Agenda - Jan 2007

NATAL BY-PASS CLUB

DATE Wednesday 10^th January 2007

TIME 5.00 for 5.30 p.m.

VENUE Entabeni Conference Room

PARKING In grounds (car guards)

REFRESHMENTS Available at no charge from 4.45 to 5.30

AGENDA

1. Welcome:
2. Apologies:
3. Testimonies from first timers:
4. Visitation reports:

(a) St.Augustines: Doug Tomes

(b) Westville: Tony Ries

(c) Christ O’ Flaherty and Jack Piek

5. Raffle Draw:
6. Membership & Finance:
7. Guest Speakers for 2007. Any Suggestions?
8. Videos: Due to difficulties in finding a guest speaker at this time of the year, we will view a selection of videos comprising the following titles:

(a) Better than before. Life after heart surgery

(b) Heart Surgery. What’s going to happen?

(c) Angina: A Patients Guide.

(d) Sex and Heart Disease.

(e) The S.A. Heart Foundation DVD on “When Life Presents a Second

Chance”

(f) “Cholesterol on the Level”.

As all these presentations can not be shown in one evening, we will have to rely on popular demand by a show of hands. Please give this some thought.

Thank you,

JACK PIEK Tel: 031-5633200

Chairman

Minutes - Nov 2006

MINUTES OF THE NATAL BYPASS CLUB HELD IN THE ENTABENI HOSPITAL CONFERENCE ROOM, DURBAN ON WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2006

1. PRESENT:

68 as per attendance register. Jack apologized for the lack of chairs and also for not having them arranged as required.

2. APOLOGIES:

Muriel Adams who has recently suffered extremely poor health and is unable to climb the stairs

to our venue. (Unfortunately there is no lift), Athol & Shirley Willett, Norman & Hilda

McNally, Meryl Seymour, Muriel Flowers, Chris O’Flaherty, Jacqui & Dave Miller and Doug & Betty Paul.

3. TESTIMONIES FROM FIRST-TIMERS:

NICK LOMBARD (52):

Was always fit (non-smoker or drinker) but recently suffered what he thought was heartburn after eating, but because his chest pain persisted, visited his doctor when an e.c.g. showed an abnormality. Nick was referred to Dr.Rob Dyer who diagnosed 2 blocked arteries and a kink in another. After a double bypass, Nick is fine now and watching his diet very carefully.

4. MEMBERSHIP:

Still stands at 200 and growing steadily.

5. FINANCES:

Resulting from the increase in subs to R30 and generous donations, our financial situation is

sound.

6. ANNUAL COUNTRY CLUB LUNCH:

This was attended by 60 but once again there was a total absence of any medical staff to whom

we wished to show our appreciation. A special venue at the Durban Country Club was set aside

and full use was made of the p.a. system with entertainment by way of stories from the

participants which promoted the fellowship and fun. A request that this should be an annual

event will be heeded.

7. VISITATION TO HOSPITALS:

Currently these are being conducted at

a. St Augustine’s Ken Monckton is unable to carry on for the present, meanwhile Doug Tomes is visiting on his own. Thank you Doug.

b. Entabeni Chris O’Flaherty and Jack still doing their duties which are graciously and gratefully welcomed by staff and patients...

c. Westville with the sudden and sad demise of Vernon Wilson, Tony Ries has magnanimously stepped into this breach. Thank you Tony!

8. RAFFLE:

Generously participated by everyone and realized R240. Won by Tony Schultz.

9. GUEST SPEAKER:

Mr. Robert Kleinloog was invited to be our special last speaker for the year.

By way of introduction, the latest development of organ regeneration by means of stem cell therapy was discussed. There is great potential but much more research is required. Stem cells are primitive cells which develop in the embryonic age. Various cells are required for bone, fibre, muscle, bran etc. A major problem is that the cells do not stop growing and also tend to develop tumours which behave similar to cancer. As a result stem cell therapy has been put on hold. A notable exception has been the treatment of leukemia where all the cells are replaced with stem cells.

As regards bypass surgery, there appears to be no age limit as long as the patient is biological fit. As an example, Rob pointed out Natie Klein in our audience who had his bypasses at 80 and is now a fit and healthy 84. In America, a successful bypass was done on an 89 year old patient who is fine.

The same applies to Aorta bypasses. Stents are being used more extensively than ever but there is a slight problem due to the body’s reaction to a foreign body. Tissue is inclined to grow progressively around the stent which can lead to a blockage.

