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Keeping In Touch
The Newsletter of Heart to Herts Cardiac Support Group
September 2017
The Presidents’ Address – Tuesday 5th September 2017
Leverstock Green Village Hall was suitably filled to capacity as Heart to
Herts welcomed Dr Masood Khan and Dr Ajay Suri to our annual president’s evening. Both doctors had prepared illustrated presentations but problems of incompatible technologies prevented them from showing their pictures.
But this barely detracted from our edification and enjoyment as the two doctors spoke for over an hour about their work and answering our questions in terms we could understand, and with a lot of humour.
Dr Suri opened the batting with an explanation of Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) and the scale of it in the UK. We learned that there are 240,000 heart attacks annually here and cardiac illness accounts for 21% of deaths. He then explored the principal risk factors and ways of modifying the risks. Smoking, bad diet, inadequate exercise and family history of cardiac problems are well known contributors to risk. Dr Suri then went on to describe things that can modify those risks, including avoidance of smoking, minimising polyunsaturated fats, exercising at moderate level exercise for at least 2½ hours a week. Less well publicised is that adopting a positive outlook on life has been shown to reduce the risk of IHD. The talk concluded with a review of the most common medications used in cardiac medicine, and some less well-known ones Continued on Page 6
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Country Walk
October 2017
When: Wednesday 18th October, meet at 11 am
Meet: Adrian in the car park at the Cock Inn , Church Lane, Sarratt ,WD3 6HH
How to get there: Entering Sarratt Village from Chipperfield direction The Green is on the right and The Boot p h on the left. At the bottom of The Green is The Cricketers p h and pond . Turn right onto Church Lane and The Cock is approximately half a mile on the left.
The Walk: The walk is a gentle and mainly level walk around the woods and fields of Sarratt
Optional Lunch:- Optional lunch after the walk at The Cock - choice of main menu or pensioners menu may be viewed on The Cock`s website www.cockinn.net
Please let Adrian know (01923)268830 or 07599 550558 by 15th October if you intend to stay for lunch
Puffers Walk October 2017
Date and time: Sunday 29th October at 10.00 am
Meet: Alan Smith at the Red Lion at Dagnall.
How to get there: Leave Hemel Hempstead on the Leighton Buzzard Road, now renumbered B440. On reaching Dagnall go straight on at the roundabout. The Red Lion is about 200 yards on the left.
The walk: of about 6 miles, includes Golden Valley, the eastern boundary of the Ashridge estate and a great view over the top end of the Gade Valley.
Lunch:- At the Plough Pub. Please let us know if you intend eating, whether walking or not, 07749 911 094 or 01923 264807
Optional Lunch: is available in the Red Lion. If you wish to lunch please let Alan know on 01442 269730 by Wednesday October 25th. The Red Lion wants us to Pre-order the main course, it will be the week day menu plus roast beef and roast chicken,
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Exercise Sessions
Heart to Herts
Supervised Aerobic Exercise Sessions
at Hobbs Hill Wood Primary School, Peascroft Road,
Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8ER.
Tuesdays and Fridays 6.00 to 7.00 pm & 7.30 to 8.30 pm
(except the first Tuesday in each month when there is only the 1st session)
Session charge £3.50
The Clock Room Berkhamsted Town Hall
196 High Street HP4 3AP
Supervised Aerobic Exercise Sessions
Mondays at 2.00 pm and 3.20 pm
The session charge is £6.00
For information telephone
Eleanor on 07580 246238
Herts Vision Loss 6 Alston Road,
Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead,
HP1 1QU
Supervised Pilates Sessions
Thursday 09.45 & 11.00 am
The session charge is £6:00
For information telephone
Gerald Darvill 01923 264807
The following exercise sessions run by other
organisations are available to Heart to Herts members
Sportspace Hemel Hempstead Park Road, HP1 1JS
Supervised Aerobic Exercise Sessions
11.30 am Mondays and Wednesdays
Session charges: Monday £4.00, a group exercise class
at Rehab Phase IV level. Wednesday £5.00. This class includes
the provision of a personalised exercise regime and the use of
extensive gymnasium equipment
Supervised Health Ride
An indoor cycling class. Suitable for cardiac rehab. phase IV, and the
management of weight, high blood pressure and diabetes.
