Magazine Summer 2009 ÂŁ2 Free to members
here to help Affiliated to the British Heart Foundation and Arrhythmia Alliance - The Heart Rhythm Charity
POOLE HEART SUPPORT GROUP Head Office: Poole Community Health Centre Shaftesbury Road, Poole BH15 2NT Telephone: 01202 683363 ext. 133 (9am-4pm answerphone) Telephone manned Mondays and Thursdays: 1.30-3.30pm Web site address: www.poolehsg.org.uk PRESIDENT Dr. A.A MCLEOD V. PRESIDENTS: ROBERT PAYNE, MAGGIE RICHARDSON, JIM WAINE (01202 871532) GEOFFREY WALKER, DIANE BRUCE.
PHSG COMMITTEE KEITH MATTHEWS DAVID ANDERSON RITA HOLMES ROBIN PRINGLE ALAN BRISTOW GARY LEE JAN MESHER PAM BAILEY DON BAILEY GEORGE WILKINSON GERRY WRIGHT VACANCY
Chairman keith@poolehsg.org.uk. 01202 855001 Secretary david@poolehsg.org.uk.01202 697376 Treasurer rita@poolehsg.org.uk. 01202 743960 Exercise Coordinator robin@poolehsg.org.uk. 01202 884250 Magazine Editor/Liaison alan@poolehsg.org.uk. 01202 694886 Social Secretary gary@poolehsg.org.uk. 01202 722814 Office jan@poolehsg.org.uk. 01202 250108 BHF Rep. 01202 574944 Member 01202 574944 Member 01202 740374 Purbeck Member gerry@poolehsg.org.uk. 01929 421864 Want your name here? Please see a committee member!
If you know a member who is ill, please tell us by contacting Mavis Terry, Welfare Support, on 01202 874760 or mavis@poolehsg.org.uk
OTHER CONTACTS MAX SMITH Website max@poolehsg.org.uk 01202 676601 DEREK POPE Computer Club/Data base derek@poolehsg.org.uk 01202 889070 DAVID LLOYD Publicity davidp@poolehsg.org.uk 01202 697179 GEORGE O’LEARY PHSG shirts george@poolehsg.org.uk 01202 743978 CYRIL MARTIN Walking Group 01202 733956 Please send magazine articles to Alan Bristow, 60 West Way, Broadstone BH18 9LS editor@poolehsg.org.uk Tel. 01202 694886 Magazines are published 1st March, 1st June, 1st September and 1st December. Last date for articles to Editor is 10th day of month before publication.
Dates for your Diary - Meetings and Social Events - Please see page 19 Page 2
Chairman’s Letter
Hello, I am your new Chairman and I am pleased to have been elected to that post at the recent AGM, with the full support of our founder, Jim Waine, and all the committee. I still tend to think of myself as one of the new members, but I realise I’ve been active in PHSG for nearly five years ! I’ve had a few stays in hospital back then and have direct experience of both Bournemouth and the Poole CCU and the rehab programmes of both hospitals. I exercise at Canford, organise the Cycling Group and drop into the Computer Club from time to time. You’ll generally find me at the monthly Thursday talks too. I’ll try to drop into some other groups if time permits. That may have to wait until I retire in September ! I’m looking forward to helping PHSG continue its good work. See you around ! Keith Matthews Page 3
Cardiology News from Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Dear Friends, It’s good to have the opportunity to update you all again and against the back drop of spring which is always a good time of year and holds so much promise of hopefully a lovely summer ahead. We are about to put on an additional 3rd pacemaker insertion list per week to meet the demands of the service since we commenced last year which is excellent and will of course reduce waiting lists. Also Picture: www.bellawest.co.uk we have had no pacemaker infections due to insertion over the period, and we use a mild sedation during the procedure to help the patient relax which is innovatory and has proved a great success. We have also as part of the cardiac rehabilitation service worked in partnership with the British Red Cross through one of our quality service group members, Dr Isobel Smart, who is President of Dorset Red Cross, to run first aid courses for family and friends of cardiac patients. The course has proved a great success and members of the Heart Support Group came to the launch course and more are planned. With regard to our bid to become a Practice Development Unit for Cardiology and Medicine with the University of Bournemouth, we had our final health check before going for accreditation on the 29th April. The university representative came to see our service and projects from the staff and to look to see if we were ready. She was extremely impressed and had nothing but positive comments. Alan Bristow also met her over coffee, to talk about the Quality Service Group and she was delighted with our public/patient involvement - Alan did a great job of selling us! Hopefully we can now go for full accreditation at the end of June, which will recognise us as a centre of excellence. I will keep you all informed of progress, it will be a real feather in our cap and key to this has been the strong links we have with all of you through our Quality Service Group which I know will now continue to go from strength to strength. It has been really good to have members of the Quality Service Group accompany me on Matron’s rounds. It has set a clear sign to patients and relatives that we do listen to them and take action. I have really enjoyed showing every one around and the staff also have appreciated the involvement too. I am immensely proud of the service and staff and therefore its good to let people see what we do. One of the key comments made by the members of the group as they visited the wards was how clean they were. I have passed this on to the cleaning managers and also the staff themselves, as all care is a team effort. I look forward to speaking to you all again soon and giving you a lecture in November, until then have a healthy and happy summer.