All the above developments were graphically illustrated by drawings on a flip chart and before the conclusion of his address, Rob answered numerous questions:

Q. Is chelation a successful technology?

A. No. The problem is that it removes all elements from the system and not only the harmful ones.

Q. How long do bypasses last?

A. You have members here who were operated on at Wentworth in the early eighties.

Q. Are veins still inferior to the internal mammary arteries as conduits for bypassing?

A. We have noticed that veins are lasting much longer and believe that heart patients who are taking drugs are strengthening the resilience and strength of their veins, as a result of medication.

Q. Is it ok to have the sternum wires removed when necessary?

A. The wires have knitted the 2 halves of the sternum and it is a strong as before. So yes, the wires can be removed. It is a painless and quick procedure.

After receiving an ovation and a bottle of good red wine for his presentation, Robert introduced us to one of his transplant patients,

TONY WILLIAMS is the M.D. of NORVO Construction and Property Developers and is an avid collector of golf clubs and to date he has 452 drivers and 58 Ping Putters! He is a keen sportsman (particularly golf) and a world renowned judge of dogs and has judged all over the word. At 54 he thought that he had picked up a flu virus as his heart started to fibrillate. He saw a general practitioner who prescribed medication. Tony says that we should not consult a G.P. if we are aware of a problem in any particular part of our body. His mistake was to allow himself to be treated medicinally for 12 months before his radiologist wife insisted that he sees a cardiologist.

Dr.David Gillmar examined Tony and after 20 minutes told him, “You need a new heart!” His heart was five times larger than normal! Thus followed a long agonizing wait to find a donor with the same blood group, tissue, and body build and weight.

After 9 months Tony had just about given up and was very very sick when at last a heart from a 30 year old donor was available.

At this stage he told the amusing tale of this very casually dressed (Billabong tee shirt, shorts and sneakers) unknown individual who came into his ward and told him that he was Robert Kleinloog and was going to give him heart transplant but it will have to wait until the rugby match between the Springboks and All Blacks was concluded that afternoon. The Transplant which took 1¼ hours was a great success. After 4 days in the ICU and 7 days in Cardiac High Care, Tony went home. As he puts it, in his humorous manner, Tony told Robert that the only pain he had was in his right trouser pocket from which he had to pay R9400 per month for medications which will probably prevail for good.

After 2 months, he was hitting golf balls and he played his first round after 3 months. His whole demeanor is positive and grateful and he is again touring the world and judging dogs. He is as active as ever in his work and to anticipate the question, told us that his sex life was as good as ever and here he believed the 12 pills that he took each day played a part.?!.

Well done Tony and thanks for a very entertaining talk.

Jack Piek

(Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer!!

Tel: 031-5633200

Agenda November 2006

NATAL BY-PASS CLUB

DATE Wednesday 1^st November 2006

TIME 5.00 for 5.30 p.m.

VENUE Entabeni Conference Room

PARKING In grounds (car guards)

REFRESHMENTS Available at no charge from 4.45 to 5.30

AGENDA

1. Welcome

2. Apologies

3. Obituary: Vernon Wilson

4. Testimonies from first timers

5. Annual lunch at Durban Country Club held on 17/09/2006

6. Visitation reports: Volunteers required for Westville Hospital

7. Membership & Finance

8. Guest Speaker:

Our major draw card Mr. Robert Kleinloog has graciously accepted our invitation to address us on the last meeting of the year. To show our appreciation and support, please let’s have an excellent attendance or apologies please as usual to.

JACK PIEK

Chairman

031 5633200

Minutes - Sep 2006

MINUTES OF THE NATAL BYPASS CLUB HELD IN THE ENTABENI HOSPITAL CONFERENCE ROOM, DURBAN ON WEDNESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2006

1. PRESENT:

62 as per attendance register. A special welcome to the Schabort’s and Parry’s from Port Shepstone and Colin and June Holloway from Hilton.

2. APOLOGIES:

Mike and Shirley Attridge, Faye Miller, Cissy & Neville Farr, J. Moodley, Jennifer McInnes, Ken & Patricia Howell, Muriel Adams .

3. OBITUARIES:

With sadness and regret we have lost an outstanding founder member and treasurer for 20 years – Les Bolt.

Our sympathies with Herman Davidson on the loss of his dear wife Geraldine.

