BERWICK AREA HEART SUPPORT GROUP
January & February 2006 Newsletter
At our December meeting the advertised speaker Willie Robson from the Chain Bridge Honey Farm was unable to attend the meeting ,however his replacement Ann Middleditch gave an excellent talk on the history of the Honey Farm from when it was established some 30 years ago and now has over 1500 hives of bees which provide a variety of honey from different sources. Ann also gave us an insight into the life of the honey bee, from the lowly worker bee to the Queen Bee.
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Donations
We wish to thank the Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Walking to Health Scheme who were recently presented with the Three Hearts quality mark from the Countryside agency
They had a very successful event after which the walkers made a donation of £22.30 to our group.
We would also like to thank Mrs Jean Fair for the very genenrous donation she gave us at our December meeting.
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Omega-3 fatty acids
We know that omega-3 fatty acids are good for you and found in fish, there are other sources where you can also get them, good sources include:
- Canola and olive oil
- Walnuts
- Ground flaxseed
- Tofu
- Leafy green vegetables
All of these foods can supply healthful omega-3 fatty acids, essential fatty acids that our bodies can't make on their own, so they must be obtained through what we eat. Omega-3s also stimulate hormone-like substances that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Wally’ Yarn
Dave the Scouser is touring America on holiday and stops in a remote bar in the hills of Nevada. He's chatting to the barman when he spies an old Indian sitting in a corner-complete with full tribal gear, long plaits and wrinkles.
"Who's he?" asks Dave.
"That's the Memory Man," says the barman.
"He knows everything. He can remember any fact. Go and try him out."
So Dave wanders over and asks: "Who won the 1965 FA Cup Final?"
"Liverpool," replies the Memory Man.
The tourist is amazed.
"Who did they beat?"
"Leeds," comes the reply.
"And the score?"
"2-1."
Dave tries something more specific.
"Who scored the winning goal?"
The Indian does not even blink:
"Ian St John."
The Liverpudlian returns home and regales his relatives and friends with his tale, and he's determined to return and pay his respects to this amazing man.
Ten years later he has saved enough money and returns to America. After weeks of searching through the towns of Nevada, Dave finds the Memory Man in a cave in the mountains.
The Scouser steps forward, bows and greets the Indian in his traditional native tongue: "How."
The Memory Man squints at him and says:
"Diving header in the six-yard box."
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Recipe of the Month
Baked Mackerel with Potatoes in Garlic Sauce
This delicious mackerel recipe makes a wonderful evening meal
ingredients
- 2 fresh mackerels (800g each)
- 1 lemon
- olive oil
- salt
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 1 dried chilli
- chopped parsley
- 4 potatoes
- 1/2 onion
method:
1. Clean the mackerel place on a plate lightly sprinkle with salt and pour over a little olive oil
2. Make cuts in the side of the fish and place a slice of lemon in each
3. Bake in a hot oven (200 degrees) for approx 20 mins
4. To make the garlic sauce put a generous amount of olive oil in a frying pan (about 8 tbsp), the finely sliced garlic cloves and the whole dried chilli and fry over a medium to low heat remove the whole dried chilli once the sauce is ready and the garlic has turned golden
5. Peel and slice the potatoes, chop the onion and fry together in a separate frying pan in a little olive oil
6. Remove the fish from the oven open them up and remove the bones and place on a serving plate then sprinkle over the cider vinegar and pour the garlic sauce over the fish
7. Place the fried potato slices and onion around the edges of the fish and garnish with a little chopped parsley before serving
BERWICK AREA HEART SUPPORT GROUP
MARCH 2006 NEWSLETTER
Next meeting March 1st at the Day Hospital, Berwick Infirmary from 7.00pm – 9.00pm Guest speaker is Jean Worth. Jean is the Berwick Co-ordinator for a charity called Carer Link which aims to put carers in touch with each other for mutual support and friendship. The charity is at present recruiting volunteer listeners (either experienced carers or former carers) to make a telephone call once a week to a carer who would like someone to talk to. At present they are busy promoting the project - trying to reach both volunteers and people who would like to use the service.
