NATAL BY-PASS CLUB
Tel: 031 204 5633 9 Marigold Place
Fax: 086 502 9883 Moseley Park
Email: shane.newman@absamail.co.za Pinetown, 3615
DATE: Wednesday 3rd of June 2009
TIME: 5.00 p.m. for 5.30 p.m.
VENUE: Entabeni Conference Room
PARKING: In grounds (car guards)
REFRESHMENTS: Available at no charge from 17:00
AGENDA
1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Testimonies from First Timers
4. Visitation Reports:
a. St Augustines
b. Westville
c. Entabeni
d. St Annes
e. Ethekweni
5. General
6. Raffle Draw
7. Guest Speaker
o Life Health Care hospitals – Ms Leanne Nyiri
o ByPass Gym – Dennis Graham
o “You’re Life in Your Hands” – (DVD - 24 mins) - British Heart Foundation
Yours sincerely,
Shane Newman
Chairman
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Minutes - Apr 09
NATAL BYPASS MEETING 02/2009 HELD ONWEDNESDAY 1ST OF APRIL 2009AT ENTABENI HOSPITALat 17:30
PRESENT:Shane Newman (Chairman) Shirley Piek (Treasurer)Shirley Willet (Secretary)As per attendance register - 37 names recorded
1. OPENING AND WELCOMEThe chairman thanked everybody for their attendance & welcomed the speaker Ms Jenny Russell from Diabetes South Africa & thanked her for accepting the invitation to speak to the club at such short notice, due to last minute cancellations & unavailability by other speakers – thanks Jenny!
2. APOLOGIES: The following people had tendered their apologies:o Muriel Adams, Neville Farr, Athol Willet, Ken Howell, Basanth Bodasing, Peter Kinnard, Jim & Marie Brown, Les Veckrange, Jeannette Whitehorn, Tony Thomas, Dennis Metcalfe, Mrs Enid Phillips & Fiona Seager, Roy Craze, June Dale, Doug Gelling, Tony Arnot, Hilton Diehl.Shane went on to add that Mr Don Phillips (late husband to Mrs Enid Phillips) passed away from multiple organ failure on 28 Feb 2009. Tony Arnot had also personally called in before the meeting to pass on his apologies & to let the club know that he was moving to Anchor Bay in Cape Town.
3. TESTIMONIES FROM NEW VISITORSMs Belinda Barlow came forward on behalf of her father who had recently undergone a bypass, to establish what the club was about. Thanks Belinda for coming forward & we look forward to meeting your dad, Mr Barlow.
4. GENERALThe following items were brought to the attention of all in attendance :· Financeo Treasurer’s report – § Shirley Piek advised that the finances were still stable§ Subs for 2009 to be please be paid to Shirley asapv Natal Bypass Club banking details – Account Name – Natal Bypass club, Standard Bank of SA, Branch code 042826, Account number 257360549§ Club will be invoiced at club evening for snacks & from next month will include the costs of the previous meetings drinks from the fridge§ Impilo tablets – George Barnes came forward & advised that he had joined Shirley to assist in trying to establish the problem with our members not being able to receive the Anti-Oxidant tablets. George advised that he had managed to possibly secure an order for the club & will advise once the negotiations have been finalized. Thank you George for taking this upon yourself, together with Shirley, to assist others in the club, by making this tablet available, once again.· Administrationo Secretary’s report -§ The chairman brought up the club’s name “Natal Bypass Club” and enquired if the name should stay or be referred to as the Kwazulu-Natal Cardiac Support Group – the members opposed any name change and therefore the name of the club will remain “The Natal Bypass Club”§ Membership - the club membership stands as at 31 March 2009 is 167 as per the list that is retained by the chairman. That by simple calculation is an amount of R6 680 per annum in subs, which is far from what is being received.§ The following members have names have been removed during 2009§ Dennis Metcalf, Mrs M Leslie, Gerd Ockert, Lawrence Sanders· Unilevero Ms Lanice De Rosnay kindly re-issued 20 Pro Activ vouchers for those whose took vouchers at last meeting, only for us to realize that the vouchers had expired. The 20 vouchers were handed out to those who required. · PACE Support Groupo Prof AO started running a 7 day 243 km desert race, called the Marathon des Sables in Morocco from 20 March to 4 April 2009 to establish a Patient Support Fund for SA’s only Heart Rhythm Charity Race – they are asking for donations. It was agree by those present to make a donation of R200 from the club? This amount was changed to R243 to tie up at a donation of R1 per kilometer. Shirley to deposit the money into the account of PACE.o Remember the PACE meetings - the next one is the 5th of June at EHHC at 17:15 – all are welcome.o Check out their website at www.paceafrica.org.za· Heart Foundation books – the chairman had 20 copies of the latest magazine ?, which were available at a donation of R10 eachThe chairman advised that a telephone playback has been made available, about the Natal Bypass Club, should you be put on hold when phoning Entabeni hospital, which will hopefully provide more exposure to the club & cardiac disease.