Jack has written letters of condolences from the Club.

Sincere and humble apologies for recording the passing of Basil Fuidge. He is hail and hearty! The obituary should have read W. Merle.

4. TESTIMONIES FROM FIRST-TIMERS:

ATHOL WEBSTER (75):

A heart murmur was detected 15 years ago but no treatment was considered necessary. A year ago Athol suffered from fatigue which Dr. Rob Dyer diagnosed as being caused by a faulty heart valve. An angiogram also revealed 2 blockages which were bypassed in February 2006, with a valve replacement, fine now.

NEIL GUTHRIE (63):

Suffered from dizzy spells which culminated in a heart attack on Easter Sunday. At the Entabeni Dr. Gillmer performed an angiogram which revealed 4 arteries with 90%blockages. These were bypassed and Neil is fit and well again.

BILL VILJOEN:

An irregular heart beat whilst donating blood was detected. An angiogram revealed 4 blockages which were successfully bypassed.

5. VISITATION TO HOSPITALS:

Currently these are being conducted at

1. St Augustine’s by Doug Tomes and Ken Monckton.
2. Entabeni by Chris O’Flaherty and Jack Piek.
3. Westville previously by Tony Ries who however can no longer fill this important duty as part of the Club’s commitment.

In response to Jacks appeal, Vernon Wilson a member since 1984 volunteered to fill the breach. The Club is indebted to Vernon who still works but will nevertheless find the time to visit patients twice a week. Vernon was applauded for his dedication. He reminded us of his previous visitations to the Wentworth hospital in the eighties when that was the only hospital with a cardiac unit. (For interest a triple bypass then cost R390!)

Before this item went to press I had the most devastating news from Vernon’s wife Iris. Vernon felt out of sorts; mainly a stomach pain over the long week-end ultimately ending up in hospital on the Monday and passing away a few hours later in I.C.U. His heart and kidneys were in a very bad state. Our condolences have been extended to Iris and family per personal letter and a press notice from the Club. How very, very sad.

6. ANNUAL COUNTRY CLUB LUNCH:

Approximately 50 members and partners will enjoy good fare and fellowship on Sunday 17^th September. The response from the medical staff has been disappointing again. Despite several invitations, not one attended. A pity as this was to be a “thank you” event.

7. RAFFLE:

Once again very generously subscribed to and realized R225.00 the raffle was won by Nathan Klein.

8. GUEST SPEAKER:

Cindy Golding is in charge of the Organ Transplant Unit at the Entabeni Hospital and addressed us. The first heart transplant in KZN was performed on the 25 May 1997. Since then, a total of 47 heart transplants 14 lung transplants and 2 heart/lung transplants have been successful. The Entabeni is one of only two hospitals where lung transplants are performed. Organ donation is known as an End of Life decision with the objective of giving someone else the chance to return to society as a healthy person. It is a commitment to the community.

The organs which can be transplanted comprise heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and pancreas.

Tissues comprise corneas, heart valves, skin and bone.

The eye does not lose its shape in a cornea graft and should be harvested within 12 hours after death. Indeed it is essential that organs/tissues are removed as soon as possible after brain death in order to ensure successful transplantation. Brain death has to be certified by two independent doctors.

Cindy then told us of the numerous case studies of which she had been involved and we recalled that Dr. Robert Kleinloog had brought 2 patients Laura and Francoise with heart transplants to our meetings and the miraculous recoveries they had made. Francoise whom we met of whom we had been shown a graphic before and after slide is now Cindy’ assistant!

Interesting that the liver is the only organ which if partially removed and transplanted, will grow back to its normal size.

Cindy told us of a heart transplant patient who had cycled from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

The Organ/Donor Foundation was established in 1988 to create an awareness of organ donation to adults and children. Currently there are approximately 3500 people waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Tragically, fewer than 1500 people this year will receive a transplant due to this critical shortage.

The shortage of donors is due to lack of urgency, misconceptions and lack of education, religious reasons and education of medical staff.

Anyone under 70 can donate. You must be under 60 to be a recipient.

Under question time, Jack asked Cindy what had become of an 18 year lad who he had seen in cardiac high care and who was waiting for a heart transplant. She told us that he had unfortunately died and so have many other patients waiting for new hearts or vital organs.