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Our speaker for the first meeting of 2006 was Julie Holden of the Berwick Branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Much of the evenings talk was a two way conversation, with members asking questions and Julie giving a reply, which often prompted (A) another question, or (B) Julie to explain something a bit deeper. Whilst this makes for an interesting evening it makes it difficult to take notes and then to make some sort of sense of it for people that were not there, plus the fact that I’ve had a couple of months off.
The CAB as it is now affectionately known was set up in 1939, by the Government of the day. That’s a nice way of saying that I don’t think Julie said which Party was in Power, and I’m too young to know. But which ever party is was they saw the need for the general masses to have access to free advice on legal, housing, missing persons, money and work related matters. Initially there were 200 Bureaus set up throughout the Country, and although staffed by volunteers, funds for rent and electricity were supplied by the Government. By 1944 the number of Bureaus had risen to 1000. In 1950 the Bureau became totally self sufficient because Government withdrew all funding completely.
Even today the bulk of the work of the Bureau is still being done by volunteers, but there are some paid positions. This has happened because of the range of work now undertaken by the staff is far more complex, some of which requires legal qualifications, as Court and Tribunal appearances on behalf of clients have become quite commonplace.
Much of the Legal Aid work previously undertaken by Solicitors is now done by the Bureau. The Legal Services Commission who manages the fund for Legal Aid pays the Bureau for the cases they cover. Berwick branch has 12 paid positions, plus 10 voluntary workers. Funding also includes monies for ancillary office equipment, desks, computers etc.
The Bureau is used by all Public Bodies including Berwick Borough Council, from whom they receive no funding.
Training for volunteers can take up to 2 years to qualify, but when complete it is the equivalent to a MVQ at level 3 or equal to 6 months legal training. All training and subsequent advice to clients is to the ‘Quality Mark’. The guidelines/aims of the Bureau is to give free, confidential, fair and independent advice to its clients.
Usual practice is clients are seen on a first come first seen basis. If two people are in dispute, but on different sides, ie. husband and wife, only the first will be represented. Clients are seen, and details of their problem are obtained. Relevant information is researched, usually from the computer, and the client is advised accordingly. This may take two or more appointments, but before seeing another client each individual interview, or advice given and actions taken are referenced off by the interviewer, so that each case is up to date before taking on another client.
Because this is the practice for all enquires telephone enquiries are not recommended, and because Scottish law differs from English law it is not always possible to give advise when dealing with Scottish enquiries.
Just a few facts and figures that I jotted down:-
In 2004/5 there were 3,336 new clients at the Berwick Branch. One third of Berwick’s Council Houses stock has now been sold. Throughout Britain possession orders have doubled. Again throughout Britain in 2002, 59 million credit cards were issued, and between a third and a quarter of all pensioners do not claim their full benefits.
Thank you Julie for this insight into the CAB.
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Wallys Yarn
An elderly man went to his dentist. As the dentist had recently given up doing NHS work, he asked how much an extraction of a large back tooth would cost.
The dentist replied, “£ 75.00”.
The man pointed out that he was a pensioner, and asked if there was any chance of discount, or making it cheaper.
The dentist said that he was unable to do it any cheaper because the price included his time, the time of his dental nurse, the injection, and the use of a fully equipped and sterile surgery.
The pensioner still thought this was excessive and suggested no injection.
The dentist suggested that as this would only save £7.50, and the amount of pain and discomfort that the injection would relieve it would not be worth considering.
The pensioner said, “No injection” He also said “Does it have to be in your surgery?”
The dentist insisted that it was, for hygiene reasons.
“Have you not got another room almost as clean?” said the pensioner.
“There is a small anteroom next to the surgery that we used to use before we got our new surgery, but there is no equipment left” said the doctor, “but we have some old stuff in the cupboard we could wash over, and get a chair out of reception”.
“That’s fine” said the pensioner, “How much now?”
