The Mended Hearts, Inc.
Hearts of Jersey Chapter #179

August 2009

Message from the President

As most of you know I enjoy walking and particularly playing golf walking. Along about April I began to notice a little extra pain around the lower back area and I was quick to blame my new golf shoes. As the summer progressed it became noticeably more severe to the point where I have to resort to using a golf cart. This week I was pleased to read a USA Weekend “Health Smart” column (July 17-19) discuss how to “Ease the pain in your joints.”

After reading the column I became convinced that my problem was not new golf shoes. That means body parts are wearing out. Dr. Mitchell in discussing osteoarthritis (OA) describes how weight-bearing joints especially hips and knees are affected. When cartilage breaks down it permits the bones to rub together causing pain, swelling and loss of motion. He suggests two simple things you can do to reduce the pain, exercise and weight loss. Of course, my favorite exercise is walking and that has become a challenge. The doctor also suggests anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and the possibility of relief by injections that are considered temporary. I’m more of a permanent type person and he mentions the gold standard being joint replacement. I’m now doing serious research to learn all I can about the latest methods and techniques particularly in hip replacement. I’ll keep you posted.

Last month in my message, I wrote about in the artificial heart and made comments about technology. The science fiction author; Arthur C. Clarke addressed the issue is this way, “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” (his “third law of prediction,” see wikipedia.org). A July 20 New York Times article described a new device implanted in the eye of an 86-year-old woman suffering from macular degeneration. The device is a tiny glass telescope size of the pea. The patient is once again able to read e-mail. At 86, that’s magic.

Not all technology is necessarily good. Last month I referred to the use of a cell phone as a classic example of modern technology. Remember the wrist radio in the Dick Tracy comic strip - that was the late 40s. And while cell phones are easy to use, there remains the controversy of using the cell phone while you’re driving your car. New Jersey and New York are among the states that have approved laws prohibiting the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Do you know anyone who has been ticketed by the police in violation of the law? Is it possible to concentrate on the highway and on the conversation on your cell phone? If you’re driving and your cell phone rings do you answer it?

Readers Digest published an article in March on “7 Dumb Things We Do.” One of the seven is “when we multitask, we get stupid.” Simply stated multitasking is trying to do two important things at the same time. We do it all the time, things like reading the newspaper while you’re watching the ballgame. In preparing dinner in a kitchen, very often three or four things are happening at once. It’s a different matter when you’re on the highway - there it can be dangerous. In a very early study, the U.S. Army concluded that cell phone usage leads to significant decreases in abilities to respond the highway traffic situations. This study also noted, “this is especially true for older drivers, the older we are, the harder it becomes to screen out distractions. The decline is noticeable after age 40.” Don’t overestimate your own ability to safely multitask. The life you save may be more than just your own.

Remember the August meeting is on the third Thursday. I have notified the call-in 800-number of our meeting exactly as described on page 3. I suggest you call in early, cut off is 40 people. Don’t forget your walking shoes. Anyone who needs handicapped assistance please phone me at 732-367-3648 immediately after you’ve made your reservation.