Minutes - May 2007

MINUTES OF THE NATAL BYPASS CLUB HELD AT THE ENTABENI HOSPITAL
ON WEDNESDAY THE 2 MAY 2007

1. INTRODUCTION
Shane Newman advised all present that he would be standing in for Jack Piek, who was not well, due to the chemotherapy he was receiving. Shane requested that all keep Jack in their prayers.
Shane also reminded all present that subs were due for 2007 and if members were not sure if they had paid or not, that they could phone Jack or Shirley Piek to find out.
Shane mentioned that the bottle of red wine had been donated by Jack Piek.

2. PRESENT:
As per attendance register.

3. APOLOGIES:
Dr Piet Schabort, Jack Piek, Tony & Faith Ries, Tony Human, Sam Wallace, Jimmy Bruce, Athol & Shirley Willet, Dave & Carol Parry, Stuart & Carol McKay and Ray & Gill Robinson .

4. TESTIMONIES FROM FIRST-TIMERS:

GEORGE ENSLIN (58)

On holiday at Graaff Reniet/Elliot and on a “Cabin Cruise” and when pulling in the anchor had a crushing pain – went to Mossel Bay and after continuing on medication for a month to control the angina, was eventually referred to Westville where a triple CABG was performed. He enjoys food, but with the help of his wife he is on a diet and walks 6 – 8 km a week. He thanked Keith Lourens for being his mentor and helper.

NEVILLE NICHOLSON (70)

Was busy working on his car and started getting pains in his chest and found that he was battling to get up steps. The angiogram revealed that he needed a triple bypass, as the attempt at inserting a stent was unsuccessful. Mr. Nicholson walks everyday to exercise.

SIDNEY NAIDOO (55)

Has a family history of early deaths in the family. At work found that he couldn't walk, without tiring quickly, felt as if he was choking and had not strength to perform his duties. Advised by doctor that his aorta was damaged. Had an angiogram which revealed that he needs a bypass, which was performed 4 weeks ago.

5. VISITATIONS:
Both representatives from Entabeni and St Augustines were not present to comment.
Shane Newman (Westville) advised that he had visited a total of 24 people patients at Westville hospital,
gave encouragement and advised them of what the Natal Bypass Club is all about.

6. RAFFLE:
The draw was won by Mrs. Shirley Piek.

7. PRESENTATION:
Due to the success of the response to our previous 2 videos, it had been arranged that the following videos would be watched:
1. “Angina. A Patients Guide” (15 Mins)
2. “Cholesterol on the Level” (20 Mins)
3. “You’re Life in Your Hands” (24 Mins)

The following video was shown first:
“Cholesterol on the Level”

Science was improving al the time, as medicine was improving all the time to reduce cholesterol and an optimistic approach needs to be drawn on by patients.
Cholesterol is a lipid which is a fatty substance and is essential for the well being of the body. Cholesterol is produced in the liver and is involved in the development of hormones and vitamin D in the body.

Cholesterol is a plaque that binds to the walls of arteries and with the decrease in the blood flow there is a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood and this leads to strokes or angina and eventually to a heart attack.
Patients need to have a low LDL (bad Cholesterol), below 3 mm/l, a High HDL (good cholesterol) above 1 mm/l, so as to have a total cholesterol level of below 5 mm/l, depending on the patient.
In order to have a cholesterol level below 5 mm/l patients need to watch the following:
♥ what fats they eat & how food is cooked – fried vs. grilled, etc
♥ No smoking
♥ Moderate or no alcohol intake
♥ Weight
♥ Exercise
♥ Blood pressure

Having a high cholesterol level is a result of eating foods with too much saturated fats or having heredity high cholesterol count.
The following are the type of fats found:
♥ Saturated fats - Animal fats – high LDL cholesterol
♥ Polysaturated fats – sunflower oils
♥ Monosaturated fats – olive oils, fish oils, etc – can lower LDL cholesterol

Advisable to look at labels on food products when buying, to determine the fat type and content. Need to eat a balanced diet.
Walking is regarded as a good form of exercise and it is recommended at least half an hour per day, one should have a brisk walk

“Angina". A patients Guide”

Angina is a stabbing pain in the chest, with nausea and sweating and is a warning from the human body that things are not right with the body.
One needs to be able to distinguish between angina or heart attack and a pain in the side which could be attributed to wind. With a heart attack the pain can spread down the left arm and into the back and is a distinct pain.

Arteriosclerosis is the build up of the fatty substance on the artery walls at around the age of 20 years and when a person is older this plaque “erupts” and this can cause a blockage and heart attack.

An ECG (electrocardiogram) measures the hearts rhythm & electrical activity and the doctor can see if there is a problem by means of an exercise test at the same time.
An Angiogram determines the extent of any damage in the arteries.
When angiogram performed GNT (Glycerine Nitrate) if given to reduce oxygen to the heart.
Patients can be come depressed and negative with stable angina, but the patients need to reassure themselves that there is life after treatment – stents can be used to open arteries or blockages can be bypass by an operation.

The members requested that the third video would be watched at another club meeting




Shane Newman
On behalf of Mr. Jack Piek
Chairman of the Natal Bypass Club