5. VISITATION REPORTS5.1. EntabeniStan Weinstein advised that all is going well with the visitations at Entabeni.5.2. St AugustinesStan Weinstein advised that he was not well received at the hospital. The chairman will look into the possibility of a club coordinator doing visits at St Augustines.5.3. WestvilleShane mentioned that Westville Cardiac section, still have the monthly walk on the beach front from North Beach Promenade (outside Mini Town) to Addington hospital on the last Wednesday of every month at 17:00 – contact Sister Rita Naidoo at Westville hospital – please support5.4. St AnnesBasanth Bodasing advises that he has seen 3 patients and has handed out our membership cards.5.5. Ethekweni Health & Heart Centre (EHHC)Jim Brown advised that all is in order.
6. RAFFEL DRAWThe raffle, was won by George Barness. Note that this was not “rigged” due to the efforts of George, referred to in item under Treasurer’s report, above.
7. GUEST SPEAKERThe chairman introduced Ms Jenny Russel & thanked her for taking the time to come & speak to our members. Well done Jenny! - keep up this unselfish, devoted work you are doing.Jenny introduced herself & advised that Diabetes SA is a Non-Profit organization, which is part of 147 diabetes organizations in 121 countries and that she has dedicated her time to helping others with diabetes.She stated some facts about diabetes, in that there are more people dying of diabetes than Aids and every 10 seconds somebody is dying from diabetes, every 10 seconds 2 people are being diagnosed with diabetes and every 30 seconds a lower limb of a person is being amputated. Fifty percent of diabetes sufferers die from a heart attack, 50% of people who have diabetes are not aware that they have the disease and 80% of diabetes sufferers are type 2 diabetes. Type 2 sufferers are usually people who are diagnosed with the disease, if they are 30 years or older. The largest cause of problems with diabetes is with the kidney and bladder, in that damaged is caused by elevated blood sugar levels, which is not reversible, but can be controlled with medication and therefore patients face, in most cases, premature death. A further complication of diabetes in the human body is that the pancreas fails to supply insulin and the pancreas becomes damaged by the bodies own immune system.The main contributing problems that cause diabetes is with overweight, an unhealthy life style & stress. With the weight problem, the body cannot produce sufficient insulin required for the excess body fat & causes the pancreas to “over work”. An ideal diabetic reading is in the region of 4.5 to 6.5 and if it is above 8 then one should consult a doctor immediately.Some of the symptoms of diabetes are :v Very thirstyv Excess urinationv Tirednessv Sores that don’t healv Dry itchy skinv Rapid gain loss or weight gainv Blurred visionThe following are complications as a result of diabetes :v Cardiovascular disease – heart has to pump “syrup”v High blood pressurev Eye disease – cataractsv Kidney disease – patients who have to be on a dialyses machine 4 hours at a time 3 times a weekv Nerve damagev Sexual dysfunctionThe following are recommendations of what to do, should you be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes :v Test your sugar level every dayv Take medicationv Exercise at least 15 minutes every dayv Eat healthilyv Check feet every dayThe following are people who you should consult with if you have diabetes :v Endocrinologistv Dietitianv PodiatristThe following are some of the foods to eat & the quantityv Plenty vegetables & saladsv Some starch – this is converted to sugar in the blood stream & if the kilojoules are not burnt off by exercise, the sugar turns to fatv "Madumbies" & Sweet potatoes are better to eatv Quantity of starch should be the size of clenched fistv Quantity of protein (meat) should be the size of a open hand (excluding fingers)v Oils – little oil as possible & this includes olive oil, etcv Fruit & vegetables – much as you want, but be careful the sweet fruitsv Bread & pastries – cut outv Eat small portions – i.e. 6 meals instead of 3Should you have any queries or require any further information, Jenny Russell can be contacted on 084 717 7443.
