IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE GREENWICH RED CROSS

Due to power outages in Western Greenwich today, the Greenwich Red Cross and the Town of Greenwich will be opening a cooling center at the Western Greenwich Civic center this afternoon.  In addition, CL&P will be opening a Cooling Center at the Greenwich Hyatt at 1800 E. Putnam Avenue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer’s sweltering heat.  In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including tornadoes, floods and hurricanes.  Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees; and the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses.

Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended.  Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches.  Persons with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

Please Follow these Red Cross Heat Wave Safety Tips:

• Prepare. Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household.  Have a plan for what to do if the power goes out.
• Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.  Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.  It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Stay hydrated. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty.  Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.  Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between four and 7 a.m.  Take frequent breaks.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.  Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on family, friends and neighbors who are elderly or ill and those who do not have air conditioning.  Check on your animals frequently, too, to make sure they are not suffering from the heat.
• Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED.

Know What These Heat-Related Terms Mean:

• Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen.  They are caused by exposure to heat and humidity, and loss of fluids.  Heat cramps are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
• Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.  Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs.  This results in a form of mild shock.  If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.  Signals of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion.  Body temperature will be near normal.
• Heat stroke: Also known as, sunstroke, heat stroke is life threatening.  The victim’s temperature-control system, which produces sweat as a way of cooling the body, stops working.  Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.  Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing.

General Care for Heat Emergencies:

• Heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position.  If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes, and have the person drink slowly.  Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin.  Fan the person.  Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
• Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation!  Help is needed fast.  Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.  Move the person to a cooler place.  Quickly cool the body.  Wrap wet towels or sheets around the body.  Use a water hose, if available, to cool the victim.  Watch for signals of breathing problems.  Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body.  If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Upcoming Lectures:

Preventing Injuries in Tennis Players on Tuesday, May 10^th and Injury Prevention for Triathletes and Cyclists: Safety Strategies for Training and Competition on Tuesday, May 31^st.

“Preventing Injuries for Tennis Players” features orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Paul Sethi, MD, tennis professional Patrick Hirscht and ONS physical therapist Tatyana Kalyuzhny, DPT, who will share the latest information on common injuries to tennis players including Achilles tendon injuries, shoulder and wrist injuries and rolled and sprained ankles. The program will explain the consequences of poor mechanics and outline the most effective warm-up and conditioning techniques for tennis players. Adult and youth players are invited to attend. Registration is requested.

“Injury Prevention for Triathletes and Cyclists: Safety Strategies for Training and Competition” will focus attention on the common causes of injuries in cyclists and triathletes. Orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. Katie Vadasdi, primary-care sports medicine specialist Dr. Gloria Cohen, and ONS physical therapist Abigail Ramsey will discuss biomechanical issues of combined training, techniques for proper stretching and strengthening, post injury training methods for return to racing, and treatments for injuries. The seminar is timed to help athletes who are preparing for the summer and fall race season. Both physician speakers are athletes. Dr. Vadasdi is an experienced triathlete and has completed two international ironman competitions. Dr. Cohen is a competitive cyclist and has served as team physician to four Olympic Games. Call to register 203 869-3131.
The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education is committed to providing individuals, who enjoy sports activities, a range of tools and techniques to keep them enjoying their sport and out of the doctor’s office. Free injury prevention programs are conducted by Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians and physical therapists affiliated with the ONS Foundation. Most events take place at ONS, Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists, located at 10 Valley Drive in Greenwich. To register for programs, call 203-869-3131.

The ONS Foundation is a not for profit organization that in alliance with Greenwich Hospital, strives to improve standards of excellence for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders through clinical research, physician and patient education, and community outreach programs. For further information about the ONS Foundation, visit www.ons-foundation.org or call (203) 869-3131.

