hope chest news · hcn golf tournament info 3 what’s a grev? 3 remembering those gone 4 donations...

Hope Chest News – Spring 2014

Hope Chest News

1

B R EATHE IN • B R EATH OUT • RELAX • REPEAT • SPRI NG, 2014

Donor StoryLAKEVILLE, Minn. They held on to hope for days, but in the end, things didn’t turn out the way Matt Heisler’s family and friends wanted.

The 21-year-old man from Lakeville died after being injured in a house fire Sunday.

But the death of the student will help nearly 60 people, according to his family.

Surrounded by friends, Matt Heisler’s family fought tears as a “Donate Life” flag was raised near the entrance of the Hennepin County Medical Center. The flag is a symbol of the life and generosity of donors like Matt Heisler. Friends wept and comforted each other with hugs.

His sister wore one of her brother’s Lakeville North Football sweatshirts.

Matt Heisler’s dad, Jared Heisler, said his son decided to give back when he renewed his license to drive.

“It’s one thing I didn’t have to tell him to do. He did this on his own. He is a good boy,” Jared said. “I just think that is awesome. You don’t think about this until it actually hits your home or family.”

Cheryl Heisler, Matt’s mom, said hospital officials told the family her son would be helping numerous families. The thought made her smile.

“Lots of people’s lives will be changed. At least 60 if not more,” she said. “I woke up about four or five in the morning. And I started thinking people are being called right now to come to their hospital.

They may get a new liver or a new heart and it just made me feel better.”

Cheryl and her husband gave kudos to the man who pulled their son from the burning home.

“To Ryan Nelson, who risked his life to go into a burning building and save my son, it didn’t work out for Matt, but look what that did for these 60 people. If Ryan didn’t do that, this wouldn’t happen,” Jared Heisler said.

Cheryl called Nelson their “hero.”

“And we got more days with him because (Ryan) did that. If he wouldn’t have done that we may have not seen Matt again,” she said.

Nelson said he didn’t think twice. He said he had one thing on his mind: Get my buddy out.

Nelson, 20, has been friends with Matt since they were children.

Now, the family that held onto hope for days is praying for a successful outcome for those receiving Matt’s organs.

IN THIS ISSUE

A Donor’s Story 1

Pneumonia 2

Ponderings 2

HCN Golf Tournament Info 3

What’s a Grev? 3

Remembering Those Gone 4

Donations and Memorials 4

You Can’t Stop Progress 5

Anniversaries 6

Good, Bad or Just Ugly? 7

Healthy Tips For AAT 8

Great Idea 9

Touching Poem 9

Take Your Vitamins! 9

Risky Jobs for Your Lungs 10

Upcoming Events 11

A Few Thoughts 11

Board of Directors 11

Contact Information 11


How Doctors Treat Lung Patients with Pneumonia?

In order to determine if pneumonia is causing your symptoms, the doctor will listen to your chest through a stethoscope, to listen for any crackling sounds when you breathe. They may also tap on your chest to listen for other unusual noises.

How It’s TreatedTreatment of pneumonia depends on its cause. If pneumonia is suspected, the doctor may order a chest X-ray, CT scan, blood tests, a culture of your mucus, or other tests to help determine the location and cause of the infection.

If it is due to a bacterial infection, then antibiotics will likely be the first treatment. It is crucial to take antibiotics exactly as directed, and to take all of them, even if you are feeling better. Stopping a course of antibiotics early can allow the bacteria to come back stronger than ever.

If it’s viral pneumonia, then there may be effective antiviral medications. Your doctor may prescribe an inhaled or oral steroid, regardless of the pneumonia’s cause. Alternately you may simply need to use your regular inhaler more often.

If pneumonia is not caught early, it can result in acute respiratory failure. Treatment must be immediate in order to save the lungs from permanent damage. Pneumonia treatment may include a stay in an intensive care unit. A ventilator will be used to speed oxygen to deprived cells, and to eliminate excess carbon dioxide.

An Ounce of PreventionIf you have any type of lung condition, doing your best to prevent pneumonia is one way to live better. An easy choice is getting an annual pneumonia vaccine. This vaccine protects against a bacteria called Streptococcus

pneumonia. This type of bacteria causes a pneumonia that is most common in the elderly and those with chronic lung disease.

A yearly flu vaccine is another easy prevention measure. Because illnesses like influenza can quickly lead to pneumonia in patients with lung sensitivity, preventing the flu can keep you healthy in more ways than one.

