Letters: HVD, Narcan and Jihad
Raising awareness of HVD
This February 22nd marks National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day. There’s no better time to recognize this common, yet little-known disease.
As many as five million Americans are estimated to have heart valve disease (HVD), which occurs if one or more of your heart valves doesn’t work properly. The disease can reduce blood flow and lead to major health complications, including death: 22,000 Americans die every year from HVD—an estimated 60 people a day. Older adults aged 75 and over and people who have had a previous heart condition are especially vulnerable to HVD.
Yet three in four Americans recently surveyed know little to nothing about HVD.
The good news is that, when detected, valve disease can usually be successfully treated in patients of all ages. Visit www.ValveDiseaseDay.org and help raise awareness of HVD.
In this case, what you know can help save a life.
- Sue Peschin, MHS, president and CEO, Alliance for Aging Research
Helping individuals get their life back
The use of Naloxone can save a life. Naloxone, also known as Narcan is an opioid antagonist used in opioid overdoses to counteract the life-threatening depression of the respiratory system. It allows an overdose victim to breathe normally.
Although traditionally administered by emergency response personnel, naloxone can be administered by lay people or public, making it ideal for treating heroin and other opioids overdoses. The training is simple and use of Naloxone results in a life saved.
Here is what occurs in an opioid overdose. When too much of any opioid, like heroin goes into too many receptors, the respiratory system slows and the person breathes more slowly, then not at all. Because Naloxone basically knocks the opioids out of the opiate receptors in the brain, the overdose is reversed and the person is able to breathe again.
However, it is a temporary drug that will wear off in 30-90 minutes and the person should be watched for signs of continued overdose. The overdose victim must seek medical assistance or call 911.
Lack of oxygen from opioid overdose may lead to brain injury in as little as 4 minutes, yet the average EMS response time is 9.4 minutes. Seconds can count during an opioid overdose so it is vital if you have a loved one or friends who use, you need to have a plan in place. Most life threatening opioid emergencies occur in the home, witnessed by friends or family.
Brand names of Naloxone are Evzio, Narcan injection, Narcan Nasal Spray. They all come with simple, lifesaving directions and are easy to administer. Upon purchase, read and know how to use these devices and keep them readily available.
Some states have a third-party law where a concerned parent, employee or nurse at a school can obtain Naloxone and administer it without facing legal repercussions (known as the good Samaritan act). If you come in contact with a high-risk individual, you should have this lifesaving overdose antidote.
For more information and the availability of naloxone, go to http://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/naloxone-availability.html . If you are in need of a referral to a treatment center, call us at 1- 800-431-1754.
- Ray Clauson, Denham Springs, LA
Wake up and see the plan
We presently have an almost uninformed, or misinformed America. This includes our government leaders, news people, educators, and the rest of us.
Those who knew about the Muslim 30-year plan to conquer America, through immigration into our country, failed to put that information out to the public, or the media didn’t touch it.
That plan, such as, “Expanding the Muslim presence by birth rate, immigration, and refusal to assimilate,” is being carried out, as well as other parts of the plan. Not only by Muslims, but by many well-meaning Americans, who haven’t got a clue, they are being used, by them in their quest for “world domination.”
Being naïve and uninformed is no excuse. All countries are more than justified to ban Muslims from their country because all are endangered. America is no exception, but may be the prime target.
America should declare The Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist Group, not because we want to, but because that’s what they are.
All news organizations, which are failing to inform America, should first read, “The Muslim Brotherhood’s Strategic Plan.” The plan has been called,” To Conquer America Through ‘Civilization Jihad.’
One can easily see that Islam is not the word from the “ Living God our Creator.” It goes against His Commandments. God’s plan of salvation/heaven is by the blood of his precious Son, Jesus. Theirs is by spilling innocent blood of other humans. Murderers go to Hell in God’s plan.
- Manuel Ybarra, Jr., Coalgate, Ok