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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1985-12-18, Page 21Group provides mutual support for heart patients Heart to Negri pilot project to begin in Exeter "What now?" is the urgent question uppermost in the mind of anyone who has survived a heart attack, or come through heart surgery. Heart to Heart, an eight-week program ' designed to address a heart patient's fears and inculcate a positive attitude for the future will begin in Exeter in January as a pilot project for Iluron County. Among the first to sign up will be Harold Sissons, who had a severe heart attack fall. year. He had heard good reports of the Heart to•Heart program, but did not want to drive all the way to London, where the pro- gram originated two years agp, to take part in the closest available ses- sions. Sissons presented Bruce Shaw, past president of the Huron chapter of the (Marie Heart Foundation, with a list of 18 prospective participants in the program if one were held locally. Soon after. Shaw discovered that both his father and two Exeter men, Bev Lindenfield and Ted Jones, had Imes - Ser*ing South Huron, North Middlesex December 18, 1985 enrolled in the London program, and all three were unequivocally en- thusiastic about its beneficial effects on their lives. "It kept my father going through some rough times", Shaw reported. As Heart to Heart is a public educa- tion program of the Ontrio Heart Foundation, Shaw took his informa= tion to the next board meeting. The decisionfo set up the Exeter program was announced at the Huron chapter's annual meeting in vocat & North tambton Since 1873 PagelA CLOSE-UP — Actors Arthur Brand (left) and Bart Anderson let David Marshall and Michelle Willis ex- amine their masks after a performance staged by Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia, Children's Touring Com- pany at Exeter Public School for students ;from Exeter, Hensall. Zurich and Precious Blood Schools. Outgoing rec board members say.,.. 'fat -ewe//' at final session It was farewell night when the South Huron rec centre board of management met for their final sesson of 1985 on Thursday. Board chairman John Pym, one of at least three leaving the board this year, noted that he had enjoyed most of his time and the job provided some fun as well as some frustrations. He commended the staff, saying they deserved a lot of credit working for 10,000 bosses. Citing the current concern over the many repairs required. Pym said Ile hoped the funds could be found to get the facility back to operate as it should. Exeter representative Caroline Merner, in her farewell address. noted the accomplishments of the hoard such as the estasblishments of policy manuals, and the discussions on a joint operaling agreement with alt the supporting municipalities over the past few months. She cited the need for one perst n to take charge of all aspects of the rec centre and thanked the, board and town for the opportunity of serving. Brian Hardeman, defeated in the Usborne election. also said his farewell, noting he had enjoyed his three years and that "a nice little bit" had been accomplished. "People should be pleased with those working on their behalf." com- mented Jim Workman in paying tribute to his fellow board members. Tom Humphreys paid tribute to the efforts of the retiring members. The board membership for the coming year is still in limbo as only Stephen has made an appointment. Tom Tomes will again represent that municipality. Workman and Cathy Whiteford will be returning as two of the Exeter representatives, but no replacement for Merner has been made nor have the two council delegates been ap- pointed. Humphreys and Gaylan Josephson represent council. Merner had good news for the board in her final report as finance - chairperson. Figures show that revenue should exceed expenditures by about $1,300 this year, bringing ac- cumulated net revenue for the past two years to about $3.000. A letter was received at Thursday's session advising the board of a poten- tial hazard for small childern playing in the area at the top level of the spec- tator stands in the arena. Yvonne Evans, 50 Huron St., said the railings at the open staircases would not prevent children from fall- ing into the underpass below. She said she had personally witnessed several "close calls" and questioned whether the railings meet current standards and noted that a wire mesh or vertical Kars could avoid a tragedy such as that ex- perienced at Centennial Hall in London. After discussing several solutions. the board asked facilities manager Cam Stewardson to put a suitable bar- rier in place. A letter was also received from the town regarding the board's recently adopted policy on disposal of assets, suggesting the policy should make mention of whether the proceeds from any disposal of assets would be used to offset current or capital expen- ditures or be placed in the town ire OVA OM ISM aft Ira eves entionttitairIX*181111211.41.48 rtytt-ineVittritnit* For the. Christmas Season we have !' Cheese Gift Basket and Cheese Trays made to ! ,gyp) order. Candy and nut trays, bulk Christmas can dies" nuts, snacks and baking ingredients