Keep yourself as healthy as possible day to day by washing your hands often, and staying away from sick friends and family members. It’s okay to ask visitors to come back another time if you notice any symptoms of illness. Always remember that you are your own first line of defense.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Pneumonia?

Truths and WonderingsNothing is worse than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.

I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.

I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.

Bad decisions make for good stories.


My name is Gary Grev and I live in Maple Grove, MN. My wife Pat and I have a daughter and two sons, four grandchildren and one more on the way. Our sons live in Denver and Seattle and our daughter lives in Maple Grove.

Currently, I have been serving as Treasure of Hope Chest News since June 2013 when becoming more involved with the lung transplant support group. In addition to doing the bookwork, I am on the golf tournament committee and help with the bake sale. I decided that this was a good way to give back after getting a second chance at life. Miraculously, after having COPD Emphysema for 10 years, I received a single left lung in February, 2012.My wife and I exchanged anonymous letters with my donor’s family and then in May 2013 were honored to meet them. Their 22 year old son died in a car accident and donated organs to five different recipients. They are from Nebraska and came to Minnesota for a wedding and we visited with the mother and father for several hours. They are wonderful people and are looking to meet all the recipients I was elected to a three year term on the board of Hope Chest News in June 2013. It’s a great organization with it’s mission of being a source of aid to transplant recipients and those waiting for a transplant. I would strongly

encourage anyone to join us and continue to help others in their transplant journey.

The Hope Chest News Annual Golf Tournament was held at Gross National Golf Course on Saturday, July 26, 2014. All the golfers received green fees, carts,

snacks, beverages, door prizes and lunch. There were team and individual prizes as well.

Shotgun Start and a Best Ball Format Made it Fun For Golfers Of Any Skill Level!

The golf tournament is the major fund raiser for our organization and helps support transplant patients

and their families.

Next years tournament will be held on July 25th at Gross National. We’ll be looking for you!

To see photos of the golfers and good old event shenanigans see: https://2014hcngolf.shutterfly.com/

Have a look, If you were there, thanks! If you missed it, maybe we’ll see you next year, July 25th!

3

HCN Golf Tournament - Update

SPOTLIGHT: GARY GREV HOPE CHEST NEWS TREASURER

FORE!


In Memory of Brian FrederickMary Maney – Maple Grove, MNCraig Anderson – Cathedral City, CAJerry & Josephine Kerr – Lebanon, ILJohn Vierra – Cathedral City, CABurnham & Patricia Bredesen – Walker, MNJ.D. & Sheryll Frederick – Prairie Lee, TXJim & Arietta Frederick – Montezuma, IA Also, Iva Frederick & Lydelon FamilyJeffery & Lisa Swanson – Zimmerman, MN on behalf of Bantam A Team & PYHA Robert & Nancy Vranicar–Bloomington, MNLeo & Julia Poehling – Bloomington, MNRonald & Joyce Groth – Bloomington, MNMary Boll – Lakeville, MNJames & Roselyn Olson – Bloomington, MNJohn & Melissa Konrad – Eden Prairie, MNJon & Heather Augdahl – Bloomington, MNWilliam & Beth Schmidt – Bloomington, MNJon & Patricia Eagle – Bloomington, MNSteven & Tracy Carlson – Princeton, MNTodd & Barbara Skogland–Bloomington,MNSara Cushman, Edina – Edina, MNJulie Jensen – Bloomington, MNSusan Severson – Burnsville, MNNicholas & Mellisa Mattsson – Minneapolis Lynn Goodermont – Bloomington, MNThomas & Laurie Wasmund - Bloomington, MN

In Memory of Ivan VukovicWard & Sharon Schultz – Chisago City, MN

In Memory of David Walters Mark Laberda – Brooklyn Park, MNMichael & Mary Dremann – Princeton, ILBruce & Kathryn Helmke – Ham Lake, MN