Medical emergencies ranging from small cuts and abrasions to choking, bleeding or shock can occur at any time and anywhere. Be prepared to respond to emergencies by attending Red Cross first aid and CPR classes. Now is the time to learn how to prevent injuries and sudden illnesses, to recognize emergencies and provide basic care until the arrival of advanced medical personnel. Help your family, friends and neighbors by knowing what to do and having the confidence to do it. The following classes are scheduled for February 2011:

CPR/AED Adult

• Saturday, February 5,   9 am – 1:30 pm
• Tuesday, February 8,    6 pm – 10:30 pm

CPR/AED Infant & Child

• Wednesday, February 9,    6 pm – 10:30 pm
• Thursday, February 17,    9 am – 1:30 pm

Standard First Aid

• Thursday, February 10,    6 pm – 10 pm
• Friday, February 18th,    9 am – 1:00 pm

Connecticut Child Care

• Wednesday & Thursday, February 23 & 24,   6 pm – 10:30 pm

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Full Course

• Sunday, February 6,   9 am – 6 pm (bring lunch)

Babysitter’s Training (For ages 11 – 15)

• Saturday, February 12,   9:30 am – 5:00 pm (bring lunch)

Standard First Aid w CPR AED Adult

• Saturday, February 26,   9am – 4:30pm (bring lunch)

For a full schedule of course descriptions, dates and fees, and to register, log on to www.greenwichredcross.org or contact 203.869.8444 for more information.

Looking for a practical holiday gift? The nor’easter of this past March caught most of us unprepared – for a gift that provides a lifeline and security, think portable radio with incorporated flashlight and solar cell phone charger all-in- one. The Greenwich chapter of the American Red Cross has the perfect solution with the Eton Solarlink FR360 Emergency Radio.

Eton Solarlink FR360 Emergency Radio

$45.00

Description: The American Red Cross recommends that  households have a portable battery-operated radio as part of their complete disaster supply kit to listen to local TV, Radio, and NOAA emergency information broadcasts. The FR360 is an AM/FM Water Resistant Radio that receives NOAA weather alerts. It has a LED Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger capabilities. It can be powered with four different sources including a hand crank, solar power, battery power (3 AAA or 3 AA* not included) or AC power adapter.  Perfect not only for emergencies, but camping, hiking, boating, or anywhere you need to stay in touch.  Dimensions: 6.25″W x 6.5″H x 2.75″D, Weight: 1 lb

The radio can be ordered from the Red Cross store at this link or if you’re running late with your holiday shopping as most of us are, you can pick one up at the Red Cross The Greenwich Red Cross – 99 Indian Field Road – Greenwich, CT 06830 – Telephone: (203) 869-8444.  Hours are 9:00am-5:00pm M-F.

The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering a new, two-week long (8-day) Babysitter’s Training Camp this summer, Monday through Thursday, July 12 – July 15 and Monday through Thursday, July 19 – July 22.  Classes will he held at the Greenwich Chapter, 99 Indian Fields Road, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

The course will teach young teens, ages 11 to 15, the information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care for children in the absence of parents or adult guardians.  Participants will develop skills in leadership and professionalism; basic care-including feeding and diapering; safety and safe play; first aid; how to handle emergency situations and how to create a resume and interview for jobs!  Interactive activities include caring, feeding and diapering infants and toddlers using realistic baby dolls and training manikins as well as problem solving scenarios.

The fee for this comprehensive program is $125 per student, which includes participant books and a drawstring bag with a first aid kit.  Space is limited, so please contact Maria Del Re, Director of Health & Safety at (203) 869-8444 x124 as soon as possible!

The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross provides relief to victims of emergencies and disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  For further information about the programs and services offered by the Greenwich Chapter, visit www.greenwichredcross.org.

Greenwich Chapter
American Red Cross
99 Indian Field Road
(203) 869-8444

The Greenwich Red Cross is offering the following Health & Safety Classes throughout the summer so families can stay safe while enjoying their fun in the sun and be prepared to handle emergency situations:

CPR/AED Adult

CPR Infant & Child

Standard First Aid

CPR/AED Adult Review
(Certification within the past 12 months required to enroll)

Wednesday, July 28              6:00pm – 8:00pm

American Red Cross Lifesaving Water Safety Tips
Have Fun This Summer without Taking a Vacation from Safety

