Winter 2014Winter 2014

£2Free to

Members

Here to helpAffiliated to the British Heart Foundation and

Arrhythmia Alliance - The Heart Rhythm Charity

Poole Community Health Centre Shaftesbury Road, Poole BH15 2NTTelephone: 01202 683363 ext. 133

Telephone manned Mondays and Thursdays: 1:30-3:30pmwww.poolehsg.org.uk

POOLE HEART SUPPORT GROUP MAGAZINEPoole Community Health Centre Shaftesbury Road, Poole BH15 2NT

Telephone: 01202 683363 ext. 133Telephone manned Mondays and Thursdays: 1:30-3:30pm

www.poolehsg.org.uk

PRESIDENT: Dr. ANDREW MCLEOD Vice Presidents:Dr CHRISTOPHER BOOS MBBS, Dip IMC, RCS (Ed), MD, FRCP, RAMC.Dr. DIANE BRUCE MB, Bsc (Hons), FRCPROBERT PAYNE RGN, RHV, Bsc (Hons), PG Dip PGCEMAGGIE RICHARDSON : JIM WAINE : GEOFFREY WALKER OBE, JP, MA, RGN

PHSG COMMITTEEKEITH MATTHEWS Chairman 01202 855001DAVID ANDERSON Secretary 01202 697376RITA HOLMES Treasurer 01202 743960GEORGE LLEWELLYN Social Events 01202 605455JAN MESHER Office Manager 01202 250108DEREK POPE Database 01202 889070ROBIN PRINGLE Exercise Coord 01202 884250ROGER RIDOUT Purbeck Liaison 01929 423079GEOFF LAWRENCE Member 01202 888438JOHN OFFER Member 01202 386674GEORGE WILKINSON Member 01202 740374PAM BAILEY BHF Rep. 01202 574944LESLEY BRADSHAW Co-opted 01202 691339

If you know a member who is ill, please tell us by contactingMavis Terry, Welfare Support, on 01202 874760

OTHER CONTACTSJOHN DEFTY Chat Stops 01202 760350CYRIL MARTIN Walking Group 01202 733956DAVID ANDERSON Website 01202 697376JIM WAINE Founder and VP 01202 871532

Please send magazine articles and photos to:Editor, 10 Hill View Road, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9QY or by

Tel. 01202 855001Magazines are published 1st March, 1st June, 1st September and 1st December.

Print Deadlines are 10th February, 10th May, 10th August, 10th November

COVER PICTURE: Bembridge Windmill ©2014 Keith Matthews

(Email addresses have been removed as we are receiving SPAM messages)

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The committee and I wish you all a HappyChristmas and healthy New Year in 2015. GoodGrief, another year over, they don’t half clockover quickly these days! However, if you’d like tostrike a New Year Resolution and get a little bit involved withsomething different, why not think of volunteering to help in ouroffice for a couple of hours now and again? You’ll meet moremembers and probably make some new friends. It is notcomplicated; computer skills are not needed,we just deal with theincoming post and log in the new members. Jan’s team trains

everybody with the procedures.In this issue you’ll see the booking form for our Annual Dinner atBentleys. This year our Guest of Honour is to be Dr Roskovec who is

Consultant Cardiologist at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Dr Roskovecis the President of the Bournemouth Heart Club. We expect that he will

tell us a little about how they operate, and give us a chance to make closerlinks between our organisations. He will be joined by Nick Morgan

who is Chairman of the Bournemouth Heart Club. This is always agood night with good food, get your booking in early!

Chairman’s Letter

All talks and Chat Stops are at St John’s Church Hall, BroadstoneAll PHSG talks and Chat Stops are free.

December 2 Chat Stop at 14:00Carol Singing with Gary. Goto p. 5February 3 Chat Stop at 14:00Talk by Fiona Keene.March 3 Chat Stop at 14:00Talk by Linda Everett.March 12 Annual Dinner (not free!)Goto p.12 and the booking slipApril 7 Chat Stop at 14:00April 16 AGM at 19:30PHSG Annual General MeetingMay 5 Chat Stop at 14:00May TBA Meeting at 19:30Chairman’s Wife’s Super Prize Quiz.Remaining Chatstop Dates in 2015 at 14:00 June 2nd October 6th November 3rd December 1st

PHSG Meetings - Diary Dates→→

Keith

PHSG Magazine 4

from Poole Hospital NHS Foundation TrustMedicine and Cardiology News

Dear Friends,As we move into the winter period a lot has been happeninghere at the Hospital. Perhaps the most significant for me is thatunder the new re-structure of the clinical areas I now have theemergency department (ED) formally (A&E) as well as Anstythe emergency assessment unit (EAU) ward under my remit asmatron. I still have cardiology with general medicine as well asspecialist medicine and now with emergency medicine I havethe hat trick so to speak!It is a challenge managing such a large and diverse area but I am really enjoying it and thestaff have been most welcoming to me, it helps that I know most of them anyway. So thechallenges in my new areas are that of the 4 hour ED target, which means 95% of patientscoming to the department must be seen and either discharged or moved to a ward area inthis time, and in EAU that the flow of patients continues so the system does not clog up.It’s especially difficult as we go into winter with the increased number of attendances tothe hospital.I feel a lot of the systems we have in place in medicine will help translate over to the otherdepartments and as a much larger team we can build on our successes together. The teamare very enthusiastic and we are now going to include them on matrons ward rounds, andhopefully we will gain new members to our quality service group.The new extension to the cardiac department is fully functioning now and the newfacilities are superb. The seminar room is now also operational and so teaching andmeetings can be held in the department. The cardiac rehabilitation service are very pleasedwith their move to the new unit, as they now have an outside window on the world fromthe office!I was able to give an interview to BBC radio 4 on the medical investigations unit whichwas broadcast in October and it also appeared on the BBC web page.In September I gave a lecture on clinical services and cost improvement measures to theNHS south west financier’s conference in Bristol. It was well received and allowed me tospeak to the senior accountants and directors of finance in the region and discuss howclinical services can lead the way as well as be cost effective.We are also looking at the work being done with Bournemouth University on carer andservice user partnerships. This is a service run by the university in which former patientswill come and speak to students and on post graduate courses so they can learn frompatients’ experience first-hand. It is very interesting and Peter Atkins their coordinatorcame and spoke to our clinical leads about this. They are also looking for new people toget involved and hopefully we will be able to help.So all in all lots happening and keeping us all busy. The Hospital is moving into winterand we are also opening additional escalation and winter pressure beds to support the

5 PHSG Magazine

Do you have computer problems?We can resolve your problems for you. Are you unsure whatyou are doing, do you need assistance, a helping hand ortraining? We can assist with home PC security, internetconnection problems, advice and installation of Broadband,PC networks and supply and/or installation of secure wirelessnetworks in your house. We undertake virus, spyware andad-ware removal and can supply or install security programsto make your PC safe. Is your old PC slow, is it worthupgrading? We provide impartial advice and can performupgrades or help with any new PC purchase and accessoryquotes. We supply new PCs, install, configure your system andcan transfer your existing data. Why not give us a call!

