CAPE GAZETTE, Friday, June 20 - June 26 1997 - 37
HEALTH & FITNESS
Sussex recognizes survivors of cardiaLc arrest
The Sussex County Emergency Services
hosted the First Annual Phoenix Club cere-
mony on May 21 at Sussex Council Cham-
bers in Georgetown.
Lars Grnholm, a Sussex paramedic and
Phoenix Club chairperson, provided open-
ing remarks. "The purpose of the reception
and the club itself is to recognize survivors
of cardiac arrest, as well as the individuals
who played a key role in their survival," he
said.
The Phoenix Club was first started by the
Florida Chapter of the American College of
Emergency Physicians in the early 1980s.
Granholm developedthe club in Sussex.
"The phoenix is a mythical bird which in
death is consumed by fire. Out of the fire
springs another young bird to carry on the
species•
"The rebirth of the bird symbolizes the
second chance of life given to the survivors
by the actions of bystanders and persons in-
volved in the emergency medical services,"
said Granholm.
Eight cardiac survivors were inducted in-
to the Phoenix Club for 1996, receiving a
plaque and Phoenix Club member pin.
They included Alvin Whiteman, Alice
Wozniak, Chad Neibert, John Roope,
Thomas Bradford, Paula Smeltzer, James
Erwin and Miriam Fleming, ranging in age
between three and 75 years old.
Over 40 emergency service providers
were recognized as well. This included
personnel from the Delaware State Police,
area volunteer fire, rescue and Emergency
• Medical Services (EMS) agencies and Sus-
sex EMS, whocame to the aid of individu-
als. Additionally, five civilian bystanders
were recognized that evening for their part
in initiating CPR on several survivors. They
received a certificate from the Phoenix
Club and a Certificate of Achievement
Award, presented by Sussex Councilmen
Those honored during the first Phoenix Club Ceremony in Sussex County on May 21 include (back row, l-r) Rocky
Green, Dean Hollinger, Brent Hudson, Don Evans, Mike Stathem, Franklin Martin, Gary Walls, Chris Quillen, Lars
Granholm, Ronnie Johnson, Cliff Neidig, Cpl. Joe Myers, Sandy Doughty and Dave Nesbit; (middle row) Joe Morris Jr.,
Joe West, Colin Wintjin, Craig Farren, Charlotte Parramore, Tim Keane and George Torbert; (front row) Finley Jones,
Lynn Rogers, Thomas Bradford, Alvin Whiteman, James Erwin, John Roope, Harry Fletcher and Steve Braney.
Lynn Rogers and Findley Jones. said.
Recipients were Sandy Doughty, Rocky According to the American Heart Associ-
Green, Dr. Jeff McCann, Don Evans and ation (AHA), over 500,000 people die each
Dean Hollinger. "Without their willingness, year from heart attacks. About two-thirds
to get involved, we might only be inducting die before they reach the hospital and many
five survivors instead of eight," Granholm deaths could be prevented if someone rec-
ognizes the early symptoms and calls 911
for an ambulance and paramedics. Prompt
• application of cardiopulmonary resuscita-
tion gives them a greater chance of sur-
vival.
Contact the AHA for more information.
• gloved and lubricated finger into
the anus and feel for polyps or
other growths.
In men, the prostate can be ex-
amined at the same time. Upon
withdrawal-of the finger, a small
amount of fecal material is placed
on a special card which helps to
detect invisible amounts of blood.
This whole process should only
take a minute or two and for
women, can and should be made a
part oy the pelvic examination.
The flexible sigmoidoscopy in-
volves the placement of a small
diameter (approximately the size
of a pinky finger) tube which is
quite soft and flexible, into the
anus.
The tube has a camera lens and
a light at the tip which allows the
doctor to see inside the colon: If
any abnormality is detected, a
small.piece of tissue or biopsy can
be taken for eventual examination
under a microscope.
At Bayview Endoscopy Center,
for example, patients are asked to
complete three Fleet's enemas at
home on the morning of the exam-
ination. Patients change into an
examination gown in a private re-
eovery room just prior to the test.
During the procedure itself, pa-
rents are placed on their left side
in a fetal position and the endo-
scope is placed into the rectum.
The patient is kept as covered as
possible to prevent embarrassing
exposure. The test itself lasts ap-
proximately seven minutesl
There may be brief iaeriods of
discomfort during the procedure.
However, most patients generally
do not feel it is painful.
Following the test, patients are
invited to enjoy coffee, juice and a
light snack. There is no residual
discomfort following the test, and
therefore a normal schedule of ac-
tivities can be planned afterward.
By utilizing these simple
screening techniques, colorectal
cancer can be detected early, if not
prevented, in most asymptotic in-
dividuals without a family history
of colon or other cancers. It is
never too late to start. Start today.
On Friday, June 27, Bayview
Endoscopy Center, in conjunction
with Eastern Shore Gastroenterol-
ogy Associates, will be offering
free sigmoidoscopy screening for
individuals who are under-insured
or uninsured and who meet the
criteria for screening as outlined
in this article. This screening will
be by appointment only, so please
call early and reserve your time.
/
HEALTH TOPICS
ROBERT DECKMANN
Robert Deekmann, M.D., is
a gastroenterologist at East-
ern Shore Gastroenterolgy
Associates in Lewes.
Colorectal cancer is the second
leading cause of death from can-
cer in the U.S. Nationwide, ap-
proximately 50,000 people per
year die from this disease.
Survival rates have steadily im-
proved over the past five decades,
Much of this success can be attrib-
uted to improved methods of
treatment. But, as with the treat-
ment of breast cancer, earlier de-
tection and hence, earlier treat-
ment, have been pivotal in im-
proving long-term survival.
While early detection is critical,
colorectal cancer, unlike breast or
cervical cancer, can be prevented.
It is generally accepted that most
colon cancers begin as a non-can-
cerous polyp or growth on the
colon wall.
Over a perit)d of several years,
changes may occur in these'areas,
transforming the polyp into a can-
cerous tumor. If these polyps are
periodically removed, prior to any
transformation, colorectal cancer
can be prevented.
Colorectal cancer can be more
common in certain families. Peo-
pie at increased risk include those
with first degree relatives (par-
ents, siblings or children) who
have had colorectal cancer, breast
cancer or other cancers of female
genitals.
Also, women who have already
been diagnosed with breast cancer
are at increased risk for develop-
ing colorectal cancer. Those who
fit into one of these categories
should contact their physician for
advice on what screening tech-
niques are recommended.
Early detectiola and prevention
involve three basic techniques:
digital rectal examination, stool
testing for occult (non-visible)
blood and flexible sigmoi-
doscopy. The various national
gastroenterology societies and
cancer societies have agreed that
the-first two techniques should be
performed annually beginning at
the age of 50 in patients at average
risk and that flexible sigmoi-
doscopy be performed every five
years as well.
The digital rectal exam requires
that the care provider place a
Early detection is essential: a simple screening could save your life