In Memory of Eileen Fiore Edward Fiore – East Bethel, MN

In Memory of Gary Wulf Ellen & Dana Varney – L’Anse, MI

In Honor of Randy’s 5th yr. Anniversary Karen & Randy Forslund – Maple Grove, MN

Other donations to Hope Chest News:Andy & Connie Kronholm – Maplewood, MNRichard Hanson – Warren, MIDeborah Carr – Huron, ALGeoffrey & Gina Spencer – Troy, MIMichael Vermeulen – Shakopee, MNElizabeth House – Golden Valley, MNDavid & Tana Goihl – Litchfield, MNRobert & Sharon Johnson – Litchfield, MNGary & Barb Broberg–Mendota Heights, MNDavid & Geraldine Buresh – Litchfield, MNRodney & Sandra Brekke – Litchfield, MNJanet Messner – Brownton, MNOrlin Harbarth – Litchfield, MNJames & Janice Lange – Litchfield, MNWayne & Barbara Anderson – Minneapolis, MNFraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3424 - Litchfield, MNThrivent Financial, Meeker County Chapter - Litchfield, MN

Generous Donations and Kind Memorials

Remembering Those Gone Our Dear friend Sue J. Martin, age 73, of Apple Valley, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, April 17th. She was the grateful recipient of a lung transplant seven years ago, and devoted much of her free time in support of recipients, families of donors, and those still waiting. She was preceded in death by sister Muriel Baker, survived by her devoted husband William G. Brown, brother Steve, her beloved canine companions Flint and Milo, and more friends than anyone could count. In lieu of flowers, Sue asked that donations be made to Life Source Organ and Tissue Donation (www.life-source.org). Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor today. Don’t forget!

Gary Lee Wulf, age 64, of Prior Lake, MN passed peacefully, with his family present at his bedside, April 25, 2014, at the University of Minnesota, Fairview Hospital, in Minneapolis, MN. On February 20, 1997, Gary received the gift of life…a double lung transplant. He made the most of his life and lived it to the fullest after transplant. He will be missed by his large family and a great many friends.

Hope Chest News – Spring 2014 5

UTMB scientists successfully grow human lungs in lab in just three days!

New Research and Findings

For the first time, scientists at University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) have successfully grown human lungs in the lab. Growing organs may seem like science fiction, but it’s the goal of medical researchers because so many people need organ transplants and many die waiting for one. “The most exciting part is to shorten the time people have to wait for an organ transplant,” said UTMB Dr. Joaquin Cortiella.

How did they do it? They started with a damaged lung. “We removed all the cells all the material in it, and just left the skeleton of the lung, or the scaffold, behind – the pieces of the lungs that are not cells. That’s why it’s so white and pretty and there’s no blood in it, it’s very pretty looking. And then we added back cells from another lung that couldn’t be used for transplant but

still had some viable cells in it,” said Dr. Joan Nichols, who leads the UTMB team.

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- More than 1,600 people are on the waiting list for a lung transplant. Now, scientists at UTMB in Galveston have come up with something that will give them hope. For the first time, scientists have successfully grown human lungs in the lab.

But it took months until a UTMB medical student named Dr. Michael Riddle built a piece of equipment that sped up the process.

“He’s the one who went home and actually built using – I’m not kidding – a fish tank that he went and bought from a pet store, is what he built the first piece of equipment,” Dr. Nichols said.

“Took us about four months to take the cells from the lung to where all you have is a bio-scaffold, and we took that process down to about three days,” Dr. Riddle said.

UTMB scientists grew their first human lungs in the lab last year.

“It’s taken us a year to prove to ourselves that we actually did a good job with it. You don’t run out immediately and tell the world you have something wonderful until you’ve proved it to ourselves that we really did something amazing,” Dr. Nichols said.

Dr. Nichols says they hope to transplant the first set of lab-grown lungs in animals this year or next.

How soon could their lab-grown lungs be ready to save human lives? They aren’t sure, but estimate between 5 and 10 years, maybe longer.

YOU CAN’T STOP PROGRESS

Our own Gary Broberg, (SL, 07/2005) spoke on behalf of Lifesource on Dakotah County Cable T.V. It really was a quite good little interview.

