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BERWICK AREA HEART SUPPORT GROUP
January 2004 newsletter
Next Meeting WEDNESDAY 7th JANUARY at the Day Hospital Berwick Infirmary 7.00 pm to 9.00pm
Guest speaker Mandy Thompson is a practice nurse at the Well Close Square Surgery, Mandy is also the cardiac nurse working with the Cardiac Rehab at the Swan Centre.
Mandy was the guest speaker at our meeting in Nov 2002 and gave an excellent talk followed by a lengthy question and answer session afterwards. As requested then we have invited Mandy back this year.
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My apologies, it wasn’t until I was looking at backdated copies of the newsletters that I realised I hadn’t passed on the seasons greetings in the last newsletter. I hope you’ve have all had a great Christmas and New Year.
Also while I was looking at the backdated newsletters I noticed in the September 2002 issue that the IT course started that month, for all our new readers the group arranged a ten week course on basic desk top publishing the course was held at the Northumbria College at Berwick High School.
There was 8 of the group took part in the training course and a few of us went onto sit other training courses, Andy done a course on the Internet, whilst Wally and myself went onto a year long course and have both passed the European Computer Driving Licence. In January We are going on to sit The Advanced Level 3 course.
There is a large variations in courses both at the College and the Community Centre, why not have a look.
Terry
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At our last meeting on Wed 3rd. December 2003, our guest was Martin Manasse who spoke to us about what he did in relation to food and possibly more importantly how he cooked it, together with some other changes he made in his lifestyle following a heart attack about 6 years ago He gave a brief history of his condition, to which we can all relate, suffice to say that he Is able to manage his life mainly by diet and fluid intake, which is mainly herbal teas, for their antioxidant properties, and the occasional red wine, because he likes it. The only medication he takes is 75 mgm. Aspirin daily. He has been declared fit by the Freeman Hospital, and his cholesterol level is down to 3.1.Two food items he avoids at all costs are cheese and eggs.
This is the second time he has visited us, but as our numbers continue to rise there are always first timers, and for those who were there last time, some of his suggestions and reminders don’t go amiss.
Martin made reference to seven books that have given him most of his favourite recipes. Obviously those contained in the books are protected by copywrite and cannot be reproduced, but some he has been able to adapt to his own liking, or ingredients substituted, thus making a new dish. His recipe for nail soup was novel; I will repeat it in full at the end for the benefit of those who missed it, or were unable to attend.
The five books are: -
Sue Kreitzman’s Low Fat Vegetarian Cookbook, This gives a lot of information about ‘water frying’ and the art of balancing spices for flavour, rather than just adding heat.
Also by the same Author
The Low FatCookery Bookthis book is for the non- veggie, and lists fat, cholesterol, sodium and calorie levels, for each recipe.
Moosewood Restaurant Low Fat Favourites
Not cheap, but contains good recipes, and again lists fat, calorie and cholesterol content.
Gordon Rouge and Vegetarian Kitchen Apparently neither is low fat, but can easily be converted.
The Food Doctor This book discusses a variety of health problems, and suggests recipes to help.
And finally Cook Yourself a Flavour This book contains High fibre, low fat, low sugar, and low sodium recipes.
Martin did give everyone a four-page hand out which explained most of what he was talking about. The contents would take too long to reproduce here, but if you would like a copy I’m sure Terry would be able to reproduce it. It does cover Soups, Main Courses, Side Dishes, Salads, Breads, Desserts, Breakfasts, and Drinks.
Wally’s Yarn
I did promise the story that contains the recipe for Nail Soup: -
A kindly, elderly lady, know locally to be a soft touch by the down and outs for a free meal, resolved to change her ways, so when a Gentleman of the road (Tramp) came knocking seeking a handout, she put her foot down and said No, and that she was not going to feed him again. Initially taken aback at her change of heart he said. That if she was unable to feed him, could she at least spare some hot water in which to boil a nail. The woman became intrigued, and saw no harm in supplying the water, but insisted that he was getting no food. After the nail had boiled for some minutes, he asked if she could spare a little salt and pepper, to add a little flavour to the water. She consented to this, and a little while after he asked if she could spare a little stock, to lift the flavour even more. Again she consented, as she didn’t consider this food. Some 20 mins. later when to smell of stock had filled the kitchen, and the woman was becoming very curious as to the outcome of the soup, the tramp suggested that to really give the soup some depth, a few vegetables would work wonders. Again she relented, and gave him some vegetables. As the vegetables cooked away the kitchen filled with the smell of a very flavoursome, homely, and welcoming soup, and she was congratulating the tramp on his cooking ability, he suggested that to really finish the soup off if she had some spare meat he could add that. She promptly went to the fridge and fetched the cold meat she was going to have for her tea, She gave this to the tramp who put it in his soup. As he was leaving, with the pot of soup he had just made, she apologised that she was unable to feed him as she had in the past.
I forgot to add at the beginning of this article that Martin is described as a lively participant in Story Telling Circles in the Newcastle area, and has spent most of his live in Music Halls.
Wally
Berwick Area Heart Support Group
February 2004 newsletter
Next meeting Wednesday 4th February in the Day Hospital, Berwick Infirmary from 7.00 pm until 9.00pm The guest speaker is Pharmacist, Joy Richie, from the Caslegate Pharmacy in Berwick.
Joy was our guest speaker in February 2002 and she gave a very interesting presentation which helped many of us to understand our medication, Joy will bring us up to date on all the new drug that are now becoming available for heart patients.
