Heart Murmurs Online Newsletter
January 2010

JANUARY 25th EDUCATION MEETING

The guest speaker for the January 25th Self Help meeting is Dr. Harb Sandhar, one of Canada’s foremost specialists in Homeopathic Medicine and Therapeutics.  He arrived in Canada in 1971, holds diplomas and degrees in medicine, theology, and homeopathic sciences.  A leader in his profession and a contributor to the betterment of all peoples, he will deliver a brief presentation about Homeopathy - what is it? and how does it work?  Time for questions and discussions will be provided afterwards.

He is a recipient of several awards of distinction - both academic and honorary.  He has received the Golden Grand Medal from the Alfred Schweitzer Foundation (1995) and was a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary Foundation International.  He has authored numerous publications and texts for Homeopathic Medical Colleges (1990 -2004) and is presently in the process of opening a world class allergy centre in Haryana State.

THE 2010 CASE WEIGHT CHALLENGE

On January 14th, twenty eight members weighed in for the 2010 Weight Challenge.  The person who loses the greatest percentage of their initial body weight by May 13 wins the Challenge.  If you want to compete for the fabulous prizes (and better health) there is a $5.00 entry fee and your initial weigh in must be recorded before the end of  January! 

Regular weigh-ins to check your progress are scheduled for February 11, March 11, and April 8 with final standings determined at the May 13 weigh in. 

For the participants information we are also calculating their Body Mass Index and changes over the period of the Challenge.   It is safe to say that most of us could stand to lose a few pounds. 

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Sixty one members enjoyed a hearty Christmas Dinner of turkey and ham with all the trimmings on Sunday December 6.  Lots of conversation, glasses of wine (and other beverages) made for an enjoyable afternoon and evening.  It seems likely that a few ounces of the weight we are trying to lose through the Challenge may have been gained at the Christmas party.

TIME TO PAY UP!

Annual dues are now payable to CASE on, or before, February 1, 2010. 

The basic dues are $15.00 for all members (exercise and social) and an additional $138 if you are participating in the exercise program.  Thus, for exercise members fees total $151.00 for 2010.  The fees should be paid to CASE.  Ron Kirschner will take cheques or cash in payment of the fees. 

It should be noted that all exercise members must annually update their MEDICAL FORM before the fees are paid.  Even if there have not been any changes in medications, the form must be signed again and dated in 2010 with a note that there have not been any changes.  The forms are available on the stage at the front of the gymnasium at each exercise session.

HEARTS AND FLOWERS

Jack Mathew, a long time member of the self help portion of CASE, passed away November 21, 2009 at age 88.

Hari Saraswat passed away on December 23 at age 65.  Hari had recently joined CASE and was an active exercise member.  He had joined the Executive of CASE at the 2009 Annual General Meeting and Chaired the Hearts and Flowers Committee.  We will all miss his happy attitude and active participation in all our CASE activities.

If you are aware of any member who is ill, confined to their home, or hospitalized, please e-mail this information info@edmontoncase.org or call 780 434-1349, Phil Bradshaw at 780 434-1349 or Glen Gregory at 780 434-3336.

FIRST AID FOR CHOKING EMERGENCIES

The November 30 Education Session, provided by Sarah Casper from St. John Ambulance discussed providing primary first aid to choking victims.  Since some of the techniques are similar to aiding to heart attack victims, the information proved valuable to all of us.

A choking victim's first instinct may be to leave the room from embarrassment, not wanting to 'make a scene'.   They are unable to speak, initially turning red and then blue as oxygen in the blood decreases.

Approach the victim and ask if they need help and offer to provide first aid.  If they agree then you are no longer liable as long as you do not attempt to do more than what you know and are trained to do.

You should get behind the choking victim and find the top of their hips and wrap your arms around them just below the belly-button.  Make a fist with one hand and grasp the wrist of that hand and administer repeated abdominal thrusts until the object choking them is dislodged or the victim loses consciousness.  Your position for administering abdominal thrust is such that one of your legs is placed between theirs and your other leg braced behind you so that, if they lose consciousness, you can take their weight and ease them down to the ground. 

The  motion to use for the abdominal thrust is like a "J".  Pull inwards and upwards to create a force that will expel the object that the victim is choking on.

If the victim loses consciousness, or has lost consciousness before you arrive, you should immediately contact 911 for assistance.  The next step is to determine if the airway is blocked.  Tilt the head and lift the chin, seal the nose and give two rescue breaths to see if their chest is rising.  If the air is not entering the chest, the choking blockage is still present.  You should then proceed to give chest compressions. 

Place the 'heel' of your hand approximately on the midpoint of the chest and interlock the fingers of one hand into the other.  Kneel beside the victim, and using your weight, with straight arms push down firmly at a rate of approximately 100 times per minute.  After every 30 compressions check for breathing blockage again by giving two 'rescue breaths' and determine if the victim has started to breathe on their own.  If the airway is still blocked continue the cycles of compressions and rescue breathing until help arrives or you, and any others assisting you, are no longer able to physically perform the compressions and the rescue breathing.

If the chest is rises and falls when you give rescue breaths, the unconscious victim is not choking but may be experiencing another emergency. 

Some internet links on CPR and Chest Compressions that are helpful: 
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r7haVfZXek 

                        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RppywN6dZQ0&feature=related

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Notes:  SEESA:                 The South East Edmonton Seniors Assoc.     address is 9350 82nd Street, Edmonton

                ASFD:                    The Alberta School for the Deaf                      address is 6240-113 Street, Edmonton

                Malmo:                 Malmo Community League                             address is 11525 48th Avenue Edmonton