Wide variety of Canadian and Imported Cheeses I - fresh off the block! Deluxe Christmas cake" dinner rolls" shortbreods" mincement tarts, fancy cookies 3 Christmas Features I 3 a 3 In effect Thurs., Doc. 19 to closing Doc. 24 Fresh off the Block' Maple leaf MarbleCheddarit Medium Cheddar Canadian Swiss Festive Mincemeat Pies '2.49 '3.49 �h '3.29 Ih '3.99 Fancy, pkg of 12 Shortbread Cookies '1.49 I Serve our fresh baked Dinner Rolls Enriched White )g sliced d BreaJd 24 oz. 79C TastyNu Bakery fl Cheese House EXETER 2360132 ZURICH 236-12 for your Open till 8 p.m. Thurs. and Fri Christma. dinner nights till Christmas +iw. mastea+agea ssnaett►+en.ea►.nn.ru .ro •wsw+e.rn mac, arm eg 1 reserve fund for future capital purnocec Stewardson suggested each situa- tion should be dealt with on an in- dividual basis and Hardeman agreed, noting that a specific policy could tie the board down He explained that' if a new ice machine was purchased, for instance, funds from the disposal of the present • machine would be required to pay for the new one and and this could, be blocked by policy. The board agreed to deal with such disposals on an individual basis. When asked by Whiteford if that would satisfy council, Humphreys replied, "we'll hear from them if it doesn't.' A draft of a proposed agreement for the operation of the tennis courts was also presented for discussion. It outlined areas of responsibility for the board and the tennis club After making numerous trilanges and deletions, several members ques- tioned the propriety of the agreement in that it could lead to problems in the future. "No matter what you write down, someone will say in the future it was not what was intended," noted Workman, while others questioned the obligations that may arise for the board. It was finally decided to review the entire document and bring it back for further deliberation. The board was apprised of the plan of the Optimist Club of Exeter to hold a home and garden show at the rec centre on April 19 and 20. It was agreed the club would be charged $7504er the use, of the facili- ty for the duration of the event and the required set-up time involved. Communication costs increase The continually escalating costs of the Huron Police Communication system was broached at Monday's session of council by Councillor Morley Hall. Hall wondered aloud if there was ever any review undertaken, noting that the system is now costing Exetet ratepayers about S100 per day. Police committee chairman Dorothy Chapman acknowledged the high cost. but pointed out that it was a "very valuable service". She noted the cost was about $16.000 per year when she joined council and it was now $30.000. The monthly bill approved by coun- cil. Monday. was for S4.714.40. Mrs. Chapman indicated that it was hoped all five participating towns would become more involved in the budget process relating to the com- munications system. which is operated by the Town of Goderich police department. Mayor Shaw also acknowledged the "dramatic increase" in the cost as he concluded discussion on the topic. November. AP In the Heart to Heart ,program, heart patients and their partners at- tend eight weekly sessions. Thl'y meet with a physician, cardiologist, dieti- tian, physiotherapist and psychologist in a relaxed, informal setting to learn about the heart and 'how it works, physical activity, diet and stress. Heart patient and partner can ques- tion the experts, and share their ex- periences and concerns with the others in the program. Each meeting lasts an hour, followed by refreshments and an opportunity to chat informally with the guest speaker and others in the group. "I wouldn't have recovered nearly , as, fast without Heart to Heart." It gave me the strength to get on with my life". Bev Lindenfield enthused. He returned to work four months aftera mild heart attack struck the 49 -year-old plumber last December. Lindenfield feels two of the most important aspects of the program were the camaraderie that grew as members of the group shared their problems and methods of coping, and 'the . chance to have questions answered by highly qualified profes- sionals. Lindenfield said often so- meone else's query would trigger one he had not thought,to ask his own doctor. Lindenfield said the p ogram has ehanged his lifestyle. He has stopped feeling sorry for himself, and banish- ed the depression that seems to be an inevitable side effect of a - heart attack. Lindenfield's eating habits have changed; he has dropped 30 pounds, and exercises regularly. He is trying to apply the lessons on how to relax, but admits the transition froma hard - driving, perfectionist, heart -attack - prone Type A personality to a less susceptible Type B is difficult.. "Once you've gone through this, you don't take life for granted", Lindenfield. remarked. Lindenfield believes his heart at- tack was equally hard on his wife, Norma, and the Heart to Heart pro- gram equally helpful. Norma faced .the continual strain of winter driving during his two-month hospital stay in London. j -Ie was alternately pampered and policed when he . returned home. The program taught Norma what her husband could and should, and couldn't and should not