Summer is a wonderful time of year with children and parents looking forward to outdoor activities at pools, lakes and beaches.  Yet accidents can happen.  The good news is that most water tragedies can be prevented, if everyone remembers the basic rules of water safety.  The Greenwich Chapter reminds everyone to have fun this summer without taking a vacation from safety.  These tips will help keep everyone healthy and safe in or around the water:

• Learn to swim and swim well.  One of the best things anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is learn to swim.  Swim in supervised areas only and obey all posted safety signs and “no diving” signs.  Watch out for the “dangerous too’s.”  Take a break at the point of being too tired, too cold, or too far from safety, too much sun, too little hydration, too much strenuous activity.  No one, including adults, should ever swim alone.  Adults should practice “reach supervision” which means to be within arm’s length of a child in case an emergency occurs.

• Outfit everyone with the proper gear.  Kids – and even adults – who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should use U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) whenever they are in or around the water.  Everyone, including strong swimmers, should use an approved PFD when boating.  Each person should have the appropriate personal flotation device for his or her weight and size, which is found clearly marked inside the label near the Coast Guard stamp.  A great idea is to make a family day out of learning the rules of water safety and shopping for durable safety equipment together at a local pool supply store or mass distributor.

• Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the residential pool and know how to use it.  A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a nylon line attached are recommended.  First aid kits are available for purchase at the Greenwich Chapter.  Cordless phones allow you to make that 9-1-1 call and to receive calls without leaving the area.  These items coupled with a pool emergency action plan—similar to a fire drill—help the whole family breathe a little easier.  In addition, the Red Cross recommends that pools be surrounded on all sides by a fence that is at least 4 feet high.  It should not provide any footholds, which would allow a child to climb over or spacing to climb through.  The fence should have a self-closing, self-locking gate that is locked when the pool is not in use.

• Pack a “safety” bag for a day at the beach or lake and play safely.  A properly packed safety bag will help ensure a fun day in which everyone comes home safe and sound.  Water-proof sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, water shoes to keep feet safe from heat and sharp objects, a hat, sunglasses, plenty of water and a first aid kit are musts.  First aid kits are available for purchase at the Greenwich Chapter.  All containers should be plastic to prevent injuries from breaking glass.  Do not mix alcohol and swimming.  Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.

• Learn Red Cross First Aid and CPR.  While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is important to know what to do if a situation arises.  All caregivers, including grandparents, older siblings, and babysitters should have these lifesaving skills.

The Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross provides relief to victims of emergencies and disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  For further information about the programs and services offered by the Greenwich Chapter, visit  www.greenwichredcross.org.

UPDATE: CANCELLED DUE TO SCHOOL CANCELLATION. Sports Concussion Program for Greenwich High School Students
Greenwich High School
10 Hillside Road
Parents and Coaches
March 18, 2010

Did you know…?
Concussion is the most common type of brain injury sustained in sports.
Most concussions do NOT involve loss of consciousness.
You can sustain a concussion even if you do NOT hit your head.

Multiple concussions can have cumulative and long lasting life changes.

On Thursday, March 18, the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will present a free seminar; Sports Concussion: Know the Facts! Concussion management strategies for high school athletes and the ImPACT Test. The program, which will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., is open to Greenwich High School students, parents, coaches and trainers.

Concussions are the hot topic in the NFL and on high school and college campuses across the country with heightened concern about the brain health of players of contact sports. The ONS Foundation wants to raise awareness about the risk of concussion and help educate Greenwich High School athletes about concussion signs and symptoms. The program will also cover the latest information on concussion management guidelines and an explanation of the role of ImPACT testing. The sports concussion program will be presented by ONS Neurosurgeon Scott Simon, MD and Greenwich High School Athletic Trainer & Concussion Management Coordinator/ImPACT Test Supervisor Peter Falla. The seminar will take place in the High School Media Center, rooms 1 and 2. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 203-869-3131, or visit www.ons-foundation.org.