Considering that each day in South Africa there is an average of 51 murders, 30 road deaths, 20 suicides and many other unnatural deaths. Jack has written to the Organ Donor Foundation after he had recruited nearly all the Rotarians in his club and after he became ware of the weaknesses in the present system. He has suggested a 24 hour emergency number and a data base of all donors with, if possible, their blood group. He is waiting for a reply.

Cindy supported Jack wholeheartedly and hoped that an improved system will reduce the appalling current waiting and fatality list.

Cindy was warmly thanked for her outstanding and thought provoking address.

Jack Piek

(Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer!!

Tel: 031-5633200

Agenda September 2006

NATAL BY-PASS CLUB

DATE Wednesday 6^thSeptember 2006

TIME 5.00 for 5.30 p.m.

VENUE Entabeni Conference Room

PARKING In grounds (car guards)

REFRESHMENTS Available at no charge from 4.45 to 5.30

AGENDA

1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Obituary: Geraldine Davidson and Les Bolt
4. Testimonies from first timers
5. Visitation reports

a) St Augustine’s – Doug Tomes & Ken Monckton

b) Westville –Tony Ries

c) Entabeni – Chris O’Flaherty & Jack Piek

6. Raffle Draw
7. Membership & Finance
8. Lunch @ Country Club Sunday 17 September.
9. Guest Speaker:

We are privileged to have Cindy Golding address us with a power point presentation on organ transplants. Cindy is in charge of the Entabeni unit and will cover transplants in general and not only hearts. It promises to be a very interesting discussion so please be there or apologies please to

JACK PIEK

Chairman

Minutes July 2006

MINUTES OF THE NATAL BYPASS CLUB HELD IN THE ENTABENI HOSPITAL CONFERENCE ROOM, DURBAN ON WEDNESDAY 5 JULY 2006

1. PRESENT:

75 People as per attendance register. A special welcome to the members who have come from as far a field as Port Shepstone, Pietermaritzburg and Hilton. And to Herman Davidson whose wife is very ill, thank you for your presence and the club joins me in upholding you in our prayers and thoughts.

2. APOLOGIES:

Piet Schabort, Muriel Adams, Pat & John Rider, Carol and Stuart Mackay, Harold and Yvonne Milan, Mary Leslie, (Matatiele) , Shirley & Athol Willet, Roy Buckland, Joan Perkins, Ron Masters, Ken Monckton, Doug Tomes, Geoff Stuart and Nathan Klein.

3. DECEASED:

So sorry to hear of the passing of Willie van Rooyen and also Basil Fuidge who died suddenly a few weeks ago. Our sympathies with the spouse. (The Fuidges have been attending our meetings regularly for at least 15 years)

4. TESTIMONIES FROM FIRST-TIMERS:

YUSOF MOOSA (72): Although fit from jogging he suffered chest pains and difficulty in breathing (smoker!) An angiogram showed 3 blocked arteries. Fit and well after his triple bypass and happy with his family comprising wife, 4 daughters, a son and 15 grandchildren. No more smoking and gym 4 times per week. Yusof has given the Club a very generous donation. Thank you! And thank you also Sam Wallace for your contribution.

ROB WALKER (57):

Suffered a heart attack at 36 resulting from stress and smoking! Seemed well again for a few years but developed severe chest pains on the golf course which ultimately led to bypass surgery. Fine now and no longer smokes! (Previously 50 – 60 per day!)

ALBERT HANEKOM (61):

Suffered pains at back of arms. Also very fit playing tennis 3 times and gym 4 times per week. Nevertheless he suffered coronary artery disease and had to have bypass surgery. Fine now.

ERROL NUTTALL (62):

As per many of our previous First Timers, he suffered no physical symptoms but a routine medical check up showed partially blocked coronary arteries and he had to have a triple bypass. Discharged after 5 days and is fine.

5. RAFFLE:

Once again very generously supported raising R272.00 Thank you.

6. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS:

Jack said that without sponsorship from generous donors the R25 annual subscriptions would not cover the cost of running the Club. He asked whether an extra R5 per member per annum would be acceptable. This request was unanimously supported. Thank you.

Incidentally it will also be easier to pay subs in cash. Indeed, many members have sent R30 in the post without any apparent losses.

7. ANNUAL COUNTRY CLUB LUNCHEON:

By popular request Jack has arranged a buffet lunch for Sunday 17 September. This will foster good food and fellowship at a nominal cost and affords us the opportunity to show our appreciation to the medical, nursing and catering staff for their unfailing support. As before, reservations will only be made for advance payments of R55 each. Please make cheques payable to

The Natal Bypass Club, and post to:

J. Piek, 14 Furn Ridge,

1 Burne Crescent,

GLENASHLEY 4051,

Thank you.