http://vimeo.com/86549666


Name Date Type No

Matt Bartocci 01/09/06 DL

Mary Lee Carhill 01/30/08 SL 358

Tom Fuller 01/14/11 SL 398

Karen Jacobson 01/12/07 SL 339

Patty Klang 01/20/11 SL 399

Paula Muellner 01/18/11 DL 234

Dennis Orlikowski 01/07/98 DL 69

Wally Preissing 01/27/13 DL 256

Eva Quirk 01/25/02 SL 231

Stella Regenneiter 01/27/95 SL 88

Jennifer Rousseau 01/31/08 DL 206

Gary White 01/25/09 SL 377

Michael Bluhm 02/01/03 SL

Rose Dalager 02/05/98 DL 70

Brent DeBoer 02/05/03 DL 132

Mae Eastman 02/19/09 SL 378

Maxine Golombiecki 02/29/04 SL 278

Shelle Goodwin 02/18/08 DL 208

Gary Grev 02/03/12 SL

Ruth Heinen 02/11/99 DL 83

Bobbie Holmes 02/14/06 SL

DuWayne Johnson 02/06/06 SL

Ralph Loftus 02/09/08 DL 207

Sue Martin 02/20/07 SL 342

Donna Meegan 02/17/07 SL 340

Linda Meyer 02/14/02 DL

Mary Fern Olson 02/20/07 SL 341

Bridget Shaffer 02/18/06 DL 171

Linda Tollafson 02/17/09 DL 211

Gary Wulf 02/20/97 DL 55

Shirley Baumberger 03/09/06 SL

Brent Bowen 03/23/90 HL 18

Gail Deichert 03/19/01 DL 104

Clay B. DuVal 03/26/08 SL 359

Name Date Type No

Donald Eastman 03/03/02 SL

Karen Fisk 03/25/01 SL 207

Cynthia Gingras 03/02/11 DL

David Goroski 03/13/98 DL 72

Peter Kosberg 03/01/07 H

Eugene Kuhns 03/01/01 SL 204

Sheila Long 03/02/97 SL 124

Bob Mathis 03/16/98 DL 73

Larrie McCue 03/06/98 HL 42

Leland Nelson 03/16/99 SL 161

Timothy Olby 03/02/07 DL 194

Theresa Plasch 03/13/13 DL

Greg Runge 03/22/02 DL

Sharol Sturart 03/25/99 SL 163

Cathie L. Vaara 03/23/05 SL 285

Michael Wenner 03/31/07 DL 195

Richard Berg 04/08/06 SL 321

Leonard Bohlsen 04/04/07

Thouy Bouanien 04/12/97 DL 56

Rhonda Cannon 04/06/06 SL 320

Mary Davis 04/16/03 SL 253

Barry Dyre 04/01/96 DL 45

Carrie Hanner 04/05/07 DL

Marilyn Jacob 04/05/10 SL 390

Elizabeth Johnson 04/20/09 DL 214

Deborah Klietz 04/03/05 SL 287

Andy Kronholm 04/16/03 SL 254

Tracy Macius 04/05/99 DL 85

Jody Ogden 04/01/05 DL 155

Shawna Ristau 04/02/02 DL

Carol Stimmel 04/23/93 SL 49

M. Douglas Weasley 04/01/96 SL 112

Harriette Wock 04/11/06 DL 179

ANNIVERSARIESTransplant Anniversaries January thru April

6


What are E-Cigarettes?

An e-cigarette – a device that uses a small battery to atomize a pure liquid solution of nicotine. Nothing is burned. There is no ash. There is no smoke. There is nicotine, and then there is flavoring added for taste.Essentially the person using these inhales a kind of vapor that looks like fog from a fog machine.

Smoking cigarettes is still the leading cause of avoidable death in the United States. E-Cigarettes are not one of the FDA-approved methods to help people quit, but many people are using them this way. A growing number of scientists are studying them to see whether they may be a way to end an epidemic. “So much is unknown about them and what the long-term complications could be with their use,” said the American Lung Association’s Erika Sward.

Most scientists believe nicotine itself, while highly addictive, is not what causes cancer for smokers or for the people around them who breathe their second-hand smoke. Instead, it’s the toxic chemicals that are created when tobacco and filler products burn that are dangerous.

If there was a way to get nicotine addicts their fix without the burn, you just might avoid the health problems. Nicotine then becomes as harmless as any other addictive substance, such as caffeine, some experts say.

Are E-Cigarettes safe for you? Electronic cigarettes may cause or worsen respiratory diseases, among youth, study finds

Electronic cigarette “vapors” are made of small particles containing chemicals that may cause or worsen acute respiratory diseases, including asthma and bronchitis, among youth, according to a new study by RTI International.

Researchers examined particles emitted by e-cigarettes, an alternative nicotine delivery device, to understand what a user inhales and how these particles may affect the teen user’s lungs. In a cellular model, the study found some e-cigarette emissions cause acute toxicity, or lung damage, similar to that caused by conventional tobacco smoke.