The ONS Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to helping reduce sports injury and supporting healthy living through educational programs and clinical research. Educational programs are offered to the community on a variety of topics throughout the year. All events are free of charge. Upcoming seminars include:

Why Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) is Better Than Open Surgery- Wednesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. New technologies and treatments are helping patients recover from painful conditions of the spine. Surgeons now perform spinal surgeries through tiny incisions that were once only done through “open surgery”. MISS is used to treat disc herniations, spinal stenosis, osteoporotic compression fractures, degenerative disc disease and spinal instability. Presented by neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Simon, MD at the Noble Conference Center, Greenwich Hospital. Registration requested. To register, call (203) 863-4277 or (888) 305-9253 or register on line: www.greenhosp.org.

The Female Athlete: Preventing Sports Injuries in Women- Thursday, May 20, from 1-2 p.m. at the Rye Library. Primary-care sports medicine physician Gloria Cohen, M.D. and orthopedic surgeon Katherine Vadasdi, MD, of the ONS Foundation, want women to know about the unique risks they have for potentially serious injuries and what can be done to avoid them. “The Female Athlete” will take place at the Rye Library, 1061 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY. Dr. Cohen and Dr. Vadasdi will talk about why some injuries are unique to women and how biomechanics and the nutritional needs of women play a role. The doctors will discuss danger signs and symptoms of overuse injuries and will explain the risk factors associated with different sports. Please call (203) 863-4277 or (888) 305-9253, or register on-line at www.greenhosp.org. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Registration is required.

ALLIANCE FOR CANCER GENE THERAPY PRESENTS
BRAIN CANCER: SEARCHING FOR A BREAKTHOUGH
WITH GENE AND CELL THERAPY
Symposium Open to the Public
Bruce Museum
One Museum Drive
January 28, 2010
7:00 p.m.

There were an estimated 22,070 new cases of brain and other nervous system cancers diagnosed in 2009 – that is approximately an eight percent increase in the incidence of brain cancer since 2005.  Of those diagnosed, 48 percent will survive.  The Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, the only national non-profit committed exclusively to cancer gene therapy research, is listening intently for good news regarding this insurgent form of cancer.  It is impossible not to address the apparent increased incidence of this disease, which has indiscriminately taken the lives of national celebrities, politicians, amongst them Senator Ted Kennedy, and local residents, including young children.  The time is now for us to all look at this issue together and sort out its causes and hope for the future.

The Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT), founded by local Greenwich residents Barbara and Edward Netter, is a leader in funding and promoting research into all forms of cancer.  ACGT is offering the topic of brain cancer for its 2010 educational program, with three highly credentialed leading scientists who will share insights and progress on innovative approaches to the treatment of this devastating disease using cells and genes as “medicine.”  In addition to the informal presentations and discussion amongst the presenters, the program will then be open to questions and answers.   This presentation, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., at the Bruce Museum, One Museum Drive, in Greenwich, Conn. For more information, please call Betty Condon at 203-358-8000.  Click here for ways to support ACGT

On Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m., orthopedic and sports medicine physicians from ONS (Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists) in Greenwich will present a free ski injury prevention seminar. Orthopedic surgeons Steven Hindman, MD and Katherine Vadasdi, MD will discuss the causes of the most common skiing injuries and how many injuries may be avoided. Physical Therapist Chalon Lefebvre, PT will discuss the importance of a pre-season conditioning and strengthening program. Admission is free but registration is requested. Call 203-869-3470 or send email to clinicalresearch@onsmd.com to register.

Each year eager skiers and snowboarders take to the slopes to get the most from the winter sports season but many do little to prepare for the physical demands of their sport. Even the best athletes will suffer when under-prepared muscles meet the extreme stresses of winter sports activity for the first time in many months. Physical conditioning can make all the difference. “It’s not too late to get ready for the ski season,” said Dr. Hindman. “This seminar presents important tips for safe skiing, information about the most advanced treatments for common injuries such as a ruptured ACL, and includes a presentation on the latest ski and snowboard technology by Hickory and Tweed of Armonk.”

The ski injury prevention seminar is presented by the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education. The goal of the ONS Foundation is to improve standards of excellence for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders through clinical research, physician and patient education, and community outreach programs. For more information about the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education, call Ifeoma Inneh at (203) 869 3131. The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education is an alliance with Greenwich Hospital. For further information, visit www.ons-foundation.org or call (203) 869-3131.