Lighten pic
Matron Geoffrey Walker, Cardiology and Medicine Page 4
Heart News with Dr. Christopher Boos Dear All I am delighted to say that we started our Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) Service on the 12 March 2009. This is a unique, once weekly, service that is unavailable in most hospitals across the UK. So what is CPET ? Well, it is now the ‘gold standard’ objective tool for the evaluation of cardiopulmonary function and fitness. It is an entirely non-invasive and objective method of assessing integrative exercise responses involving the pulmonary, cardiovascular and skeletal muscle systems, which are not adequately reflected through the measurement of individual organ system function, such as with an echocardiogram and cardiac MRI or with routine treadmill testing. At Poole we have acquired a ‘state of the art system’. What does this test involve you might well ask? After taking a brief history, patients will undergo measurement of their height, weight and body mass index. This followed by baseline spirometry to assess for any resting breathing limitation. Patients are then exercised on either the bicycle or treadmill. During exercise patients will have either a mouthpiece or face mask fitted (which directly measures gas exchange) connected to the metabolic cart and gas analyser (see image). An enormous number of measurements are assessed and include continuous 12 lead ECG analysis, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing reserve, oxygen consumption and saturations etc. A typical protocol will consist of at least 1 minute of resting assessment (ECG and simultaneous gas analysis) followed by 1-3 minutes of electronically unbraked bicycling or gentle treadmill assessment followed then by full exercise (typically 5-11 minutes) specifically tailored for the patients capabilities. The entire test from arrival to full completion takes 30-40 minutes with an immediately available report. The uses for CPET are numerous and include, objective pre-operative risk and disability assessment, investigation of breathlessness, diagnosis of coronary artery disease and heart failure risk stratification to name just a few. I look forward to leading the expansion of this really exciting and new service. Page 5
Exercise News
SPOTLIGHT ON..................Images I have been asked to write a bit about myself and the fitness groups I teach at Images Gym. I took over the circuit classes from Lesley over six years ago, although it really doesn’t feel that long. Over that time I have seen many faces come and go but what has never changed is the happy and supportive attitude of the exercisers! I teach about 25 fitness classes a week, two of which are for the Heart Support Group, and they are definitely two of my favourites. When I sat and considered what I do in my spare time, I realised that fitness seems to account for nearly all of it. I run my own Pilates business which, despite the economic climate, is busier than ever. Much of how we all communicate these days is carried out by text messaging and e-mails so I never really feel that I am ‘out of the office’. I also realised that I absolutely love my career, which is both rewarding and fun. My two children are now teenagers, the elder of whom is hoping to become a doctor and has just started volunteer work at Poole Hospital. I asked everyone at Images if they had anything they wished to say about themselves for the article but they are a shy bunch. I did threaten to make things up about them but they are fit as well so I decided not to!! The exercise times at Images Gym on Parr Street, Ashley Cross are: Wednesday 11-12pm and Friday 11-12pm, and we look forward to meeting any one wishing to join us. Paula Trowbridge (www.poolebaypilates.co.uk)
Does your garden look a little tired? Can’t manage your garden like you used to?
General Garden Maintenance at reasonable rates
Susan Arnold — 01202 399529 Page 6
5K Healthlink Walk – Sunday 5th April. This year another beautiful day and another 45 keen members descended upon Bournemouth beach ready to complete the 5k walk. The route took us from Bournemouth Pier to just past Boscombe Pier and back. John Jones was again our first finisher, beating his previous time by 1 minute. Well done John! Everyone made it over the finish line safely within the hour – so well done to all! This year we have raised £420 in sponsorship money for The British Heart Foundation. Many, many thanks to all those who kindly donated. Roll on next year! Jenni Sweetlove (instructor) The Practice Development Unit (PDU) Quality Service Group PHSG has a voice on the group representing Heart Support Group members. This exciting group, under the very capable chairmanship of Geoffrey Walker, Matron Cardiology and Medicine, really gets things done! Positive changes are made to hospital procedures, as a result of patient feedback given to PHSG patient representatives. All PHSG members can feed back information to Poole Hospital in complete confidence about their treatment. So if you want to say anything good or bad about your experience in Poole Cardiac Unit, or its related departments, please forward your comments. You can comment by e-mail, letter, telephone, or via the web-site. All information will be treated in confidence. Looking forward to hearing from you. Alan Bristow e-mail alan@poolehsg.org.uk. Jim Waine e-mail jim@poolehsg.org.uk.
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P O Box 3697 Stratford Upon Avon Warwickshire CV37 8YL T: +44 (0) 1789 450787 F: +44 (0) 1789 450682
Promoting better understanding, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for individuals suffering with cardiac arrhythmia Arrhythmia Alliance (A-A), The Heart Rhythm Charity, is a coalition of patients, carers, patient groups, independent medical professionals, medical groups, charitable organisations and allied professionals. Whilst maintaining their independence, members work together under the A-A umbrella to promote better understanding, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for individuals with cardiac arrhythmias. We at Arrhythmia Alliance, are delighted to have Poole Heart Support Group as an affiliated patient group, and are pleased to offer the following opportunities to all members: T Involvement in relevant projects and campaigns T Involvement in the annual Arrhythmia Awareness Week and Heart Rhythm Congress T Free membership and medically endorsed literature T Opportunity to advertise events, conferences and meetings on Arrhythmia Alliance website and e-bulletins T Links and contacts with other organisations T Arrhythmia Alliance representation at events/meetings T Funding advice and activity ideas
Heart Rhythm Congress 2008 In October 2008, Arrhythmia Alliance and HRUK held the third annual Heart Rhythm Congress at The Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel – the largest event of its kind in the UK. Over 2,600 delegates attended HRC, an event which brought together all those with an interest in arrhythmias including medical and allied professionals, cardiac networks, patient groups and industry. Page 8
The Patients’ Day provided an unprecedented opportunity for patients and carers to meet and liaise directly with medical professionals, to pose relevant questions and gain a greater insight into developing technologies and techniques regarding their condition; information which is not otherwise readily available or accessible.
Heart Rhythm Congress 2009 Building on the last year’s success, the following sessions are planned for HRC 2009: Sunday 18th October – Patients’ Day Arrhythmia Alliance T Atrial Fibrillation Association T STARS In addition to these patient group meetings, there will also be the HRUK Certificate of Accreditation Course Core Section. Monday 19th October HRUK Certificate of Accreditation Course T Devices T Oral Abstracts T Syncope T Advanced Devices T Hands-on Devices T AFA Science T Moderated Posters Tuesday 20th October Basic Sciences T Young Research Worker Prize T Advanced EP T Arrhythmia Surgery T Allied Professionals T Paediatric EP T Heart Improvement Programme T Genetics T Primary Care Day Wednesday 21st October Cases & Traces T Advanced EP T HRUK Certificate of Accreditation Course - EP T Advanced Devices T Oral Abstracts To register and get full details please visit: www.heartrhythmcongress.com or contact Ben on 01789 450787. “Feel the Beat to Beat the Stroke” Over one million people in the UK have been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) – the most common of all arrhythmias and directly responsible for at least 12,000 strokes in the UK per annum. Appropriate and correctly monitored anticoagulation with Warfarin can reduce the risk of stroke by 64% in those at high risk. Yet evidence suggests that AF is often left undetected and that at least 20% of patients, who should be anticoagulated with Warfarin, are not. Detection of AF is simple and inexpensive – feel the pulse, is it ticking like a clock? If not, visit your Doc! So, we need your help! Atrial Fibrillation Association is joining with Arrhythmia Alliance to support Arrhythmia Awareness Week (8th June-14th June 2009). Please join the campaign to make people more ‘pulse aware’, and ultimately save unnecessary suffering. ‘Pass on a Pack’, ‘Leave a Leaflet’ or ‘Present a Poster’ Contact Jo at info@atrial-fibrillation.org.uk or call 01789 451837, to order Page 9 free awareness materials.