“Still £60.00 I’m afraid, its mine and my nurses time that costs so much”
“Does your nurse have to be there?”
“Its usual practice”, said the dentist, “Just in case something goes wrong”
“Is there anyone cheaper that can do it?” said the pensioner.
“I suppose the YTS lassie in reception might stand in”, said the dentist.
“And what about you”, said the pensioner, “Is there anyone cheaper?”
“I suppose my nurse could do it now that she is not assisting”
“That’s fine, now how much?” said the pensioner
“£35.00”, said the dentist
“Still too much”, said the pensioner,” What if they did it ‘for a couple of quid’ in their dinner break?”
“I would have to check” said the dentist. He then telephoned down to reception to see if and when the people involved were willing. He then said to the pensioner, “They said they would do it, but let me recap as to what you want. No injection, use of the anteroom, use of an ordinary chair, use of some old equipment, tooth pulled by my dental nurse, assisted by the YTS receptionist, and in their dinner break”.
“Yes, that’s correct, how much now?” Said the pensioner
“£12.50” said the dentist.
“Yes, that will do” said the pensioner.
“When do you want it done, my staff can manage this Thursday of Friday” said the dentist.
“Can I get back to you on that one”, said the pensioner, “I’ll have to have a word with my wife, it’s her appointment”.
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Recipe of the month
Vegetable stir Fry with Noodles
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 individual packets steam fresh vegetables
1 Packet Amoy stir fry sauce
1 packet Amoy straight to wok noodles
Method
Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a deep non stick frying pan or wok
Add the vegetable mix, plus any extra you fancy, for example - broccoli, peas, chopped leaks, pineapple cubes, mushrooms.
Cook over a medium to high heat until veg are cooked, add sauce, coat veg, then add noodles.
Serve immediatly
BERWICK AREA HEART SUPPORT GROUP
APRIL 2006 NEWSLETTER
Next meeting April 1st at the Day Hospital, Berwick Infirmary from 7.00pm – 9.00pm Guest speaker is Paramedic Dave Redman from North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust
The North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust was formed in 1999 following the merger of Northumbria and Durham Ambulance Services. It covers the counties of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Durham, an area of approximately 3000 square miles, and is bordered with Scotland to the north, Cumbria to the west and North Yorkshire to the south. A workforce of 1385 people serves a population of 2 million
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Our speaker for the March meeting, was Jean Worth of Carers Link. “Now who are they?” I hear you ask, well as a group it started about 3 years ago when some Carers got together to discussed some of the problems Carers where experiencing. The meetings became regular and it was decided they should become official and so a registered charity was formed, run mainly by volunteers but with some paid part time positions, it is supported by Northumberland NHS, The Countryside Agency and The Northern Rock Foundation and the Project Patron is Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland.
As the name suggests their aim is to link carers. This is achieved by telephone or E Mail contact, or through local support groups, and is for the purpose of offering mutual support, sharing information and knowledge, and friendship, for old and new Carers.
Jean started the evening by asking if anyone knew what a Carer was, and if anyone knew any. Whilst most of us had a basic idea, and a few admitted knowing some, Jean explained her groups’ version of what a Carer is as, “Someone who looks after family; a partner or friends in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The care they provide is unpaid”.
I think this last bit means they are not paid, as a job, by the person who they look after, not whether or not they receive a Carer’s Allowance.
After thinking about it, most of us know carers in one or more of the categories.Some of us are Carers ourselves, so the fact that there is a group to whom anyone of us could turn to at any time is a great comfort.
A Telephone Listening Service is also available for new Carers, or those in transition. This means if the person for whom a Carer is caring if their condition worsens, and the carer needs a listening ear or some advice it is there at the end of a telephone. These are manned (or to be politically correct operated) by current or former carers who have understanding and/or advice to pass on. Training is given to all listeners, some of whom specialise on different areas of caring.
I am going to try and reproduce the centre pages of Jean’s leaflet which may explain things better. but it needs most of a page to get it in, so now I’ve got to try and fill up the rest of this page.