8. NEXT MEETINGThe next meeting would be on Wednesday the 3rd of June 2009 at the Conference suite at the Entabeni Hospital at 17:00 for 17:30.Complimentary drinks and snacks will be available, to club members.Kindly note that dates of the meetings for the rest of 2009, which will continue to be held at Entabeni hospital, conference room at 17:00 for 17:30 –v 3 June 2009v 5 August 2009v 7 October 2009v 29 November 2009 – Christmas & End Year function at Durban Country ClubPlease support your club.
A copy of these minutes has been placed on the Clubs Blog site at - http://natalbypass.blogspot.com/ to view.Issued by Shane Newman – 084 510 8738 or 031 204 5633 (office hours) or shane.newman@absamail.co.zaKindly note that Shane’s telephone number at home 031 708 5629, no longer exists.Chairman – Natal Bypass Club…………………………………………………………….. Date : …………………………..
PRESENT:Shane Newman (Chairman) Shirley Piek (Treasurer)Shirley Willet (Secretary)As per attendance register - 37 names recorded
1. OPENING AND WELCOMEThe chairman thanked everybody for their attendance & welcomed the speaker Ms Jenny Russell from Diabetes South Africa & thanked her for accepting the invitation to speak to the club at such short notice, due to last minute cancellations & unavailability by other speakers – thanks Jenny!
2. APOLOGIES: The following people had tendered their apologies:o Muriel Adams, Neville Farr, Athol Willet, Ken Howell, Basanth Bodasing, Peter Kinnard, Jim & Marie Brown, Les Veckrange, Jeannette Whitehorn, Tony Thomas, Dennis Metcalfe, Mrs Enid Phillips & Fiona Seager, Roy Craze, June Dale, Doug Gelling, Tony Arnot, Hilton Diehl.Shane went on to add that Mr Don Phillips (late husband to Mrs Enid Phillips) passed away from multiple organ failure on 28 Feb 2009. Tony Arnot had also personally called in before the meeting to pass on his apologies & to let the club know that he was moving to Anchor Bay in Cape Town.
3. TESTIMONIES FROM NEW VISITORSMs Belinda Barlow came forward on behalf of her father who had recently undergone a bypass, to establish what the club was about. Thanks Belinda for coming forward & we look forward to meeting your dad, Mr Barlow.
4. GENERALThe following items were brought to the attention of all in attendance :· Financeo Treasurer’s report – § Shirley Piek advised that the finances were still stable§ Subs for 2009 to be please be paid to Shirley asapv Natal Bypass Club banking details – Account Name – Natal Bypass club, Standard Bank of SA, Branch code 042826, Account number 257360549§ Club will be invoiced at club evening for snacks & from next month will include the costs of the previous meetings drinks from the fridge§ Impilo tablets – George Barnes came forward & advised that he had joined Shirley to assist in trying to establish the problem with our members not being able to receive the Anti-Oxidant tablets. George advised that he had managed to possibly secure an order for the club & will advise once the negotiations have been finalized. Thank you George for taking this upon yourself, together with Shirley, to assist others in the club, by making this tablet available, once again.· Administrationo Secretary’s report -§ The chairman brought up the club’s name “Natal Bypass Club” and enquired if the name should stay or be referred to as the Kwazulu-Natal Cardiac Support Group – the members opposed any name change and therefore the name of the club will remain “The Natal Bypass Club”§ Membership - the club membership stands as at 31 March 2009 is 167 as per the list that is retained by the chairman. That by simple calculation is an amount of R6 680 per annum in subs, which is far from what is being received.§ The following members have names have been removed during 2009§ Dennis Metcalf, Mrs M Leslie, Gerd Ockert, Lawrence Sanders· Unilevero Ms Lanice De Rosnay kindly re-issued 20 Pro Activ vouchers for those whose took vouchers at last meeting, only for us to realize that the vouchers had expired. The 20 vouchers were handed out to those who required. · PACE Support Groupo Prof AO started running a 7 day 243 km desert race, called the Marathon des Sables in Morocco from 20 March to 4 April 2009 to establish a Patient Support Fund for SA’s only Heart Rhythm Charity Race – they are asking for donations. It was agree by those present to make a donation of R200 from the club? This amount was changed to R243 to tie up at a donation of R1 per kilometer. Shirley to deposit the money into the account of PACE.o Remember the PACE meetings - the next one is the 5th of June at EHHC at 17:15 – all are welcome.o Check out their website at www.paceafrica.org.za· Heart Foundation books – the chairman had 20 copies of the latest magazine ?, which were available at a donation of R10 eachThe chairman advised that a telephone playback has been made available, about the Natal Bypass Club, should you be put on hold when phoning Entabeni hospital, which will hopefully provide more exposure to the club & cardiac disease.