Biventricular pacemakers The heart consists of four chambers. The top two chambers are called atria and the bottom pumping chambers are the ventricles. Normally, the ventricles pump together in a synchronised manner. However, when a person develops heart failure, a condition where the muscle of the heart is damaged or diseased and does not work efficiently, this synchronisation may deteriorate, leading to an unsynchronised pumping action. Heart failure can lead to many symptoms, including shortness of breath and lethargy. Most people with heart failure will be taking medication to treat their heart failure but some people can be limited by their symptoms, despite taking regular medication. A biventricular pacemaker is designed to assist medication in improving symptoms by synchronising the bottom chambers of the heart to pump together.
A biventricular pacemaker is a specialised kind of pacemaker. Conventionally pacemakers can have one or two leads, which are placed in the top and bottom right hand chambers of the heart. A biventricular pacemaker has an additional lead positioned behind the left hand chamber of the heart. By stimulating both the bottom chambers all the time the heart pumps in a more synchronised and efficient manner. This treatment is also known as cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT-P) and has been shown to improve symptoms of heart failure and a person’s quality of life. Page 10
NICE, the national institute of clinical excellence, provides guidance based on available evidence to help the NHS decide who should have a biventricular pacemaker. NICE guidelines (2007) recommend CRT-P as a treatment option for patients with heart failure who fulfil a strict criteria Following the insertion of a biventricular pacemaker, patients should be able to return to their normal activities after a short convalescence period. During the initial month such things as swimming and golf should be avoided, but following this, the pacemaker should not prevent the patient from undertaking physical activity or travelling normally. Driving can be recommenced after one week of the fitting under DVLA guidelines and the DVLA and your insurance company need to be informed. After having a biventricular pacemaker fitted, regular follow up appointments with cardiac physiologists occur. During these appointments a programmer is held over the site of the device. This allows the physiologist to assess the settings and measure the battery life. Batteries are never allowed to run down completely! The battery life is normally approximately 5 years. All patients are given a pacemaker ID card which they should always carry with them at all times. At Bournemouth Hospital, all patients who have a biventricular pacemaker fitted meet an arrhythmia nurse specialist who can supply support and information. Sharon Cassidy Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist
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Computer Club Computers . . . Childs Play !
The computer club meets each month in Seminar Room 1 of the Postgraduate Centre at Poole Hospital. Meetings run from 7:15 pm to 9:00 pm and are normally on the second Tuesday of each month. The remaining meetings for 2009 are on June 9th, July 14th, August 11th, September 8th, October 13th, November 10th and December 8th. Most meetings start with a discussion of problems but we are also interested in looking at software we haven’t used before, and picking up tips and techniques for making life easier. We have thirty people on the membership list, but no more than a handful have turned up to meetings since the club restarted. Do come along to join us, we are a friendly bunch and always ready to welcome new members. If you have a laptop machine of your own, please feel free to bring it with you. Laptops Wanted We have seven old laptops available for computer club meetings, though one of those will only run Windows 95. If anyone has an old laptop machine they are no longer using, we would be very happy to take it from you. Obviously working machines would be preferred, but we can always try Page 12
The Jackaroo A Queensland jackaroo is overseeing his herd in remote territory when suddenly a brand-new BMW advances out of a dust cloud towards him. The driver, a young man in a designer suit, Gucci shoes, Ray Ban sunglasses and YSL tie, leans out the window and asks the cowboy, ‘If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, will you give me a calf?’ The jackaroo looks at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looks at his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, ‘Sure, why not?’ The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell notebook computer, connects it to his RAZR V3 cell phone, and surfs to a NASA page on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite navigation system to get an exact fix on his location which he then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an ultra-high-resolution photo. The young man then opens the digital photo in Adobe Photoshop and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg, Germany. Within seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot that the image has been processed and the data stored. He then accesses a MS-SQL database through an ODBC connected Excel Spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry and, after a few minutes, receives a response. Finally, he prints out a full-colour, 150-page report on his hi-tech, miniaturized HP LaserJet printer and finally turns to the cowboy and says, ‘You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves.’ ‘That’s right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves,’ says the Jackaroo. He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on amused as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car. Then the Jackaroo says to the young man, ‘Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf? The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, ‘Okay why not?’ ‘You work for the Australian Government’, says the Jackaroo. ‘Wow! That’s correct,’ says the yuppie, ‘but how did you guess that?’ ‘No guessing required.’ answered the jackaroo. ‘You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You used all kinds of expensive equipment that clearly somebody else paid for, You tried to show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don’t know a thing about cows, this is a herd of sheep. Now give me back my dog.
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HOW TO FORWARD AN E-MAIL CORRECTLY Do you really know how to forward emails correctly? 50% of people do, but 50% do not! Do you ever wonder why you get viruses or junk mail? When you forward an email, if you don’t delete unwanted names and addresses left over from people who got the message before you, the list of previous names and addresses grows. All it takes is for one computer in the chain to have a virus and that computer can send the virus to every other email address. Or someone can take all those names and addresses and sell them to people on the make, or send junk mail to them in the hope that you will go to the site and they will make some money. So how do you stop these things happening? Well, there are several easy ways and all it takes is a little effort, rather than be lazy and do nothing! (1) When you forward an email, DELETE all of the other addresses that appear in the body of the message. That’s right, DELETE them! There are several ways you can do this, it’s up to you which one you chose. Highlight them and delete them, or backspace them, or cut them, whatever you find easier to do. It only takes a second. You MUST click the ‘Forward’ button first. Then you will be able to fully edit the message. If you don’t click on ‘Forward’ first, you won’t be able to edit the message. (2) Whenever you send an email to more than one person, do NOT use the To: or cc:fields for adding email addresses. Always use the BCC: (Blind carbon copy) field for listing the email addresses. By doing this, the people you send to will only see their own email address. If you don’t see your BCC: option, click on where it says To: and your address list will appear. Highlight the address and choose BCC: and that’s it. When you send to BCC: the message will automatically say ‘Undisclosed Recipients’ in the’‘To:’ field of the people who receive it. (3) Remove any ‘Fw:’ in the subject line. You can re-name the subject if you wish or even change the spelling. (4) ALWAYS hit your ‘Forward’ button from the actual email you are reading. Ever get those emails where you have to open 10 pages to read the one page that you want? Page 14