Contact Efficiency SolutionsJeff on 01202 855949 or Mobile 07736 275190

increased demand, however rather than call it winter pressure we are now calling inseasonal pressure as it happens throughout the year.Have a very Happy Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year, until next time.Geoffrey Walker OBE JP MA RGNMatron Medicine, Cardiology and Specialist Nursing ServicesPoole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

This year we will have a section of the SingtogetherSingers of Upper Parkstone. They will sing some itemson their own and also join in with the communalsinging. This year we will have a lady accompanist onpiano rather than my recorded stuff of previous years.You will still have to suffer me leading things, but you’vegot to have some pain!

The December 2nd Chatstop programme is similar tolast year with the singing to start at about ten past two.Teas and Coffees at 2:45 with a restart at 3:15 unto 3:55 and finishing up at 4:00.

So please come along and join in our happy event. Word sheets will be provided.

Best Wishes to All. Gary Lee

Carols at Christmas December 2nd

PHSG Magazine 6

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation, universally called AF by Cardiologists, isone of the commonest abnormalities of heart rhythm. It iscaused by disruption of the normal pathways in theatria, the upper chambers of the heart, so that theelectrical impulse which drives the heart beat, thepacemaker current, becomes fragmented. Multipleregions in the atria then begin to form little surgesof current themselves. This disrupted andfragmented electrical activity then travels towardsthe centre of the heart and reaches the Atrioventricular node (AV node). The AV node isthe linking 'cable' which allows the impulse to reach the main pumping chambers of theheart, the ventricles.The spread of electrical excitation over the membrane surfaces of the individual musclecells triggers the inrush of calcium ions (charged atoms) into the cell, which is what allowsthe proteins in the muscle to contract. I hope you are with me so far!The AV node performs a remarkable safety function in that it both slows the electricalimpulse, and acts as a 'governor', only allowing a certain number of impulses through tothe ventricles. Depending on age, the amount of adrenaline present, and some otherfactors, the maximum heart rate that can filter through the AV node is around 120 to 180beats per minute. Even so, the shock of somebody who develops AF on appreciating thattheir heart rate is suddenly not its regular 75 beats per minute, but an irregular 130 beatsper minute, is quite considerable.One thing that we still understand imperfectly is that some patients have a fast rate, in AF,say 130 or more, and some do not, and although irregular, their heart rate may be only 80or 90. We also don't fully understand why some people are completely unaware that theyare in AF.What causes AF? In some it is a general deterioration of the atrial tissue with age, and it'strue that the older you are, the more likely you are to have AF. About 10% of people overthe age of 80 are in AF and most of them are unaware of it. Without writing a textbook onthe subject, the common causes are: high blood pressure, excessive alcohol intake, heartvalve disease (particularly the mitral valve), thyrotoxicosis, coronary artery disease(especially If there has been significant damage to the heart in the past, such as a heartattack), and underlying abnormalities of the heart muscle.You may be surprised if I term AF 'benign' heart rhythm disorder. But generally,particularly if the heart rate is controlled by some extra medication (such as a betablocker,digoxin, verapamll), most people are not particularly bothered by it. The main risk of thecondition is that in view of the irregular, rather spasmodic, blood flow through the atria,eddies and vortices of flow can lead to stagnant regions of blood flow, particular in theregion of the appendage of the left atrium. When this happens, the blood can form a clot,and such a clot can build up and suddenly break free from the atrium, passing into the

Andrew McLeod MD, FRCP, FESC

7 PHSG Magazine

circulation. In view of the large amount of blood which flows to the brain, clots oftenarrive there first causing stroke.This risk is minimized by taking warfarin. In a few people, aspirin may be an adequateanti-thrombosis drug. The risk of stroke is increased by several factors - being aged 75 ormore, high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, and previous stroke or TIA. We scoreone point for any of these factors, and two for the last one. In general, anybody with ascore of more than one should take warfarin. If the score is zero or one, then aspirin maybe adequate, though It is reasonable to debate it. Finally, there are drugs which suppress orprevent AF. These include sotalol, flecainide, propafenone, and amiodarone (I've listedthese in increasing order of side effects!). In a few people, there are keyhole surgerytechniques (ablation) which may prevent AF developing. This is applicable to only aminority of people with AF, it has risks (including stroke), and it is still an imperfecttreatment, though it is developing and improving with time.Addendum October 2014. Most of the above is still true, but inevitably medical sciencehas moved on. It is now thought that aspirin is inadequate prophylaxis against stroke. Sopeople with AF at a young age and no ‘risk factors’ for stroke are often advised not to takeanything. There are new oral anticoagulants available besides warfarin. These areexpensive and there is huge commercial pressure to prescribe them. In general, ifsomebody is well controlled on warfarin, we advise staying on it. If poorly controlledthen the NOACs (New Oral AntiCoagulants) can be used and do not require blood testing.Be aware though that there is some data that suggests that even with the NOACs, bloodtesting to measure blood levels of the drugs has been shown to reduce risk of adverseevents such as bleeding, but because of the commercial pressure to market ‘drugs whichdon’t need blood tests’ there is no such routine testing available. The other therapeuticchange in strategy is that it is now very rare to use digoxin (digitalis) to help with controlof heart rate, though it may occasionally be indicated. Finally, advances in ablationtherapy mean that this treatment is now a relatively safe and viable option for patients withrecurrent AF at high rates with troublesome symptoms.Dr Andrew McLeodPresident, Poole Heart Support Group

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”J.K. Rowling“Ecstacy was once the most intense pleasure. Then it was Wagner. ThenPoulet de Bresse. Now it’s a cancelled meeting.”Reverend Richard Coles.“Cocaine is terrific if you want to hang out with people you don’t knowvery well and play ping pong all night. It’s bad for almost everything else”Amy Poehler

PHSG Magazine 8

Chats & Talks Organised by George Llewellyn

Have you ever thought of writing a book? It is said that everybodyhas a book inside them. Well as Clare Barrett told us this oneescaped. Clare is one of the PHSG trainers in Wareham and for asome time Clare was concerned that very little useful informationwas available for heart patients awaiting by-pass operations. Soshe set about remedying that situation.Clare talked us through the research stage; interviewing PHSGpeople that had the procedure, the actual writing, and eventuallythe publication.