5. VISITATION REPORTS5.1. EntabeniStan Weinstein advised that all is going well with the visitations at Entabeni.5.2. St AugustinesStan Weinstein advised that he was not well received at the hospital. The chairman will look into the possibility of a club coordinator doing visits at St Augustines.5.3. WestvilleShane mentioned that Westville Cardiac section, still have the monthly walk on the beach front from North Beach Promenade (outside Mini Town) to Addington hospital on the last Wednesday of every month at 17:00 – contact Sister Rita Naidoo at Westville hospital – please support5.4. St AnnesBasanth Bodasing advises that he has seen 3 patients and has handed out our membership cards.5.5. Ethekweni Health & Heart Centre (EHHC)Jim Brown advised that all is in order.
6. RAFFEL DRAWThe raffle, was won by George Barness. Note that this was not “rigged” due to the efforts of George, referred to in item under Treasurer’s report, above.
7. GUEST SPEAKERThe chairman introduced Ms Jenny Russel & thanked her for taking the time to come & speak to our members. Well done Jenny! - keep up this unselfish, devoted work you are doing.Jenny introduced herself & advised that Diabetes SA is a Non-Profit organization, which is part of 147 diabetes organizations in 121 countries and that she has dedicated her time to helping others with diabetes.She stated some facts about diabetes, in that there are more people dying of diabetes than Aids and every 10 seconds somebody is dying from diabetes, every 10 seconds 2 people are being diagnosed with diabetes and every 30 seconds a lower limb of a person is being amputated. Fifty percent of diabetes sufferers die from a heart attack, 50% of people who have diabetes are not aware that they have the disease and 80% of diabetes sufferers are type 2 diabetes. Type 2 sufferers are usually people who are diagnosed with the disease, if they are 30 years or older. The largest cause of problems with diabetes is with the kidney and bladder, in that damaged is caused by elevated blood sugar levels, which is not reversible, but can be controlled with medication and therefore patients face, in most cases, premature death. A further complication of diabetes in the human body is that the pancreas fails to supply insulin and the pancreas becomes damaged by the bodies own immune system.The main contributing problems that cause diabetes is with overweight, an unhealthy life style & stress. With the weight problem, the body cannot produce sufficient insulin required for the excess body fat & causes the pancreas to “over work”. An ideal diabetic reading is in the region of 4.5 to 6.5 and if it is above 8 then one should consult a doctor immediately.Some of the symptoms of diabetes are :v Very thirstyv Excess urinationv Tirednessv Sores that don’t healv Dry itchy skinv Rapid gain loss or weight gainv Blurred visionThe following are complications as a result of diabetes :v Cardiovascular disease – heart has to pump “syrup”v High blood pressurev Eye disease – cataractsv Kidney disease – patients who have to be on a dialyses machine 4 hours at a time 3 times a weekv Nerve damagev Sexual dysfunctionThe following are recommendations of what to do, should you be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes :v Test your sugar level every dayv Take medicationv Exercise at least 15 minutes every dayv Eat healthilyv Check feet every dayThe following are people who you should consult with if you have diabetes :v Endocrinologistv Dietitianv PodiatristThe following are some of the foods to eat & the quantityv Plenty vegetables & saladsv Some starch – this is converted to sugar in the blood stream & if the kilojoules are not burnt off by exercise, the sugar turns to fatv "Madumbies" & Sweet potatoes are better to eatv Quantity of starch should be the size of clenched fistv Quantity of protein (meat) should be the size of a open hand (excluding fingers)v Oils – little oil as possible & this includes olive oil, etcv Fruit & vegetables – much as you want, but be careful the sweet fruitsv Bread & pastries – cut outv Eat small portions – i.e. 6 meals instead of 3Should you have any queries or require any further information, Jenny Russell can be contacted on 084 717 7443.