10:30 am Thursdays
Session charge: £6.70
The cost of all classes and other
activities e.g. use of the gyms and pools are included in direct debit membership of £32.00 per month
For further information on any of the above please telephone
01442 507 100 and ask to speak to Janet Burgess
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New Members
We are pleased to welcome three new members who have joined Heart to Herts since the August edition. Douglas & Wendy James from Kings Langley Stanley Bannister from Hemel Hempstead Phillip Lawrence from Tring David & Maureen Harrold from Abbots Langley Raymond & Jean Emsall from Berkhamsted
We look forward to welcoming you in person at some of our activities soon.
If you would like to take part in this year’s 100 Club please complete the application form which accompanied the August Newsletter and return it by the 30th September 2017 with your payment of £12.00 per share. Applications received after this date will not be admissible. Please make cheques payable to Heart to Herts and include a stamped and address envelope for return of tickets. Altenatively, contact Rex Russell on 01442 245661
Heart to Herts 100 Club 2016 / 17
Final Reminder
Heart to Herts Outing
As reported in last month’s Keeping In Touch, the proposed outing to Cadbury’s World in November has been cancelled due to insufficient take-up of tickets. So don’t go looking for an application flyer this month…’cos there aint one !
Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other, ”Does this taste funny to you?” Tommy Cooper (who else!)
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September Group Meeting
Our September Monthly Meeting will take place on Tuesday 5th September, at Leverstock Green Village Hall, starting at 7.30 pm.
Our speaker this month will be local GP Dr David Toorwara who will tell us in words and pictures about “A Trip to Mauritius” which he took a few years ago
After a break for refreshments there will be our 100 Club draw and a raffle supporting Group funds.
The response was an overwhelming silence, nothing, zero, zilch!
Nevertheless, Chairman Clive kept on at me to find a way to do it, to make it look better on our website http://www.heart2herts.org
and it turned out to be easier than I expected. As a result, August’s newsletter went up to our website http://www.heart2herts.org
(are you getting the message?) and out to our email readers in both booklet and sequential forms; now they can read it on-screen or print it in any format they prefer.
If this amazing stagger into modern communication (what next, Facebook??) makes you more willing to abandon paper, envelopes and stamps to receive Keeping In Touch on your computer, notebook or phone, you can get it by going to http://www.heart2herts.org or request your personal copy by emailing [email protected].
Cyril.
Keeping InTouch staggers into the 21st century…. In July’s Keeping In Touch we suggested the idea that those who take it by email might find it easier to read if it was in sequential pages rather than the current booklet format, and asked for feedback.
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The Presidents’ Address Contd
It became clear that there is no “one fits all” solution, and new drugs which have received media publicity are generally designed to combat particular conditions rather than “magic pills” for the community in general. The general message seems to be that for most of us, statins are here to stay.
The subject of Dr Khan’s talk was the development of Cardiology that has taken place on the Watford Hospital site, resulting in
centralization of the various departments into one building. Previously in several buildings, all departments except the Catheter Laboratory are in one building which has improved communication, co-operation, education and many other benefits; not least of which is at last a suite of offices for the consultants. The department now has 12 consultants, including 3 additional Cardiologists and 2 imaging specialists. New equipment includes state-of-the-art CT and MRI scanners (the envy of Harefield Hospital but they share their use).
Dr Khan explained the great benefits of the new scanners but pointed out that traditional diagnostic techniques like angiogram and echocardiogram are still in great demand. The 12 Consultants are not all based at Watford, with most sharing time with other hospitals such as Harefield, Hammersmith and St Mary’s. Two consultants hold clinics at Hemel Hempstead and 2 at St Albans. A possible link with The Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead is a possibility. Dr Khan concluded by telling us that following recent inspections by The Care Quality Commission (CQC), Watford Hospital has been classified as “showing improvement” and there is hope that removal from the “Special Needs” category is imminent. It was emphasized that this rating is applied to the hospital as a whole, and is not necessarily attributable to Cardiology. AMEN say we !!