By forwarding from the actual page that you wish someone to see, you stop them having to open many emails just to see what you have sent. (5) Have you ever received an email that is a petition? It asks you to add your name and address and forward it to a number of people, or sometimes your entire address book. The email can be forwarded many times and can collect thousands of names and email addresses. The completed petition is worth money to a professional spammer because of the wealth of valid names and email addresses. If you want to support the petition, send it as your own personal letter to the intended recipient. Your effort may carry more weight as a personal letter than on a laundry list of names and email addresses on a petition. And don’t believe the ones that claim that the email is being traced, it just ain’t so. (6) Before you forward an ‘Amber Alert’ or ‘Virus Alert’ or some of the other ones floating around these days, check them out before forwarding. Most of them are junk mail that’s been circulating the internet for years! Just about everything you receive in an email can be checked out at http://www.snopes.com/ It’s so easy to find out if it’s real. If it’s not, please don’t pass it on. So please don’t be lazy. With a little care and effort, we can all stop junk mail and viruses. You know it makes sense! Courtesy of Hearts and Minds – The Hertbeats Newsletter Do you have computer problems? We can resolve your problems for you. Are you unsure what you are doing, do you need assistance, a helping hand or training? We can assist with home PC security, internet connection problems, advice and installation of Broadband, PC networks and supply and/or installation of secure wireless networks in your house. We undertake virus, spyware and ad-ware removal and can supply or install security programs to make your PC safe. Is your old PC slow, is it worth upgrading? We provide impartial advice and can perform upgrades or help with any new PC purchase and accessory quotes. We supply new PCs, install, configure your system and can transfer your existing data. Why not give us a call! Contact Efficiency Solutions — Jeff on 01202 741881 Page 15
Alternative Dictionary
A to C
These words and suggested alternative meanings are intended to be amusing and not cause offence. Please advise your suggestions for words you would like added to the list. ABACUS - Swedish swear word ABSCOND - Steal someone’s cream tea AEROBIC - Chocolate ballpoint pen ALGEBRA - Bra made of kelp ANTELOPE - To run off with your mothers sister APERITIF - Cockney dentures AROMATIC - Auto-loading crossbow ARSON - To sit down ARTEFACT - Pretentious statistic ARTISTRY - History of art ASBESTOS - Greek Anti-Social Behaviour Order ARIZONA - The person to whom Harry belongs BACTERIA - Returning more upset BALTIMORE - Seconds in an Indian restaurant BALONEY - Longer skirt length BANSHEE - Gentleman’s club BELIEVE - Time off for bees BICYCLE - Double-headed corn cutter BIGAMIST - Larger than usual fog BIOSPHERE - To purchase a ball BOOMERANG - Show displeasure to a dessert BORDELLO - Blasé greeting BOUTIQUE - Starting kind of hardwood BURGOMASTER - Boss of fast food restaurant CABBAGE - Taxi driver parlance CANNIBAL - Geordie missile CANTANKEROUS - Chain of shops that sell tanks CANTILEVER - A speed controller on a horse CAPSIZE - Usually about seven and a quarter inches CASHEW - Nut that makes you sneeze CAUTERISE - Serious squint CHILDHOOD -Very young criminal Courtesy Upbeat Heart CHINCHILLA - Beard cooler Support Group Magazine CIRCUMNAVIGATOR - Jewish sailor Page 16
The walking group met at Pamphill & Cowgrove on Saturday 2nd May for a walk organized by our excellent walking group co-ordinator Cyril Martin, and Janette, (with her whistle). As Cyril said in the walking book that he produces each year “After checking, I think this is the seventh year of organizing the walks - how time flies! We have had good numbers on most of the summer walks, even when the weather was bad. We found some good pubs - two for one, I think this is some of the attraction.” Also I think it’s the standard and quality of the walks that Cyril has found and all the work and checking they both put into the walks that is reflected by the growingnumber of members at each walk and on 2nd May they totalled 32. Many thanks to you both. All the walking group members.
WALKING GROUP
For those who are interested in the Walking Group, we walk every 10 days on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 to 5 miles. Some of us round off the day’s walk with a Pub lunch – Pleasure after pain! If you require more information or the Walking Book (£3) please contact me on 01202-733956. Cyril - Walks Co-ordinator. Page 17
Recent Social Events 19th February – Wireless in Wartime – A talk by John Symonds John kept us amused and enthralled by how the man in the street was served a diet of humour and propaganda by the BBC radio programmes, to keep up morale. Only one household in six had a radio. When war was declared in 1939, the TV service was closed and places of entertainment, including theatres, cinemas, sport and any large gatherings were banned, but churches were allowed to remain open. People were encouraged to avoid large crowds for their safety and encouraged to listen to the radio. Alan
19th March - The Power of Humour - a talk by Nick Thomas “The Power of Humour in Everyday Life” turned out to be a very good talk enjoyed by an audience of more than 40 people. It was good to hear a lot of anecdotal humour and some serious comment, with no objectionable smut, and have a good laugh and titter – very good for the soul! I’m sure I speak for everyone in the audience that it was a very enjoyable evening. Gary
24th April - Skittles Night Six teams of six turned up to do battle at the Broadstone Sports Centre for the team skittles trophy. Roger organised the proceedings and all went well with team ‘A’ winning the competition with a total score of 104, Rose collected the trophy (see below). There were no individuals who managed to score more than 9 skittles in one set of throws and indeed scores of 9 were very sparse. The food provided by the centre was very good value for money with huge platters of chips and bowls of salad being provided, in addition to the ordered meals, though inevitably there were delays in providing food for so many people, exacerbated by equipment problems in the kitchen. We finished the evening with the usual knockout game of ‘Killer’ where four people kept a clean sheet for much of the competition. Jean Allcroft was the eventual winner and she was presented with the knockout cup (see more about this below). A total of £8.50 was collected and will be passed to George O’Leary for the MS Society. There was a little confusion with the cups, the cup initially passed to Rose was actually the knockout cup which was subsequently handed over to Jean. This means that the Skittles cup itself is actually missing. Does anyone have it please? It’s not really valuable but it is all we’ve got as a trophy. Gerry. Page 18