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At our last meeting on 7th. Jan. 2004, Mandy Thompson, Practice Nurse at Well Close Surgery, gave us an insight into another aspect of her work, which is, Cardiac Rehab Nurse, working with the Cardiac Rehab. Unit at the Swan Centre.
This Unit commenced back last September after seeming being spoken about for some while. The work involves and extends the exercise programme from the heart manual, with which many of us are familiar Unfortunately the make up of people attending the unit does not cater for retrospective patients, and has been set up for the newer referrals, which are currently coming from local Doctors, and hospital Chest Pain Clinics. It covers North Northumberland, and could stretch into the Borders if required.
Mandy said that her work is gradually integrating all aspects of Cardiac enquiries, including the yearly ‘MOTs’, many of us already get. Running alongside this work is an Angina Programme, with preventative support, and will eventually have a manual similar to the heart manual.As already said this started in September, and takes place at the Swan Centre. Although Mandy has attended some courses, at Byker and the West End of Newcastle, where numbers are much higher, she still has some courses still to do.
The numbers of persons attending the sessions at the Unit are gradually growing. There are currently 10, but more arrive almost on a weekly basis. Clients usually commence 4 to 6 weeks after their heart incident i.e. Angina, heart attack, by-pass surgery or stents.
Sessions are held twice a week, on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, between 1pm and 3 pm., when clients and a friend are invited to attend. A session includes medical advice, and exercise programme, which includes a warm up, a work out, cool down and relaxation. There are 4 professional people present at each session, which can include Mandy, 2 fitness instructors, Physiotherapist, and others as required, i.e. Dietician or psychologist. (I hope these professions are spelt correctly, I know the pen I used to take the notes with is a lousy speller, and the shop refuse to change it, so I have to hope my computer does better)
Exercise sessions involve everyone visiting 10 ‘stations’, and exercising for 1 minute at each, but on one of three levels. The ‘stations’ are designed to exercise every part of the body, and includes walking on the spot, bicep curls, knee lifts, ˝ jacks, double jacks, side and double side steps, triceps exercises, and sit to stand. As a result this improves stamina, body strength, flexibility, coordination and cardio vascular capacities. All participants are medically assessed before commencing the exercises to establish the pulse rate to aim for during the work out, which is confirmed with pulse meter
Breathing rate are also used to assess degree of work. This is done by using the BOG scale (see later) On this scale 1 = very light/ easy, 2-3 = fairly light, 4-5 = moderate, 6-7 = fairly hard, a bit puffed, 8 hard/ out of breath, 9 very hard/ very tiring, 10 = maximum/ exhausted
Mandy did say she used the BOG scale, and I know you out there would want to know what BOG stood for, so I asked, but Mandy admitted that she didn’t know what it stood for, so we are open to suggestions. Lesley, our other medical brain also admitted she didn’t know what it stood for, but added she doubted that it stood for Borders Organic Growers, of which she is a member. But with that in mind, from my experiences of gardening, I think my garden has made me feel all of those conditions at one time or anotherMandy then answered many questions put to her by different persons so I hope everyone’s needs were met.
Click to return to index
Wally’s Yarns
An amusing story I hear
My friend visited his Doctor at Well Close Square. As he went up the stairs to the upstairs waiting room he passed a Nun on her way down The Nun apparently did not look well, in fact she looked very unwell, she was white as a ghost, had obviously been crying, and looked to be in a totally different world, and passed my friend without lifting her head. My friend was quiet concerned and it was still occupying his thoughts when he was called by the Doctor, who then asked what was on his mind. He told the Doctor that he was thinking of the Nun and how ill she looked, and there appeared to be no-one with her to comfort her or make sure she would be able to get home alright.The Doctor then said that he had just treated the Nun, and that it had been necessary to inform her that she was pregnant.My friend questioningly said, “ No wonder she looks ill, I bet that came as a surprise” The Doctor replied “Yes it did. It’s not true of course,but it did cure her hic cups, which is why she came in”
Wally
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Transport in North Northumberland TINN
TINN are doing a major publicity effort over 4 days in Berwick in Feb to reach new volunteer drivers and to contact organisations that have either got an under-used bus or, alternatively, would use a minbus from time to time at lower than commercial rates. (TINN charge 70p per mile and 35p per mile for 'dead' bus collection miles - works very favourably for full-up bus for journeys below 30 miles.) I have details. If your GP says you are fit to drive then you are fit to volunteer to drive the minibus. (There is a brief course / test). One organisation in Berwick has a bus which it has already made available to the scheme for bookings when it is not being used otherwise .
They are bringing an advertising bus, which they will park outside the following venues
Monday 9th Feb 10am - 1pm Safeway
Tues10th Feb10am-1pm Castlegate car park
Wed 11th Feb 1pm - 4pm The Malting
Thurs 12 Feb 10am - 12 noon The Swan Centre 1pm - 2pm Spittal Church Hall
6pm - 7pm Volunteers Centre (Tweed St)
They would value people to turn up and do a spell on the bus to give their volunteers company / a wee break etc
I have full details and minutes of meetings plus contact details in hard copy. But could get TINN to send electronically if anybody interested in getting involved.
Phil
Berwick Area Heart Support Group
March 2004 Newsletter
Next meeting Wednesday 3rd March at the Day Hospital, Berwick Infirmary from 7.00 pm until 9.00pm guest speaker Grahame Gilespie, Clinical Psychologist at North Tyne Side Hospital.