8. NEXT MEETINGThe next meeting would be on Wednesday the 3rd of June 2009 at the Conference suite at the Entabeni Hospital at 17:00 for 17:30.Complimentary drinks and snacks will be available, to club members.Kindly note that dates of the meetings for the rest of 2009, which will continue to be held at Entabeni hospital, conference room at 17:00 for 17:30 –v 3 June 2009v 5 August 2009v 7 October 2009v 29 November 2009 – Christmas & End Year function at Durban Country ClubPlease support your club.
A copy of these minutes has been placed on the Clubs Blog site at - http://natalbypass.blogspot.com/ to view.Issued by Shane Newman – 084 510 8738 or 031 204 5633 (office hours) or shane.newman@absamail.co.zaKindly note that Shane’s telephone number at home 031 708 5629, no longer exists.Chairman – Natal Bypass Club…………………………………………………………….. Date : …………………………..
Agenda - Apr 09
NATAL BY-PASS CLUB
Tel: 031 204 5633 9 Marigold Place
Fax: 086 502 9883 Moseley Park
Email: shane.newman@absamail.co.za Pinetown, 3615
DATE: Wednesday 1st of April 2009 (No Joke!)
TIME: 5.00 p.m. for 5.30 p.m.
VENUE: Entabeni Conference Room
PARKING: In grounds (car guards)
REFRESHMENTS: Available at no charge from 17:00
AGENDA
1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Testimonies from First Timers
4. Visitation Reports:
a. St Augustines
b. Westville
c. Entabeni
d. St Annes
e. Ethekweni
5. Raffle Draw
6. Guest Speaker:
· Weighless
· Cooking Demo
7. General
Yours sincerely,
Shane Newman
Chairman
Tel: 031 204 5633 9 Marigold Place
Fax: 086 502 9883 Moseley Park
Email: shane.newman@absamail.co.za Pinetown, 3615
DATE: Wednesday 1st of April 2009 (No Joke!)
TIME: 5.00 p.m. for 5.30 p.m.
VENUE: Entabeni Conference Room
PARKING: In grounds (car guards)
REFRESHMENTS: Available at no charge from 17:00
AGENDA
1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Testimonies from First Timers
4. Visitation Reports:
a. St Augustines
b. Westville
c. Entabeni
d. St Annes
e. Ethekweni
5. Raffle Draw
6. Guest Speaker:
· Weighless
· Cooking Demo
7. General
Yours sincerely,
Shane Newman
Chairman
Minutes - Feb 09
NATAL BYPASS MEETING 01/2009 HELD ONWEDNESDAY 4TH OF FEBRUARY 2009AT ENTABENI HOSPITALat 17:30
PRESENT:Shane Newman (Chairman) Shirley Piek (Treasurer)Shirley Willet (Secretary)As per attendance register
1. OPENING AND WELCOMEThe chairman thanked everybody for their attendance & welcomed the speaker Dr Kevin O’ Connell.
2. APOLOGIES: The following people had tendered their apologies:Dr Piet Schabort, Miki Baranyay, Paddy MCDowell, James Bruce (resigned), Nigel & Silva Atkinson (Nigel passed away 18 months ago – liver cancer), Gerd Ackermann (Wedding Anniversary), Dr Gerd Ockert (resigned), Enid, Don & Fiona Phillips, Ken Monckton (Cape holiday),Ken Howles, Muriel Adams, Neville & Sissy Farr, June Dale, Tony Schultz, & Rudy Middendorff.