“The emerging trend of e-cigarette use is posing public health concerns and new issues for regulatory agencies,” said Jonathan Thornburg, Ph.D., senior research engineer and program manager at RTI and the project’s manager. “E-cigarettes produce a significant number of very small particles that impact a user’s airway viability. To understand what the user inhales, we collected data to characterize the small particles in the vapor and to determine the chemical and toxicological characteristics of e-cigarette emissions.”

The study found up to 40 percent of particles emitted by an e-cigarette can deposit in the deepest area of the lungs. The chemicals contained in these small particles may irritate airways or worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions.

According to the researchers, the type and quality of e-cigarette liquids will affect the size, content and concentration of generated particles.

The size and toxicity of particles are also impacted by different fragrances, preservatives and other additives.

“What we learned from this first study will allow the design of scientifically defensible and comparable studies to further the understanding of the effects of e-cigarettes on a user’s health.”The heater vaporizes liquid nicotine in a small cartridge (it also activates a light at the “lit” end of the e-cigarette). Users can opt for a cartridge without nicotine.

The heater also vaporizes propylene glycol (PEG) in the cartridge. PEG is the stuff of which theatrical smoke is made.

The user gets a puff of hot gas that feels a lot like tobacco smoke.

E-cigarettes contain no tobacco products; even the nicotine is synthetic.

The devices retail for $100 to $200. Refill cartridge packs vary in price depending on nicotine content, and liquid for do-it-yourself refills are sold, too. Each cartridge is good for several uses.

It does seem that the jury is still out on e-cigarettes and although they hold some promise for smokers trying to quit, they may just be trading one dangerous habit for another.

E-Cigarettes, Good, Bad or just Ugly?


Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Even the name for this inherited lung problem can be hard to understand. You may have no symptoms, or you may feel short of breath often with AAT deficiency. But whatever your situation, you can take steps at home and at work to feel your best.

Many people with AAT deficiency live active, fulfilling lives.

These moves can protect your lungs from damage and may help you breathe easier.

1. Don’t smoke.Well, Duh! If you smoke, talk to your doctor about how to quit. If you’ve tried before, keep trying. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. It’s normal for it to take several tries before it lasts.

2. Avoid pollen, dust, fumes, and secondhand smoke.One easy way is to wear a mask when irritants are flying. Slip on a mask when moving boxes in a warehouse or mowing the lawn. Before you head outside, check the Air Quality Index and plan your day accordingly. When air quality is poor, plan your outdoor activities for the morning or when the air is cleaner, and try to avoid areas where traffic is heavy and keep your windows rolled up.

3. Avoid colds, flu, and bronchitis.Be germ-smart: Shopping malls and

movie theaters can be germ magnets. Go during off-hours, when crowds are smaller. Visit with children when you know everyone is healthy. Take a rain check if someone comes down with a cold.

At the doctor’s office or hospital, you can swab arm rests and door handles with an antibacterial wipe before touching them. Call your doctor right away if you think you’re coming down with a cold. Your doctor may be able to help prevent an infection in your lungs. Look for a fever, more coughing or shortness of breath, and changes in the color or thickness of phlegm.

4. Get regular exercise.Exercise can make a big difference in keeping your lungs healthy. In general, you want to remain as active as you are able. Upper-body exercises and walking or bike riding are great ways to maintain lung health. If you’re not active now, tell your doctor before you start a new exercise plan. Start off slowly, with even just a few minutes a day, and build intensity as your endurance and strength improve.

5. Watch your weight and balance your diet.A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies helps keep all of you healthy, including your lungs. Protein is important for lung health. Tofu, beans, nuts, and Greek yogurt fit the bill. They also tend to cost less and are

less fatty than red meat. Get plenty of vitamin D, which also promotes lung health. Always talk to your doctor before taking a supplement.

6. Avoid alcohol.AAT deficiency affects your liver as well as your lungs, so you are more likely to get liver damage than most people. Don’t drink alcohol, or make it very rare.

7. Stick to your treatment plan.Take your prescription medications as directed. Don’t skip doses just because you’re feeling better. See a lung doctor regularly. Follow doctor’s orders for lung and liver tests. Think about using a pulse oximeter at home. It painlessly measures the oxygen in your blood, so you and your doctor can know when you may need a change in treatment.