During the lively answer and question session I think Clare might have stumbled upon thesubject of her next book! How about; Serious Operations, the View from the Carer’sPerspective.A really interesting and informative talk, thank you very much Clare.

“Bypass for Life” by Clare Barrett is available on Amazon

Clare Barrett - September Chat Stop

In October Alun Mummery, one of our members from Lytchett camealong to give a short talk on his passion for collecting medals.He brought along many examples of the various types of medals inhis collection and some of the background stories associated withthem.These ranged from Pip, Squeak and Wilfred, the Purple Heart and theNazi Motherhood medal. These where passed around along withothers for us to see and handle first hand.Finally lots of interest and questions. Many thanks Alun.

Alun Mummery - October Chat Stop

Purp

le H

eart

9 PHSG Magazine

Airwaves are Trading Standards Approved

Here is a photo of PHSGMembers Sonja and Bill Sparrowand their team mates, David andJulie, having just won, for the 3rdtime, the Black Tivoli Cat forhaving the least number ofpoints in the annual Tivoli Quiz inAllenbourne School, Wimborneon Friday,10th October 2014.Great evening! Thank you to allwho helped out

Sonja

“The palest ink is better than the best memory.” Chinese Proverb

PHSG Members at Large

PHSG Magazine 10

Women with high cholesterol are more likely to get breastcancer - suggesting that taking statins could help ward off the

disease, reports The Times. It's already established that beingoverweight is a risk factor for the disease, and overweight people are also

more likely to have high cholesterol. It's unclear, therefore, what - if any -role the cholesterol plays in the development of the disease; clinical trials totest the effect of statins on cancer are still some years off. Even so,scientists described the idea that these cholesterol busting drugs mighthelp prevent the disease as “exciting”, pointing out that statins arecheap, relatively safe and already widely prescribed to those at risk

of heart disease. The Aston University research, based on datafrom 660,000 women in the UK, found that those with high

cholesterol had a 1.64 times greater chance of developingbreast cancer. “This was an observational study so

we can't conclude that high cholesterol causesbreast cancer, but the strength of the

association warrants furtherinvestigation.” said Dr Rahul

Potluri, who led theresearch.

Acouple from

Barnsley on holiday inSpain are making a roastdinner in their rented villa

but they don't have any gravy.The husband says "I'll go andask that Cockney couple whoarrived this morning in the villa

next door." 'as thee any Bisto?" he asks theCockney chap who answers the

door."Pardon Senor, no parloespaniolo I'm afraid" he

replies.

The CollectiveIntelligence of Ants

Individually, ants aren't all thatclever, says Time Magazine. Outsidetheir nests, they wander around seeminglyrandomly hoping to run into bits of food. But the

process is more organised than it seems. When the antfinds food, it bites off a chunk then carries it back to the nest -

leaving a trail of pheromones which others can follow. Even then,owing to their large number, the ants reach the food from many different

directions - but since the pheromones evaporate quickly, the scent is strongerthe shorter the trail, with the result that the most efficient route is used most often.

Each time, more pheromones are laid, creating a self-reinforcing effect.Thus the ants end up marching in a long line along the forest floor, a process that savesthem time and energy. "While the single ant is certainly not smart , the collective acts in a

way that I'm tempted to call intelligent," said study co-author Jugen Kurths of thePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, "The ants collectively form a

highly efficient complex network.”

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3 6 98 2 1

5 1 9 7 89 8 6

7 8 3 19 6 1

9 4 2 7 66 2 5

6 2 4

SUDOKU by Derek

The Growing Cost of DiabetesIn some hospitals, more than one in four beds are taken up by patients withdiabetes, reports the Daily Mail. The hospital with the highest proportion ofdiabetic patients is Bishop Auckland Hospital in County Durham, where 35% ofpatients currently suffer from the condition. At Hammersmith Hospital in WestLondon, 28% of patients are diabetic as are 25% at West Cumberland Hospitalin Whitehaven, Cumbria.There are 3.6 miIlion Britons with diabetes; 90% of patients have Type IIdiabetes, which is linked with obesity, poor diet and age. NHS figures alsoshow that one in four diabetic patients fall victim to some kind of "medicationerror” while in hospital.

but they don't have any gravy.

" 'as thee any Bisto?" he asks theCockney chap who answers the

PHSG Magazine 12

BENTLEYS’ RESTAURANTPOOLE HEART SUPPORT GROUP

Spring DinnerThursday 12 March, 2015

7:00 for 7:30 pm(Selections, to be Pre ordered)

MENUSTARTER

Tomato & Basil Soup (v)served with a sun blushed cream

Farmhouse Pateserved with seasonal leaves, red onion chutney & crostini

Tempura Prawnsserved with a sweet chilli dressing & crispy leaves

~oOo~

MAIN COURSES

Roasted Rack of Best End Lambserved with duchess potatoes & a mint and red current glaze

Grilled Gilthead Breamserved on pak choi & black butter sauce

Supreme of Chickenwrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with soft french brieRoasted Root Vegetable & Red Lentil Casserole (v)

served with crusty breadMain courses are served with Chef’s selection of fresh seasonal

vegetables & potatoes

~oOo~

DESSERT

Raspberry & White Chocolate Eton Mess CheesecakeFresh Fruit Salad served with vanilla cream

Apple & Apricot Crumble with Vanilla Custard~oOo~

Coffee & After-Dinner Mints

£25.00 per person

13 PHSG Magazine

You can always call the Office !

You can always call the officeWe’re a happy little bunch.On a Monday or a Thursday,We’re there just after lunch.