Future PHSG Meetings and Events 11th June – talk – The Development of Kingston Lacy. A talk with slides on the development of Kingston Lacy, since it was bequested the estate in 1982, by John Hallett of the Dorset section of the National Trust. 7.00pm for 7.30pm, Postgraduate Centre, Poole Hospital. Raffle and refreshments to follow. 16th July – Treasure Hunt. A walk around Wimborne visiting features of interest, as directed by a set of clues provided by Jean Robinson. Meet between 6.30pm and 7.00pm at the car park in King Street, Wimborne, opposite the Model Village. Jean will hand out instruction sheets with clues about where to go. At the end of the trail will be a place where refreshments can be purchased. 18th August – The Blueberry Plantation - Sadly this event has been cancelled as there were only 7 people who registered an interest. A minimum of 20 were required to make it a viable visit. 20th August – talk - Waste Water disposal A talk to be given by a member of Wessex Water on the disposal of the waste water products produced by local households and small businesses. Claimed to be much more interesting than we might expect ! 7.00pm for 7.30pm, Postgraduate Centre Poole Hospital. Raffle and refreshments to follow. (this talk replaces the now cancelled Blueberry plantation event). 3rd December – Christmas Party Once again at the Hamworthy Social Club, Canford Magna, with entertainment provided “Mr Pod and the Peas”, after the dinner not during! Booking forms and menus in Autumn Magazine. Put a note in your diary now! NB. The proposed Bath trip resulted in only 14 people showing interest. Thank you to those who did, but sadly there are too few to make it a viable trip at a reasonable cost. Page 19
PHSG Cycling Club 2009 Rides An activity of the Poole Heart Support Group - ALL STARTS at 10:00am
Sunday 21st Jun Meet Layby, north of Wimborne on B3078 – To Blandford return. (18m) Sunday 19th Jul Meet 10 Hill View Rd, Ferndown - “Randonnee Cri de Coeur”(32m) Sunday 23rd Aug Meet Shore Road Sandbanks (Bring Ferry fare) (20m) Rides are about 15 miles long, the rides are open to all members of the PHSG as long as your doctor approves. For help, advice, weather check and bike maintenance call Keith Matthews on 01202 855001 We don’t do RAIN!! If the weather looks “iffy”, call before 9:00am to see if the ride is going ahead. Organisers: David Anderson, David Curtis, Keith Matthews Regularly updated details on www.poolehsg.org.uk and www.bournemouthctc.org
PHSG Cycling Club – February 2009 Ride The February Cycle Ride dawned bright and clear and we met at the car park by the underpass at Ringwood. Where? At least three people phoned to ask where! In the end we had 10 of us harnessing our varied steeds for the ride. We set off along the old railway track into Ringwood and threaded our way north through Poulner and along the edge of the Forest to Fordingbridge. New member Tony Boyer was, frankly, suffering a little bit. He hasn’t been on a bike for a while and maybe bit off a bit too much, but we chatted and encouraged and after the furthest point of the route and back on the route home, I knew he’d be alright. Sixteen miles and a bit achy maybe, but feeling good for it I think. Congratulations all round. The group has a good core of members now who all ride at a similar (slow) pace and we’d like to encourage others to join us. If you feel you’d like to get a bit ”bike fit” then just give me a call at any time and I’ll give you some one-to-one encouragement and advice. Keith Matthews Page 20
BHF 50 Mile Heart Ride Five of the PHSG cycle group met up on the start line at 0900 for the BHF ride on 26th April. Alan Jeffries, David Anderson, Bill Planells, John Wickham and your truly. We all set off together, until I punctured, that is, and the guys went on leaving me with Alan. Shortly after, Mike phoned me to ask where we were, having turned up a bit late. He pedalled fast and caught us up later. We all re-grouped at Wimborne St Giles over nice home-made cakes but then John and Bill decided that 50 miles was too much and cut their ride back to the 30 that they had done. So, the remaining four of us finished more or less together taking just about 5 hours for the ride. Not bad I thought, in view of the bad headwind and the fact that our refreshment stops added up to nearly an hour ! Keith
FOR SALE AND WANTED For Sale - PHSG Shirts. They are grey with our new logo (as on the front cover of this magazine) on the left hand side breast pocket area. The sizes are small, medium, large and extra large in the T-shirts, the Polo shirts and now Sweatshirts. The T-shirts cost £6, the Polo £10 and the Sweatshirts £12.They will be on sale at each social meeting or event and also at Canford School on Mondays and Thursdays. You can contact me, George O’Leary on 01202 743978. email george.oleary@lbsq.org ————————————————————————————————— Wanted -Your old greetings cards/postcards/calendars and used postage stamps. I share these between two charities – The M.S. Society and the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. Both these charities have written thanking PHSG for the support we give them. It’s another way of recycling and at the same time it makes money for two worthwhile causes. DON’T BIN ‘EM – SAVE ‘EM! Also please DO NOT CUT THE STAMPS OFF THE POSTCARDS. THE POSTCARD IS WORTH MORE THAN THE USED STAMP. The M.S. Society makes note pads from these cards. Please contact me at any of the monthly meetings, or at Canford School exercise class each Monday and Thursday. Or phone George O’Leary on 01202 743978. Wanted ––The owners of two china plates I have acquired from ‘Fun and Games’ events at Canford School in December 2007 and 2008. Please contact George O’Leary on 01202 743978. Page 21
Keeping the Grandchildren amused How to slice a banana in half without a knife ! Prepare your banana in private. Carefully pierce the banana, in the middle, with a needle. If there is a dark spot, do it there, as it will help to camouflage the hole. Push the needle right into the banana, but not out the other side. Sweep the needle widely to each side, cutting through the flesh, but not the skin. Be careful to leave the skin intact, everywhere except the needle prick.
Now you can do the trick !
Hold the banana in one hand and say you are going to cut it in two to share. Say “Abracadabra” and make chopping movements with your hand round the seemingly normal banana. Then hand it to the child. When he or she peels it – Shazam !’’– it will be cut in two. Top tip–– Practise first !
ANAGRAM Re-arrange the letters in the clue to find a famous saying: “Stroller on the go, amasses nothing” Answer - page 32
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Across
Crossword by Beppo
2 Distribute evenly (6) 6 Flightless bird (3) 7 Assail (6) 8 Deep division (4) 9 Egg Holder (4) 10 Drinking water? (4) 14 Light haircut (4) 15 Indulgences (6) 16 Horse or badger? (3) 17 Putting some aside (6) Down I Vital organ (5) 2 Blooms associated with 2 across (10) 3 Consumed (5) 4 Chord for closing bag (10) 5 Have a taste for (4) 11 Pro. (5) 12 Greek character (5) 13 Pots (anag) (4)
1
2
3
4
5
6 7 8 9 10
11
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15 16 17
Crossword answers page 30 Page 23
From a Retired Bee-keeper I was pleased to read the article in the PHSG Spring Magazine about the appeal for a Portable Echo Machine, and to see the photo of our Editor standing beside Zoe Nicholson of the BHF. The BHF does a marvellous job, and needs every bit of support it can get. Yes, I do have an “in-vest-ed” interest in it. More about that in another issue......................... One morning I was collecting for BHF along Weymouth Esplanade when a fit looking man came up to me, bared his chest, shook me by the hand, and thanking me he said “Heart transplant !” I turned to his wife, and said “Was it worth it ?” “Yes, she said, it has been marvellous !” Twenty minutes later a lady came up to me, but she did not bare her chest ! She did thank me, though, for she too had had a heart transplant ! Yes, we owe the BHF a lot (it helped start Poole Heart Support Group, did it not ?). Can we all try and help it in return ? In the meantime, what’s the longest medical word that you know ? The longest one known to this retired bee-keeper is Dysdiadokokinesia, which means the inability to perform repetitive, co-ordinated movements. Thus, a sufferer from Dysdiadokokinesia is unable to twiddle his thumbs ! Rumour has it that the sender of the longest medical word received by the editor before the next magazine comes out and judged by a retired bee-keeper (who is also a retired GP) to be correct, will receive his or her choice of a bottle of red, white or rose wine. So don’t sit there twiddling your thumbs – send your entry to the editor now !
