At the Feb. 14 meeting of the Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100, Jim Rebitski, Black Forest†Fire and†Rescue assistant fire chief and paramedic, presented a comprehensive program on Stroke and Heart Attack Awareness to AARP members and their guests. The discussion covered the physiological aspects†of a heart attack and a stroke; plus, the physical, hereditary,†lifestyle, age and dietary elements that contribute to becoming a high risk individual.†He also†answered many questions from the audience.†The presentation was especially germane since†more people in the U.S. die of heart disease than†cancer annually, and about one-third of the population currently†exhibits some kind of†cardiovascular disease.The chief†stressed that immediate emergency action is required in†every†case of a heart attack (myocardial†infarction) or stroke (ischemic†stroke) because of a lack of blood flow or†hemorrhagic†due†to†bleeding ó or†even if a TIA†(transient ischemic attack) commonly known as a mini-stroke, is†detected or experienced.†He also said that most†paramedics in El Paso County now have the capability to measure,†record and phone ahead a personís vital†parameters, such as blood pressure,†EKG recording, medication history and observed trauma data, to both major†hospital systems in El Paso County.†The result is that the doctors and emergency†technicians at the hospital can†immediately take the patient to the optimum†treatment facility in the hospital upon arrival.The chief†also discussed the technical advances in Medical Alert Systems, and recommended†that senior†individuals who live alone or are prone to falling should†consider acquiring one.He concluded the two-hour instruction by discussing the causes and†symptoms of heart failure,†the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator),†and demonstrated CPR (Cardiopulmonary†Resuscitation)†techniques on†a mannequin.The chapterís†potluck lunch featured the usual array of delicious and special dishes with a†large†predominance of special ìValentineî desserts.The highlight†of the business meeting that followed was the presentation of a special ìPast†Presidentsî lapel pin†to the outgoing chapter president, Charles Karlstrum, by the†2018 president, Ray Rozak.†The membership†was†reminded and encouraged to sign up to help at the many†upcoming community service events†scheduled this summer such as the annual free†shredding event on June 2, two Silver Key activities in March and†four Senior†Resource Council Golden Guidance Series events, also scheduled for June.Individuals†interested in learning, socializing and doing community service should†contact Ray at†719-495-6767 or visit the chapter web site at†http://aarpchapter1100blackforest.weebly.com/index.html.