If you need some information,Exercise or walking club,(Cyril says they rambleand then end up at the pub!).

We distribute magazinesand sign in each new member.We are on the go all the timefrom January to December

Jan MesherPHSG Office Co-ordinator.

Volunteers wantedto help in our P.H.S.G.Office for only 2 hours amonth.

01202 683363 Ext 133Manned 1.30 - 3.30pmMondays & Thursdays

Computer skills not needed.Full training given

Jan Mesher would like to pointout that the last day before

Xmas that the Office willbe open is Monday 22nd

December. We will re-open in 2015 on Monday

5th January. Jan andall the committee thankall the OfficeHelpers for their

continuous hard work running the office and would liketo wish the Helpers and all Members of PHSG aVery Happy and Healthy Xmas and New Year.

Jan

Happy Christm

as

Everybody!

Your PHSGNeeds You!

Just a couple of hours amonth. Do help out!

Call Jan on 01202 250108

Magazine Mailing Days for 2015Tues Feb 24 Wed May 27Wed Aug 26 Wed Nov 25

This is when we get together in the office for a couple of hours tomail out this magazine. Its fun and its sociable. Interested inhelping? Call Jan on 01202 250108.

PHSG Magazine 14

high blood pressure

smoking

high cholesterol

obesity

low fruit & vegetables

physical inactivity

alcoholinfections

non-transport accidents

transport accidents

illicit drug use

murdermedical complicationspregnancy & birthwar

Risks leading to death in perspective

Bad News for Sweeteners ?Sugar gets a bad press these days but . . .Sugar substitutes might affect bacteria in the gut in such a way as to exacerbate metabolicdisorders. Eran Elinav’s team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot have foundthat mice given water sweetened with saccharin develop glucose intolerance, whereasmice given water sweetened with glucose do not.However, glucose intolerance did not appear in mice that had their gut bacteria killed byantibiotics, while fecal implants from glucose-intolerant mice induced the sameintolerance in normal ones. This showed that the saccharin had made the mousemicrobiome unhealthy, and the researchers obtained similar results with other artificialsweeteners, sucralose and aspartame.In a small trial, seven healthy fit humans who did not use artificial sweeteners were giventhe maximum daily allowance of artificial sweeteners for a week. Four out of sevendeveloped glucose intolerance, with a corresponding shift in gut flora. It is interesting thatthe increase in use of artificial sweeteners coincides with the increase in diabetes andobesity. Perhaps the best advice is to stick with sugar, just eat less!

CERN Courier Nov. 2014 - Further Reading: J.Suez et.al. Nature vol. 513 p.290

15 PHSG Magazine

non-transport accidents

medical complications

Ashdown School Sports Monday 12:00 Tuesday 09:30 10:30 Wednesday 09:30 Friday 09:30 10:30

Canford School Sports Monday 09:00 10:00 Tuesday 09:00 10:00 Thursday 09:00 10:00 11:00 Friday 09:00 10:00

Ferndown Sports Monday 10:30 Wednesday 11:00

Hamworthy Fire Station Monday 10:00

“Hearts on Seats”,Broadstone Thursday 13:30

Images, Lower Parkstone Wednesday 11:00 Friday 11:00

Lytchett Minster Sports Tuesday 18:00 19:00 Thursday 18:30

“Step Down” QE Academy Wimborne Tuesday 14:30

Swanage, Burlington Sports Club Tuesday 14:30 15:30

Wareham, Purbeck Sports Club Monday 16:00 Thursday 11:00

PHSG Exercise VenuesAll sessions last 1 hour

If you are not exercising with us and would like to startplease call Robin Pringle or Roger Ridout.

Contact details are on the inside front cover

Our “Hearts on Seats” is designed for the less physically able.The “Step Down” class is designed for members with more complicated heartproblems and is conducted by the Poole NHS rehabilitation team incollaboration with Poole Heart Support Group.

PHSG Magazine 16

Startling Facts By Michèle Carbery

Startling Facts - the value of travel insurance£4 million. This figure is challenging topicture but is the startling sum that insurerspay on average every WEEK to travelinsurance policy holders as a result ofmedical emergencies, according to a recentreport by the Association of British Insurers(ABI).Where does all this money go? Accordingto the report, holiday makers most often needto claim for the expenses of emergencymedical care.In the UK, emergency medical care isprovided by the National Health Service.However many people are surprised todiscover that they may be required to pay formedical care themselves when travelling toother countries.A person visiting the USA who breaks a legand requires surgery could easily face bills of

£20,000 to £50,000. In the case of a heart attack requiring emergency coronary arterybypass surgery, costs could be a shocking £250,000. In addition, repatriation via airambulance from the US West Coast could cost £80,000 - £100,000.“No one expects to go holiday and have to make a claim on their travel insurance.”Explains Aidan Kerr, Head of Travel Insurance at the ABI. “However, unfortunately formany travellers, having something go wrong can be a very real experience. It can beespecially traumatic when you or someone you are travelling with is taken ill or injured.”The ABI encourages travellers to arrange suitable travel cover as soon as they havebooked their trip.Finding cover can be challenging if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Whetherthere is a heart or cardiac problem, stroke, cancer, kidney disease or disability – there ishelp available to ensure you have the cover you need for your holiday.Able2Travel provides outstanding customer service and will provide a confidential quotefor a policy that will cover your specific needs and conditions. With suitable insurance inplace, you will be able to concentrate on the fun of planning your trip and enjoy yourtravels with peace of mind.Call us today for a sensitive and confidential quote on 01892 839 501 or go online towww.able2travel.com Remember to mention Poole Heart Support Group.

17 PHSG Magazine

ADVERTISEMENT

PHSG Magazine 18

19 PHSG Magazine

PHSG Magazine 20

As you all have just seen I have now started my maternity leave and awaiting thearrival of twin girls (they may have been born by the time this is published)I want to say a massive thank you to all the members who have attended myclasses over the years and have put up with my sickness and immobility duringthe last 7 months, and also for the generous gifts you have given for the girls. Ihave spent most of it buying lots of pink items; it has been great fun.I will hopefully be back at Canford for Tuesday and Friday classes by summer2015 but I say a sad farewell to my Hamworthy and Ferndown classes; especiallyto the members at Ferndown; I have been there for nearly 8 years. I hopeMichelle and Jennie enjoy teaching the classes as much as I have over the years.Finally a big ‘Thank You’ to all the other trainers for helping with maternity coverparticularly Lesley who has been amazing and organised it all.Thank you all again.