Happy Hour Bathing can be so, so, boring, Just you and a wee plastic duck. Perhaps with a net at the tap end, To catch the soap, with some luck. Or blowing some flannel soap bubbles, Until suds flick into your eye. If the bath is deep enough filled, Be brave and submarines try. Now the pundits incessantly beg us, “Save water and bath with a friend.” So why not try out this love seat ? And your fun will go on without end ! Take note of the small print above it, And just have a bit of a laugh. The Bath Board is “Useful for petting Into or out of the bath.” So just “pas de deux” with your partner, It does take two to tango, This mis-print is a licence to thrill, With Bath Board, just fandango ! Di B Page 24
Quotable Quote “When a man opens a car door for a woman, it’s either a new car or a new woman”. Prince Phillip. Worst Christmas Cracker Joke 2008 Q - Why are Pirates called Pirates? A - Because they AARRGH ! Never take life seriously - no one gets out alive anyway.
Holiday Travel Insurance Until a member can be found to provide Insurance information, I have inserted this Insurance Page in our web site (www.poolehsg.org.uk), where I intend to publish the insurance experience of our members. So please check the website for any recently added information. This will obviously depend upon you emailing me the details and I will of course, not include the source of any contributions. So please provide me with copy, by emailing me max9@poolehsg.org.uk or telephone 01202 676601. All the information is supplied in good faith, for use by PHSG Google search will find the company web site for you, to enquire via the internet. NUAL = No Upper Age Limit. All Clear Travel Atlas Direct CH Facilities Direct Travel Essential Travel Free Spirit Freedom Travel Flexicover Direct Insure and Go J. D. Consultants Preferential Saga Staysure Stroke Association Venturesure Your Travel
08707779339 Single NUAL 08708111700 to 75 08707506711 to 79 08456052700 to 75 08458035434 to 74 08452305000 to 85 01223454290 to85 08452234500 to 85 08448882789 to 75 01689856984 to 89 08712214008 to 75 08000158055 NUAL 08700454560 to 80 01603828396 NUAL 08452303521 to 85 08000283571 to 85
Annual NUAL to 65 to 69 to 65 to 74 to 79 to 65 to 85 to 75 to 85 to 75 NUAL to 80 NUAL to 74 to 70
You may prefer to insure through a broker who will not charge you a fee. Contacts who will provide brokers are: British Assoc. Insurers 02076003333. British Insurance Brokers Assoc. 08709501790 Max Page 25
I’m not bored, I’m having a mini-orgasm ! Yawns, hiccups, sneezing – what’s the point of these physical quirks ? They are often linked to other human reflexes. What about the woman who had an orgasm every time she yawned ? Or the farmer who hiccupped for more than 60 years? Or the man who sneezed every time he thought about sex ? Yawns, hiccups and sneezing affect us all, but they are also among our most mysterious ailments – under-researched and poorly understood, because they are rarely life-threatening. Doctors and scientists are realising that the seemingly useless functions of yawning, hiccupping and sneezing may reveal a lot about the workings of our brain and our evolutionary past. Yawns – We all yawn when we’re tired or bored, but why do we yawn when other people do, or when we’re stressed ? The conventional view is that when our body gets short of oxygen, for example because we are tired and breathing slowly, the yawn reflex is triggered to make us draw in more air. But studies by neuroscientists have shown that low blood oxygen doesn’t actually prompt yawning. It’s far more likely that yawning, like stretching, is a way of flexing muscles and increasing heart rate, making us ready for action. But why do we yawn if other people do ? Many animal species yawn, but only humans, chimpanzees and some monkeys suffer from contagious yawning. The latest studies suggest that it’s to do with our sense of empathy. Researchers have discovered that children with autism, a developmental disorder affecting people’s ability to make emotional ties with others, do not yawn at the sight or thought of other people yawning. Yawning may have developed among higher animals, as a social signal that indicated tiredness or stress, so that sleeping and watchfulness could be co-ordinated. In the highest primates, it became so strongly ingrained into our watchfulness for others that it became a symptom of our empathy. This still doesn’t explain one of the strangest yawning phenomena of all, that some people report a good yawn being like a ‘mini-orgasm.’ Yawning which causes orgasm has occurred in people suffering from heroin withdrawal and those on some antidepressant drugs. One married woman in her late twenties who was on an antidepressant, asked her doctor how long she might be allowed to take her tablets. She hoped to take them for a good while yet, as ever since she had started taking them, she could bring on an orgasm by yawning. Page 26
Hiccups ––There are 101 hiccup cures, none of which is sure-fire, mainly because hiccups are still poorly understood. Normally we associate them with eating or drinking too much, lack of sleep, excitement or stress. Often the source is unknown. A farmer from Iowa hiccupped continually for more than 60 years and never found out why. Like sneezing, hiccupping is a reflex. A stimulus - and in many cases it’s almost certainly discomfort in the stomach that leads to it – makes chest nerves send signals to the rib muscles and diaphragm to contract, making us inhale rapidly. But the reason why we need them has long baffled scientists. They are likely to be a remnant from our evolutionary past. Scientists have observed that many amphibians and primitive fish, such as tadpoles and lungfish, which breathe air but still have gills, have to hiccup to push water over their gills without inhaling it into their lungs. The mechanism may have persisted for 370 million years since the creatures hauled themselves out of the swamps, because they served some purpose in the creatures into which they evolved. In mammals, the reflex may help babies to suckle properly. Sneezing – The purpose of sneezing if you have a cold, or encounter pollen or dust, seems obvious – expelling invading particles. But some people sneeze for other reasons. About a quarter of us sneeze when we look at a bright light, the photic sneeze reflex. There have been medical reports of people sneezing when their stomach is full. And a recent paper in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine reports the “possibly not uncommon phenomenon” of sneezing in response to sexual excitement. The reason may be wires becoming crossed in the automatic part of our nervous system, which controls the heartbeat, breathing and reflexes such as sneezing, without us thinking about them. Sneezing is normally triggered by the membranes in the nose being stimulated. This sends a signal to the brain, which tells the nose, mouth and chest to convulse into a sneeze. But we have other reflexes, such as the pupil of the eye constricting in the glare of sunlight. What seems to happen in sun-sneezers is that the sun reflex and the pupil constriction reflex, which should take different routes in the brain, cross over and become confused. There is likely to be a genetic source to this, because sun-sneezing runs in families. The same sort of wire-crossing may account for full-tummy sneezing and orgasm sneezing. Some researchers think that sneezing is a throwback to our evolutionary past, rather than useful now. Sneezing is likely to force out germs only if you do it through your nose, but humans usually expel air through their mouths when they sneeze. Dogs and other animals sneeze only through their noses, making it far more useful. Page 27
