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A SHANA TOVAH (HAPPY NEW YEAR)
TO ALL OUR JEWISH MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
A CANDY FILLED HOLLOWEEN
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us, will discuss various aspects of post-polio.
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CONTENTS
From Barbara
Steamboatin’
The Mayonnaise Jar
I’m Not Old – Just Mature
Don’t Surrender Your Dignity
Patient’s Hospital Bill of Rights
When Getting Better is Up to You
5 Things About
Fighting a Traffic Ticket
Useful Cell Phone Information
Expensive Vitamins – No Help
Clay Balls
Tracheostomy
Tubes
Tackling Cholesterol
Acing “Old Age”
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FROM BARBARA
Somewhere along the line I lost
track of what volume (years of newsletters) and lost a year – I’m very pleased
and proud to tell you that we are now in our 15th year of being a Post-Polio
Support Group and the 15th year of our newsletter.
In looking back at the
September/October 2006 newsletter, I see that I said I would update you on the
carpal tunnel surgery I had had just the month before – well, I’m very happy to
state that as of now, that I have 95% strength back in my left hand. There is still a tiny bit of “numbness” in
the tips of the fingers, but other than that I am completely satisfied with the
result. At the same time, my doctor had
given me a cortisone shot in the other hand, and –
again – I am absolutely thrilled to say that I have no problem with that hand a
year after the shot. Nothing
else to report.
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The following article is from one of
our members, Rita Henning. Rita and I
met many years ago when we were both members of the Long Island Post-Polio
Support Group. Rita had e-mailed me,
telling me about her steamboat (paddleboat) travels, I asked her to please give
us the following article. Think I’m
going to look into this type of “cruising…”
STEAMBOATIN’
My husband, John, and I did not do
any traveling until 2004 because of family responsibilities. Our first trip was a cruise on the “Delta
Queen” paddlewheel steamboat on the
Steamboats are small, with only
150-400 passengers. They are very different from large cruise ships; a much slower,
relaxed pace, with fewer activities and more time for sitting in a rocking
chair watching the wonders of America float by.
The Empress is a delightful boat with 225 passengers,
The walls are full of Russian and Alaskan paintings and artifacts. A guide book
is provided to identify the more than 200 works of art. All cabins are outside
and there are wide hallways, making it easy to get around. The restaurant and
lounge are large enough that I didn’t feel I had to “squeeze” my way through.
We did not have a handicapped cabin and although there was a grab bar next to
the toilet, I had great difficulty getting up. We asked our cabin attendant for
a raised toilet seat; there were none on board but they did buy one for me at
the next available stop two days later.
I walk with forearm crutches and
have braces on both legs and only use a wheel chair for distance. We were told
the cruise line would allow me to use their wheelchair for boarding only; I
would not be allowed to have exclusive use of it, nor could I take it on shore
excursions. I elected to walk while on the boat and since the boat is small I
had no problems. There was always a wheelchair and very pleasant crew member to
wheel me on and off the boat, and they just automatically put the chair into
the bus. Since I was the only person requiring a chair, I guess they didn’t see
any reason for me not to use it. There was one person in a scooter and there
was a lift-equipped bus to accommodate her.
We travel with our friends who are
most helpful to us; mostly by “running interference and educating the
able-bodied.” On the first bus ride from
hotel to boat we realized no provision had been made to reserve the front seats
for handicapped passengers. A few words to the driver and by the next day he
had made signs to be placed on the front seats.
(I have since written to the cruise line about this and been told they
will see that all drivers adhere to this policy in the future.) The buses follow the cruise by land, so we
had the same bus and driver every day and he had the chair out and waiting
minutes after we stopped. Our driver was wonderful and kept up a most
interesting stream of information about every thing we saw.