Both doctors then responded to questions submitted in advance by members including:
:Results of trials of new drugs such as Plavix; which in fact has been in service for more than 15 years under the name Clopidogrel. Continued over
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The Presidents’ Address Contd
Use of body cells to stimulate growth of new blood vessels.
Explanation of the difference between defibrillators and pacemakers and developments thereof.
Two-wire v three-wire Implanted Cardiac Defibrillators (ICD) explained.
New medications to combat heart failure.
The wisdom of citizens being trained in Cardiac Resuscitation Techniques and availability of training.
We are truly grateful to Dr Khan and Dr Suri for giving us their time after a full working day and helping us understand a little better the technicalities and challenges of their work in terms that we, untrained, can understand. Their friendly personalities and ability to introduce humour to such serious subjects made the evening truly memorable for those of us who were there.
Important Notice
Heart to Herts Meetings at Leverstock Green
Village Hall
We have been asked by Leverstock Green Village Hall Management to change slightly our times for access to the Village Hall for our monthly meetings.
From next month, 3rd October, we will not be able to get into the Main Hall until 6.45 pm. Our meeting will still start at 7.30 pm and “Doors Open” will still be 7.00 pm; but for those good folk who come to set out tables and chairs and prepare refreshments in the kitchen, please don’t arrive before 6.45 pm.
Thanks.
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The motorised vehicle has been one of the largest influences from its beginning to the present century. It has reduced time between geographical distances, opened new territories to the adventurous public. It has also provided transport, proving a deciding factor in forming our network of roads between villages, towns and cities. Nevertheless, there are a few what one might call disadvantages; congestion problems, breakdowns and, only recently brought to the forefront, - frustration and road rage. The basic appeals of private motoring are of course independence and freedom. Freedom from public transport, no need to travel repeated routes and elimination of the effect of inclement weather. Naturally, motorists have to accept responsibilities when seated behind a steering wheel. A few of these are patience, skill, a good understanding of the “Highway Code”, tolerance towards other vehicle users and most of all, REMAIN SOBER at all times.
“GET HAMMERED - GET NAILED”
A car can be quite a financial investment, but on the other hand, a financial disaster. But if kept working efficiently, and with pride in ownership, gives countless enjoyment to many families. We in the United Kingdom may be listed among the most crowded countries but travelling a few miles say in a day, having such a variety of scenery, crowds and congestion can be lost from view. Unfortunately cultural, educational, work and professional duties are unavoidable in our daily lives but with basic formalities achieved so proving “SAFE COURTEOUS DRIVERS” by one and all. Many of our members, including myself, have years of driving experience and have seen many changes in vehicles, (remember the old hand signals?), traffic signs, parking etc. So with attitude to anticipation and observation may I wish you all many more pleasurable years of accident-free travelling.
Brian SmedleyBrian SmedleyBrian SmedleyBrian Smedley
A Country on wheels by Brian Smedley
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Our longest serving Committee member, Freda Leslie, decided some months ago that it is time for her to step down and hand on the batten to a fresh pair of hands. Typically, Freda would not leave Heart to Herts in difficulty, and she agreed to remain in post until a successor could be found. Since joining in 1998 Freda has served on the committee from 1999 until the present day with 5 years break from 2007 to 2012. During that time Freda has been Treasurer twice, relief Secretary, sometime editor and printer of our newsletter, and more recently, Membership Secretary. In addition, she arranged Group Holidays from 2002 till 2013 and has at various times organized
Country Walks, Christmas Feasts and the 100 Club. That length, breadth and intensity of service has allowed Freda to bring to both committee and Group a vast experience and understanding of how we function, which will be greatly missed. Those of us who know her are also aware that much of this contribution has been given against a background of health problems over the years, which makes us more in admiration and gratitude for all that Freda has given to our Group. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FREDA. Don’t be a stranger! We hope to see you at many of our activities in the future.