Grahame has experience in advising cardiac rehab groups on stress management and all the emotions heart patients can go through
You are all welcome to the BUSINESS MEETING which starts half an hour earlier at 6.30pm.
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At our meeting on Wed 3rd. Feb. Joy Ritchie of the Castlegate Pharmacy, came and spoke to us mainly about what services we may expect from our local pharmacies, both currently, and what to expect in the near and not so distant future.
But before we start, I have to admit; I’m after the sympathy vote here, because it’s not easy taking notes, and then give a credible story of events, when the evening takes on a question and answer theme. Admittedly some of the questions were of a general nature, and affected many of us, whilst others related solely to the person asking the question. I have tried to get the balance right.
Joy was with us two years ago, and gave a very comprehensive talk. It must have been good, because I mostly drink green tea now and rarely coffee, on the strength of it. (The talk not the coffee).
Joy did tell us that there are a few major trials currently ongoing in relation to some of the medicines that some of us may be taking. One such trial is where, in the past, either Aspirin 75 mg. or a drug from the Plavix family were prescribed to help prevent blood clots, or at least stop the red blood cells from sticking together, and whilst each is equally efficient at doing this particular task, you could now find that both these drugs are prescribed together. Trials suggest that a 20% improvement in not having another heart incident is likely. As with all good things there is a slight down side in that there is a small chance of bleeding in the stomach or eyes, but regular checks should eliminate this.
On statins, these are the drugs that reduce cholesterol and are prescribed under different trade names, usually ending in statin. Joy explained that some of us might notice that the dosage we had been taking has been increased, maybe up to as much as 80 mg. This is not because the drug is becoming less effective, but trials suggest that with the larger dosage, not only is the cholesterol lowered, but also the plaque in our arteries becomes more stable. Again there is a slight down side. If the dosage is increase too quickly there can be an increase in the side effects, especially tiredness and/or pain in the long muscles, mainly in the legs. So be aware, and if you experience any change, get it checked, don’t wait for a couple of weeks hoping it will go away, see your doctor, or have a word with you pharmacist.
A word of advice. Watch out for interactions between drugs. Strong antibiotics can react with statins and some other heart related drugs increasing the chance unwanted side effects. Keep a list of drugs you are currently taking with you at all times and even when buying non prescribed drugs across the counter (cold and flu remedies) check that these will be compatible with your prescribed drugs, again if you experience any unusual side effects, talk to the pharmacist or your doctor. Maybe stop taking the non-prescribed drug, but not the prescribed drug without advice.
I’ll include this bit of information here, as it is relevant. It doesn’t affect me because I don’t like grapefruit, but grapefruit, both the fruit and the juice can reduce the effectiveness of statins, as it hinders an enzyme in the liver from doing its job of breaking down the statin This only applies to grapefruit, not oranges, lemons or limes etc.
People who in the past were prescribed Ramipril will find they are receiving an unbranded ramipril rather than Tritace.This is because the patent ran out on the brand name and so now other manufacturers can produce the drug under it’s generic name.Its usually cheaper because they have not had the development costs, but we have been assured that it does the same job, just as effectively. The same thing happened last year with Simvastatin, it had the brand name Zocor.
Some recent changes and some for the future
Some of these have already happened, some are close to happening and some are a little way off. It all means that the pharmacist is going to be busier, and the Doctors should have a little more time to sort our ills.
Extra duties already happening: -
Pregnancy testing
Disposal of out of date / unused drugs
Advise to Nursing Homes
Oxygen supplies
Diabetic blood testing
Blood pressure monitoring and supplies
Equipment supplies
Advice on both prescribed and over thecounter drugs, as possible side effects, which is why I’ve mentioned this a few times already. Joy did say that she would be willing to give advice on all manner of things. You don’t have to make an appointment, just call in and see her, and quite often you will receive an answer to your problem long before you get an appointment with your doctor.
Smoking Cessation, Locally the Practice Nurses currently undertake this service, but pharmacists will be involved, and do give the advice when people call in.
Dietary Advice / Weight Management
Blood Monitoring Service
For the near future.
Repeat prescription programme. Where selected patients, already stabilised on their medication, are able to get their medicines repeated without first having to put in a request to their doctor.Whilst this repeat prescription programme was being spoken about, also mentioned was the fact that in the future some pharmacists may also be able to prescribe drugs. I know that I’m easily confused, but I thought that these were part and parcel of the same thing. Just in case anyone else was confused, I have seen Joy since, and had it explained a bit better. The repeat prescription programme is self explanatory, and could be operational within a year.
Pharmacists issuing prescriptions is a lot more involved. As an extension of their services, some pharmacists may decide to take extra training to qualify them for this role, but Joy is not aware of anyone in the North Northumberland area that is currently doing the necessary training. It would also need the local doctors to be agreeable to the scheme as one would have to act as a mentor. I hope that clears any confusion. Other extra duties which some pharmacists will have contracts for, in addition to the current ones will be.
Domiciliary visits to the elderly / frail
Medication Reviews
Possible involvement in Diabetic and Asthma Clinics
The above lists some of the extra duties a pharmacist is now contracted to do, or will be contracted to do in the future. No doubt there is someone sitting in an office somewhere thinking up a few more.
As I said earlier many of the questions related to the person asking, but overall it was a very informative evening, I hope everyone got something out of it.
Thanks Joy
Wally’s Yarn
I don’t have any humorous stories about pharmacists, but when I was writing about some the duties the word supplies came up several times, which did remind me of a story.