If you are interested in becoming a Carer, or wish to find out more you can contact either Kate who is responsible for the Alnwick area or Jean for the Berwick area. Their usual office hours are Monday 9am. to 12md, Tuesday 10am to 12md, Wednesday 10am to 12md, and 2pm to 4pm. and Friday 9am. To 2pm. There is an answer phone at all other times. None of this is any use without a telephone number which is 01668 219951,or web site co-ords@carerlink.org
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Correction
In the meeting report of the March newsletter we reported that CAB received no funding from Berwick Borough Council, This should have read Northumberland. County Council. Berwick Borough Council do support CAB
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Recipe of the month
Salmon pasta bake
Ingredients
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 oz butter
4 fl oz double cream
4oz piece of salmon
2oz spinach
7oz cooked pasta
2 egg
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7.
2. Gently soften the onion and garlic in the butter for 5-6 minutes. Add the cream and heat through.
3. Poach the salmon in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and drain.
4. Break the salmon into large chunks and add to the sauce. Stir in the spinach and cook for one minute.
5. Add the pasta and stir through.
6. Lightly beat the two eggs and stir in.
7. Put the mixture into an ovenproof dish and bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes.
8. Serve hot
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Wally’s Yarn
The Lord of the Manor, who was staying at his Gentlemen’s Club in London, summoned his farm manager from the depths of rural England.
He asked the manager for an update of the farm as he had not been home for a few weeks.
The manager told him there was some good news, but as always with good news this is often tinged with a little bit bad new
“What’s happened” enquired the Lord.
“Your little terrier, Bugle, has died”
This was the Lords favourite dog, and he was quite upset to hear it had died. “How did
it happen?”, asked the Lord.
“We are not rightly sure”, said the manager, “But we think it was kicked by your horse”.
“That’s nonsense man, my horse is so docile, it’s never kicked anything in its life” said the Lord
“Well” said the manager “We think it may have been frightened by the fire”.
“What fire”, said the Lord
“The fire in the stable” replied the manager.
“Was there much damage?, and what caused the fire” , asked the Lord
“There’s nothing left, even the horse has bolted and hasn’t been seen since”, said the manager, “and we can’t be sure as to how it started, but it may have been a spark from the Manor House”.
“What do you mean, a spark from the Manor House”, said the Lord angrily
“Well, there was a little fire at the big house”, said the manager.
“Was there much damage?”, said the Lord
“Razed to the ground, nothing left” , said the manager.
“What about the family silver, the art work, is it safe it is worth hundreds of thousands of pounds” said the Lord.
“All gone”, said the manager, “There’s just a little brickwork standing”.
“Why has my wife not been in contact”, said the Lord, “She knows where I am”
“Never seen her since the fire, we think she may have perished”, added the manager.
“What else is there man, surly there is nothing else. My dogs dead, my horse is gone, the stables and big house destroyed, my wife believed dead, and the family silver and my art collection gone up in flames” despaired the Lord.
“We have been in touch with your Insurance Company to get advice, but it would appear that they have gone out of business”, said the manager
“What am I going to do, I’ve nothing left”, said the Lord, “but wait a minute you did say there was some good news”.
“Yes my Lord”, said the manager, excitedly “I think this is very good news, we are not sure why it should have happen, we can only think that it was all that heat from the big house but the tomato plants in the green house have come on a treat, they are a fortnight ahead of everyone else’s for miles around”.
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Healthy Lifestyle May Ward Off Memory Loss
Do you sometimes misplace your keys, have difficulty remembering names of people you've met or find yourself forgetting in mid- sentence what you were saying?
By age 50, many healthy adults begin to notice symptoms of memory loss. Indeed, as we age, researchers have found our memory function can decline by as much as 45 percent.
How do you know whether your memory loss is a normal process of aging or a symptom of a medical problem? What can you do to prevent memory loss and keep your mind sharp? For answers, I talked to Dr. David Trinkle, a geriatric psychiatrist and medical director for the Carilion Center for Healthy Aging.