Fruit and Vegetables - the Easy Way to 5 A-Day Eating more fruit and vegetables could significantly reduce the risk of many diseases, including, high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. In addition including more fruits and vegetables in the diet can reduce its overall calorie content and so can help maintain a healthy weight. Why are fruits and vegetables so beneficial? Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals; these act as antioxidants, preventing cells from becoming damaged by free radicals. Additionally they contain fibre, which helps to maintain regular bowel motion. What counts as a portion? Fresh, tinned, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables all count. Aim to eat a minimum of 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day, eat a variety of fruit and vegetables to get a range of vitamins and minerals. A guide to portion sizes: Portion sizes of fruit and vegetables can be a confusing area but generally speaking a handful is a portion. One portion of tinned fruit is.. One portion of fresh fruit is.. About the same quantity as fresh Medium-sized fruit: 1 medium fruit i.e. 2 pears, 8 segments of fruit, such as 1 apple, mandarins.Choose tinned fruit in natural fruit juice rather than syrup. banana, pear, orange. Fruit juice.. Small-sized fruit: 2 plums, A small (150ml) glass of fruit juice 2 satsumas, 3 apricots, 2 kiwi fruit, counts as part of your 5 a day, 7 strawberries, 14 cherries. but only counts once. One portion of vegetables is.. Large fruit: half a grapefruit, 1 Cooked Vegetables: 3 heaped slice of papaya, 1 slice of tablespoons of cooked vegetables. melon (2-inch slice), 1 large slice of pineapple, 2 slices of Salad Vegetables: 1 medium mango (2-inch slices) tomato, 7 cherry tomatoes, 2 inch slice of cucumber. One Portion of dried fruit is‌ 1 tablespoon of raisins, currants, Beans/pulses: 3 heaped sultanas, mixed fruit, 2 figs, 3 prunes, tablespoons of kidney, baked a handful of banana chips. beans, butter beans or chick peas.
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Easy ways to increase the fruit and vegetable content of your diet include: • Adding vegetables to dishes i.e. add frozen mixed vegetables to spaghetti bolognaise or cottage pie. • Drinking a glass of fruit juice with your meals. (only counts once a day) • Snack on fruit (fresh or dried) or chopped vegetables instead of crisps or chocolate. • Have a cereal bowl of salad with your lunch or evening meal. If your diet at the moment does not contain 5 portions of fruit and vegetables gradually try to increase the amount that you eat to 5 a day following the tips above. For more ideas visit: www.5aday.nhs.uk Dael Hartley Poole Hospital Dietitian
Message from the Ambulance Service We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn’t know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this ‘ICE’ (In Case of Emergency) Campaign. The concept of ‘ICE’ is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name ‘ICE’ (In Case Of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with patients but they didn’t know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, emergency service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored as ‘ICE’. Please forward this. It won’t take too many ‘forwards’ before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one’s mind at rest. For more than one contact name, simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. PLEASE PASS THIS AROUND AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE AS THIS CAN HELP IN AN EMERGENCY Page 29
Crossword Answers from page 23 Across 2 Spread 6 Emu 7 Attack 8 Rift 9 Nest 10 Soda 14 Trim 15 Treats 16 Nag 17 Saving
Down 1 Heart 2 Sunflowers 3 Eaten 4 Drawstring 5 Like 11Activ 12 Omega 13 Stop
What to do if you become unwell When your GP surgery is closed Medical help and advice is available if you become unwell when your GP surgery is closed. You should: Dial 999 or go to A & E as soon as possible if you are worried about the sudden onset of new symptoms or have suffered a serious Injury or illness. A & E departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are for a critical or life threatening situation, for example chest pain, suspected heart attack, severe breathing difficulties, severe loss of blood, loss of consciousness, deep wounds and suspected broken bones. They are not for minor injuries or health problems, nor an alternative to seeing your GP or for a ‘second opinion’ if you have already seen your GP. Call the Dorset Out of Hours Medical Service on 0845 600 10 13 if you are unwell but not facing a life-threatening emergency and you think you cannot wait until your GP surgery opens. Go to an NHS Walk-In Centre or Minor Injuries Unit with a minor injury or illness. Find your nearest one by calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. You can also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 if you are feeling unwell and are unsure what to do, or need information about finding a pharmacist, dentist or other service.
REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE CHEST PAIN DIAL 999 WITHOUT DELAY Page 30
Bank Holidays Love ‘em or loathe ‘em? Does the thought of another Bank Holiday fill you with unbridled joy, or do you get a sinking feeling whenever you hear the words “Bank Holiday”? When The Bank Holidays Act was passed in 1871, life was very different. The population was smaller and less well-travelled and motor cars were something of a novelty. Nowadays, most families own at least one car and congestion is a fact of life, yet as a nation we still cling to the antiquated notion of a pleasant Bank Holiday at the beach or some other visitor attraction. The reality is more likely to be an eight hour queue on a motorway, punctuated by breaks at dreary, overpriced service stations. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against holidays - the more the merrier. I’m just not keen on prescribed Bank Holidays. Here in the UK we fair pretty badly in the Bank Holiday stakes. Eight public holidays is not a lot. The Italians have 12 days, the Austrians 13 and Spain and Portugal enjoy a massive 14 public holidays each year! There has been a campaign in this country for an extra Bank Holiday somewhere around October, because the period from August Bank Holiday to Christmas is a long time to go without a break! Gordon Brown (bless his cotton socks!) has indicated that he might consider it, so watch this space! Not everyone wants an extra Bank Holiday, though. The Confederation of British Industry calculates that one extra day could cost the country £6 billion. As for me, I’m staying local. There are lots of great things to do on our doorstep and I really don’t want to spend the day stuck in a traffic jam! Page 31
Canny Chef Hosting a Dinner Party in China Hosting a dinner in China is fraught with risk of causing offence, if protocol is not observed. The host takes the seat facing the door, with the guest of honour on his right. Guests of lower rank then take up their seats around the table. Lift up your chopsticks and you encounter a whole array of do’s and don’ts. Don’t let the chopsticks tap the edge of the bowl, because that is the sound of a beggar. Don’t point with chopsticks, that is bad manners. Lay them down on the holder, points together; uneven laying denotes bad luck. Never stick chopsticks into a bowl of rice, since that is the custom at the tombside and means death. It is the host’s responsibility to ensure that drinking glasses are filled. And when touching glasses in a toast, make sure that the rim of your glass is lower than anyone of higher rank. If anyone pours the tea, or spirits, tap the table lightly with the fingertips to show gratitude. After the meal, the host should escort his guests to the door, while those of higher rank should be escorted all the way to their car. Then you wait until they have driven off, before going back inside. In offices, the etiquette is to take the guest to the entrance, to press the button for the lift and only to return to the office once the lift doors close. Chinese people may refuse a meal, a gift, or a favour, and this is generally considered a polite gesture. As host, you may quietly persist. But never give a clock, since these are linked with death. Banquets, these days, involve much less drinking of hard liquor than ten years ago, but it is still seen as polite to match a toast with a toast and to empty your glass when told “bottoms up.” And as the guest of honour, you will be expected to eat the delicacies on the table, whether they be sheep’s eyes or baby centipede omelettes. Never allow a Chinese person to lose face. Next time you host a dinner party at home, remember how easy it is, compared with one in China. Ah! so!