Family and friends can help you keep track of your medicines or doctor’s appointments. Don’t be afraid to ask.

8. Get the emotional support you need.If you’re feeling scared, sad, worried, or angry, talk to someone about it. Ask your doctor about counseling or support groups. It can also help to spend time with other people who have AAT deficiency; they understand what you’re going through.

Tips for Staying Healthy With AAT Deficiency

Caregivers Corner“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” –Margaret Mead

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” –Theodore Roosevelt

8


4 Vitamins Important in Lung Disease Treatment 1. Vitamin D – Studies have found that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in people with long term lung conditions. Being deficient in vitamin D induces bone destruction that often leads to osteoporosis. Together with calcium, vitamin D supplementation helps prevent osteoporosis.Vitamin D deficiency may also contribute to reduced exercise capacity. Vitamin D supplementation may help prevent and treat osteoporosis and increase your exercise capacity.2. Vitamin C – Vitamin C (absorbic acid), has been used to treat everything from scurvy to depression to the common cold. Unlike some animals that can make their own vitamin C, people must get this sunshine vitamin from food and other sources including nutritional supplements.In some studies, vitamin C supplementation has been linked to the following benefits: Prevents cigarette-smoke induced emphysema in rats, Slows lung function decline in COPD, Protects against the harmful effects of air pollution What should you do to get more vitamin C in your daily diet? For most people, a healthy diet provides an adequate amount of vitamin C.

However, if your dietary intake is poor, talk to your health care provider about adding vitamin C supplements to your daily diet.3. Vitamin A – Vitamin A is important for normal vision, a healthy immune system and reproduction. It also helps keep the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs working properly.Studies have found that people with COPD have lower than normal levels of vitamin A. Supplementing your diet with vitamin A may help improve your lung function; it may also help prevent and treat emphysema.4. Vitamin E – Also a member of the fat-soluble vitamin family, vitamin E is found naturally in many foods, including vegetable oils, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and wheat germ oil. It is also available as a nutritional supplement.Vitamin E helps protect the body against cell damage caused by free radicals. It also acts to boost the immune system so the body can fight off bacterial and viral infections. Vitamin E is also good for the blood vessels, widening them so that blood won’t clot within their walls.Do not add these or any other supplements to your diet without first consulting with your doctor.

9

Who ever knew that you could save a life?

A life that was still worth living.

A life full of troubles, good times, bad times.

A life that was almost over.You had to die, God gave you

the chance to fly.Now you soar.

You continue to live your life, through the life you saved.

But you are still here.Everyone thought you

were gone. But I found you.

Now together we live life, the way it was meant to

be lived.Together, we are alive.

–Mel Pellett

Great Idea For Gently Used Equipment And Left Over SuppliesIf one has medical equipment and supplies that are no longer needed, the Fairview Medical Missions would love to have them. From IV poles, supplies, lymphedema wraps, etc. they will put them to good use and they are thrilled to have them.

http://www.fairview.org/CommunityHealth/Medicalmissions/Giving/index.htm

Call Paula at 612-706-4559 and she comes and picks them up.


Risky Jobs for Your LungsYour lungs work hard – most adults take more than 20,000 breaths a day. But just how well your lungs do their job may be affected by the job you do.

The good news: Many on-the-job lung dangers are preventable. Improving ventilation, wearing protective equipment, changing the way you do your work and learning more about hazards is key.

1. Housekeeping and Cleaning – Some cleaning supplies, even so-called “green” or “natural” products, have harmful chemicals that have been associated with developing asthma.

“Cleaners are reactive chemicals, meaning that they react with dirt and also with your lung tissues, so this is in some ways not surprising,” Von Essen says.

Some release volatile organic compounds, which can contribute to chronic respiratory problems and allergic reactions. Read labels and follow instructions.

Consider using simple cleaning agents like vinegar and water or baking soda. And open windows and doors to keep the area well ventilated.

3. Health Care – Doctors, nurses, and other people who work in hospitals, medical offices, or nursing homes are at increased

risk for lung diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

So health care workers should keep up with immunizations, including the flu vaccine, that the CDC recommends for health care workers.

Health care workers also develop asthma if latex is used in gloves or other supplies. Latex-free synthetic gloves are an alternative.

4. Hair Styling – Certain hair-coloring agents can produce occupational asthma. Some salon hair-straightening products contain formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen. It’s also a strong eye, nose, throat, and lung irritant.

