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

September 2009

Message from the President

About the best thing I can say about August is I’m glad it’s over. It seems that between the rain and the heat it lived up to its expectations as a true dog month of summer. One of the best parts of the month was the Thursday, August 20 evening Mended Hearts meeting. You can read all about the program on page 6. The program was essentially a tour of the new JSUMC North West facility and editor Martin can describe the tour better than I. Of special interest were the tour guides, Past Acting Presidents Dennis Broschart and Louis Massarelli. They preceded me as chapter presidents and I’m looking forward to the day that I too can become a tour guide; I’m already practicing walking backwards. Elections anyone.

So, welcome to September, but just because it says it’s fall don’t think you can backslide maintaining your necessary hydration. Don’t get the idea that summer is over and you don’t need to pay attention to how much fluid you drink. Big mistake. You must pay attention to keeping a balance between sodium loss and drinking water. When you’re exercising if you begin to feel a little dizzy or groggy find a cool place to sit, it is a good idea to carry some of the no salt added sports drinks with electrolytes. Don’t let your guard down thinking that summer is over.

Another thing that happens during this ninth month is a resumption of doctor visits. We tend to put off scheduling these during the summer and the doctors deserve some time off too. The best thing you can do to help your doctor is for you to prepare for the appointment. When you describe the symptoms in an organized fashion, the doctor will listen. It’s a good idea to give the doctor a complete picture of what has have been ailing you since your last visit. Have your notes itemized, listing the length of symptoms, severity and regularity of your aches and pains. I find a visit to my doctor’s office is often similar to taking my car to the repair shop. It always runs better on the way to the shop. So when you visit the doctor tell it like it is. This is best accomplished by having a prepared set of items for discussion. Last but not least, bring a spouse or companion to take notes for you. I find very often the doctor talks faster than I can listen. A note taker can always ask for repeat or clarification.

Fall is also the time when you begin to think about making major purchases. I recently did just that in order to prepare for football season. I had been thinking about replacing an old, but still working, 32-inch television set. It’s difficult to get rid of the old sets and this TV was so heavy I couldn’t handle it alone. When I read an ad offering to “recycle your old TV, 32 inch or smaller - $10.” Just what I was looking for and the store conveniently sold large screen HDTV sets. My son arranged a visit and we got ready to deal. It took two of us to carry the old set out to the car. Fortunately, I had done my homework and brought advertisements from several other stores carrying big-screen TV at reduced prices, nobody else mentioned recycling. When I suggested to the clerk that I was ready to buy and recycle at the same time, he told me about the fine print. It seems that recycling deal extended to new set purchase of $1000 or more. That was not in my budget. His plan was to charge me $100 for recycling. The haggle was on. When the clerk insisted that was the only deal he could offer I insisted on speaking to his boss. I described the situation to the manager and explained that my new purchase is only acceptable with the $10 recycling plan for the old set. I then asked him, “do you really want to sell me a new TV set or not?” I counter offered to purchase the four-year maintenance plan with a new set; I was clearly ready to deal. The bottom line, he accepted, I recycled and stayed in budget with my new large screen TV. The moral of story; it’s your money you’re spending. Have price comparisons and spend a little time wheeling and dealing. Most stores are willing to listen to reasonable offers.

I must again end my message on a sad note. We lost a very active member in Mary Ann Turbitt. Her faithful attendance at meetings will be missed. Rest in peace Mary Ann.