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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 6, 2016)
6 A SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 No, you’re not seeing things; I’m wearing glasses now don’t even want to think Ned about. Hickson “When’s the last time you It all started a few weeks ago when my wife and I were watching a Japanese movie with subtitles. Being that I’m the only one in the family who doesn't wear glasses, I gladly explained to her that Lord Yushido had demanded, “A ferret army be dropped by helicopter upon my enima lesions!” I’m no expert on early 1700s Japanese history, but I’m pretty sure Shoguns did- n’t travel by helicopter. And the rest of that statement... I had an eye exam?” my wife asked, pressing pause and donning her glasses. “And by the way, it says, ‘A fierce army be delivered on horse- back to break my enemy’s legions.’” “Yeah, that makes more sense,” I said, and admitted I hadn’t had an eye exam since middle school. Did I mention I’ll be 50 in a few months? I’ve always prided myself on still having a full head of hair, being in relatively good shape and not needing glass- es. Thanks to Lord Yushido and his lesions, it seemed I might have to settle for two- out-of-three. As we arrived at the optometrist's office the fol- lowing weekend, I was still hopeful my eyes had just been tired lately. “Can you read the first line for me, Mr. Hickson?” “Sure, G... 6... 8... 1...” “Mr. Hickson, there aren’t any numbers on this chart.” “Oh.” While I don’t need glasses to function, there’s no arguing that wearing them allows me to see certain things more clearly. This bothered me at first. While it’s true I have some grey in my hair and beard that wasn’t there a few years ago — coincidentally around the time our kids became teenagers — I saw the need for glasses as the first real sign of aging. Was this the initial step toward turning in my rocker Tees for a rocking chair? Would I soon be eating dinner at 3 p.m. How long until I didn’t care about ear hair? Or basic driv- ing rules? I spent a few days in a slight funk until I realized something important: I’ve demanded a lot from my eyes over the years. As a writer staring at words all day, every day. As a photographer compos- ing images and judging light Know the signs of a potential heart attack Western Lane Ambulance District (WLAD) responds to hundreds of heart attack calls annually, but fortunately most of those don’t lead directly into a cardiac arrest incident. When they do however, WLAD para- medics and EMTs are trained and experienced to respond rapidly; using the current up to date cardiac arrest life saving procedures. Oftentimes a heart attack will be the prelude to a cardiac arrest. A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked. If the blocked artery is not reopened quickly, the region of the heart normally nourished by that artery begins to die. The longer a person goes without treatment, the greater the damage. A cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and sudden- ly stops beating. Often, cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and without warning. It is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes a lethal irregular heartbeat. With its pumping action dis- rupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Seconds later, a person loses consciousness and has no pulse, and without treat- ment death follows within min- utes. WLAD Manager Brian Burright encourages members of the general public to educate themselves to “be aware and recognize the signs and symp- toms of a heart attack, which can quickly lead into cardiac arrest.” Once a person lapses into cardiac arrest, early CPR is of the upmost importance. A new type of CPR has come into play and it’s called cardio cerebral resuscitation (CCR). What makes it different from standard CPR is that it basical- ly eliminates the need for mouth to mouth, and decreases the role of ventilation by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers. The empha- sis is on chest compressions prior to and after electrical shocks from heart defibrillators by EMS personnel. Survival beyond the first five minutes of cardiac arrest is predominantly dependent on chest compressions, until EMS can arrive with a cardiac moni- tor and defibrillator. The sooner EMS crews arrive on scene the better chances for patient survival. “I can’t stress enough the importance of calling 911 in a cardiac emergency,” Burright said. “The sooner we get there the better. The American Heart Association says that 6 to 10 minutes without oxygen to the brain in a cardiac