3. TESTIMONIES FROM NEW VISITORSThere were no new first timers to the club.
4. GENERALThe chairman requested if it was in order for him to bring item 7 on the agenda forward – it was agreed.The following items were brought to the attention of all in attendance :· Shane mentioned that there were new application which are used by the hospital co-ordinators to hand out to anybody wishing to join the club. He thanked Geoff Stuart for the printing & his contribution to the club.o The Chairman had a meeting with Ms Leanne Nyiri (Life Care Marketing Manager) who is on a drive to promote the Life Care hospitals & the Cardiac sections, & the Natal Bypass Club, in KZN. Leanne she has some very interesting ideas. So hopefully the members will see some interesting & exciting things happen in the future that we can as members of the Bypass Club can benefit from.· Shirley Piek will present the status of the financial status of the club at the next meeting.· The chairman requested members that if there were any changes to their details that they please record them on the Member list provided.· It was brought to the attention of the Chairman that the Pro-Activ Coupons which had been handed out at the meeting had expired on the 3rd of February 2009. The chairman has made arrangements with UniLever to bring all the coupons that have not been used back to them & they will re-issue new coupons. There are 20 coupons currently in the possession with the chairman & this will be the number that will be re-issued on a first come, first serve basis at the next meeting on the 1st of April 2009.· The chairman read out the dates of the proposed meetings to be held by PACE (Preventative Arrhythmic Cardiac Events) at the eThekweni Hospital & Heart Centre at 17:30 in the Training/lecture room – the dates are :o 13 March 2099o 5 June 2009o 4 September 2009o 4 December 2009· There was mentioned that the club Standard Bank account number is in the November 2008 minutes & on the Bypass club’s blog site.· The Chairman said that contact had been made with him from a newly formed support bypass group in Vergelegen & he exchanged ideas with them, for which they were very thankful for – we wish them all the best.· Mention was made that a letter had been written to UniLever thanking them for the Pro-Activ coupons they has issued for all members of the club – once again many thanks to organizations like this that take the extra step in helping with this gesture.· The chairman mentioned that Neil Davies had to the trouble of finding out the costs comparison (UK vs SA) of the Omron Portable ECG monitor and it was established that the costs is reasonable in SA – thanks Neil for the feedback.
5. IN ATTENDANCE:Dr Kevin O’Connell – Cardiologist practicing at eThekweni Hospital & Heart Centre.
6. VISITATION REPORTS6.1. EntabeniStan Weinstein will do the visitations at Entabeni – thanks Stan.6.2. St AugustinesStan Weinstein has also volunteered to do the visitations at St Augustines – Once again thanks Stan.6.3. WestvilleShane mentioned that he has not always been in the same position of making weekly visits to the hospital, due to work commitments and if there is anybody in the vicinity of Westville hospital who could assist, please contact Shane.6.4. St AnnesNo report recorded.6.5. Ethekweni Health & Heart Centre (EHHC)Maria Brown will start at the EHHC during the next 2 months.
7. RAFFEL DRAWThe raffel, was won by ?.
8. GUEST SPEAKERDr Kevin O’Connell (Cardiologist - eThekweni Hospital & Heart Centre), was introduced by the Chairman.Dr O’Connell stated that Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is an important part of any relationship, including ones own well being and if not brought up can ruin relationships.There is a stigma attached ED as it is something that we think could never happen to me and only happens to other men.Doctor O’Connell was involved years ago from a medical & cardiac perspective in promoting the drug Viagra. Some times the drug does not work that well with some patients and there can be side effects, and risk factors e.g. hypertensionWomen have less problems, when they have cardiac disease or after bypass operations, as they care for themselves more than men do. Women from an early age, have contact with gynecologists, give birth, etc and therefore tend to be more conscious of their sexuality.Women are also more at ease when in the presence of the husbands with doctors or cardiologists to discuss that their husbands have erectile problems.As men get older, physiologically Erectile Dysfunction is going to occur, but there is a tight link between the heart and ED. If a man is having problems in getting an erection, this could be an indication that there could be problems with the heart. Cardiologist asking General Practioners (GP’s) to check the patients heart, if ED is a problem.What occurs with patients is that the endothelium, which is the lining of all arteries in the body, and therefore regarded as the biggest organ in the body, assists with the constricting/contracting of the vascular system and over time this protective lining degenerates, cholesterol gets deposits on the walls of this lining, due to the aging process and so ED, as well as cardiac disease develops. Factors such as diabetes, & cholesterol build up, leads arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and therefore degeneration of the lining occurs and the endothelium becomes dysfunctional.Dr O’Connell went on to say that when Viagra was first introduced there were a few deaths, but no cardiac assessment had been undertaken on the patients at the time. Over time what was established that there where deaths in patients who were on Viagra, but these deaths were a result of over exertion, which lead to the cardiac problem. It was found that 99% of the time that these deaths had occurred after sexual relations had not been with their regular partners & too much excitement.Dr O’Connell advised that if a patient wanted to go onto Viagra, Cialis, (PDE5 inhibitors) or any other “enhancers” , that they discuss options with their urologists, GP or Cardiologist.Some side effects are headaches & flushing and there is no limitation on the frequency of taking Viagra.Some medication that patients take for their cardio problems, might appear to affect their erections, and it is advised that patients rather contact their cardiologists before stopping any medication.A general discussion & questions on stents and other cardio problems was held with Dr O’Connell.The talk by Dr O’Connell was enjoyed by all, with good humor & laughter – thank you Doctor and we look forward to you next talk with us, soon.
