Miami-ALS Newsletter
INDEX
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Page 7

SAFETY

In the United States, there are countless deaths due to food lodging which resulted in partial obstruction or total obstruction. One of the most innovative life-saving procedures for individual who choke on food is the Heimlich Maneuver. Deaths can be avoided if the ALS Caregiver knows how to react property when the incident happens. We encourage all caregivers to become proficient in administering basic life support. Courses are offered year around by the American Heart Association, local fire departments, some public schools and Family centers. To find out when these courses are given, call your local American Heart Association Chapter for dates.

Heimlich Maneuver

In this article, we will discuss the Heimlich Maneuver:

  • Determine if victim is able to speak or cough by asking, "Are you OK?"
  • If victim is unable to speak or emit any sound, perform abdominal thrust.
  • Stand behind victim and wrap your arms around victim's waist. Press first into the abdomen, with quick inward and upward thrust.
  • For victims who are obese and/or pregnant, modify the abdominal thrust with chest thrust.

John Marrina, RRT
Respiratory Therapy
Kessenich Family MDA ALS Center
IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Kessenich Family MDA ALS Center 1-800-690-ALS1
www.miami-als.org
Muscular Dystrophy Association 1-800-289-0535
www.mda.org
ALS Association 1-800-782-4747
www.alsa.org
National Caregiving Foundation 1-800-930-1357
National Family Caregivers Association 1-800-896-3650
www.nfcacares.org
Foundation for Hospice and Homecare 202-547-6586
National Hospice Organization 1-800-658-8898
A.D.E.L.A. Asociacion Espanola de Esclerosis Lateral Ammiotrofica
www.advernet.es/adela/index.htm
Social Security Online www.ssa.gov/
The Feeding Gastrostomy Information:
www.iinet.net.au/~scarffam/gtube.html
ALS Digest (Bob Broedet):
To subscribe, please EMAIL to
bro@huey.met.fsu.edu
NOTES:
  • We are seeking volunteers, please call at 305-243-7400 or EMAIL at Volunteer
  • We are looking for volunteers who would like to make "Social Home Visits," please call Ginna Gonzalez at 243-7400. This could be family members who have had experience with ALS patients and now have time to volunteer, or even health care professionals.

10 WAYS TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE EVERYDAY
Contributed by, Lourdes M. Grenier, LCSW, Social Worker

Sometimes we find ourselves in difficult situations, we may have a loved one seriously ill, we may be sick ourselves, our job satisfaction is at its lowest. Perhaps we are having relationship problems, and are feeling a little on the down side.

Well here are some tips to take, that would start turing you and your family's life around.

  1. Bring light into someone else's life. Do something for someone - preferably without him or her knowing it.
  2. Remember the true meaning of your life. Don't forget your prayers and blessings to God.
  3. Exercise, Walk, Work out to whatever extent you can.
  4. Don't let bad feelings ferment. Don't go on without clearing up misunderstandings with those close to you.
  5. Have breakfast and dinner with your family.
  6. Read something inspiring.
  7. Appreciate the beauty of nature.
  8. Express your gratitude to someone.
  9. Hug and kiss your family. Tell them you love them.
  10. Insist on making your contribution to the world. Make a plan for tomorrow.