An aeroplane was forced to make a crash landing in the sea whilst crossing the Pacific Ocean. In the aftermath 3 men, clung to some of the floating wreckage and were eventually washed ashore, barely conscious on a deserted island. When they had recovered some strength, and realised their situation, they jointly agreed on tasks for the survival of the group.
An American elected to build a shelter, the Englishman elected to build some furniture, and the Chinaman elected to get supplies. Each set about their tasks, and the Chinaman took a little food and water and set off into the jungle After a week or so the American and Englishman had finished. Between them they had built a wooden chalet with three bedrooms, each with a bed, and on the veranda was a table and three chairs. During this time they had not seen or heard anything from the Chinaman, and decided that they would go and look for him. At first light the next day they set off. By mid morning, they had travelled a fair distance into the interior. It was hot and steamy and sapped their strength, so when they came to a small clearing they stopped for a rest. As they set off again, there was a great rustling in the bushes nearby. The noise grew louder, leaves rustled, branches creaked, footsteps were loud and heavy, twigs broke underfoot, and the two men became frightened. As it approached them at speed they both broke out into a cold, cold sweat. Fearing that some large predatory beast that might have already attacked the Chinaman and was about to attack them, both men tried to run, but they couldn’t, they were frozen to the spot.They feared the worse, and as the ‘beast’ broke into the clearing, both men were still trying to find the strength to run away from the imminent attack, they then saw that it was the Chinaman, who at the top of his voice shouted, “BOO” After they realised they had nothing to fear, and had got their breath back, and had called the Chinaman all the unprintable names they could think of, the Chinaman asked, ‘Was that a good supplies’?
Wally SELBY
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Food News
Here is a small article I found in the Sunday Post on the 15th Jan 2004 which I thought might interest us.
Bread Manufacturers have joined in the trend for producing “healthy foods,” with two firms coming up with breads that they claim to help lower cholesterol levels.
Hovis has launched “Best of Health,” a wholemeal loaf with reduced salt and an added cholesterol-reducing soluble fibre while “Cholessterol” from Allied Bakeries is a white loaf with added soya protein.
Wally SELBY
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Oat Bran
Reading the article from the Sunday Post made me look at a piece I’m doing for the website, (which was brought about by Martin Manasse and his use of oat bran,) which then made me look at the benefits of soya .
Scores of studies from around the world attest to soya's cholesterol-lowering properties, especially for people with high cholesterol.
Another way of reducing your cholesterol is to use oat bran in your daily diet, However some of the oats we buy in the shops as porridge, or oatmeal have been through a complex process of hulling, polishing and flaking. And during this process the richest source of the soluble fibre “the oat bran” is removed, some manufacturers are now incorporating this in some of their products.
Most health food shops sell oat bran, which can be easily included into our daily diet. You can add it to porridge, muesli, puddings and even to your home baking.
Terry
Phil adds. Oats are also a reasonable source of protein; probably the best of the cereals, and oat bran is quoted as 17%. - 17 grams for 100 grams bran. Actually the protein content is variable and can be higher. Oats protein is also the most ‘complete’ of all the cereals, and needs less ‘complementing’ from other sources in order for it to be more efficiently used. Soya is the most ‘complete’ of all plant (‘vegetarian’) sources of protein and is often added to bread. Protein from cereal grains is best complemented by protein from pulses (beans, lentils, peas, or soya). Rice and beans for example, deliver together a protein combination that is on a par in value with beef. An advantage of using more vegetable sources of protein is that oil content, particularly saturated fat, is generally very much lower. Soya is the exception with a high oil content, although the oil is mostly polyunsaturated. Meat and dairy products inevitably deliver a lot of saturated fat, even if you are using lean portions.
Berwick Area Heart Support Group
April 2005 Newsletter
Next meeting 6th April 2005 at The Day Hospital, Berwick Infirmary Guest speaker Graeme Gillespie, Clinical Phychologist at North Tyneside General Hospital will give a talk on the health benefits of relaxation for heart patients.
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Our speaker at the March Meeting was David Shell, who is a modern Matron at Berwick Infirmary.
I hope I didn't miss the explanation between a modern matron and an old fashioned one, but I'm not sure where the modern bit comes in. Whilst listening to David's talk there is no doubting that he is very qualified, and experienced , but the job seems to be more administrative now than I imagined a matron's job to be, but he has plenty of medical experience to help him make those decisions.
David started his nursing career in 1976 as an auxiliary nurse at Newcastle General. In 1980 he became an enrolled nurse, and did some of his training at Berwick. He later concentrated on Mental Health work. In 1991 he worked at Sheffield mainly on Orthopaedics, spending some time at St. Jimmy's. He later returned to the Newcastle area and was a Charge Nurse at the RVI.
Over the next few years there were big changes in Health working practices, and job specification and responsibilities. David went to Wansbeck where he stayed for about 5 years, mainly on nights giving early assessments on patients, prior to the arrival of the Doctors.
In 2004 he came to Berwick in his current role, and is responsible for three hospitals, Berwick, Alnwick and Rothbury.
In his current role he sits on many management committees on medication, various diseases, drug assessment, training packages for nurses, patients discharge, falls and accidents on hospital property and how to prevent them, and probably one that on everyone's minds due to media attention is cleanliness and hygiene including MSRA checks. On recent cleanliness check by an outside body, Berwick scored 4 out of 5 (5 being the max.). Most of the points lost were due to the exterior of the building i.e. condition of the paint and stone work, something the management have little control over.
