NEWS FROM OUR
PARISH NURSE
Over ten years ago one of our own parishioners, John Bousman, needed a heart transplant. Here is what his wife, Betty, has to say about that time. “We were told John had less than a year to live unless he received a heart transplant. We never gave up hope. On January 18, 1995, John received his new heart. We thank God and the donor everyday for the time we have had with each other and our family and friends. When you think ‘I don’t want to donate any of my organs’ just ask yourself if you or your loved one needed an organ transplant and no one wanted to give - What would you do?” An organ donor and that individual’s family gave the ultimate gift of life that day - a new heart for John. John lives an improved quality of life today since his transplant and he is very happy to be alive to enjoy his family and participate in activities like bowling. They are very grateful for all the prayers and support from their church family.
Have you said yes to be an organ donor? Have you signed the back of your driver’s license indicating you wish to be an organ donor? More important, have you discussed your decision to be an organ donor with your family, the ones who will be responsible for giving consent for you to be an organ donor?
People of all ages can be organ and tissue donors if they are in good physical condition. The doctors and the transplant team make the decision to retrieve organs when the donor is declared brain dead. Organs that can be used are heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver, and intestines. Tissues that can be used are cornea, skin, heart valves and connective tissue as well as bone marrow. Organ donation does not cause disfiguration and does not interfere with an open casket funeral. Organs are matched to the recipient by blood and tissue typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time, and geographical location. Think about giving the gift of life and signing your donor card.
On Friday, January 13, the Trinity Regional Health System will bring Life Line Screening to Christ Episcopal North from 8:30 to 5:15. They will be doing noninvasive vascular testing with Doppler ultrasound to determine if you have any sign of cardiovascular disease. For $109.00 they will do stroke screening by checking the carotid arteries for plaque buildup. They will check for abdominal aortic aneurysm or bulging of the aortic artery in the abdomen. Also they will check for peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities which can be an indicator of cardiovascular disease of the coronary arteries of the heart. For an additional $20.00 you can have a screening for bone density to determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis. All of these tests can be done in about 15 minutes. Pre-registration is required by calling 1-800-324-1851. You can pay for the tests with a credit card only over the phone.
One out of 32 Americans dies every 32 seconds of stroke, heart attack, and vascular disease without any prior warning signs. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Have these vascular screenings done so you can be aware of any problems and can be treated before you become a statistic. Your own physician can order these tests at a much greater cost but they will only be paid by your insurance if you are having symptoms indicating need for tests. Take advantage of these health screenings this day and be aware if you are at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Sandy Hove R.N.
January 2006
Resource: www.organdonor.gov