FROM OUR CHAIRMAN

Here we are in 2010 and THROB has entered its 19th year. In September last year we celebrated our 18th and just over a month later became a registered charity - No. 1132434 to be precise. As you know we have been working towards this for nearly two years and owe a great deal to Eddie Robson and Keith Jarvis for their perseverance. Keith, Eddie and Kevin got the ball rolling, then we formed a sub-committee to thrash out the changes needed to the Constitution. We followed the guidelines from the Commission and thought we had cracked it. So in April we brought the changes to the AGM and looked forward to getting a positive reaction from the Charity Commission. Unfortunately we hadn’t cracked it and we were told that the wording of the Constitution though not wrong was not in a ‘charitable language’.

We were afraid at that point that we could have gone on changing the Constitution indefinitely. Eddie took up the challenge and cleverly negotiated with his contact at the Commission to the point where they indicated what wording would be acceptable and that is what we brought back to you all in October. Two weeks later we received charity status and our own unique number.

In every large organisation bureaucracy seems to get in the way of the purpose and the spirit of what they want to achieve, sometimes to the point that filling out the forms or going through the process becomes the job rather than actually actioning or achieving something that will benefit others. For an organisation like ours, that actually does what it says on the leaflet, we are indebted to Keith and Eddie for their perseverance in ensuring that THROB can benefit from the higher income by being a charity.

Having said that, I am reminded that we are lucky in having a committee full of members ready to take up a challenge when they see an opportunity or a cause to champion.

Thanks again to Keith and Eddie, and I look forward to seeing you all in 2010 at the AGM or one of the social functions this year.

Lynn Warner

AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANGIOPLASTY

In The Times before Christmas there was an article on a new technique to pick up signs of cardiac disease without the need for an angiogram. This involves a machine called the Definition Flash and uses computer tomography (CT) to generate high-definition three dimensional images of the chest and the heart. Unlike an angiogram the CT scan is non-invasive and can be carried out in a quarter of a second, with an overall time for an investigation of less than half an hour. The cost should only be of the same order as an angiogram and thus, for the hospital, there would be a significant cost-saving in time. There was no suggestion that this will eliminate the need for an angioplasty, which would still be the key procedure in cardiac care following diagnosis.

The London Chest Clinic has just received one of these machines and Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge has one on order. The only problem would appear to be the price, which is in the order of £1 million. Does anyone have a million to spare?

Roger Mills

FROM THE HOAX SLAYER

Some years back, THROBNews published an article (submitted by me!) on how to survive a heart attack when alone, by using a technique involving deep breaths and vigorous coughing. Some of you might see a free website called www.hoax-slayer.com. which claims to examine and debunk e-mail hoaxes and internet scams. In the December issue, it examines the background to "cough CPR*" and concludes that there is no real justification for this technique. Strictly speaking, it is not exactly a hoax, because it has been researched and the conclusion was reached that, under certain controlled conditions, it might be useful, though there are no known circumstances where it has enabled a patient to survive a heart attack. Thus, both the American Heart Association and the UK Resuscitation Council do not endorse the technique and recommend that any time left to a lone patient would be better spent trying to call the emergency number rather than using the Cough CPR.

(*Cardio-pulmonary Resusitation)

Roger Mills

POSITIVE HEALTH SNIPPETS

(....brighten up the New Decade....)

OMEGA-3

Scientists in the US have found that a healthy intake of omega-3 fatty acids, regularly found in fish oil, may prevent many of the most common signs of ageing. The health benefits of supplements such as cod liver oil tablets have long been a source of controversy among nutritionists and dieticians. However, a team from the University of California, San Francisco, found that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil extend the genetic “fuse” that determines the lifespan of cells.

The new research suggests that omega-3 has a direct effect on biological ageing by slowing down the rate at which protective caps on the ends of chromosomes shorten. So, as well as the benefits for your heart and blood pressure you get to look and feel younger too!! Keep eating the fish ( or taking the tablets!).

ADVANCES IN ARTERY TREATMENTS?