David did say that Rothbury are to get a new hospital. A site has been earmarked on the other side of the river to the location of the current hospital. With sympathetic landscaping it will blend into the hillside.
On the subject of current duties performed at Berwick, and why so many people seemingly receive little or no treatment, before being 'sent down the road', David did say that all patients are assessed before travelling on, and maybe on occasions this assessment is made once a patient is in the ambulance, and it makes sense to travel south rather than come back to Berwick. This was due to lack of qualified staff at Berwick. Berwick has no Pathology Lab, so samples cannot be tested quickly enough to help Doctors make a decision as to the best treatment. Infact the list is endless as to what is not at Berwick, and in all cases all the required medical expertise like paediatrics, special care, intensive or high dependency beds etc. etc. etc. are available 'down to road' whether it be Wansbeck, RVI, The General, The Freeman or North Tyneside or across at the Borders.
Some tests like X-rays can be done at Berwick. The X-rays can, if required, be sent down the phone for advice by Radiographer, or will be at the receiving Hospital by the time the patient arrives. Some changes at Berwick Infirmary, (I've tried to write this several ways and it seems to read wrong), so I will try again. Dewar Ward has been renamed Cheviot Ward, and Tweed Ward is now Dewar Ward. Cheviot is now a rehab. Ward for strokes and orthopaedics. As from April 4th there will be a Macmillan Room in Dewar Ward.
Accident and Emergency is very operational. The staff are well qualified in this field, with many of them having qualified in specialist subjects. This all aids the running of a successful department. Some other changes which have already taken place or are about to are Eye surgery and cataracts and Cardio echoes, done by visiting technicians.Video links for treatments. This is where a patient has had surgery at one of the major hospitals, and returns to Berwick for recovery. The Consultant is able to check on progress via the video link. Trials for this were done in the Hebrides.
Some other subjects under consideration are visiting times, cross contamination, and protected meal times for patients when there is no visiting is allowed either by relatives or medical staff.
This is a personal observation but this already happens at the Borders. When I was an inpatient it was open visiting, but just this week I have been there visiting, and there are hand sprays every where, and visiting is between 4 and 7 only.
David then went on to answer many questions posed by those present. Many were expressing some of the fears many of us have about the current role of our hospital and our Doctors.
Wally
Wally's Yarn
I've had a few months off and I'm not' back to speed' as they say. Just a couple of things I've noticed recently.
With their mother two young kids visited their Granny, for Sunday lunch. Mum helped Granny to serve the kids their lunch and returned to the kitchen to fetch something. Whilst away the little boy started to eat, and on her return Mum said to the boy, "Michael have you forgotten something?" Michael said, "No" Mum said, "At home we say grace before we eat, should you not do the same at Granny's?" "We don't have to pray at Granny's" said Michael, "She knows how to cook properly"
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Two middle aged men stood at the bar drinking when the most beautiful female imaginable, aged about 22, walked past. Both men passed comment to each other on her beauty, the slightly younger one continued the conversation suggesting what he would like to do with her given the chance. He then said to his pal," What would you do if you had the chance, with a woman as beautiful as that?" The other said," I am not too old to appreciate beautiful women, nor that the grass is greener and all that stuff, but I am just slightly too old now to climb the fence"
****
The boss of a big company needed to call one of his employees about an urgent problem with one of the main computers, dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whisper.
"Hello."
"Is your daddy home? " he asked.
"Yes," whispered the small voice.
"May I talk with him?"
The child whispered, "No."
Surprised, and wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, "Is your Mommy there?"
"Yes."
"May I talk with her?"
Again the small voice whispered, "No."
Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, "Is anybody else there?"
"Yes," whispered the child, "a policeman."
Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked,
"May I speak with the policeman?"
"No, he's busy", whispered the child.
"Busy doing what?"
"Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the Fireman," came the whispered answer.
Growing concerned and even worried as he heard what sounded like a Helicopter through the earpiece on the phone the boss asked, "What is that noise?"
"A hello-copper" answered the whispering voice.
"What is going on there?" asked the boss, now truly alarmed.
In an awed whispering voice the child answered,
"The search team just landed the hello-copper."
Alarmed, concerned, and even more then just a little frustrated the boss asked, "What are they searching for?" Still whispering, the young voice replied along with a muffled giggle:
"ME."
****
Border Marches
The Border Marches take place on Sunday 15th May 2005. and some of the employees of General Mills Berwick " Jus Rol " are looking for sponsorship to raise funds for our heart group, I have included sponsorship forms with the newsletter.
In the past we've had quite generous annual grants which have covered most of our costs of the newsletters, leaflets stationary ect. This year the grants have dried up and we are having to find our own funding so any help you can give in raising sponsorship, (however little) would be appreciated.
Terry
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NHS finds the plot.
Integrated health and Social Care Plan for Berwick
Terry and I were invited by Northumberland Care Trust (NCT) and the Northumbria Health Care NHS Trust to attend, on your behalf, a large workshop in the Maltings on 3rd March. The meeting included a whole range of health professionals and many voluntary people like us.
We heard some very well done talks from NHS experts and a lot from 'the floor' about the problems of Berwick, sitting as we do, not always comfortably on the Border.
Berwick has an increasing number of older people to care for, and this is more significant than in many other parts of the country. The greater number of older people means more chronic disease. Deaths from heart disease have gone down dramatically in the last few years, and Northumberland has done particularly well, but the big killer is still heart disease and the underlying arterial disease, rather than cancer. The drop nationally in 'arterial disease deaths' has been due largely to more people giving up smoking. (Of the 50% fewer deaths from arterial disease, about 50% of these were because people stopped smoking.) This picture will continue to change for the better as heart disease is brought more under control and if people take avoiding action.