All excursions are included and we
were kept busy. The boat traveled east on the
We went through many locks and dams
as we sailed east to
All riverboats have a full-time
historian on board, and there are daily talks about the history of the area and
the local scenery and wildlife. Since
Lewis & Clark followed the
We had beautiful weather the entire
cruise which is very unusual for
It was interesting to observe the
reactions of our fellow passengers to a disabled person. At first I could sense
resentment that I might be asking for “preferential treatment”. Many people did
not like the fact that the front seat of the bus was reserved for me, which was
the only thing I requested. We never went to the head of the line when
disembarking the boat or asked for special favors. Very few people went out of
their way to be helpful. By the time the week was over, people were holding
doors and elevators, helping with crutches, letting me go first, etc. and I
found the change in attitude surprising. From day one it was obvious to
everyone I had mobility problems and it almost seemed like I had to “prove
myself.” As I was being wheeled down a
very long, steep gangplank a man told me I was so lucky I couldn’t walk! I told him I’d gladly change places with him,
and he had the grace to look ashamed. (It was a scary ride and I was so busy
hanging on I was not in the mood to joke about it as I usually do.) I’d love to hear other disabled people’s
stories on how the able-bodied react to them. There are many thoughtful people
around, but also many discourteous ones (is it ignorance - are they so wrapped
up in themselves they don’t see the people around them – or do they just not
care?)
(Barbara – I think this is already
way too long, but I’ll comment on other aspects of the trip for your own
information. I realize that since I can
walk, my experiences are different from someone who is confined to a chair or
scooter. Also, I am blessed to have
John’s help, which makes travel easier for me.)
On previous trips we had difficulty
getting a wheelchair when changing planes in
We stayed at the Days Inn Portland
South the night before and night after the cruise. It was the first time we booked a handicapped
room; it had a very large bathroom, raised toilet with grab bars, roll in
shower and space under the sink for a wheelchair. It also had a king size bed, which is what we
have at home, so we were happy about that (sorry Barbara). For a budget hotel ($49. a night), we were
very pleased with the accommodations. They had a nice size breakfast room with
complimentary breakfast and airport shuttle also, although the van was hard for
me to get into.
After leaving the boat, we rented a
car and drove to the coast. Having grown up on the beaches of
**********************************************
Thanks to my friend Elizabeth Frascella for e-mailing this to me last month.
THE
MAYONNAISE JAR
When things in your life seem almost
too much to handle, when 24 Hours in a day is not enough, remember the
mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of
him. When the class began, wordlessly,
he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it
with golf balls. He then asked the
students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar. He shook the jar lightly. The
pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full…. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Naturally, the sand filled up everything
else. He asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded with a unanimous - "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table, and poured
the entire contents into the jar. He
then asked the students again if the jar was full… and got another unanimous
"yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table, and poured
the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between
the sand.
Once again he asked his students if
the jar was full – laughing they all agreed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you
to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the
important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and Favorite
passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained,
your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued,
"there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the
small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So...
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play With your
children.
Take time to get
medical checkups.
Take your
spouse/partner out to dinner.
Play another 18.
There will always be
time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
"Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set
your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee
represented. The professor smiled.
"I'm glad you asked". It just
goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always
room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
Please share this with someone you care about.
I JUST DID.
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Here’s another e-mailed bit – this from
another friend, Ellen Klein…. Thanks,
Ellen.
I'm Not Old –
Just Mature
Today
at the drugstore, the clerk was a gent. From my purchase this chap took off ten
percent. I asked for the cause of a lesser
amount; and he answered, Because of the Seniors Discount.
I went to McDonald's for a burger and fries; and there, once again, got quite a
surprise. The clerk poured some coffee
which he handed to me. He said, “For you, Seniors, the
coffee is free.”
Understand – I'm not old – I'm merely mature; but some things are changing,
temporarily, I'm sure. The newspaper print gets smaller each day, and people
speak softer so I can't hear what they say.
My teeth are my own (I have the receipt.), and my glasses identify people I
meet. Oh, I've slowed down a bit... not a lot, I am sure. You see, I'm not
old... I'm only mature.