A Big Thank You from Emma

Emma x

21 PHSG Magazine

Membership MattersEvery PHSG member should have a membership card which hasyour membership number.It would be helpful if any member sending changes of details,could please include their membership number as this makes it somuch easier to ensure changes are applied to the right details. Ifyou cannot find your membership card, your membership numberis also printed on the address label when you receive thequarterly magazine, please take a note of it for future reference.Presently (about the middle of October as I write this) we have637 full members and 345 partners, with committee, honorary members and a handful of advertiserswe have a total of 1049 people in the database. Of these, 470 members have one of our exercisevenues noted alongside their membership details and although I don’t keep separate exercisedetails for partners; this suggests we probably have over half of our membership taking regularexercise. If that is true it is a remarkable achievement for Robin, Lesley and their team of trainers.As we are Poole Heart Support Group, it is interesting to see that the post code area with moremembers than any other is BH21 (Wimborne). Though as a resident of Merley (which is part ofPoole Borough) with a BH21 post code, I guess the Wimborne postal area covers a lot of physicalspace which has nothing to do with the town but was always served by the sorting office.That’s all for this quarter, if you’d like to see other information in this section, do please letme know.

Derek

The Age Old Health Debate

Now lets see, there must be a problem - ourair is unpolluted, our water is pure, we get

loads of exercise, everything we eat is free-range, and yet we all die before 30!

Another year has passed and we’re all a little older,Last Summer felt hotter and Winter seems much colder.There was a time not long ago when life was quite a blast,Now I fully understand about “Living in the Past”.We used to go to weddings, football games and lunches,Now we go to funeral homes and after-funeral brunches.We used to have hangovers from parties that were gay,Now we suffer body aches and while the night away.We used to go out dining and couldn’t get our fill,Now we ask for doggie bags, come home and take a pill.We used to often travel to places near and far,Now we get sore bottoms from riding in the car.We used to go to nightclubs and drink a little booze,Now we stay home at night and watch the evening news.That, my friend is how life is, and now my tale is told,Enjoy each day and live it up before you’re too damned old!

PHSG Magazine 22

Medical Clinical Care Group Jim WaineProactive Development Unit for Cardiology and

MedicinePHSG has a voice in this influential group, representing theviews of its members.  The Group is held under the capablechairmanship of Geoffrey Walker OBE, Matron of Cardiologyand Medicine, and it really gets things done! Positive changesare made to hospital procedures as a result of patientfeedback being given to PHSG representatives.  All PHSGmembers can report back on their experiences of theirtreatment in Poole Hospital in complete confidence.  So if youwant to say something good or bad about your experience in  Poole Cardiac Unit, or itsrelated departments, including the ambulance service, please forward your comments.You can contact me by e mail (preferred), letter or telephone.Looking forward to hearing from you! Jim Waine, Vice President PHSG 01202 871532

Quality Service Group Meeting 22 July 2014 at 11.30amGeoffrey Walker, OBE, Matron Medical Services, chaired the meeting.GW informed the Group that the Trust had experienced unprecedented admission levels.There had been a 10% increase at weekends, which has resulted in demand outstrippingcapacity and extra beds being opened. They are considering methods of measuring this.However, RBH and other local hospitals are also reporting similar figures. In conclusion,capacity issues continue, but patient care and safety remain of paramount importance.The M.I.U (Medical Investigation Unit) has expanded the services they provide. There isnow trials without catheter and hyperemesis gravid arum for patients, (gynecology &maternity), which are all proving successful.GW informed the Group about the sad death of Staff Nurse Rui Li, but noted that staff hadcoped admirably with this. He thanked the Group for their kind words.The Emergency Department targets have been very important, and again, staff arestruggling, due to the rise in admissions, causing an unprecedented demand.A Three Perfect Days exercise was conducted last month, which enabled a good look atdischarge improvements. This was very successful.The in-patient beds (previously on C4) have now closed and the discharge lounge hasreturned. It is busier than ever.Cardiology UpdateThe new cardiology build is now complete and running well but still awaiting newequipment. It is hoped that future meetings will be conducted in the new seminar roomlocated in the new-build. The cardiac rehabilitation team moved on July 23, and thereforethe cardiology teams will all be working under one roof. There are new investigationrooms to conduct transoesophageal echoes etc.Seven Day Working: Work will continue with regard to 7 day working.

23 PHSG Magazine

OTHER MATTERSDid you know that studies have shown that repetitious ‘mirthful laughter’ causes the bodyto respond in a way similar to moderate physical exercise? Laughter enhances your mood,decreases stress hormones, enhances immune activity, lowers bad cholesterol and systolicblood pressure, and raises good cholesterol.When I was putting together the exercise program I said we needed good qualified trainersand a comedian, per exercise class and each walking group.You may have seen the article sent out by David Anderson regarding Abdominal AorticAneurism screening (AAA). It is estimated that around 1 in 25 men, aged between 65 and75, in England have an aortic aneurism. This why the NHS invites all men for screeningduring the year they turn 65, so if you are over 65 and have not been screened, have itdone. It’s free, only takes 20 minutes and is possible at your own surgery. I have just beenscreened and am told that I’m good for the next ten years, but my neighbour was notscreened and died at home on his own, having had no warning of any problem.To make an appointment just call, with your NHS number 01722 336262 x2640 or 2539.NHS DORSET CLINICAL COMMISIONING GROUPI attended this meeting in Dorchester in October. We discussed the request to includepulse checks with patients. So did your Doctor check your pulse when you visited last, orwhen you had your flu jab?Also have you had your flu jab yet? If you have let me know if your pulse was checked!