8. GUEST SPEAKER:

Mr. Del Winter is the partner to Mr. Rob Kleinloog and spoke to us 4 months ago. Unfortunately the power point electronic system could not be used and Del tried to cope by holding his laptop aloft. As this makeshift arrangement only whet our appetites, we prevailed on him to address us again when the electronics were in place. Del accepted our invitation with alacrity and with excellent visual support, this what he said:

Dr Robert H. Gretz performed the first clearly documented coronary artery bypass (CABG) operation on a human at the an Etten Hospital in New York on May2, 1962.

The statistics for the USA are as follows: In 2003, there were 1,244000 angioplasties and 467000 bypass (CCABG) operations. This comprised 346000 men, and 121000 women.

The training required to qualify as a thoracic heart surgeon involves the following steps:

MBChB

Internship

Specialist Training which requires a Primary Examination followed by an Intermediate exam and finally a Fellowship (MMed or College.) Del then explained the difference between a cardiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon. Alas the vital functions of the perfusionist (heart/lung machine) and the Anesthetist

TERMINOLOGY: He detailed the different abbreviations and detailed explanations of

CABG (Coronary artery bypass grafting)

OPCAB (Off pump bypass i.e. not connected to the heart/lung machine)

BYCAB (Operation on a beating heart)

IABP (Balloon pump)

LIMA (left interior mammary artery.)

ANATOMY: Visuals were shown depicting the main artery stem, left anterior descending artery, the circumflex artery and the right coronary artery.

The heart weighs between 7 and 15 ounces (200 – 425 grams) and is a little larger than the size of your fist. By the end of a long life, a person’s heart will have beat 3, 5 billion times. This is calculated from an average of 100,000 beats per day when about 2000 gallons (7571 litres) of blood are circulated.

SURGERY:

This consists of

Presentation, Indication and Pre-op Visit

And finally SURGERY after which the patient is admitted to the I.C.U. before transfer to a ward before being discharged from hospital. Finally a follow up visit to cardiologist and surgeon.

INDICATION:

The most common diseases are a three vessel disease, a left main disease and a triple vessel disease in diabetics.

CARE AFTER CABG:

There are 4 main changes in the average lifestyle of post operative patients.

Psychological management to reduce stress.

Giving up smoking, Increase in exercise and a Low Fat Diet.

After 1 year, there should be no limitations to a social life, sex, hobbies or work.

PHARMOCOLGICAL INTERVENTION:

There has been exciting development of drugs to combat heart disease the major ones of which are

Antiplatelet drugs, Beta Blockers and Aspirin (administered within 24 hours after the operation)

These have drastically reduced the mortality rate.

Del said that of all the drugs, aspirin was the most effective (“we should ask the authorities to include in our drinking water!)

Other important drug developments include Lipid Lowering Agents (Lipitor and other statins)

Drugs to Control Blood Pressure and Diabetes. Drugs to reduce LDL cholesterol.

NEW INNOVATIONS:

They comprise:

Off Pump Surgery

Arrhythmia Surgery

New materials for the CABG operation and finally, Minimally Invasive surgery such as the MIDCAB operation which Mr. Robbie Kleinloog covered in a previous address to us.

After his very informative and will illustrated presentation, Del agreed to field questions following which he was warmly thanked for what was considered one of the most outstanding addresses we were privileged to have.

Thank you

Jack Piek

(Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer!!)

Tel: 031-5633200

Agenda July 2006

NATAL BY-PASS CLUB

DATE Wednesday 5^th July 2006

TIME 5.00 for 5.30 p.m.

VENUE Entabeni Conference Room

PARKING In grounds (car guards)

REFRESHMENTS Available at no charge from 4.45 to 5.30

AGENDA

1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Testimonies from first timers
4. Visitation reports

a) St Augustine’s – Doug Tomes & Ken Monckton

b) Westville – Les Bolt & Tony Ries

c) Entabeni – Chris O’Flaherty & Jack Piek

5. Raffle Draw
6. Membership & Finance
7. Guest Speaker:

Mr. Del. Winter, (Thoracic & Heart Surgeon), compiled an outstanding Power Point Presentation for our March meeting and unfortunately the projector was unavailable. What we did see on his laptop was of such exceptional quality that he has agreed to make his presentation again by using the necessary electronic equipment. Something not to be missed but if you are unable to attend kindly let me know so that your apologies can be recorded.