The gold in my hair has been bleached by the sun. You should see all the damage
that chlorine has done. Washing my hair has turned it all white, but don't call
it gray... saying blond is just right.
My car is all paid for...not a nickel is owed. Yet a kid yells, “Old duffer...
get off of the road!” My car has no scratches... not even a dent. Still I get
all that guff from a punk who's Hell bent.
My friends all get older... much faster than me. They seem much more wrinkled,
from what I can see. I've got character lines, not wrinkles...for sure, but
don't call me old... just call me mature.
The steps in the houses they're building today are so high that they
take...your breath all away; and the streets are much steeper than ten years
ago. That should explain why my walking is slow.
But I'm keeping up on what's hip and what's new, and I think I can still dance
a mean boogaloo.
I'm still in the running... in this I'm secure, I'm not really old...
I'm only mature.
FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- Ain’t it the truth….
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(The following two articles were
originally in our September/October 2002 news-letter. As they are still apropos [and saving me some
typing] I have placed them into this newsletter.)
Reprinted Easter Seals Southern
DON’T SURRENDER YOUR
DIGNITY
by Charles Inlander
People’s Medical Society
Get the respect you Deserve in the Hospital
“A hospital stay should be a time of healing. But all too often the experience erodes a patient’s personal dignity. Here’s how to ensure that your needs are met and your dignity stays intact during hospitalization….
*Ask about everything. Let your doctors and nurses know that you plan to play a major role in your care. Inquire about your treatments and prognosis. Don’t worry that your doctor will think you lack confidence in him/her, or that asking questions will cause resentment among the hospital staff, producing worse care.
“Hospital patients who ask questions receive better and more respectful treatment, studies have shown. Questions encourage the medical staff to pay more attention to you.
“If medical personnel use jargon (language you don’t understand) ask them to explain it. Always inquire about the medication you are given. If you receive a new drug, ask” Why is this different from what I was getting before? Who ordered it?
“Asking questions also helps prevent medical mistakes. Nearly 100,000 hospital patients die every year from medical errors, such as wrong medications and botched surgery.
*Know who is treating you. Hospital staffing levels have been drastically reduced. A person in a white uniform is not necessarily a doctor or nurse. In fact, it may be someone with almost no training, such as an orderly.
“If someone comes into your room to perform a procedure – and you don’t know who that person is – ask: Who are you? What do you do here? Are you a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN)?
“If you are concerned that the person is not fully trained in the procedure, refuse it. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you receive treatment from a nurse.
*Don’t be shy about seeking help. If no one responds to your call button within a few minutes, pick up the phone. Call the hospital operator and ask to be connected to the nursing station on your floor. When the phone is answered, say you need help in your room immediately.
“Important: If you have a complaint, you have the right to response in a reasonable period of time. If you’re not getting one, ask to see the hospital’s ‘patient representative’ or ‘ombudsman,’ who mediates between staff and patients. See what the representative can do to resolve your situation.
“If there is no patient representative or the representative is not helpful, ask to see the medical director or the hospital administrator.
*Have someone with you at all times. If you are seriously ill or under-going surgery, you probably won’t have the energy or mobility to protect your rights. So have someone with you 24 hours a day. Enlist family and friends, and work out a schedule. As long as your ‘advocate’ is not interfering with the delivery of care, he/she has a right to be there.
*Talk to the staff about a schedule
that fits your needs. A shift change may be the only reason a nurse is
taking your blood pressure at
*Make sure the food is appetizing. Notify the hospital dietitian if fresh fruits and vegetables aren’t served, the food doesn’t arrive hot, the meals are served at unusual times for the convenience of the staff, or you lack sufficient time to eat.
“Better: Have visitors bring food to supplement hospital meals. Make sure they are aware of any special dietary restrictions you have. Tell the doctor or nurse that this is what you intend to do.
*Know your rights. You have a right to say no to any medical procedure. You have the right to see your medical records. You have the right to check yourself out at any time, even against the advice of hospital personnel. You have the right to fire your doctor. You have the right not to be treated by a medical student, if you so choose.”