ANSWER TO ANAGRAM ON PAGE 22 “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” Page 32
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor The new supermarket near my house has an automatic water mister to keep produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of thunder and the smell of fresh rain. When you approach the milk, you hear cows mooing and smell the scent of fresh hay. When you approach the eggs, you hear hens cluck and cackle and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying. The veggie department features the sound of a gentle breeze and the smell of fresh buttered corn. I don’t buy toilet paper there any more. Blair Watson Dear Editor, In view of what seems to be happening Internationally with banks at the moment, I was wondering if you could advise me correctly? If one of my cheques is returned marked “insufficient funds,” how do I know whether that refers to me or my bank?” (Name and address supplied)
From The Editor’s Desk Hearty greetings from your Editor as we go live with the Summer Magazine. Our computer experts will shortly be putting the magazine on our website, in glorious colour, so if you have internet access, do have a look. We are now fortunate to have a new Chairman at the helm after some time without one and we wish Keith success in what he does. We still have other vacancies on the committee, so if you think you could help run PHSG, please get in touch with a committee member and have a chat. Many hands make light work ! Alan Page 33
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor After the April AGM, I had to burst into verse: Committee, you’re so diplomatic, In bringing some members to book, You’re so good at treading on eggshells, To encourage or quell with a look? It’s always an indisputable fact That pre-meetings are buzzing with rumour, Yet every item was handled with tact, Mild insults fielded with humour. So Members support your Committee, They give many hours for free, They’re efficient, approachable & witty, Great Team we’ve elected, you’ll see. Congratulations to you all and good luck. Di Bagshawe Dear Editor I found the information on Atrial Fibrillation and the Arrhythmia Alliance that you sent me very interesting and I will certainly become a member of the Arrhythmia Alliance. I also have to say a big thank you from my husband. For the last two years he has been suffering from a painful and sometimes discoloured toe, in spite of many visits to his GP, podiatrists and the foot clinic. It was a mystery to everyone. I was reading the article on warfarin and came across “purple toe syndrome” a rare side effect of warfarin. We thought back and realised that the problem with his toe started shortly after he started taking warfarin. We copied the article and sent it to his GP, who now also thinks this is the answer to the problem (he had never heard of this side effect) and has referred him back to the consultant who started him on the drug, so as I said, many thanks. Jean Querol All letters, e-mails and other submissions received are assumed to be for publication and free of copyright restriction. They may be edited for space or clarity and are not necessarily the views of the Editor or PHSG Page 34
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor On 20 February, two months after seeing our excellent Dr Diane Bruce, I had my DCC (direct current cardioversion). It is a simple procedure, with a good success rate. They even called me to offer an earlier appointment, which I had to decline due to a previous engagement. During these two months I had to get used to taking warfarin and discovered that a lot of people on warfarin carry their little yellow books around with them and that they are potential friends and advisers, some of them with very interesting stories of their own. My husband also gave me his time, interest and dedication and I am very fortunate to have him. The treasures I discovered in the “ United Nations” that is Poole Hospital were Dr Askenazy (if I remember well), Dr Richard Fenwick, who managed to apply his electric pads on my rather large XXL anatomy and not to lose them, very nice nurses called Tony, Regi (from the Phillipines), Big Steve and the lovely nurses from the Day Care Unit who provided the all- healing cup of tea and apologized for not having the Dorset cream tea I had requested. To cut this story short: they managed to shock and dispatch me in exactly 5 hours flat, with a letter to my GP and a tube of cream for my very superficial bruises. And, with the information that I was back on my normal “sinus rhythm.” Everything was so well organized that I can only recommend others to jump on to Poole Hospital “conveyer belt” any time, you will not regret it. This advice comes from the bottom of my newly reconditioned heart. Iris Roethke Dear Editor, I have just seen the excellent article by Canny Chef in the Spring Magazine, extolling the health benefits of the Olive. However, I feel I must use the vehicle of your brilliant magazine to issue a call to arms to all those who fear the gradual decline of our culinary heritage. Our history is littered with failed attempts to destroy our way of life, but over the past 10 years or so we have been subjected to a sinister invasion by stealth of that foul tasting weed, GARLIC. This bulbous monster has wormed its way into our lives and can now be found in every menu. Even St Delia has succumbed to its Gallic charms. Before you know it, even our fish and chips will have garlic batter ! The time has come to make a stand. Remember Agincourt and Waterloo. Join me and thousands (well quite a few) of patriots who have formed S.N.O.G - the Say No On Garlic campaign. We promise you fresh breath and an odour free life. Kissing will be fun again. Our children will thank us if we are successful in stopping the onslaught of this evil ! Concerned of Poole (Name and address supplied) Page 35
Poole Heart Support Group operates under the umbrella of the British Heart Foundation who rely on voluntary help for fund-raising events. We urgently need occasional supporters for fundraising. Please contact: Pam Bailey BHF Rep. 4 Knighton Heath Close Bearwood BH11 9PP. Telephone 01202 574944
We would also be pleased to hear from any members who would be prepared to play a more active role in the Poole branch of BHF. We meet once a month at Poole Hospital to plan forthcoming events.
Volunteers wanted to help in our P.H.S.G. Head Office for only 2 hours per month Please Telephone 01202 683363 ext. 133 (9am-4pm answerphone) Manned 1.30 - 3.30pm. Mon & Thurs
You can always call the Office ! You can always call the office We’re a happy little bunch. On a Monday or a Thursday, We’re there just after lunch. If you need some information, Exercise or walking club, (Cyril says they ramble and then end up at the pub!). We distribute magazines and sign in each new member. We are on the go all the time from January to December Jan Mesher PHSG Office Co-ordinator.
Rose Cottage Typesetting and Printing 01258 455663