Jim

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PHSG Magazine 24

Meet our MembersA Showcase on Members - Bill Gifford

Bill

In 1945 peace was declared and I received by post alarge brown envelope, O.H.M.S., my calling uppapers! I was drafted into the Royal Air Force andwent to Padstow for training. I had numerous postingsand to name a few, they were Melton Mowbray,Nottingham and at Staverton near Gloucester. It wasquite an experience.After doing my national service I left the R.A.F, andreturned to my parents home where I was fortunate tofind a good job with the brewery company of Bass &Worthington with the future prospects of becoming atraveller for them. Unfortunately there were companyproblems at the time and it wasn't to be.I applied to join the Swansea and Cardiff Police but

there was a four year waiting list. However one of the Cardiff Police Inspectorssuggested that I apply to the London Force and I was accepted and I did mytraining at Hendon Police College. I passed the course and was posted to OldStreet Police Station in the East End of London. This was a very busy stationnever a dull moment; the criminal fraternity had a hard time and pleaded guilty asthey were caught in the process of crime.In my travels around London I met my wife and we married and moved toWimbledon, which is the outer perimeter of the Metropolitan Police area. Due tothe vast ground that had to be covered most of my time was on the policevehicles; Panda cars and Motor bikes and Bicycles were used at my station atNew Malden where I eventually transferred.For a short time I took on the job as a Home Beat Officer and for my last twoyears I finished my career in the force at Kingston and upon retiring, my wifeand I moved to Dorset.

The British Heart Foundation arranged a conference/workshop for HeartSupport Groups for the West of England and South Wales and we all metin Bristol in October for the event. I say all the HSGs but in practice it didnot seem to be too well supported which was such a shame as it was soprofessionally organised and presented.Nevertheless David and I battled the atrocious weather to represent Poolewith others from Newquay, Chippenham, Gwent, Salisbury and Bristol

(where were the rest?). It was interesting for us to see just how some groups have, or are,evolving. The first four were quite small but mirroring the way in which we have grown.Bristol, with no exercise programme, seemed more like a branch of the BHF with its 260

HEART SUPPORT GROUPS REGIONAL EVENT - BRISTOL

25 PHSG Magazine

Meet our MembersA Showcase on Members - Josè (Bill) Planells

Bill

I am a local lad having lived in Poole andBournemouth all my life. When young I watchedPoole Hospital being built from my house.I went to Henry Harbin, now Poole High School, andfound my enjoyment of sport and love of Rugbythere. Leaving school in 1968 I became anapprentice mechanic at Stringers in the Triangle atBournemouth; cycling to work each day. I moved tothe Nuffield Estate with the commercial side of thegarage two years later. I still work in the motor tradeand over the years have worked on cars andcommercial vehicles, working in a partnership for thepast 23 years.In 1979 I married Dot who I met while ice skating inBournemouth. We have two children, Claire and David, plus two Grandchildren.On leaving school I carried on playing Rugby at Bournemouth Rugby Club andalso played Football some Sundays, but on reaching 35 I retired from playing,finding many other things to occupy me, but none that included the right type ofexercise.In 2003, after five days of feeling unwell, I was taken to Poole Hospital, as a resultof which I ended up with two stents and a drilled artery, and was also told I was adiabetic.You then listen as all the information is given to you to give you the best chance ofa good recovery. Going to rehab, the right food, and to me the bonus being theexercise sessions and cycling on Sundays with John from the exercise group, andsubsequently meeting up with Keith and the PHSG cycling group once amonth - these have all been a great benefit to me.

members helping to raise substantial funds albeit for local charities (£25,000 for SouthWest Air Ambulance).It was good to meet up with fellow representatives and we joined in with them for thetalks and the workshops covering such topics as Diversity, Influencing Local Servicesetc. Perhaps the highlight of the day was the talk by Professor Angelini, the BHF’sProfessor of Cardiac Surgery, whose subject was From Engineering Dream to ClinicalReality. We heard about his early wish to be a great engineer which somehow gotdiverted into becoming an internationally respected Cardiac Surgeon. We were treated toa short film showing how he pioneered his engineering background to helpenable surgeons throughout the world to operate on the beating heart. Hissometimes amusing talk was much appreciated. Robin

PHSG Magazine 26

The Cutting EdgeAdvances in Medical Technology - Lymphatic Imaging

By Keith Matthews

Keith

A technique based on optical techniques has beendeveloped to diagnose lymphatic disorders. Near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI)has been developed at the University of TexasHealth Science Centre (UTHealth) at the HoustonMedical School in the USA. “We really haven’t hadany good way of imaging the lymphatic system andthat’s a problem because many of the prevalentdiseases that occur today – obesity, autoimmunedisorders – are lymphatic conditions,” explained DrEva Sevick at UTHealth and author of the workpresented at a conference in June 2014.“We are able to acquire images of the lymphaticswith high time and spatial resolution depending onthe measurement depth.” said Dr John Rasmussenalso at UTHealth and co-author of the work.The lymphatic system is a network of vasculaturethat picks up excess fluid draining from the ateries,veins and returns it to the blood system. The fluid iscalled lymph – which because it lacks any naturalcontrast, is difficult to image and doesn’t show up onCT or MRI scans. Cancer survivors can get acondition called lympoedema, in which, after

lymph nodes are removed or thepatient undergoes radiationtherapy, an oedema, or build-upof fluid can occur. This affectsabout 20% of all cancer survivorssaid Sevick. “The only time weunderstand there is a lymphaticdisorder is when the late stageeffects become apparent, such asirresolvable oedema. That’s toolate.” she said.

Take a Deep BreathNIRFLI images the lymphatic system by injecting afluorophore, a trace dose of indocyanide green in thisinstance, into the skin so that it is taken up by thelymphatics. Fluorescence is excited by using a laserdiode and the image is picked up by image intensifierswhich detect and mulitply the intensity of the infra-red andis insensitive to ambient lighting.The device can see to 4cm deep and because it works inthe infra-red and can filter out ambient light gives it a veryhigh sensitivity. With images being refreshed 5 times asecond, live video of lymphatic flow can be studied.The lymphatic imager is expected to be available through2015 , and unlike MRI, it will be a point-of-care deviceavailable immediately to the diagnostician. Thetechnology is being developed commercialy by NIRFImaging Inc. (A UTHealth start up company).

NIRFLI montage of right(unaffected) and left

(affected) limbs.

27 PHSG Magazine

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PHSG Magazine 28

Come Walk WithPHSG

Well, the Summer walks and the walkbook are now exhausted, but we are not!We carry on through the Winter with theless formally arranged walks.

Here are the dates, and if you wish to join inyou should call the named person between6pm and 9pm the evening before, or 8am to9am on the day to find the meeting point and destination. The walksstart at 10:30am

Summer walks start again on Saturday 11th April 2015 at 10:00amTo volunteer for vacant walks please contact me on 01202 733956.