Researchers at Harvard have designed a new method of treating patients with cardiovascular disease. The team has devised new particles or “nanoburrs” which are able to cling to damaged artery walls and slowly release medicines which prevent the growth of artery-clogging scar tissue and inhibit cell division. It is hoped that the particles will be used alongside or instead of stents, which work by holding arteries open and releasing drugs, but are difficult to use in some areas, such as forks in the artery. The nanoburrs have a number of other advantages over existing methods of drug delivery. They can be injected intravenously at a site distant from the damaged tissue and are also able to deliver drugs over a longer period of time, meaning there is less need for patients to undergo invasive procedures. Its all in the expertimental stage folks - but it may be a pointer to the future.

PREVENTING DEMENTIA?

People who use angiotensin receptor blockers (Candesartan, Valsartan, Irbesartan) to lower their blood pressure are less likely to develop dementia, according to new research. The study, which was carried out by the Boston University School of Medicine, revealed that people who take the drugs were up to 50% less likely to develop dementia than those taking other blood pressure drugs. Scientists said that when combined with other drugs known as ACE inhibitors, (ramipril, lisinopril ) they can protect against further deterioration among those who already suffer from forms of dementia. By delaying the symptoms of dementia, people using this combination were 67% less likely to be admitted to a nursing home or die early, the study revealed. Researchers examined more than 800,000 people, predominantly male participants (98%), with cardiovascular disease over the age of 65 for the study, published in the British Medical Journal.

Lesley Richards

HEALTHY HEART EXERCISE

One of my interests is to include on the THROB website (www.throbrehab.org.uk) links to other organisations around the country with aims of a similar nature to those of THROB. (It’s promise to put together a National Database of their own associated groups seems to have defeated the enterprise or skill of the British Heart Foundation !!). You may be able therefore, to imagine my delight while surfing the net looking for more likely contacts, to come across two new websites which are refreshing in their content and appeal:-

www.heartrehabilitationexercise.com

www.healthyheartsexerciseinretirement.com

The two websites in question are run by Elaine Roles from Sidcup in Kent. Elaine has been a Phase IV BACR Instructor for nine years, running Phase IV classes in her local area throughout that period and working closely with her local PCT. The websites encourage visitors to sign up for a periodic newsletter and give everyone the facility to download exercise videos for home use. One excellent facility is that they reach and encourage the less mobile or house bound or those without Phase IV facilities in their area and help them to exercise.

I recommend them to all who can access the Internet.

Sid Barker (webmaster)

DIET AND BLOOD PRESSURE

Hypertension, or the more commonly known term, high blood pressure is a significant health concern which leads to cardiovascular disease (stroke or coronary heart disease). A blood pressure measurement is given in two values, systolic and diastolic, and is normally measured at the site of the upper arm. Systolic blood pressure represents the higher value and is the measure of the blood exerted on the artery wall when the heart contracts. Diastolic blood pressure is the lower value and is a measure of blood pressure between heart beats. The ideal blood pressure in individuals with established cardiovascular disease should 130/80 mmHg or below. Therefore, it is very important to meet these targets through medication and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes include both healthy eating and exercise. The purpose of this article is to look at the benefits of eating a healthy diet.

A diet similar to the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables and low in salt and saturated fat, has a significant impact on lowering blood pressure. This has been demonstrated in two large highly acclaimed studies called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). Both trials had more than 400 subjects take part. The participants who took part in both studies were classified into two groups; Group 1 had normal blood pressure and Group 2 had hypertension. The results of the first trial showed that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, whole grains, seeds and nuts reduced blood pressure in the subjects with normal blood pressure by 5.5 mm Hg and 3.0 mm Hg (systolic and diastolic) and 11.4 mmHg and 3.0 mmHg in subjects with hypertension. In the second trial, the same dietary intervention was followed with an addition of a restriction in sodium. The second trial showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure in the normal blood pressure group by 7.1 mmHg and 11.5 mmHg in the hypertension group. The reduction in blood pressure is mediated through an increase in the mineral potassium, which is found in fruit and vegetables. Potassium counteracts the effects of sodium. Therefore people with high blood pressure should increase their fruit and vegetable intake to seven portions per day. A reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average 12 and 6 mm Hg can be expected to reduce their risk of coronary heart disease by 20%.

