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

January 2010

Message from the President

Mended Hearts Chapter 179 ended the year with the annual Celebration of the Heart. This event continues to bring together cardiac and pulmonary patients and an opportunity to bond with many of the Meridian Health staff members that contributed to your recovery. If it is possible in the future, we will try to alternate this event as an evening and daytime schedule. You’ll find the full story and pictures here.

I have tried to think of a good way to ignore New Year’s resolutions; I don’t usually make any to avoid feeling bad when I break them. Instead, I mentally develop a series of things that I would like to do in the upcoming year. My best thought was to expand my reading time: less television, more books. I got off to an interesting start reading a curious new book titled Obsolete, written by Anna Jane Grossman and published by Abrams Image, New York. After reading the review in the New York Times, I decided this is a good place to start. Fortunately, the library had the book and I didn’t have to buy it. The more I read the more I began to realize that I’m contributing to obsolescence. You and I may be part of the problem. Look around the house and chances are you’ll see many obsolete items. Do you still use a dictionary? How many of you have a set of Encyclopedia Britannica? Do you faithfully watch the evening news? How many of you have film cameras collecting dust? If you had occasion to fly anywhere recently you realize paper airplane tickets don’t exist anymore. Now that everyone has cell phones we don’t need answering machines; voice mail is much easier. How long has it been since you licked a stamp? I could go on for the whole page but I suggest you go to your public library and put in a request for this book. You had better hurry because at the rate we’re going the book may be obsolete. What! your not using a Kindle reader yet? Google it if you’re in doubt.

Are you interested in becoming more active in the chapter? Would you like to be an officer of the chapter? Your opportunity is at hand. In past months the newsletter editor has written stories outlining the activities and responsibilities of the four elected officers: the president, the vice president, the secretary and the treasurer. The plans for our election of officers are detailed in a story here. Jack and Rita Beerman chair the nominations committee and would be pleased to hear from you as they prepare the slate of candidates for office. I have heard many of you say,

“I would like to give back.” This is your opportunity. Do it.

As I’m writing this, I can look out my window to see the remnants of the late December storm and all that snow. And by now of course you are well acquainted with the credence, thou shalt not shovel snow. A week before the storm I discovered that my snow blower refused to start. After 22 years, I guess it’s entitled to quit. I did what any good New Jerseyian does, pushed it down to the front sidewalk next to the road and put a sign on it - free. Within three hours it was gone. My plan of course, was to replace it; I didn’t plan on the snow coming so quickly. Fortunately, a very good neighbor brought his snow blower down and did an outstanding job on the car park and driveway. Later in the day a group of teenagers came along and were hired to do the sidewalks and entrance access.

It’s a known fact that winter brings with it health hazards. December and January are considered among the most deadly months for heart conditions. It isn’t just the weather that contributes to this situation: shortened sunlight, forgotten medications, overindulging in the food and drink are all part of the problem.

Here are some suggestions you might want to consider: Take a walk in the early morning sunlight, being careful not to overexert and to observe temperature limitations - don’t stress your heart and lungs. Do some stretching exercises before you start out. Wear a scarf to cover your neck and mouth and use enough layers of clothing to be warm and comfortable. Be careful as you walk to avoid ice and snow patches. On stairways that are snow-covered use both hands on the railing and consider going up and down sideways one step at a time. Consider adding some vitamin D to your diet. If you feel the need for emergency help call your doctor or 911. Remember spring always follows winter.