An announcement about our new Membership Secretary will be published in next month’s newsletter.
Regards
CliveCliveCliveClive
From the Chairman...
Why Is it that…..
When your hands are covered with grease, your nose itches.
When you try to show someone that something doesn’t work, it does.
As soon as you sit down for a hot cup of coffee, someone will ask you to do something that will last until the coffee is cold.
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laid tables. An efficient and friendly waiter / waitress service was provided
Firstly, we were favoured with a beautiful day of sunshine. Secondly, easy travelling both ways thanks to Phil our coach driver. And thirdly, a friendly reception by the staff of the cruiser. throughout the cruise from departure to disembarking. The menu was well balanced, the freshly prepared and cooked on board food was excellent (served on hot plates). An added bonus was available providing something a little stronger should one wish, and to purchase drinks from the well-stocked bar!! Combined with tranquil river conditions complimenting the passing scenery en-route, what more could one wish for!!? Time allotted wasn’t quite long enough for High Street viewing in the town (sorry ladies!) but enough for a leisurely stroll between destinations. Contd over
August 2017
From sprawling estates to private historic buildings, it is thanks to some truly visionary private individuals or authorities we are able to enjoy the splendour of past centuries to our modern times. It is with continuing thanks to our organisers Denny and Pauline for their experience and endeavour that travelling members of Heart to Herts enjoy preserved collections and properties giving meditation and relaxing days out.
Our latest outing was to Stratford-upon-Avon. Home of our famous “BARD” it was no exception, providing a memorable dining experience on the luxury cruiser “The Countess of Evesham” (boat).
Boarding the cruiser which was moored at Barncroft Gardens on the river Avon, all 43 of us members were seated at beautifully well
Outing Report - The Luxury Restaurant Cruiser
Contributions to
Keeping In Touch
The closing date for receipt
of items for next month’s
edition is Thursday 5th
Octoberber 2017 and
should be sent to Cyril
Turbutt, 215 Northridge
Way, Hemel Hempstead,
HP1 2AU., or
Thanks.
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Outing Report Contd
Safely back home but I’m sure many members, like myself, are looking forward to our next outing. Keep an eye on future dates and places advertised in our magazine. Your Roving Reporter
Brian SmedleyBrian SmedleyBrian SmedleyBrian Smedley
Thanks…
Printer,…Sound Engineer,….Gazebo Erector,….IT Manager,….Whatever Heart to Herts needs you can bet the first volunteer will be Jim Cromack. He’s there at almost every event and the only time we notice Jim is if he is missing. So it’s time we recognized how much Jim does for us. His devotion to our Group is the more impressive when we remember that Jim’s home is in Aylesbury and most of our activities are in or around Hemel Hempstead. On behalf of the committee and all our members, Keeping in Touch is pleased to say THANK YOU Jim Cromack. We are truly grateful for the many things you do for Heart to Herts and we wish you all the very best for the future and hope you will remain a pillar of our Group for a long time to come.
An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman walk into a bar. The barman says … “Is this a joke?” Reproduced from “”Essex Wit & Humour” from Bradwell Books
Heart to Herts
Cardiac Support Group
Contact us
Chairman, Clive Waters: [email protected] Secretary, Teresa Batchelor: [email protected]
Treasurer, Rex Russell: [email protected] Membership Sec., : [email protected] Newsletter, Cyril Turbutt: [email protected]
Helpline 07532 179314 http://www.heart2herts.org
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This edition of Keeping In Touch was edited by Cyril Turbutt, using two fingers and a laptop PC; and printed by Jim Cromack, nursing the Group’s veteran OKI printer.
Our monthly meetings are held at Leverstock Green Community Centre Village Hall, Leverstock Green, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8QG. You will find us there on the first Tuesday of each month; meetings start at 7.30 pm, and we try to arrange a variety of interesting speakers to entertain and sometimes educate us. Visitors are always welcome.
Our other activities, exercises, outings, etc are confined to Registered Members of Heart to Herts, for insurance reasons.
