAMS IN MY COMMUNITY?
Your doctor may refer you to a program or you can ask your doctor or nurse for a recommendation. Hospitals often offer cardiac rehabilitation programs. So do some community groups, such as your local senior or civic centers. Cardiac rehab. Is often covered by health plans and Medicare for the first two to three months.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN PICKING A PROGRAM
- Time: Is the program offered at a time you can be there?
- Place: Is the program easy to get to?
- Services: Does the program offer the services you need?
- Setting: Is it a group or individual program? Is it in a facility or will you do most of your physical activity at home?
- Cost: Can you afford it? Is it covered by your health plan or Medicare?
LOSE YOUR BELLY FAT
Source: Pages
Most often, it starts about age 40. You aren’t eating more or exercising less but you are accumulating fat around the middle.
Dr. Pamela Peake of the University of Maryland says the flow of fat from our arms, legs & hips to our stomachs is a natural part of aging. Before that estrogen in women and testosterone in men keep it away from the abdomen. Some advice for reducing abdominal fat:
- Don’t be a stress eater. Stress influences where fat is deposited, according to the University of California, San Francisco, Center for Obesity Assessment.
- Increase muscle mass. It decreases each year after 30. Studies show that lifting weights and strength training in people age 50 and over resulted in a 10%-15% decrease in belly fat. Doing aerobic exercise also helps but not as much.
- Only eat the good stuff. That means lean meat & fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like those in olive oil and fish oils.
(“Cardiac Rehabilitation” Contributed by the generous submission of THE HEART OF THE MATTER – Newsletter of Chapter #276 – Scranton, PA – Jack Walsh , Editor)
____________________________________________________________________________________Members of Chapter #315 Present Christmas gifts to the Coronary Care Unit Nurses of the Cape Cod Hospital
Back in 2002 when the Cape Cod Chapter #315 was incorporated, the Charter Members made a promise to the Cape Cod Hospital. Should there be money left after all bills were paid and the following year had start-up money allocated, whatever monies were left would be used to buy items the Coronary Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU) and the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) needed but the hospital budgets did not include.
Last year (2007) CSICU was presented with a microwave unit and two walkman C/D Player. This year (2008) the CCU was presented with a three handset wireless phone and a mini radio – C/D Player. These gifts were provided in conjunction with the ongoing accredited visitor program of the local chapter.
Needless to say, these items were gratefully accepted by the two hospital departments and were used to help make the patients more comfortable while they recuperated after their treatment.
The patients, too, were grateful to use these items during their stays.
____________________________________________________________________________________Santa Claus had it right, visit people only once a year. – Victor Borge
Be careful about reading health books, you may die of a misprint. – Mark Twain
____________________________________________________________________________________PERKS OF BEING OVER 50
(Contributed by Marilyn Branzetti)
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask, Did I wake you???
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won’t wear out.
8. You can eat supper at 4:00 pm.
9. You can live without sex, but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won’t get much worse.
____________________________________________________________________________________INVOLVEMENT
from the National Mended Hearts Newsletter
As a nation during this presidential campaign season, the candidates are talking about involvement and change. Why? Each candidate is seeking volunteers who will travel from state to state, spend their time and money to convince a fellow citizen to cast a favorable vote. This is all well and good because each of the individuals is involved in a task that is the backbone of our government – individual voting. Involved volunteers often hold the key to success for a candidate. Additionally, the voter is actively involved gleaning all the facts about the candidates, making a choice and then casting a ballot. This task is now complete and in most cases will be thought about for 4 years.
There is another campaign going on that is in full swing each and every day that includes trying to convince citizens to be involved and to change. This campaign needs volunteers and spokespersons just like the election campaign. The leader of this campaign is Mended Hearts, Inc. and it is fighting a battle, very personal to some, to convince each citizen to be more heart health conscious. This is a nationwide, even international campaign, with many offices (chapters) throughout our land and in Canada. Volunteers of Mended Hearts, Inc. from national to local chapters are comprised of heart patients, their families, and caregivers who are dedicated to the mission of convincing people in their local area about heart health. Unlike casting a ballot and then forgetting about the process; this decision for a heart-health lifestyle has to be remade each day.
To make informed decisions each day one must be mindful of the ever changing food industry, recommended exercise routines, heart medication, work environment, and personal and family relationships. To help with gathering this information, each chapter conducts informative programs at their meetings to provide the facts to consider. The doctors and nurses have done their job; however, outcome of their skilled work lies in the patient’s daily decision to follow a heart-health lifestyle.
Chapter #315 extends a personal invitation to all the citizens in Barnstable County to join us promoting heart health. You may start by attending our meetings, gleaning the facts and volunteering to help.
Our next meeting is March 20,2008 at 4:00PM. In the Martins’ Conference Room on the second floor of the Cape Cod Hospital. Refreshments will be served.
Our Chapter is looking forward to seeing you there and enjoying your fellowship as we work for improved heart health in Barnstable County.
____________________________________________________________________________________I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: “No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.” - Eleanor Roosevelt (contributed by Ed Harris)
____________________________________________________________________________________