(Reprinted from Bottom Line Health
Newsletter)
FECPPSG Editor’s Note:-
When it comes to hospital food, it is well-known that it is usually
mediocre. The sugges-tion to talk to the
dietitian/ nutritionist is a good idea. They are normally very willing to
give you foods you request (within reason – forget about filet mignon and
lobster). Having visitors bring you “goodies” is a good idea – try to
have them bring items that are not perishable, although nursing staff will put
items into refrigerators if there is room for them.
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Did you know that
PATIENT’S HOSPITAL BILL OF RIGHTS
and RESPONSIBILITIES
■ To be treated with courtesy and respect, with appreciation of his or her dignity, and with protection of a need for privacy.
■ To a prompt and reasonable response to questions and requests.
■ To know who is providing medical services and is responsible for his or her care.
■ To know what patient support services are available.
■ To know what conduct rules and regulations apply.
■ To be given by the health care provider information such as diagnosis, planned course of treatment, alternatives, risks, and prognosis.
■ To refuse any treatment, except as otherwise provided by law.
■ To be given full information and necessary counseling on the avail-ability of known financial resources for care.
■ To know, if eligible for Medicare, whether the health care provider or facility accepts the Medicare assignment rate.
■ To receive prior to treatment, a reasonable estimate of charges for medical care.
■ To receive a copy of an under-standable itemized bill and to have the charges explained.
■ To impartial access to medical treatment or accommodations.
■ To treatment for any emergency medical condition that will deteriorate from failure to provide treatment.
■ To know if medical treatment is for purposes of experimental research and to give his or her consent or refusal to participate in such research.
■ To express grievances regarding any violation of his or her rights.
A patient is responsible:-
■ For providing to the health care provider accurate information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, etc.
■ For reporting unexpected changes in his or her condition to the health care provider.
■ For reporting to the health care provider whether he or she under-stands a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him or her.
■ For following the treatment plan recommended by the health care provider.
■ For keeping appointments and, when unable to do so, for notifying the health care provider or facility.
■ For actions if treatment is refused or does not follow the health care provider’s instructions.
■ For ensuring that the financial obligations are fulfilled.
■ For following health care facility conduct rules and
regulations.
FECPPSG
Editor’s Note:-
As mentioned above, this was
also in our September/October 2002 newsletter.
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The following article is reprinted
from “USA Weekend”, June 29-
When Getting Better is
Up to You –
By Tedd
Mitchell, M.D.
Get
motivated. Take your medicine as directed. And don’t let these obstacles hinder you.
Last week I wrote about the problems that lead many of us
to be less than consistent when taking medications. It’s an important topic, because as our
nation’s population ages, many must rely on drug treatment to maintain their
health. Today’s medicines offer hope for
staving off the ills of many chronic diseases that previous generations simply
had to endure. As a result, anything we
can do to remain compliant with therapy is a plus for our bodies.
What provides appropriate motivation to take medicine? First, there must be a sense of importance
about treating a condition. Not all
medical problems must be treated, even if available therapies are
effective. That is where a conversation
with your doctor is critical. For
example, choosing to forgo treatment, for your nagging allergies may mean
you’re miserable during ragweed season, but it won’t kill you, either. On the other hand, not treating high blood
pressure can have dire consequences, so forgoing therapy doesn’t make sense.
Your doctor can walk you through the risks related to your
particular medical condition, which can help you decide how important it may or
may not be to treat it. This approach is
especially important for treating those chronic medical conditions that, while
potentially devastating, often aren’t symptomatic. High blood pressure, high cholesterol,
diabetes, even heart disease all can occur in an individual who feels “normal.” Nonetheless, when identified
, they need to be treated. After
all, like the saying goes, “It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” By the time some of these illnesses become
apparent, the results frequently are devastating (heart attack, stroke, kidney
failure, blindness, etc.)