Cyril, Walks Coordinator.

Wed 3rd Dec Henry & Heather 01202 842707Sat 13th Dec Ann Ormiston 01202 880662

Wed 7th Jan David &Sylvia 01202 747569Sat 17th Jan Norman & Dianne 01202 622016Wed 28th Jan Jim & David 01202 871532Sat 8th Feb Awaiting VolunteerWed 18th Feb John & Barbara 01202 690636Sat 28th Feb Awaiting VolunteerWed 11th Mar Ray & Helen 01202 574433Sat 21st Mar Mary & Anne 01202 887366

I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starvinghysterical naked: Allen GinsbergThe best minds of my generation are thinking about how to make peopleclick ads: Jeff Hammerbacher

29 PHSG Magazine

Every August the Swanage Lions hold their annual Summer Fete on Sandpit Field,a large grassed area adjacent to the Seafront. They select deserving localCharities/Clubs to receive financial support by way of donation from the proceedsof the day's event.

As the Purbeck section of the Poole Heart Support Group has a number ofmembers who are Lions and exercise weekly at the Fitness Centre in the GrandHotel in Swanage, we were chosen as a deserving case. Every Summer we havea party using a beach hut made available by the Lions, were modest excesses overcost are donated by our members towards their good causes.Eight P.H.S.G. members who are not Lions, volunteered to undertake all daybucket collections with prominent logo labels supplied by George Llewellyn, allwearing their Exercise Polo shirts. They exceeded the "Ton" which was kindlyrounded up to £125 by the organisers.The presentation of this cheque was made to me at the Burlington Club by TimMersey the current Swanage Lions President, with this photograph showing the'Bucket Collectors' together with Clare Barratt our Fitness Instructor.Roger Ridout.Purbeck Area Exercise Co-ordinator

And our thanks go to Tim Mersey and the Swanage Lions for the £125 donated to Poole Heart SupportGroup. - Keith Matthews, Chairman PHSG

Swanage Lions Club Sponsorship By Roger Ridout21 August 2014

PHSG Magazine 30

☺ Doctor, Doctor. I I can’t can’t stop stop saying sayingeverything everything twice twice. OK Mr Smith, I’ll give youa repeat prescription.☺ If Wanda Ventham had married Howard Hughes andwhen he died married Henry Kissinger would she be WandaHughes-Kissinger now?☺If Isla St Clair had married Barry White, would she have

been the Isla White?☺ If she then divorced, married the lead singer of Roxy Music, then hyphenated the

name would she have been the Isla White-Ferry?☺ Why did the American crab cross the road? - To get to the sidewalk☺ This bloke said to me, "I'm going to attack you with the neck of a guitar." I said, "Is

that a fret?"☺ I’ve just come back from the holiday of a lifetime. I’m never doing that again!☺ The AGM of the ‘Constipation Support Group’ was deemed a success. All motions

were passed comfortably.☺ Before the Iron Age was everything creased?☺ I’ve just seen a man wearing a camouflage jacket. I hope he kept the receipt.☺ The chap who compiled the anagrams for the crossword in our local paper has just

died. May he erect a penis.☺ Émile Zola once wrote an open letter complaining about the size of his hot-tub. It was

a little J’accuse-y.☺ I went to my allotment last week and found that someone had covered it with with 2

inches of soil. I went again today only to find it covered with another 2 inches of soil.The plot thickens ...

☺ I’ve just booked burial plots for me and my wife. I was quite confident before Ihanded over the money, but now I have grave reservations.

☺ Why do Marxists always use tea bags in mugs and never loose leaf in teapots?Because proper tea is theft

☺ A duck goes into Department Store and stops at the cosmetics counter. "How much isthe dark red lipstick?" it asks the assistant. "That one's £12" replies the assistant."Lovely," says the duck, "can you just put it on my bill?"

☺ Waiting for my food in a Chinese restaurant, a duck comes over and says "Your eyesare like limpid pools of desire". I said to the waiter "No no, I asked for AROMATICduck".

☺ William Shakespeare walks into a bar. The landlord shouts at him - "Oi, get out!You're barred!"

☺ Did you like Wyoming? I liked it so much, I made my own wy 'ome!

And finally . . .☺ I’d tell you a joke about Ebola but you probably won't get it.☺ Having just returned from a business trip to Africa I can't seem to stop myself from

buying raffle tickets. I'm worried I've contracted tombola.☺ Its a bad time for anyone in East Africa today called Ivy Bowler, especially if they are

presenting at Heathrow immigration.

31 PHSG Magazine

Harry had sustained massive injuries in his road accident, hissurvival was a miracle, the medics had done a fantastic job and hissurgeon came to see him on his rounds.“You’ve broken just about everything, but in most respects you’vebeen very lucky. We’ve patched you up all over and you will make agood recovery, but there is one small important area Ihave to advise you about.” the surgeon told him.Harry’s face creased with a worried frown.“It’s your, ahem, penis.” said the surgeon, “it is badlydamaged, but as its not life threatening we cannot fix iton the NHS, it is a long and delicate cosmetic operation.”“But Doc, it can be fixed?” Harry pleaded.“Yes, I’ve had a word with my colleague and it can be done privately. It is expensive,probably about £5000 but there is a positive side too.”“Really?”“Well the £5000 is for basic reconstruction, you know, just to get it working as itwere.”“And . . .”“Apparently, my colleague says that there is the possibility to improve on that andimprove maybe on what you had before. Putting it simply, it works out at about £1000per extra inch.”“Gosh,” said Harry, “lets get on with it then.”“Ah, not so fast Harry. There are some complex psychological issues here. You reallyneed to think about this carefully and discuss it with your wife.”After a week, the surgeon returned.“Good to see you Doc. I’ve discussed it carefully with my wife and we have made adecision.” said Harry.“That’s good, shall I call in my colleague to discuss matters with you?”“Well no Doc. After considered discussion with my wife, its been decided we’re havinga new kitchen.”

A pirate goes to the doctor and says to him “Can you havea look at my moles?”After careful examination, the doctor says “Don't

worry they're benign”The pirate replies “No. Look again, there be ten.”

