Update 1-17-05

Hi,

OK, let's start with a small correction. When Jerry Bittman sent that piece on Self-CPR, I didn't even think to fact check it, because Jerry, unfortunately, has become one of our experts on heart conditions. But it appears that Ray Staley also knows something about hearts, and he forwarded this link (http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blcpr.htm) which leads to the following information:
This message gives the impression that the technique described has the endorsement of Rochester General Hospital and Mended Hearts, Inc., a heart attack victims' support group. It does not. Although the text was first published in a Mended Hearts newsletter, the organization has since retracted it. Rochester General Hospital played no part in the creation or dissemination of the message, nor does it endorse its contents. According to the best information I can find, "cough CPR" (referred to in some variants as "self-CPR") is a real procedure occasionally used in emergency situations under professional supervision. It is not, however, taught in standard CPR courses, nor do most medical professionals presently recommend it as a "life-saving" measure for people who experience the most common types of heart attack while alone. One doctor I contacted -- a heart specialist --had never even heard of the procedure. Other doctors say they're aware of the "cough CPR" technique but would only advise it under very specific circumstances. For example, in certain cases where a patient has abnormal heart rhythms, coughing can help normalize them, according to Dr. Stephen Bohan of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. However, most heart attacks are not of this type. Dr. Bohan says the best course of action for a typical heart attack victim is to immediately take an aspirin (which helps dissolve blood clots) and call 911. This is a case where a nugget of truth has apparently been misunderstood and misrepresented to the public, though not intentionally. A chapter of Mended Hearts published it without proper research. It was then reprinted by other chapters and eventually found its way into e-mail form. Darla Bonham, the organization's executive director, issued a statement afterward which read, in part: I've received e-mail from people all across the country wanting to know if it is a valid medically approved procedure. I contacted a scientist on staff with the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiac Care division, and he was able to track a possible source of the information. The information comes from a professional textbook on emergency cardiac care. This procedure is also known as "cough CPR" and is used in emergency situations by professional staff. The American Heart Association does not recommend that the public use this method in a situation where there is no medical supervision. As with all medical rumors, the most prudent course of action is to verify the information with your own doctor or other medical professional before acting upon it or sharing it with others.
   2003 update: In September 2003, four years after this e-mail rumor began circulating, Polish physician Tadeusz Petelenz presented the results of a study which he said demonstrates that cough CPR can indeed save the lives of some heart attack victims. While not immediately embraced by all the members attending the European Society of Cardiology meeting where Petelenz spoke, the findings were characterized by some as "interesting." At least one heart specialist, Dr. Marten Rosenquist of Sweden, found fault with the study, objecting that Petelenz had presented no evidence that the subjects had actually experienced cardiac arrhythmias. He called for further research.

[Rich -- Thanks, Ray.]

And Jerry wrote: I feel as is I've been violated -- kind of like finding out the information I gathered came from that reporter from The New York Times, I believe his last name was Blair. Well, then, this episode will now officially put a stop to me sending you material that is not coming directly from this horse's mouth.

[Rich -- And as I just wrote Jerry: You've sent us so much good information in the past that the occasional slip isn't going to hurt anything. I'll just correct it next week, as I have with other mistakes I've made. Fortunately, it's a long way from The New York Times to our class newsletter.]

Meanwhile, a more benign suggestion from Jerry: To all my friends! By following the simple advice I heard on a Dr. Phil show, I've finally found inner peace. I'm passing this on because it definitely worked for me, and because we all could use more calm in our lives.
   Dr. Phil proclaimed, "The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you've started." So I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving to work this morning, I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of White Zinfandel, a bottle of Bailey's, a package of Oreos, the remainder of both my Prozac and Valium prescriptions, the rest of a cheesecake, some saltines, and a box of Godiva chocolates. You have no idea how freaking good I feel! Please pass this on to all those you feel need inner peace.

More seriously, from Booker Gibson: This past weekend I had some events that I'll never forget, because of the Class of '65. A pretty, young (45) lady teacher, African-American, passed away after a year's battle with lung cancer. My family has known her since her high school years, when she went to high school with my oldest son. Later, after she became a teacher and band director, she taught my youngest son. He's now 30.
   Even though her death was expected (somewhat like the South High situation with the art teacher Chuck Donohue), it hit everyone very hard. Friday night, the church had an unbelievable overflow crowd. This is a large, beautiful middle-class church, but right in the old Black ghetto. The crowd kept coming and coming. They seemed to enjoy the music and some prepared dancing. I couldn't help thinking, "Why couldn't someone have started something like a scholarship for her a year ago?" However, people like you were mature, somewhat successful, and with leaders. I heard through Friday night, and the Saturday funeral, that some attempts will be made to do something. Nevertheless, I really did think about you so much, as I wiped my eyes. Thanks again everyone.

[Rich -- You couldn't be more welcome, Booker. And we're all sorry to hear about your friend's death.]

Booker also adds: To all the southern Californians: I've been following your rain and mudslides daily, since the news is on CNN and everywhere else. Your "paradise" will return, and maybe you'll forget that these events ever happened.

Some e-mail address changes, first, from Linda Vicinanza Marrs: I am changing my e-mail address to: linda@jmmarrs.com My old address will be discontinued later this week.

Next, from Greta (Peggy) Grubmeyer Holbrook: With the new year comes a new e-mail address: MGHolbrook@gmail.com

From Barbara Blitfield Pech, something she promises is funny, a link to Yiddish with Dick & Jane: http://www.vidlit.com/yidlit/yidlit.html

From Zelda White Nichols, a nostalgia link I think we've run before, but is probably worth repeating. Zelda points out: I think this pretty much covers all the "Remember Whens?"
http://www.thestatenislandboys.com/U_thrill_me/

An announcement from Emily Kleinman-Schreiber: My son asked me to pass this message on to you. He's deeply concerned about the children left orphaned by the tsunami, so he came up with this idea as a fund raiser. From Mike Schreiber: I've decided to give $3.00 from every calendar and note card sale, and 15% of every print sale, to help the kids who were orphaned by the tsunami. So, if you haven't already gotten a calendar, or if you just want to do a little bit to help out, please go to my website and pick one up: http://dogboyland.com/ Every little bit counts (I hope).

Finally, a reminder that the February installment of our reunion payment to the hotel is quickly approaching, and a a check sent to Dennis Shapiro will let him relax till at least Easter.
The repeating reunion info:
When: August 5th, 6th, 7th (Friday night through Sunday noon)
Where: Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville, New York, 11747
Cost: $100 per person
Phone Number: 631-845-1000, during daytime business hours. Ask for the Reservations Desk and mention our class reunion discount. Hotel rooms should be $129/night.
Reunion Package Includes:
Friday night cocktail party with snacks and cash bar (7:00 PM -- Midnight)
Saturday night buffet with open bar & DJ (7:00 PM -- Midnight; Dinner at 8:00)
Lobby area with cash bar available both nights to continue parties
Teachers comped for both parties
SEND: Checks to Dennis Shapiro. 495 Wateredge Avenue, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Please make them out to: VSS 40th Reunion.
Also: Since there are a limited number of Friday night hotel rooms being held, please e-mail Dennis Shapiro when you've made your reservations so he can lobby for more. His e-mail address is: dshapiro@optonline.net
The home page: http://hometown.aol.com/vssouth65

Rich