do. "I would recommend it to anyone", Lindenfield concluded. Ted James Is justasfervent in prais- ing the program. Although (ie did not experlenceMie trauma of a heart at- tack, he was admitted to hospital last December after tests showed his arteries wer dangerously clogged, and ten days later had a quadruple bypass operation. Jones heard about the Heart to Heart program while waiting for surgery. "It's a wonderful club, but the in- itiation fee is too steep - you pay with 20 days in hospital, and four or Gve, months recuperating", Jones com- mented, adding "It's a great place to get rid of fear." Jones maintains that a heart pa- tient's attitude is all-important, and often means the difference between resuming living or letting the heart problem adversely affect the rest of one's life. He quoted statistics which show only 50 percent of those who undergo successful heart surgery return to work. Like Lindenfield, Jones found the mutual support and help among the Heart to Heart group the highlight of the program. "You gave, and you received, and built each other up", he said. Jones said heart patients usually heave to learn to drive all over again. The strain on nerves usually doesn't fade for about a year. He remembers one man in the Heart to Heart pro- gram who was unable to get back behind the wheel, yet made disparag- ing remarks about his wife's driving at several Heart to Heart meetings. Jones took the man aside, and sug- gested he try out the riding lawn mower while alone, to get himself back in gear. At the next meeting the man, wreathed in smiles and looking two inches taller, rushed over and said "It Add three more to Lions dinner i The 1986 Exeter LionsSportsmen's Dinner scheduled for Tuesday, February 4 at the South HUron Rec Centre promises to be one of the best in the 12 years the popular event has been held. Diluter chairman Gerry Prout an- nounced this week that University of Western Ontario quarterback Steve Samways, Seattle Mariners pitchers Nelson Briles and Hamilton Tiger Cats coach Al Bruno have been add- ed to the list of speakers. 'Previously announced were master of ceremonies Gordie Tapp and former Montreal Canadiens,great Maurice "The Rocket" Richard. Tickets priced at $35ifor adults and $20 for students and children are available from any member of the Exeter Lions Club and would make excellent Christmas gifts. worked. I drove in tonight."' Jones compares his bypass opera- tion to "having the wind knocked out of you; you gasp a few times, then get back on your feet. Heart to Heart helps you catch your breath". Heart to heart reinforced Jones in- nate optimism, and gave him more confidence in himself. He pinpointed the biggest enemy of heart patients as thelemptationto withdraw into one's self, trapped by the fear of not being able to do what one was able to ao before. Jones is doing better. He revealed that his latest performance appraisal from the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority where he is employed as general superintendent . was exceptionally positive this year. Jones said he has also learned to say "no", and has become very honest with people. Coming .to the point where you may not wake up -is a strong incentiye to sort out your priorities,' he explains. Before attending the Heart to Heart program, Jones confesses he didn't know what was meant by a balanced diet. He does now. He is eating more healthily, and has lost 15 unwanted pounds. Jones said heart patients' come through their ordeal much better if those closest are supportive but not sheltering. He mentioned the support he received frost his wife, his family and friends, his co-workers and his community, including an appreciated card from the mayor and councillors. (Sending cards to any hospitalized Eider residents council knows about has been a policy of Exeter council for the past three years.) Jones highly recothmends the Heart. to Heart program. He- said heart trouble is no respector of age or gender, and no one knows who' the next victim will be. Anyone interested in signing up for 'the Exeterprogram may contact Bruce Shaw at South Huron District High School, 235-0880, or at home, 235-0208, or Iry Armstrong at Hopper - Hockey, 235-1990, or 235-2563. FUN AT THE FIRE HALL — Jennifer Grenier was one of the many youngsters at•Sunday's Christmas party at the Exeter fire hall trying to break o bag of gbodies during fun time prior to Santo's visit. J FARMERS APPLY NOW FOR OFFIRR GRANTS High interest rates on long-term debt can be a serious financial burden,to the.family farmer. The Ontario Family Farm Interest Rate Reduction program (OFFIRR) provides farmers with some relief -from high interest rates. Under the program, grants are available which can effectively reduce interest rates to 8% for up to $200,000 of long-term debt. These grants -of tip to $14,000 -are intended to benefit all eligible farmers with long -terra debt. DEADLINE FORAPPLICATIONS: JANUARY 15, 1986 To find out more, contact your local Ministry office, or call (416) 965-7661. Applications for the OFFIRR program are available at local Ministry offices. Ministry of Agriculture and Food 0Ontario Minister. Hon Jack Riddeli Premier. Hon Dawd Peterson