Because we are farther away from big centres, and a sizeable number of us live in the country, it is difficult to deliver high quality health care without a large amount of travel. "First aid" emergency care for heart attack has improved significantly, but keeping emergency cases in Berwick is not a safe option. The quicker that you are in intensive care with all the facilities the better. Some services, however, are much better if they can be provided locally. For us this can mean rehab, stopping smoking, breathing and diabetic clinics. Some routine tests can be done locally, but accurate laboratory tests and those requiring latest scans and assessment can only be delivered where the equipment and trained personnel are situated.
We heard an interesting account of the sensible services being provided in Community Hospitals, Rothbury, Alnwick and Berwick Infirmaries, and the devoted effort to provide X ray cover. The ambulance service and A&E cover (co-locate Primary Care and A&E at Berwick and Alnwick ) and skill development and workload all need co-ordination.
There is a major concern in Northumberland over "NHS Direct". The review of future plans for 'out of hours' GP cover, is due to report very shortly. "In future, GPs will be mostly female and 80% of those in training now at Newcastle are women and we must get conditions of service right if we want to recruit them."
One message from the floor was repeated many times. The two sides of the Border should talk and make maximum use of NHS services in order to minimise travel and to provide best care locally for chronic problems. This message applies across the board, not just to those services affecting heart patients. Us older folk cannot monopolise the health service. There are great strengths in Berwick GP surgeries and a great Family Centre, and expert pharmacists locally, that can all be built on. We should play a part as a group and as individuals. Chronic conditions like ours require us also to build up our own expertise.
Phil
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Recipe of the Month
Chicken Salad
3 1/4 cups chicken, cooked, cubed, skinless
1/4 cups celery, chopped
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp salt
3 Tbsp mayonnaise, lowfat
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients with
chilled chicken and mix well.
Makes 5 servings.
Yogurt Salad Dressing
8 oz plain yogurt, fat free
2 Tbsp dill, dried
1/4 cup mayonnaise, fat free
2 Tbsp chives, dried
2 Tbsp lemon juice
Mix all ingredients in bowl and refrigerate.
Makes 8 servings
Berwick Area Heart Support Group
May 2004 Newsletter
NEXT MEETING MAY 5th At the DAY HOSPITAL BERWICK INFIRMARY From 6.00pm – 9.00pm ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Guest Speaker Dr Higham
Dr Higham is Honorary President of our group and on his previous visits both as a speaker and as a guest he has proved to be very popular within the group. This months meeting starts with our AGM at 6pm, followed by the normal meeting, Dr Higham has indicated he will be attending the AGM. So if possible come along and get involved.
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At our last meeting on 7th. April our speaker was Michael Redican, ably assisted by Emma. Michael gave us a talk and demonstration on various methods of relaxation, which included aromatherapy,reflexology, reiki and crystals. Michael has been studying these disciplines at Berwick Community Centre for a couple of years now, and whilst he makes no pretence of being an expert in aromatherapy or reflexology as he has no diplomas yet, he is allowed to practice, and offer counselling in Reiki.
Michael started his demonstration with aromatherapy, and using a mixture of oils, which included Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Lavender and ginger, which in very small amounts were amalgamated into a base oil, and used to massage the shoulders of Emma prior to a short Reiki session.
Michael did prepare a short history of Reiki, which I now reproduce. Rei- is defined as Universal life, and like the rays of the sun, it gives life to living things such as, people, animals, and plants. The Ki part is defined as energy. This energy or life force flows through all living things. Ki is also known as light, prana, chi or cosmic energy.
Reiki can be safely used in all conditions and situations. Its history depends on which book you read, as there are a few variations in the stories of the development of Reiki. Dr. Mikao Usui lived in Kyoto, a city in Japan, during the second half of the 19th. Century. He was probably a follower of Shintoism or Buddhism originally, but fully embraced Christianity from visiting missionaries, later becoming a minister, and teacher at a Christian Boys School. Questioned by his students about Jesus’ healing powers, and that we should follow his footsteps as healers, Usui felt he could not answer them and so resigned, and having understood from the missionaries that Christianity was a Western religion, he set off west to try to discover Jesus’ healing methods. After 7 years study at a college in Chicago he was no wiser, and returned to Japan. He tried to find answers to healing methods in Buddhism, and travelled around Japan, working in monasteries, seeking help, sometimes even finding text on the subject, but not the information he required.
With all else failing he decided to go to a retreat for 21 days, fasting and meditating on Mount Kuri Yama, a sacred mountain, only taking 21 stones as his throw away calendar. As he held his last stone he prayed earnestly for an answer. At that time he saw a bright light coming towards him, and he decided to accept whatever the light should bring. It struck him on the forehead, and millions of coloured lights appeared before him.Whilst running down the hillside, he stubbed his toe which started to bleed. He held his toe for a couple of minutes, and it stopped bleeding. He later, after all that fasting ate a large meal without any indigestion, cured the serving girl of her tooth ache, by holding her cheek, and removed the pain of arthritis from a local monk, just by holding his hands in the area. He was a healer.
Dr. Usui decided to help the poor in the beggar quarter of Kyoto. He lived and worked there for 7 years healing the people, hoping that they would have a better life. When they returned to their old ways he was discouraged and left.