The brain is an incredible computer that stores information in different files. Information stored in short-term memory include the name of a person you met moments ago. Recent memory may include such information as what you had for dinner last night. Memories from years ago are stored in remote memory. Since these types of memories are stored in different parts of the brain, the effects of aging or disease vary.
Short-term and remote memories aren't usually affected by the process of aging, while recent memory may be. A memory problem may be serious and require medical evaluation when it affects your daily living.
"A key worry is if you lose mental skills for familiar activities," Trinkle said. "For example, if you are a person who has always been good at remembering people's names, and you find that you can't do that as well anymore."
Some of the medical conditions that can cause memory loss include depression, strokes, a head injury, alcoholism, side effects of drugs, and dementia (severe problems with thinking, such as Alzheimer's disease). Any serious concerns about memory loss should be discussed with your physician.
The Carilion Center for Healthy Aging offers several types of clinics for evaluation and resources for patients and families. Patients may be referred by their primary care physicians, or may self-refer (though they do need a primary care physician as a contact to follow up with test results and recommendations that may be made).
Additional specialty clinics and services offered include a "mild cognitive impairment clinic" (offering more intensive testing for early memory loss), a "behavioral disorders" program (focusing on dementia or Alzheimer's, offering help for both patients and caregivers), a "continence clinic" (with OB/GYN assistance for patients with urinary incontinence) and "outreach programs" (including working with patients in nursing homes, making home visits, and teaching community and medical professionals).
Trinkle recommends anyone concerned about his or her memory should discuss it with a physician.
"Worrying itself can interfere with mental function, as can stress and depression," he said. Also, he added that people should be aware their vascular health.
Keeping normal memory loss at bay is possible by making healthy lifestyle choices. Since the brain relies upon a healthy blood supply to function optimally, things that are good for heart health are also good for brain health. Some recommendations include:
- Stay active. Exercise increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain.
- Eat well. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, containing antioxidants, helps to protect and nourish brain cells. A Harvard study conducted from 1976-2001 tracked eating habits and mental function of a group of subjects and showed that those who ate the highest amounts of green, leafy vegetables had the slowest rate of mental decline.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Permanent brain damage can occur in people who drink heavily over a period of years. Moderate consumption is considered no more than one drink per day for women, no more than two for men.
- Manage your stress. Under stress, hormones are released throughout the body that can interfere with brain function.
- Don't smoke. Anything that interferes with healthy cardiovascular functioning affects the brain. It's never too late to quit smoking and reduce this risk.
Research has shown that the brain does retain its ability to create new neural pathways, even as we age. In fact, a recent Time magazine article (Jan. 16, 2006) on the subject reported that an active mind after mid-life is more capable of creating communication pathways between right and left brain than a younger brain.
Exercising the brain is like exercising the body -- keep the organ flexible, in good physical shape and functioning well. You can challenge your brain in the following ways:
- Do crossword puzzles, or other "mental calisthenics" such as Sudoku puzzles or playing chess.
- Learn to speak a foreign language.
- Learn to play a new musical instrument.
- Start a new hobby such as woodworking, painting or bird- watching.
- Read and stay informed on current events.
- Expand your ability to use your computer, taking classes if you need to.
- Interact with others in meaningful ways, such as volunteering.
Next meeting May3rd at the Day Hospital, Berwick Infirmary from 7.00pm – 9.00pm Guest speaker is Sally Scott who will give a talk on her role as a ‘heart failure specialist nurse’.
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Our speaker on April 1st was Dave Redman who is a Paramedic and Team leader based at Berwick Ambulance Station. He has been with the Ambulance Service since 1975 when he joined one of the south coast County Ambulance Services, after working as a mechanic for a few years after leaving school. He currently works 14 12 hour shifts a month, which is a mixture of nights and days, which equals a 42 hour week.