JACK PIEK

Chairman

Minutes May 2006

MINUTES OF THE NATAL BYPASS CLUB HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ENTABENI HOSPITAL, DURBAN ON WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 2006

1. WELCOME:

55 People as per attendance register. A special welcome to the members who came from Pietermaritzburg, Hilton, Botha’s Hill etc.

2. APOLOGIES:

Piet Schabort, Muriel Adams, Pat & John Rider, Carol and Stuart Mackay, Vernon Wilson, Harold and Yvonne Milan, Mary Leslie, (Matatiele) Ronnie Naidoo, Dave & Carol Parry, Doug & Betty Paul, Roy Craze, Shirley & Athol Willet and Chris O’Flaherty.

3. TESTIMONIES FROM FIRST-TIMERS:

B.D. SINGH (Bodasingh) (57): An outstanding example of genetic heart disease. His grand father and his father and his brother all died of cardiac arrest at the age of 42. Another brother had bypass surgery at 36 and Bodasingh had a heart attack at 42 in 1990 and 3 weeks ago he had bypass surgery. He is doing well now.

BHARATHLAL WARSAI (65): His symptoms were breathlessness and fatigue. A check up revealed nothing untoward but later an angiogram revealed a blocked artery which was opened by angioplasty and a stent in November 2005. Another attack in February showed a blockage in the main stem of his heart which required a bypass.

ANGUS DOUGALL (65): Could only play 7 holes of golf after his chest “felt funny” and he became very tired. He was referred to St Augustine’s where it was diagnosed that he had suffered a heart attack. The offending blockage was bypassed and he is back playing “18” holes.

ALAN MURPHY (66): His symptoms started in July 2003 with breathlessness and chest pain. A treadmill test indicated blockages which were confirmed by an angiogram and he had a double bypass. Fine now.

NORMAN PILLAY (49): Apart from a tightness of his chest he had no serious symptoms but decided nevertheless to have an examination. An angiogram revealed 5 blockages which were bypassed the next day in a 5 hour operation. His mother died at 54 and his father at 61 from heart failure once again indicating genetic factors.

FAY MILLER: And for those of us who are feeling sorry for ourselves because of bypass surgery, then spare a thought for Fay. In 2004 she was suffering from angina and was found to have not only coronary artery blockages but also a leaking valve and an enlarged heart. The operation was successful but last year in December she had further surgery for bowel and bladder prolapse. And now in 2006, 5 weeks ago Fay had to have a kidney removed. Says Fay: “I’m grateful to the surgeons who have successfully performed all the operations and I am smiling and happy and feel positive about life.” Fay we salute your indomitable spirit!

4. MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCE:

Jack thanked the generous response from members to his appeal for the 2006 subscriptions. Members are paying the R25.00 subs by cheque, and many are putting R30 cash into envelopes which all seem to reach Jack safely. He was aware that certain members joined toward the latter half of last year and many feel opposed to paying again. For this he apologised but due to the cost of postage and stationery Jack does not send out accounts and apologised for this. Will members please advise Jack of address changes! Recently 6 envelopes were returned marked with “address unknown”. Thank you.

5. SNIPPETS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION:

(a) Grapefruit and Lipitor. Pfizer which manufactures Lipitor have conceded that taking grapefruit with large doses of Lipitor can increase the efficacy and cause muscular disorders as a side effect. This phenomenon was comprehensively and scientifically covered in a report which Jack read from the “Sunday Times”.

(b) Actiplus and Heartbeats. Following Doug Jones’s terrifying experience when he took Vicks Acti Plus for a cold and subsequently was admitted to Cardiac I.C.U. with a serious heart condition, Jack spoke to Dr David Gilmer who said “Some of these cold remedies contain substances such as ephedrine which can cause tachycardia (fast beats) or arrhythmia (irregular heart beats) and should be avoided”. His advice to us is to avoid these preparations and rather take Paracetamol or Disprin. Please also refer to the attached article on “medication warning”.

(c) “The Art Transplant” Jack read out the intriguing report in the Saturday Independent (29 April) how the recipient of a new heart, suddenly was gifted with the ability to produce beautiful drawings of wild life and landscapes. The recipient approached the mother of the son whose heart had been donated and was told that her son was an artist. The report concludes that 70 cases have been documented where transplant recipients have inherited the traits of their donors. Interesting!