He travelled Japan teaching Reiki and training them to become Masters. One of them, Chujiro Hayashi, became his successor. He was a retired naval officer, who opened a clinic in Tokyo, training many in the use of Reiki, including his successor, Mrs. Hawayo Takata. She returned to her native Hawaii, and eventually took Reiki to America, initiating 22 Reiki masters who spread Reiki throughout the States and Europe. She named her Granddaughter as her successor, Phyllis Lei Furumoto, who is currently recognised as the Reiki Grand Master
That brings us to where we are today…… Reikie in Britian…. Berwick no less.
Just a few words about Reiki, again these are Michael’s words.
Reiki is the use of a natural energy, present all around us, but which we can become attuned to, and thus become a channel for that energy. Maybe Reiki is the answer to the stress problem, we should all be attuned to first degree Reiki and be able to treat ourselves daily. Healing and relaxing ourselves, what could be better!
As Reiki practitioners we do not claim to be Healers. The expression we use in our treatment is “to their highest good”. The energy will go to the area of the body where it is required. In treatment we do direct the energy towards the area of the clients’ complaint, but the energy will find other areas of need as well
We have a standard routine in our treatment, which we practice, but with experience we can scan the body to determine where the energy is needed, and then treat those areas specifically.
Further information on Reiki is available from Suzanne Manning Tel. No. 018907 81360 (Ayton area) or Michael.
Michael also used crystals as part of his presentation. Again he has prepared some notes, which again I reproduce. After all the help withthis month’s article, I’ll have to think of a story, otherwise I’ve had little to do. Anyway back to crystals.
Crystals have their own power of healing, and can be used as follows.
Relieving stress Tiger’s Eye Calms down overproduction of adrenaline, giving you objectivity and confidence. Helps you recognise your inner resources.
Aragonite (Excellent partner for Tiger’s Eye) Helps you to be grounded and centred, gives insight to your problem and helps you delegate. Amethyst (Also a good partner)
Relaxation
Pink and green crystals induce a deep state of physical relaxation. Yellow stones calm the mind. Purple ones raise your consciousness and bring peace. One of the fastest ways to induce deep relaxation is to lay crystals on our body. Clear quartz above the head – draws in peace, heals and re-energizes. Amethyst on the forehead, relieves mental tension and promotes relaxation. Rose quartz on the heart, opens the heart to receive peaceful energy. Citrine on the navel, draws off negative emotions and creates a feeling of safety Smoky Quartz placed between the feet, also removes negative emotions and grounds the body.
That’s it I’m on my own now.
Wally’s Yarns
The only story I can think of, was as I was typing the mixture of oils Michael used as his massage oil, I remembered the smell of the Eucalyptus especially did eventually drift around the room, as it is quite a strong smell. Honest Michael, there is no connection, but my story revolves around another strong smell, and that is creosote.
All those years ago, when I left school, I got a job on a local large Estate, down in the south of England. I was to be helping the Forrester, but when I started he was on his annual holidays, so I go put with the gardener for a couple of weeks. (Who said gardening created peace and tranquillity?, he was the grumpiest person I had ever met).Anyway Monday morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed, I turned up for work. The head gardener said, “What you like with a paint brush lad?” Guessing by then that I was not going to be mowing the grass, or weeding the flower beds I said “Not bad”.“Good” he said, “Get the creosote and a brush from the shed, go up to the big house and creosote the porch at the back door. Don’t get the stuff all over the glass”.So off I went, full of myself. Spent all morning on the job and went back to the gardens for my dinner. Gardener said, “Have you finished?”, I said, “ Yes, two coats inside and out”. He said, “ Did you clean up your mess?, Did you clean the glass?, You didn’t upset cook did you?”I said,” Look there’s nothing to worry about, they wont know I’ve been, apart from the smell. By the way it wasn’t a porch, it was a Ferrari”.He couldn’t believe it either.
I do realise that not everyone shares my sense of humour. If my little stories do upset some folk, I’m sorry. I do try not to make them controversial, or offensive.
Wally Selby.
Recipe of the month
Lemon and Garlic Chicken
4 chicken fillets cut into strips 1tbsp plain flour freshly ground pepper 2tbs oil 1 onion, sliced 1 clove garlic, sliced 200g brown rice 1 leek, thinly sliced 1 tbsp chopped coriander/parsley 1 lemon (if using dried herbs add half the amount stated for fresh )
Coat the chicken in flour seasoned in pepper Heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic in pan for two minutes over medium heat. Add chicken and brown. Meanwhile cook the rice Add the leeks and herbs to the chicken. Cut 4 slices of lemon and add them to pan. Squeeze the juice from the rest of the lemon into the pan. Continue cooking over a medium heat for 15 minutes. Add a little water if required. Serve the chicken on a bed of rice, topped with a slice of lemon
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MUSIC AND MOVEMENT ‘LOW IMPACT’ EXERCISE’
Weight, arteries, suppleness, strength, co-ordination, staying power? Continuing the good work of cardiacrehabilitation?
Do you like music and dance? If so, open to everybody, not just the Heart Group, try the Berwick Middle School Gym (7.0pm) on a Thursday evening during the school terms. This is a friendly and relaxing hour of rhythmic aerobic exercise to music with stretches and strengthening.
The experienced leader, Shirley Burns, has received rigorous training from a countrywide health promotion scheme. The ‘low impact’ exercise avoids any possible injuries and is ideal for anybody who wants to regain fitness and strength and is suitable for some mobility problems.! The only equipment required is loose comfortable clothing, and soft-shoes or trainers.