9. NEXT MEETINGThe next meeting would be on Wednesday the 1st of April 2009 (and this is still no joke) at the Executive Conference suite at the Entabeni Hospital at 17:00 for 17:30.Complimentary drinks and snacks will be available, to club members.The guest speakers will be ?? who will give the members a talk on diet and there will be a cooking demonstration with a taste of what is cooked, for everyone. Please come along and meet other people who have been affected by Cardiac disease or have had a bypass.God bless.
PRESENT:Shane Newman (Chairman) Shirley Piek (Treasurer)Shirley Willet (Secretary)As per attendance register
1. OPENING AND WELCOMEThe chairman thanked everybody for their attendance & welcomed the speaker Dr Kevin O’ Connell.
2. APOLOGIES: The following people had tendered their apologies:Dr Piet Schabort, Miki Baranyay, Paddy MCDowell, James Bruce (resigned), Nigel & Silva Atkinson (Nigel passed away 18 months ago – liver cancer), Gerd Ackermann (Wedding Anniversary), Dr Gerd Ockert (resigned), Enid, Don & Fiona Phillips, Ken Monckton (Cape holiday),Ken Howles, Muriel Adams, Neville & Sissy Farr, June Dale, Tony Schultz, & Rudy Middendorff.
3. TESTIMONIES FROM NEW VISITORSThere were no new first timers to the club.
4. GENERALThe chairman requested if it was in order for him to bring item 7 on the agenda forward – it was agreed.The following items were brought to the attention of all in attendance :· Shane mentioned that there were new application which are used by the hospital co-ordinators to hand out to anybody wishing to join the club. He thanked Geoff Stuart for the printing & his contribution to the club.o The Chairman had a meeting with Ms Leanne Nyiri (Life Care Marketing Manager) who is on a drive to promote the Life Care hospitals & the Cardiac sections, & the Natal Bypass Club, in KZN. Leanne she has some very interesting ideas. So hopefully the members will see some interesting & exciting things happen in the future that we can as members of the Bypass Club can benefit from.· Shirley Piek will present the status of the financial status of the club at the next meeting.· The chairman requested members that if there were any changes to their details that they please record them on the Member list provided.· It was brought to the attention of the Chairman that the Pro-Activ Coupons which had been handed out at the meeting had expired on the 3rd of February 2009. The chairman has made arrangements with UniLever to bring all the coupons that have not been used back to them & they will re-issue new coupons. There are 20 coupons currently in the possession with the chairman & this will be the number that will be re-issued on a first come, first serve basis at the next meeting on the 1st of April 2009.· The chairman read out the dates of the proposed meetings to be held by PACE (Preventative Arrhythmic Cardiac Events) at the eThekweni Hospital & Heart Centre at 17:30 in the Training/lecture room – the dates are :o 13 March 2099o 5 June 2009o 4 September 2009o 4 December 2009· There was mentioned that the club Standard Bank account number is in the November 2008 minutes & on the Bypass club’s blog site.· The Chairman said that contact had been made with him from a newly formed support bypass group in Vergelegen & he exchanged ideas with them, for which they were very thankful for – we wish them all the best.· Mention was made that a letter had been written to UniLever thanking them for the Pro-Activ coupons they has issued for all members of the club – once again many thanks to organizations like this that take the extra step in helping with this gesture.· The chairman mentioned that Neil Davies had to the trouble of finding out the costs comparison (UK vs SA) of the Omron Portable ECG monitor and it was established that the costs is reasonable in SA – thanks Neil for the feedback.