arrest, then there will be irreversible dam- age and mortality will follow.” In addition to early defibril- lation, EMS providers also start intravenous access (IVs) in order to deliver emergency car- diac medications into the patients system to attempt to revive the heart. Paramedics also are able to better facilitate ventilations using an endotracheal tube which is introduced into the patient's airway. This also pre- vents vomit from entering the airway. If EMS is able to restore a heartbeat again, the patient will be taken to the nearest appropriate medical facility for follow up cardiac specialty care. This may involve trans- port to a regional medical cen- ter such as PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend, which provides advanced cardiac procedures, such as cardiac stents and heart bypass surgery. Again, the key to preventing a patient from suffering cata- strophic cardiac arrest is early intervention. “The bottom line is, don’t be afraid to call 911 for an evaluation even if you’re not sure if you’re having a heart attack,” Burright says. “There is no charge or hassle if we just evaluate and don’t trans- port.” –Submitted by Al Kreitz, Western Lane Ambulance conditions for more than 20 years. As a chef for 10 years fine- ly slicing and chopping everything but my fingers. Usually. And as a firefighter for the last five years, searching for potential dangers in order to remain situationally aware. After nearly 50 years, my eyes have earned the right to ask for a little help. The other night, I was in the kitchen cooking when I looked to see my wife sitting at the dining room table, reading something that made her laugh. I reached for my glasses and slid them on, watching her come into per- fect focus. Though I could see her pretty well from the counter without my glasses, with a little extra help I could make out every detail of her smile. The curve of her face. The way her cheeks rise the bigger she smiles. The way her nose crinkles when it’s questionably appropriate. I could get used to this, I thought. Now, if I could just unsee Lord Yushido’s enima lesions... Ned is a syndicated columnist with News Media Corporation. His book, “Humor at the Speed of Life,” is available online at Port Hole Publications, Amazon Books and Barnes & Noble. Write to him at nedhickson@icloud.com Florence Habitat to break new ground tomorrow The Florence affiliate of Habitat for Humanity will host the groundbreaking of its 28th new home tomorrow, April 7, at 2:30 p.m., at 1875 37th St. Future homeowners, Nathan and Amber Fuller and their family, will invest “sweat equity” through working on their own home. Volunteer members of the Florence com- munity will provide labor and expertise during construction. Habitat for Humanity is a testimony to the vision and hard work of many as the com- munity comes together to build decent, affordable places to live. The community is invited to the dedication. Come learn more about the mission and volunteer opportunities of Flo- rence Habitat for Humanity. DENTURE SERVICES INC. Here to serve your denture needs: Dentures Immediate Dentures Implant Dentures Relines and Repairs William Foster LD Sherry, Offi ce Manager FREE CONSULTATIONS Monday-Thursday 10am - 2 pm Relines and Repairs Same Day Or by special appointment Financing: Citi Health Card 12 Month no Interest 524 Laurel St. 541-997-6054 (541)997-6000 www.RealEstateFlorence.com NEW LISTING Charming home on large corner lot with fenced backyard. Beautiful hardwood fl oors in living area. 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Minutes to town & all services $169,000 BH7201 ML#16476715 NEW LISTING Siuslaw riverfront .39 acre lot at Shelter Cove gated community. City water, sewer & power available. Minutes to town & all services $249,000 BH7202 ML#16052417 FEATURED LISTING Country Beautiful! 5.48 acre fenced, 8+ horse stalls, arenas, 40x40 shop, plus garage/shop. Remodeled home w/Hickory cabinets & Oak wood fl oors 3 Bdrm, 2 Ba 2404 sq ft $499,900 BH7086 ML#15676288 In partnership with: Win $50,000 for a Home Update! from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices AND we’re also giving away 12 weekly prizes of $2,500! Contest ends June 17, 2016. Enter for a chance to win at LoveYourHomeSweeps.com No purchase necessary. Enter once per day. See contest rules for details. Florence Branch | 1875 Hwy 101 | Florence, OR | (541) 997-6000 | www.RealEstateFlorence.com © 2016 BHH Affi liates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affi liate, and a franchisee of BHH Affi liates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.®