Tim Grove

WALKING IS GOOD FOR YOU

American research has shown that walking briskly for 20 - 40 minutes per day can have a significant reduction in the death rate for the elderly. The study of over 3000 men between the ages of 70 - 92 revealed that the fitter ones were better placed than those with a sedentary life style. The medical history of the subjects of the study were recorded together with their weight and smoking history. Based on exercise tests the men were graded into four fitness categories. For every 100 deaths recorded for the lowest fitness category there were 74 deaths among the second lowest fitness category, 54 deaths among the moderately fit group and 46 deaths among the high fitness category. The overall message seems to be that although ageing and death are inevitable, the rate for both can be modulated by maintaining a physically active lifestyle at any age. The same research team showed that men with slightly raised blood pressure were more likely to survive if they were physically fit.

David Read

ALTERNATIVES TO EXERCISE CLASS

Following our move to Cornwall in the summer we looked for a ‘“heart exercise class” to no avail. (Have a word with Webmaster Sid and he'll tell you all about the BHF National Database. Ed.) As we have been fairly busy with alterations to the house, as well as entertaining visitors for most of the summer, we didn’t worry too much but now we’ve found a very good alternative .... we’ve bought a wood burning stove. They always say the wood heats you twice, once when gathering it and again when it burns. Well it also gives you very good exercise.

First you collect it, which involves walking and bending. Then you find a large tree which needs cutting with a chain saw, which involves weight bearing exercise, not to mention much safety equipment, especially with Mag wielding the saw! Then you need to neatly stack it (can you imagine Ken doing that neatly?).

As we don’t have too much seasoned wood yet Ken’s found a nice chap who lets him have pallets so they need carting home and sawing up. Before the fire is started the logs need to be carried in to the log basket and then there is a lot of bending and stretching to lay the fire and then light it as well as feeding it all evening. Balancing exercise is done while walking across a muddy, hilly field, in large wellies, carrying the chain saw and then carrying a big basket of logs back to the car.

I can honestly say that Ken has put more effort into this project than into any exercise class and the bonus is a lovely roaring log fire.

Mag Humphreys

(Ken and Mag are the latest of our growing list of "Country Members" and we wish them well in their new life. Ed.)

REHABILITATION......OF OLD BUSES!

In 1995 I was asked if I could do a bit of woodwork for a friend of a friend of mine. As I had retired a couple of years earlier, I said "Yes". This bit of woodwork turned out to be the restoration of a 1933 Dennis Mace bus! It resembled a pile of firewood on a rusty chassis and with an engine. Originally these buses ran around Devon and Cornwall under the Western National logo. The owner was an enthusiast who wanted to collect one of each type from that area.

I found that I was working with a retired coachbuilder who knew all about this thing, so, the enthusiast had the money and space, the coachbuilder the experience and me, who knew nothing about old buses and coaches but could do a bit of woodwork. This took me to a new world of old terminology, old techniques and different standards compared to my original trade as an aircraft engineer.

When you enter this world of vehicle restoration you meet all sorts of people, bus nuts, anoraks and even people who knew what colour socks the driver used to wear! The difference between restoration and rebuilds or replicas is that in restoration a high proportion of the original must be used and only authentic materials used, i.e. BSF or Whitworth bolts and nuts, no Philips head screws or pop rivets. Paintwork is always brushed - no spray finish and French polish on all interior woodwork. Timbers used are spruce or pine for roofing, mahogany or ash for main body structure. Engines up to 1955 where mainly petrol but most operators switched to diesel engines Gardiner or Perkins 6 to 7 litres depending on whether it was a bus or a coach, which by that time were getting bigger.

Another interesting fact is that bodies were made by coachbuilders and chassis by different companies. The popular bodybuilders were Duple, Plaxton, Beadle, Mumford and ECW to name but a few. Chassis companies were Daimler, Guy, Dennis, Albion and Leyland.

The average time taken for this type of restoration can be from three to eight years depending on the state of the vehicle and costs and labour available. The Dennis Mace took four years and cost about œ50,000 to restore - but it did win its class on the Brighton run. This is an expensive hobby for an enthusiast!

Since 1995 I have been involved in the resurrection of five old vehicles including a 1947 Bedford OB, a 1933 Dennis Mace, a 1951 Bristol L, a 1933 Bristol H , a 1927 Guy, and lastly a 1933 Leyland Lion. Two of these buses have won Best of Show at different rallies. Finally, I would like you to remember these old vehicles are a bit like us, getting on in years and have been around a bit, so if you get behind one on the road be patient, as although restored, it may not be as fast or agile as its younger counterparts.

David Stahley