Dave set out explaining the National Health Framework for treatment for an ambulance attending a patient with suspected Heart Disease.There are set standards which everyone can expect, once into the back of the ambulance.Oxygen, and pain relief,A 12 lead ECG examination. ( 3, or 5 lead exams do not give sufficient detail a 12 lead test includes terminals on the ankles) If necessary the ECG machine can be linked to the Wansbeck by mobile phone, which is also carried on the ambulance
Age, circumstances of current treatment, pulse, and blood pressure together with a pain assessment on a scale 1 to 10 and history, are obtained, and provided all circumstances are favourable the decision to thrombolise will be taken. This is an injection, ideally given within 30 mins of the start of heart pain, which breaks up blot clots, and in ideal circumstances minimises damage to the heart, significantly improving chances of recovery. This injection costs £400 a shot, and cannot be given in every circumstance, age and if it has been administered to the patient in the previous year have a bearing.Paramedics are qualified to give this injection.Morphine is carried and can be administered. The patient is then conveyed to the nearest definative hospital which is either Borders General or Wansbeck. Very rarely does a patient now come to Berwick for a decision to be made.
Dave did comment on how the Ambulance Service had changed, and described some of his experiences as a Paramedic, which did lead to lots of questions and answers, and some of his personal experiences
Thank you Dave for your time.
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Watching your weight?
Green tea?
We know that keeping your weight down is a good idea for your heart and blood pressure and also helps protect against insulin resistance and diabetes. While you watch your weight, try having frequent cups of green tea. (Do not ‘stew’ the tea. Try a slice of lemon rather than milk. Delicious.)
Quotes from a recent review of a great deal of ongoing scientific work:
“The antiobesity effect of epigallocatechin gallate from green tea deserves more attention.
“During the last decade, the traditional notion that green tea consumption benefits health has received significant scientific attention and, particularly, the areas of cardiovascular disease and cancer were subject to numerous studies. Due to the ever-growing obesity pandemic, the antiobesity effects of green tea are being increasingly investigated in cell, animal, and human studies," scientists in Switzerland report in their review.
“Studies conducted with human subjects report reduced body weight and body fat, as well as increased fat oxidation and thermogenesis and thereby confirm findings in cell culture systems and animal models of obesity. There is still a need for well-designed and controlled clinical studies to validate the existing and encouraging human studies.
From Wolfram and others in review in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research (Antiobesity effects of green tea: From bedside to bench.
Have a nice cuppa!
Phil
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Wally’s Yarns
Three little stories this month
This one has an Easter theme.
I was reading the paper in the week when a story caught my eye. It gave the name of a person and it came to mind that I was at school with a lad with the same name, so I read on.
The lad I was at school with was not the sharpest knife in the box, infact he had lots of problems. His exam results made mine look very good. This lad had troubles with reading, spelling and writing, he even had trouble writing his own name, so I began to think it may be the same person. The reason behind the story was that this person had taken Mothers Pride to court, and he was suing them for forging his signature on the top of Hot Cross Buns.
An embarrassing problem
A man went into the pub and ordered three of the best single malt whiskies. The barman lined them up, and the man took a sip of the fist one and said,
“Barman that is one of the smoothest, tastiest whiskies I have ever had the pleasure to taste” and with that he downed the rest in one go.
The barman said “It’s one of my favourites as well; it comes from one of the Hebridean Islands and is 25 years old, aged in oak barrels”
The man picked up the second glass and took a mouthful and extolled to the barman its finer qualities of smoothness, roundness and sheer pleasure to taste, as it passed over his tongue.
To which the barman could only agree.
As he finished the second he picked up the third. This one he gulped in one, when he had finished he said to the barman, “I couldn’t resist doing that with the last one, it felt good all the way down, but maybe I shouldn’t have done that, not with what I’ve got”
“Why, what have you got?” asked the barman.
“Just 16p in my pocket” said the man.
And a bad luck story
A man got called home from work one day as his father had just died. As he was walking home he saw one of his mates who made a comment about being home from work early.
He told his mate that his father had just past away and he was on his way home to get changed before going to his mother’s house to see if she needed anything.
“I’m sorry to hear that, that’s a bit of bad luck, the old fella always looked fit and well”, his mate replied.