Berwick Area Heart Support Group
June 2004 Newsletter
NEXT MEETING JUNE 2nd At the DAY HOSPITAL BERWICK INFIRMARY From 7.00pm – 9.00pm Guest Speaker Marie McWilliams Age Concern
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At our last meeting on 5th. May, which was also our AGM; our speaker was our Honorary President, Dr. P D Higham, Cardiologist at the Wansbeck Hospital. He brought us up to date on new medicines and treatments. One such medicine, which is so new, its hasn’t got an easy sounding name yet, just its trade name, and that is Exanta(ximilagatran)
I’ve written it like that; because that is how it is written in the magazine cutting I have in front of me. This presumably is its full name, and maybe the part outside the brackets is what it may be called; as its short name. I have had to get help with this one. Dr. Higham said it and could probably spell it, but unfortunately Wally could do neither. So with a little help from my friends, I’ve got this information from two different sources.
(My thanks to Irene and Michael for their contributions, with cuttings from a magazine, and off the internet).
Back to the subject in hand, this is a new anti-coagulant drug, taken orally as a fixed dose, in tablet form, and means that there will be soon an alternative to Warfarin for the treatment of patients at risk of suffering a stroke
Unlike Warfarin this new pill does not react badly with green vegetables, or other medications, and has less side effects, so patients will not require the same amount of close monitoring.
It has been developed over the last 18 years, and is the first of a new class of drug known as oral direct thombin inhibitors. It works by blocking thrombin, the chemical that triggers the formation of blood clots. And is the result of intensive research into how and why our blood clots. It has been shown to prevent blood clots in patients who have undergone hip and knee replacement operations
The major trials of the drug have been completed, now selective trials are underway, but it is due to get its licence within months. It is expected that it will be used first for the prevention of clots in these types of operations. Then, in early 2005, for stroke prevention.
In Trials involving 30,000 people in 25 Countries, the drug was shown to be as effective as Warfarin in reducing strokes from blood clots in people with Arterial Fibrillation (AF).
Static or very slow moving blood has a tendency to clot, starting with thread like strands, which self generate into a clot. With Arterial Fibrillation the muscles at the top of the heart get slack or flabby, and don’t push the blood on as they should. The blood slows down and in places stops. A clot starts to form and when this breaks away it moves off around the body.
As 25% of fresh blood from the heart goes to the brain there is a good chance it could go that way There’s not a lot of spare room up there for it, (It’s like the attic, full of useful things you don’t use but don’t want to throw out either), and it causes a blockage, or, as we know it, a stroke.If it goes down, it can cause the same sort of blockage. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) being one such blockage.
As with Warfarin, the new drug dissolves blood clots slowly. It does have some side effects, in some people. As I have already said these are less than with Warfarin. So all in all it has the potential of being a very promising drug.
Changing the subject, Dr. Higham gave a brief report on waiting times. Last year waiting time could be 6 to 9 months; this is now down to 4 to 5 weeks. Only that day one patient had had only 10 days to wait. Anything that reduces waiting times and the uncertainty, which in turn reduces tension and stress, must be a good thing.
Another thing that is helping reduce tension and stress is “Pre-Hab”. This helps people prepare for operations, both physically and mentally. Consequently, no one, neither Doctor nor Patient, gets undue surprises, and everyone involved is prepared and ready.
Dr. Higham stayed and answered many individual questions, on a one to one basis.
Wally’s Yarns
On the way home that evening I passed a Police Car that had stopped a motorist in Tweedmouth. Like many other things in life, it reminded me of a story. This is totally unconnected with the Police Car in Tweedmouth.A man was driving down Sunnyside. He noticed a Police Car behind him and at the 30 mph sign, slowed down. He travelled into Berwick and maintained his speed. As he was travelling across The New Bridge his speed crept up to 35 mph.
The police Car stayed behind him and whist he was travelling up Castlegate his speed went up to just over 40 mph, and he was making no attempt to slow down. The inevitable happed, the blue lights came on, and the siren sounded briefly. The man did not stop, and several times the Police Office sounded the siren, and indicated for him to stop, but instead of stopping the man travelled even faster.
The speed got up to over 50 mph. and after several more attempts to stop the driver, eventually, by Safeways, the driver did stop.
When the Police Officer got to the drivers door he noticed the driver was looking very anxious and upset
The Police Officer said,” Are you local?”
The Driver said,” No, I’m filling in time, I might go to Edinburgh”.
The Police Officer said, “I’ve followed you through Town, initially you were travelling at 30 mph, but gradually it crept up to over 40, and when I tried to stop you it went to over 50, and it took several attempts to get you to stop”
The man said, “I have a lot on my mind, I was not concentrating, I was thinking about my wife”
The Police Officer started to point out the dangers of not concentrating whilst driving, and the driver butted in saying, “I know what you are saying, but the truth of the matter is, my wife has just left me, two weeks ago, up and left me
she did, and what makes it worse, she ran off with a Policeman, left me for one of your lot”
The Police Officer said, “I sympathise with your problem, but it is no excuse for breaking the law.
Up until I tried to stop you, you had just been over 40mph. Why did you firstly, not stop, and secondly, to make matters even worse you speeded up to over 50, and refused to stop for a Police Officer. The offences got more serious the further you went along”.
The Driver said, “When I first saw you every thing was alright. The longer you were behind me, it got me thinking. You made me think about my wife, and the way her leaving had affected me. I started to get upset, and I sort of panicked, I thought you might be bringing her back”
Wally
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