Good ventilation is important. Because wearing a respirator might cause appointments to cancel, know what’s in the products you’re working with. If they’re not safe, find a safer product.

5. Construction – Workers who demolish old buildings or do remodeling can be exposed to asbestos used as insulation around pipes or in floor tiles. Even minimal exposure to its microscopic fibers has been linked to a variety of problems.

Exposure also seems to increase the risk of small cell lung cancer and can lead to asbestosis, or scarring of the lung. Asbestos removal should be always be left to trained and licensed crews.

6. Farming – Working with crops and animals can lead to several disorders. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a rare but serious problem caused by repeated exposures to mold-contaminated grain or hay. The lung’s air sacs become inflamed and may develop scar tissue.

Grain in metal bins can get moldy. Breathing dust from this grain can lead to fevers, chills, and a flu-like illness called Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome. Dust and ammonia levels together seem to be risk factors. Keep grain from getting damp, ensure adequate ventilation, and wear a respirator.

7. Auto Body Spray Painting – People who work in auto body shops are often exposed to chemicals known as isocyanates. They’re a significant cause of occupational asthma.

“It’s frequently a career-ending disease where they need to leave their profession,” Harber says.

Using quality respirators that are appropriate for your task can lessen the risk. It also helps to enclose the area being sprayed and to have a ventilated exhaust system. Better yet, replace hazardous materials with safer ones.

10


HOPE CHEST NEWS BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR

Wally Preissing, President 651-787-0940Gary Burns, Vice President 715-684-9709Gary Grev, Treasurer 763-258-7900Tom Fuller, Secretary 651-636-3497Laura O’Mara, 763-497-2693 Director & Communications

Jan Ankeny, Director 612-868-6482Ralph Loftus, Director 763-428-3531Fern Olson, Director 952-432-1422 Jeff Richert, Director 651-603-7863Gary Broberg, Director 651-456-0340

UPCOMING EVENTS AND INFORMATION

In the Hospital: Any Board memberFinancial Assistance or to obtain your transplant number: Marget Schmidtke, Thoracic Transplant Social Worker at 612-273-5796 or 1-800-478-5864 Personal information: Such as street address, E-Mail address, transplant date, transplant number, patient passing away send an E-Mail to [email protected]: [email protected]

U of M Support Group meeting is on Mondays at 11 A. M. in the conference room of the Bridges cafeteria at University of Minnesota Health. There is no morning meeting on the 1st Monday of each month.

Monthly Evening Support Group is held at 7 P. M. on the 1st Monday of each month in the conference room of the Bridges cafeteria at University of Minnesota Health.

Caregivers Support Group is held on the 1st Monday of each month at 6 P. M. in the conference room just past the elevators on the 8th floor at University of Minnesota Health.

Monthly Meeting of the Hope Chest News Board of Directors on September 15, October 20 and November 17 at 12:30 P. M. in the conference room of the Bridges cafeteria at University of Minnesota Health.

Sioux Falls Support Group is on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 P. M. The meetings are held in the Cancer Institute at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

For more information contact June Schneider at 605-339-3067

Get Your Flu Shot! For your sake and the sake of your loved ones.

For breaking news and information about Alpha One go to: http://www.alpha1.org/

A great resource that may be able to help with your medication costs is the Healthwell Foundation: www.healthwellfoundation.org/

FYI, The University of Minnesota Fairview that we all know and love, (mostly) is now officially named The University of Minnesota Health.

A Few Thoughts

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have. – Thomas Jefferson

Whether you think that you can, or that you can’t, you are usually right. – Henry Ford

The Board members and their duties and contact information are as follows:

Contact any of the Board members with ideas, concerns or questions.


Hope Chest NewsPO Box 13040Minneapolis MN 55414

Address Service Requested

THE FINE PRINT Hope Chest News is published quarterly by Hope Chest News, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Contents are not to be reproduced without permission. The information contained in Hope Chest News is not intended to be a replacement for or substitute to professional medical advice. Professional health care providers should always be consulted in regard to any concerns or questions you may have about your condition.

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAID Twin Cities, MN

PERMIT NO 31185

12

Breathing Lung Transplant IICool video about the Breathing Lung Device in use.

http://www.expandlung.com/

Don’t miss it!

hope chest news · hcn golf tournament info 3 what’s a grev? 3 remembering those gone 4 donations...

Documents