PHSG Magazine 32

Rides are about 15 to 20 miles long, the rides are open to all members ofthe PHSG as long as your doctor approves. For help, advice, weathercheck and bike maintenance call Keith Matthews on 01202 855001. We’llarrange to check out your bike if it needs it.STARTS 10:00am Meet & DestinationSunday 21 Dec Hill View Road - Mince Pie MeetSunday 25 Jan Hill View Road - Gaunts Common & VerwoodSunday 22 Feb Wimborne Square - Lytchett MatraversSunday 22 Mar Sandbanks Shore Rd - Ferry Oil RunSunday 19 Apr To be decided.Sunday 24 May To be decided.Sunday 21 Jun Father’s Day Bike Ride - See Below

In bad weather call before 9:00am to see if the ride is going ahead.

PHSG Cycling Group Rides

☺ Out on my bike today, someone threw a bottle of Omega 3 pills at me.Don't worry, I only suffered super fish oil injuries.

On 21 June 2015 Rotary International are inviting every Rotary club across theUK and Ireland to organise a Rotary Day, consisting of a sponsored bike ride formembers of the public in aid of Prostate Cancer Awareness. They would like toget every Rotary club in the country to organise a Sponsored Cycle ride aroundthe area in which they are based, and at the same time want to arrange for all thecoastal based clubs to organise a simultaneous cycle ride to the next club, in aclockwise direction, around the coast of the UK and Ireland, and by the end of theday we will have circumnavigated the whole of the UK and Ireland, with eachgroup doing their section.It is suggested that we make this our PHSG Ride in June as PHSG Committeemember Geoff Lawrence is also the Rotary member helping to organisethe route which will run from Sandbanks to Corfe Castle.

Keith & Geoff

33 PHSG Magazine

By Jackie WinterI've written a book about forty years riding atandem with my husband. "Life In Tandem" isessentially a light hearted account of mycycling life but naturally there have beenpainful times over the course of four decades.Throughout the many good years and a fewinevitably difficult ones, the tandem remains aconstant thread.In May 2007 I had surgery for bowel cancer. Iwas very fortunate and didn't needradiotherapy or chemotherapy but Ideveloped a wound infection, which delayedmy recovery and I was off the bike for fivemonths. When Allan and I eventually went fora ride in mid October, I was dismayed by myphysical weakness. I felt vulnerable in a newand unexpected way and feared I wouldn't beable to cope with even a few short miles.There was no pain, only slight discomfort butmy confidence had gone and I was afraid thatat the age of 57, I may never regain myprevious fitness.

It took a while but by the following spring I was almostback to my old self and that summer we went for acycling holiday in the Yorkshire Dales, with friendswho also ride a tandem. Now I never take cycling forgranted. I enjoy every ride, whatever the distance orthe weather (well, more or less!) and I am so thankfulfor restored health and energy."Life In Tandem" contains descriptions of many cyclerides in Dorset, some of them in the 1980s with theWessex Road Club. There are also accounts ofseveral tandem holidays, spent in the Yorkshire Dales,the Lake District, Scottish Borders and South WestCornwall.

Available from Amazon on Kindle (£1.99) and inpaperback (£8.31) Copies can also be purchased from

Jackie.thorntandem@btinternet.com

Phone 01929 459207

PHSG Magazine 34

WINTER WORD SEARCH

Our Word Searches are compiled by Derek Pope

AUTUMNWEEDANDFEED; CHOPFIREWOOD; CREOSOTE;DAMPPROOFING; EMULSIONPAINT; GATHERKINDLING;GIVEMEABREAK; HANGINGPICTURES; HEDGETRIMMING;INSTALLSHELVES; LEAKINGCISTERN; LEDLAMPS;LIGHTFITTINGS; LOFTINSULATION; MOWERMAINTENANCE;PAINTING; POSITIONINGMIRRORS; REFELTSHEDROOF;REGLAZING; ROSEPRUNING; SCARRIFYING;SWEEPCHIMNEY; TAPWASHERS; TIDYDAMAGEDBRANCHES;TILING; WALLPAPERSTRIPPING; WEEDING

C E X A E C N A N E T N I A M R E W O MW R E G L A Z I N G N I N U R P E S O RN H M D E E F D N A D E E W N M U T U AT K K P X I B D O O W E R I F P O H C LN X L Q E M S R E H S A W P A T B Q S RR Y Q R Y E N M I H C P E E W S Y E G AE V G N I L D N I K R E H T A G C N N NT S E H C N A R B D E G A M A D Y D I TS S E R U T C I P G N I G N A H K H T KI R K T F O O R D E H S T L E F E R T AC R A O H G N I F O O R P P M A D H I EG E M Q N O I T A L U S N I T F O L F RN T N I A P N O I S L U M E D W W E T BI S E V L E H S L L A T S N I E T D H AK G N I M M I R T E G D E H E E V L G EA E T O S O E R C V P P X D E V F A I ME Q T I L I N G N I T N I A P T B M L EL H S C A R R I F Y I N G X K H A P Y VP O S I T I O N I N G M I R R O R S G IG N I P P I R T S R E P A P L L A W S G

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU BECOME UNWELLMedical help and advice is available if you become unwell when your GPsurgery is closed. You should:Dial 999 or go to A & E as soon as possible if you are worried about thesudden onset of new symptoms or have suffered a serious Injury orillness.A & E departments are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They arefor a critical or life threatening situation, for example chest pain,suspected heart attack, severe breathing difficulties, severe loss of blood,loss of consciousness, deep wounds and suspected broken bones. Theyare not for minor injuries or health problems, nor an alternative to seeingyour GP or for a ‘second opinion’ if you have already seen your GP.You can also call Non Emergency Care on 111 if you are feeling unwellbut not facing a life-threatening emergency and you are unsure what todo. Use 111 if you need information about finding a pharmacist, dentist orother service and cannot wait until your GP surgery opens. This servicereplaces the old Dorset Out of Hours Medical Service.Go to an NHS Walk-In Centre or Minor Injuries Unit with a minor injuryor illness. Find the nearest one by calling 111

REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE CHEST PAINDIAL 999 WITHOUT DELAY

Poole Heart Support Group, Poole Community Health CentreShaftesbury Road, Poole BH15 2NT

Affiliated to the British Heart Foundation andArrhythmia Alliance - The Heart Rhythm Charity