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

October 2008

Message from the President

I am looking out my window at a tree across the street that has suddenly turned bright red; this is not a good sign. I know, you tell me it’s supposed to happen in October but do you realize the next step is for all the little red things to drop to the ground. My backyard is full of those tall things that the squirrels love and I enjoy until October. I wonder why someone doesn’t invent a solution that can be injected into the tree that will cause the leaves to evaporate, just disappear into thin air or perhaps cause the leaves to crumble into a powder like material that will be good for the grass. Wishful thinking I suspect, I’d better get the leaf blower out and get ready to go to work.

Of course October means different things to different people. I noticed several houses are decorated to prove to you they believe in Halloween. The ghosts and goblins are very appropriate for the last two weeks of the month; however, some of these people began decorating in September. It kind of takes the spirit out of it for me. Of course, many of these same people will begin their Christmas decorating before Thanksgiving. I am not one of those. Two weeks of a decoration is plenty and then don’t overdo it.

Getting back to those things that fall from the trees I have had pollen allergies for several years. It bothers me when the leaves come out and when they go away. Usually over-the-counter antihistamines are adequate but they put me to sleep. Not bad at night but not good in the early afternoon driving down the highway. I read an article in the Mayo Clinic Healthletter that suggested the allergy may be caused by dust mites. I don’t know too much about dust mites except that they’re too small to swat. The article pointed out that 98% of the dust mite allergens, the bad things, are inhaled from your bed. In addition to avoiding wool blankets, they suggested you wash your bedcovers in hot water every other week and mentioned vacuuming regularly with a micro filter bag on your vacuum cleaner. I’m not sure I’m going to try all these ideas but the article closed by telling me that it’s also a good time to change the furnace filter. Now there is something I can do.

You probably have seen the notice about changes in the TV bro adcast industry. All stations must convert to broadcasting digital signals. Very confusing if you don’t know what they’re talking about but if you have a cable box or dish network connected to your TV you don’t have a problem. If you’re simply attached to the cable, (no box), or get your TV off air with an antenna, you have a problem. You will need a converter box by February 17, 2009. Free TV will be a little less free but once you attach the box, it will convert the new digital signals so that your analog television will understand and give you a picture. The converter boxes cost between $50 and $70, and are available now at Wal-Mart, Radio Shack and others. The government, in its infinite wisdom will help you buy this box with a $40 saving coupon. You must call 888-388-2009 or online at www.dtv2009.gov to obtain this card. It will expire three month after issue. Try this simple test, go to the Sci Fi channel (73 in Howell). If you get a picture you should not have a problem. Don’t wait until Feb. 16 to try it.

New topic: October meeting. Those of you who remember the June 2007 meeting of Mended Hearts chapter 179 will remember our speaker Dr. Drew Greeley. He was only able to complete part on his topic list. At the time, he promised he would return and give us part two. That time has arrived. He spoke about things like crazy glue for suturing, heart lung machine, pacemaker technology, atrial fibrillation and his starting out as an electrical engineering graduate of Notre Dame University. Paul Harvey will not be at our meeting but Dr. Greeley is coming back to give you “the rest of the story.” Mark your calendar and note the time. Don’t forget to call the 800-number listed on page 3.

Editor’s note: just before press time we learned that Dr. Greeley will not be available, and a search began for another speaker for this month’s meeting. We hope Dr. Greeley can come to a future meeting.