“Don’t talk to me about bad luck”, said the man in a pitiful voice, “My family seem to of had nothing but bad luck lately, I don’t know how much more we can stand. Just to illustrate a point, I’ve been called home because my father’s died and I’ve just met my brother down the road, and he’s telling me, he’s just been called home from work, because his father has died as well, that’s what I call bad luck”.
Berwick Area Heart Support Group
June 2006 newsletter
Next meeting May 3rd at the Day Hospital, Berwick Infirmary from 6.00pm 7.00pm – AGM 7.00pm 9.00pm Guest speaker is Alex Spence Buteyko Breathing Therapist.
Please try and attend the AGM, new officers could introduce new ideas, and now is your chance to elect them
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Our speaker on May 3rd. was Sally Scott who is one of three Primary Care Heart Failure Specialist Nurses, who cover the whole of Northumberland. She has been in post 18 months. Sally gave quite a detailed explanation of her duties, with the help of a Power Point display. (Slides)
As a result of a question asked later in the evening, Sally explained the difference between a Heart Attack and Heart Failure as:-
Heart Attack, This is when, a blockage in the blood supply to the heart muscle, causes part of the heart muscle to die.
Heart FailureIs when the heart is not functioning properly.
I have put that in now because it helps explain Sally’s role a lot easier, because the official definition is:-
A clinical syndrome that results from any structural or functional Cardiac Disorder, which impairs the ability of the heart to function as a pump.
Anything, either medical or self inflicted, that puts the heart under pressure, and causes the left ventricle to enlarge in order for it to try and keep the body functioning as normal as possible comes into this category.
Nationally, 2% of a G.Ps. patient list contains patients in this category, but good news here in Berwick it’s only 1%.An ongoing task for Sally and her colleagues is a general clean up and clarification of patients records to establish those who do have heart failure.
Sally’s aim is to be there for her patients that have been diagnosed with heart failure. Not just dealing with referrals from Doctors and Consultants etc. as Sally and her colleagues hold surgeries of their own, as well as home visits, and can make some changes as necessary. They also provide access to Specialist help, liaise with
Multi Disciplinary Teams, including the Cardiac Nurse at the Borders General, and are a point of contact between patient and Professionals to promote the best possible care in the management of a patient’s heart condition. Each patient has a booklet which is completed on each visit. It lists details of the patient’s personal details, allocated nurse’s details with contact numbers, brief heart history, record of weight, blood pressure etc and all prescribed drugs and any new advice or changes to medication made on any visit.
She also gives practical advice on the management of Pharmacological, and Non Pharmacological aspects of the illness.Pharmacological is the management of any prescribed drugs including Ace Inhibitors, Reception Blockers, Beta Blockers, and others.
Non Pharmacological is life style changes.
This includes Patient advice/Information, Social Support, Psychological Support and advice on diet and exercise.Patient Advice would include use of prescribed drugs, physical activity (3 X 20 mins per. week if possible) Alcohol intake, salt intake, smoking cessation, and avoiding any of the fizzy versions of ibrobrufen, paracetamol etc. as these contain almost 2 grams of salt per tablet, and also to weigh themselves each day at a regular time, and to report any increase in breathlessness, any sudden, unexplained increase in weight that continues to rise daily even relatively small amounts, as either of these could suggest water retention.
Clinics are held at Berwick on 1st and 3rd. Thursdays, Alnwick on 2nd and 4th. Mondays, Blyth Hospital alternate Wednesdays,, Morpeth on 2nd. Friday and at Wansbeck on 2nd. and 4th Fridays.
Thank you Sally for your time.
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Wally’s Yarn
Recently I was at the Doctors and I have now been diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. If you have never heard if it, don’t worry, you will. These are the symptoms.
The other day I decided to water my garden (whilst we still can).
As I got the hose from the garage, I looked across at my car, which was parked outside and noticed that it could do with a wash as well, whilst I had the hose out.