5. IN ATTENDANCE:Dr Kevin O’Connell – Cardiologist practicing at eThekweni Hospital & Heart Centre.
6. VISITATION REPORTS6.1. EntabeniStan Weinstein will do the visitations at Entabeni – thanks Stan.6.2. St AugustinesStan Weinstein has also volunteered to do the visitations at St Augustines – Once again thanks Stan.6.3. WestvilleShane mentioned that he has not always been in the same position of making weekly visits to the hospital, due to work commitments and if there is anybody in the vicinity of Westville hospital who could assist, please contact Shane.6.4. St AnnesNo report recorded.6.5. Ethekweni Health & Heart Centre (EHHC)Maria Brown will start at the EHHC during the next 2 months.
7. RAFFEL DRAWThe raffel, was won by ?.
8. GUEST SPEAKERDr Kevin O’Connell (Cardiologist - eThekweni Hospital & Heart Centre), was introduced by the Chairman.Dr O’Connell stated that Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is an important part of any relationship, including ones own well being and if not brought up can ruin relationships.There is a stigma attached ED as it is something that we think could never happen to me and only happens to other men.Doctor O’Connell was involved years ago from a medical & cardiac perspective in promoting the drug Viagra. Some times the drug does not work that well with some patients and there can be side effects, and risk factors e.g. hypertensionWomen have less problems, when they have cardiac disease or after bypass operations, as they care for themselves more than men do. Women from an early age, have contact with gynecologists, give birth, etc and therefore tend to be more conscious of their sexuality.Women are also more at ease when in the presence of the husbands with doctors or cardiologists to discuss that their husbands have erectile problems.As men get older, physiologically Erectile Dysfunction is going to occur, but there is a tight link between the heart and ED. If a man is having problems in getting an erection, this could be an indication that there could be problems with the heart. Cardiologist asking General Practioners (GP’s) to check the patients heart, if ED is a problem.What occurs with patients is that the endothelium, which is the lining of all arteries in the body, and therefore regarded as the biggest organ in the body, assists with the constricting/contracting of the vascular system and over time this protective lining degenerates, cholesterol gets deposits on the walls of this lining, due to the aging process and so ED, as well as cardiac disease develops. Factors such as diabetes, & cholesterol build up, leads arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and therefore degeneration of the lining occurs and the endothelium becomes dysfunctional.Dr O’Connell went on to say that when Viagra was first introduced there were a few deaths, but no cardiac assessment had been undertaken on the patients at the time. Over time what was established that there where deaths in patients who were on Viagra, but these deaths were a result of over exertion, which lead to the cardiac problem. It was found that 99% of the time that these deaths had occurred after sexual relations had not been with their regular partners & too much excitement.Dr O’Connell advised that if a patient wanted to go onto Viagra, Cialis, (PDE5 inhibitors) or any other “enhancers” , that they discuss options with their urologists, GP or Cardiologist.Some side effects are headaches & flushing and there is no limitation on the frequency of taking Viagra.Some medication that patients take for their cardio problems, might appear to affect their erections, and it is advised that patients rather contact their cardiologists before stopping any medication.A general discussion & questions on stents and other cardio problems was held with Dr O’Connell.The talk by Dr O’Connell was enjoyed by all, with good humor & laughter – thank you Doctor and we look forward to you next talk with us, soon.
9. NEXT MEETINGThe next meeting would be on Wednesday the 1st of April 2009 (and this is still no joke) at the Executive Conference suite at the Entabeni Hospital at 17:00 for 17:30.Complimentary drinks and snacks will be available, to club members.The guest speakers will be ?? who will give the members a talk on diet and there will be a cooking demonstration with a taste of what is cooked, for everyone. Please come along and meet other people who have been affected by Cardiac disease or have had a bypass.God bless.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