Once a person has developed the proper motivation, the next
step is to remove any barriers to compliance.
Financial barriers, the most important of which is cost of medication,
are a big factor. But there are very few
generic drugs, which generally are much less expensive and quite
effective. Even for the few times when a
brand-name drug is all that is helpful, most pharmaceutical companies have
programs to help patients with the cost of such treatments. Your doctor can work with you to implement
the most cost-effective program possible.
Another barrier can be physical limitations. For example, visual problems make reading
labels difficult. Dementia, even when
it’s mild, limits a person’s ability to remember medication schedules. Swallowing pills is difficult for many adults,
especially the elderly. Arthritis or
other dexterity problems may make opening bottles problematic, too. But for each of these issues, there are
available solutions (such as large print on labels; liquid forms of medicine,
which are easier to swallow; easy-open bottles, etc.) Once again, developing a game plan with your
doctor can make seemingly insurmountable problems better.
Medications are a mainstay of therapy for millions of
Americans. The appropriate use of
pharmaceuticals has been a major factor in improving our nation’s health and
longevity. To fully realize the benefits
of these interventions, we must learn to make compliance a habit. Developing motivation and addressing
obstacles are the first steps in making medication adherence a behavior. Two helpful websites are cmsa.org/CMAG (Case
Management Society of America) and ascp.com (the American Society of Consultant
Pharmacists).
Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell, M.D., is
president and medical director of the renowned Cooper Clinic in
.
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FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- Hopefully we won’t ever need to know any of the
following. I’m sure that we all obey
the speeding limits when driving – but, just in case, thought this might be
helpful.
Reprinted from “
5 THINGS
You Need to Know About
Fighting a Traffic
Ticket
By Mary Forsell
1. Gather evidence. Ask the traffic court to see official
documents, like calibration records for either the radar gun or the speedometer
used to clock your car. File a discovery
request with the prosecutor so you can examine documents in advance for flaws,
says Mitchell Mehdy, a
2. Beat the
beam. Sped measuring devices such
as radar and laser (aka LIDAR, or Light Detecting and
Ranging) are subject to human error says Darius Arbabi, a
Boston-area attorney. He has won cases
in which officers have failed to give sufficient proof of proper LIDAR
positioning.
3. Go for
technicalities. If certain elements of a
ticket are missing, the case can be thrown out.
For instance, if the officer’s name and signature are illegible and it the badge number is impossible to
read on a
4. Be
brief. “Judges don’t have a lot of
time,” Arbabi says.
“Give a two-minute report.” He
suggests that you use visual evidence, such as a photo of a road sign obscured
by foliage.
5. Win by default. If the officer doesn’t show up and the court
asks for a continuance (postponement to another day), then your response should
be, “I object,” Mehdy says. The case should be dismissed if the officer
doesn’t have a good reason to be absent from court.
FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- Don’t be afraid to ask the court to adjourn the
matter to another date if the original date is not good for you. Also, by adjourning, you will be having more
time pass between when you received the ticket and when you and the officer
have to appear in court. REMEMBER, if
the officer doesn’t appear the case can be dismissed. IF YOU DON’T APPEAR, you are automatically
GUILTY!!
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The below came from one/several of my
Useful cell phone
information
There are a few things that
can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life
saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do
with it:
FIRST
Subject:
Emergency – The Emergency Number worldwide for
SECOND
Subject:
Have you locked your keys in the car? -- Does your car have remote keyless
entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you
lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home
on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot
from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button,
holding it near the mobile phone on their end.
Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to
drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of
miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote"
for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a
cell phone!"
THIRD
Subject:
Hidden Battery Power -- Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell will restart with
this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge
your cell next time.
FOURTH
How to
disable a STOLEN mobile phone? To check
your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *
# 0 6 # - A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to
your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and
give them this code. They will then be
able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your
phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at
least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no
point in people stealing mobile phones.
And Finally....
FIFTH
Cell
phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls
when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our
vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to
use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800) FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411
without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.