I went indoors for the keys, that was when I noticed the postman had left some letters on the porch table, as I was expecting an important letter, I decided to check the post first before washing the car, I laid my car keys on the table, and picked up the post. There was a bit of junk mail, and some bills. I put the bills to one side to pay later, and was about to put the junk mail in the bin which was under the table, when I noticed this bin was full and so I went to empty it in the blue recycling bin. This was also fairly full and as there were still a few days before it was due to be emptied I decided to take some of it to the skips. (Recycling Centre)
But then, I thought to myself, as I’m going to the skips I might just as well pay the bills at the bank on the way.
So I went to fetch my cheque book but when I picked it up I discovered there was only one cheque left. My new cheque book was in my computer desk drawer. When I get to my desk I found half a mug of coffee which I had been drinking earlier.
As I pushed the coffee to one side to avoid spilling it whilst I went into the drawers to look for cheques, I noticed that it was still a little warm and so decided to reheat it in the microwave, so as not to waste it.
As I went to the kitchen I noticed the potted plant in the hall needed watering.
I put my coffee mug down to go for water, and then I saw my reading glasses, which I had been looking for all morning, were on the table, next to the pot.
I decided to take them back and put the on the desk so that I knew where they were, but first I had better water the flowers. As I laid my glasses down to fill a jug with water, I noticed the TV remote had been left on the kitchen table.
Knowing that we would be looking for it later, I decided to put it back in the living room, but thought, I must water the flowers on the way.
As I began to water the plant some water ran off the leaves, across the table and onto the floor. So I put the jug of water and the remote down on the table, and went to fetch paper towels to mop up the water. When I got to the kitchen I realised that it would soon be tea time, and started to get things ready.
After tea, I sat down and had five minutes to my self. Sitting there feeling nice and comfy I began to think about the day, it had been quiet a busy one and I had been on the go most of the time and I was feeling pleasantly tired, but I was also a little baffled as well because when I really thought about what I had done,
The garden didn’t get watered,
The car didn’t get washed
The bills didn’t get paid
The potted plant didn’t get enough water
The waste bin didn’t get emptied, as is not under the porch table
The blue bin is still nearly full
There is still only one cheque in my book
There is a mug of very cold coffee somewhere
I don’t know where the TV remote is
I don’tknow where my glasses are
I can’t remember what I did with the car keys.
And I didn’t mop up the water on the floor.
In case you are wondering A.A.A.D.D. stands for, Age Affected Attention Deficit Disorder and is quite fictitious, but is anyone else going to admit similar forgetfulness.
If you do, KEEP SMILING.
and remember:-
Growing older is MANDATORY
Growing up is OPTIONAL
Laughing at yourself is THERAPUTIC.
****
Recipe of the Month
Northumbrian Goose
Ingredients
Medium sized goose (must be bred in Northumberland)
One medium sized onion
Method
Pluck and clean the goose (optional)
Insert the onion in the vent
Dig a hole in garden and bury the goose
Leave for 28 days or four weeks
Dig up goose
Remove onion and eat
*****
Rosehip extract can help lessen the joint pain of knee, hip and hand osteoarthritis, say scientists
Rosehipcan help lessen the joint pain of knee, hip, and hand osteoarthritis, say scientists.
A study by Danish scientists found that a supplement made from rosehips reduced pain in 82 percent of patients after three weeks of treatment with GOPO – the active compound extracted from Rose canina, a type of rosehip.
The study, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology , also found that those taking GOPO reduced their use of painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
“I was very interested to see the results of this research, which show rosehip extract to have a very quick effect in reducing osteoarthritic pain in the hip, knee and hand. This study suggests that rosehip extract offers potential relief from pain for osteoarthritis sufferers, without the side effects that are often found with conventional anti-inflammatory drugs or pain killers”, says Dr Rod Hughes, Consultant Rheumatologist at St Peter's Hospital in Surrey.
Unfortunately due to the drying process that is needed to isolate the active anti-inflammatory compound from the sub-species of rosehip, GOPO is not available in a normal diet and can only be taken in the form of a food supplement.
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