6. VISITATION REPORTS:

Nothing of note reported from the counsellors at the 3 hospitals. Patients are grateful and nursing staff are courteous and appreciative. A rehabilitation gym at Westville encourages post-op to attend. One member reported how beneficial he found the exercises.

7. BYPASS VIDEO:

The Heart Foundation is selling a video detailing the operation at hospitals for R70. Jack will buy one and report on its content and how it compares to the British Heart Foundation videos which we have seen.

8. RAFFLE:

This realized R157, 00. Thank you for your generous participation.

9. GUEST SPEAKER:

Anand Jithoo better known as ‘AJ’ gave us an interesting, entertaining, thought provoking and amusing talk entitled “Live your Life Now”. On being introduced and presented, he appeared in full cricket regalia with cap, pads, gloves and bat and proceeded to give an account of the turning point in his life:

In 1975 AJ captained the Olympic Cricket Club and played in a match against greats such as Barry Richards and Mike Procter. The opposition scored 620 runs for 2 wickets and AJ’s team, 19 all out! AJ was terrified in the first innings when facing speedster Mike Procter whose 2^nd ball broke a wicket stump in two. AJ showed this to us as an exhibit. His other exhibit was the bat which he used. This humiliating defeat in front of 15000 spectators made AJ adopt a positive mental attitude for the second innings and resulted in his scoring 88 runs and thereby making a substantial contribution to the total of 259 all out. This led AJ to conclude that life is all about ‘winning and losing’. We have the choice. A positive attitude yields positive results and a negative attitude results in a negative outcome.

The important approach which AJ kept referring to was “Live Your Life Now”. The question is how we can really drink from our own positive streams of life when our lives have been so full of negative elements. We have to change from negativity to positivity. We must think positive and not only keep our words and minds positive but also our actions and habits. This will result in your destiny being positive. For a “bible” to assist you in achieving this, an excellent book has been written by Joel Osteen entitled “Your Best Life is Now” and outlines 7 steps to bring your life to its full potential.

These are points to ponder:

God judges us by the size of our heart and not by the size of our bank balance.

When is enough, enough? It’s all about having the right thoughts in your mind. The more you give, the more you receive. Give unconditionally. Try to do 3 good deeds each day. Laughing promotes Longevity. Endeavour to make good friends. Have a daily routine. Enjoy leisure time. Conquer your fears. Enlarge your vision and develop a healthy self-image. Be proud of who you are and be yourself. Let go of the past. Find strength through adversity. Live to give. Live your vision. Relish the moment in your Life NOW! Never fear to-morrow. Set your goals realistically.

To re-in force AJ’s philosophies, he has given us copies of “The Station” and 30 “Stress Reducers” which I have included in the minutes.

From the prolonged applause it was evident that members and guests left the meeting with many thoughts and ideas for a more meaningful and positive attitude in their daily living.

Thank you

Jack Piek

(Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer!!)

Tel: 031-5633200

LATE FLASH!!! After an undue delay due to the lack of raw materials Impilo has delivered a consignment of Anti-oxidants, Vit C and Spirulina to me, these are now available from me.

Agenda May 2006

NATAL BY-PASS CLUB

DATE Wednesday 3 May 2006

TIME 5.00 for 5.30 p.m.

VENUE Entabeni Conference Room

PARKING In grounds (car guards)

REFRESHMENTS Available at no charge from 4.45 to 5.30

AGENDA

1. Welcome

2. Apologies

3. Testimonies from first timers

4. Visitation reports

a) St Augustine’s – Doug Tomes & Ken Monckton

b) Westville – Les Bolt

c) Entabeni – Chris O’Flaherty & Jack Piek

5. Raffle Draw

6. Membership & Finance Jack Piek- See notes in minutes regarding payment of subs.

7. Guest Speaker:

As we are aware that many of us are facing the future with a degree of uncertainty and possibly need a more positive frame of mind, we have approached a motivational speaker and facilitator Anand Jithoo (AJ) to address us.

Anand’s address will show you how to enjoy life on a daily basis and get the most by being happy and content. It will show you what to do and how to be happy and how you can share your happiness and success with others.

I’m sure we will all benefit by his talk. Please come or send apologies to

JACK PIEK

Chairman