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The following article on Macular Degeneration is reprinted
from Daytona Beach News-Journal,
EXPENSIVE VITAMINS
NO HELP
By Dr. Harold Kushner
Q. I
have read that macular degeneration can be prevented by taking vitamins. In fact, my family doctor has been selling me
these vitamins for $150 per month. Can
macular degeneration be prevented by vitamins?
The short answer is
no. Macular degeneration cannot be
prevented by taking vitamins, even exorbitantly expen-sive
ones. However a particular formula of
vitamins can retard the progress of the condition in some patients.
The
long answer is that Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a terribly
frustrating disease to patients and doctors alike. Ten million Americans have it. The macula is the center of the retina, that
transparent lining of the inner eye, which is light sensitive and converts the
visual signal to an electrical impulse which is carried to and interpreted by
the brain as a visual image. The macula
is a concentrated collection of special cells which are required to see
clearly.
For
example, if I hold this newspaper beside my ear and look straight ahead, I can
see the paper, but cannot read it. In
order to read it, I must look directly at it with my macula. ARMD often does not cause a profound loss of
vision, but simply a slight blurring or fuzziness in the central field. It almost never causes complete blindness,
but the worst cases cause loss of central vision with inability to read or
drive. Almost all ARMD patients can
manage dressing, eating, housekeeping without help. Glasses, other than simple magnifiers, don’t
help.
ARMD
is a scourge among our elderly population here.
The older one gets, the more likely one is to have it. It is also affected by family history
(Northern Europeans have the most, blacks have the least), gender (females),
smoking, and high blood pressure, heart disease, and perhaps ultraviolet
light. At least 25 percent of the people
I see over 65 have some form of ARMD.
The
National Institutes of Health are currently studying the effects of nutritional
supplements and have issued 20 reports since 2001. Vitamins A, C, E, with zinc, retard the
progress of macular degeneration if started in the intermediate stage of the
“dry” type of the disease. This
preparation retards the progress of the disease by about 25 percent (it was
studied for 6.3 years). The vitamin
formulation used by NIH was supplied by Bausch and Lomb and is available as Ocuvite Preservision. This formula is duplicated in other
preparations, called AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study) formula. Approximate cost is $12 to $20 per month.
A
recent study indicates that lipids (fats) as found in fish oil,
may be helpful in reducing the certain forms of ARMD.
Some
data suggests that smokers have a higher risk of lung cancer taking the large
dosages of beta carotene (vitamin A) in the pills. Some preparation have
lutein instead of beta carotene, and these are
recommended at present for smokers.
Smokers or ex-smokers should talk to their ophthalmologists before self-medicating.
Ophthalmology
is on the verge of some exciting break-throughs in
treating all forms of ARMD, but if you have the “intermediate” type in both
eyes or advanced in one eye and early in the other (your ophthalmologist can
tell you), you should take the AREDS formula.
An
excellent resource can be found at the NIH Web site: www.nei.nih.gov/amd/faqs.asp.
Dr. Kushner of
FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- Thought this would be of interest to many of us
as we are all “aging” and, I know, many of us are starting to have
problems.
**********************************************
With
thanks to Lisa Haines of PA for e-mailing the following to me.
CLAY BALLS
A man was
exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with
a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and
left them out in the sun to bake.
They didn't look like much, but they
intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled
along the beach, he would throw the
clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped
one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful,
precious stone!
Excited, the man started breaking open
the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands
of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it
struck him.
He had been on the beach a long time.
He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into
the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have
taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people. We look at
someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't
look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we
discount it.
We see that person as less important
than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden
inside that person.
There is a treasure in each and every
one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to
show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and
the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.
May we not come to the end of our lives
and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems
were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
I am so blessed by the gems of
friendship I have with each of you. Thank you for looking beyond my clay
vessel.
FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- As you know, I don’t usually put this type of
piece into our newsletter – however, I just couldn’t deny the sentiments that
are in this.
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