Wednesday, January 14, 2009

STROKE: Remember the 1st Three Letters....S.T.R.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(I.e. It is sunny out today.)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other,that is also an indication of a stroke.

KEEP CALLING

If you have been trying to call Mike and getting a recording that his mailbox is full, please try again. He has been notified and was going to clean it out so he can get more messages. He is doing much better now, so don't be surprised if he answers. The last report that I had from Linda was that he is anxious to get back home, being out and about and gathering with friends again. He will have 12 weeks of physical therapy in Paragould so that will be a comitmment on his part. He has been advised to make sure he completes it because 12 weeks is nothing compared to the misery he could endure for the rest of his life if he doesn't have it.

Mike's heart attack has hit a little close to home. It has been an eye opener for some of us and is a motivation to eat right and get more exercise. Let's make it a resolution for 2009 to be more active and be aware of any "symtoms" that would indicate a problem.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Death of a Classmate's Dad

Doise Winfred Lack

PIGGOTT — Doise Winfred Lack, 85, of Corning, formerly of Piggott, passed away at Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould Friday, Jan. 9, 2009.

Graveside services will be Sunday at 2 p.m. in Piggott Cemetery with interment following.

Survivors include one son, James Lack, and wife Sharlene of Kennett; one daughter, Dian Herren, and husband Douglas of Corning; three grandchildren, Tessa Dees, Melody French and Brian Herren; one great-granddaughter, Nyla Dees; and many other family and friends.

Monday, January 5, 2009

UPDATE ON MIKE'S SURGERY

January 10, 2009

I have been away from my computer so there has not been an update in a couple of days, but this is what we have now.

Patsy Loveless wries:

I talked with Lora Faye this morning and she has asked that Mike not have guests for a few days, perhaps later in the week. He is weak from the ride home from the hospital and needs a few days to recoop. Lora Faye said that Mike really seems to enjoy listening to messages that we leave on his cell phone and has asked that we continue to do that until he is up to seeing visitors.

Marty writes:

Since I do not live in Piggott and I did not have Lora Faye's number with me while I was in Piggott on Saturday, I went to check on him and to see him if I could. Mike said it was ok, so I was able to slip in for a few minutes. . . .He says he is really sore and that he misses his cigarettes! I thought he looked good considering the ordeal that he had just been through. Lora Faye has him all set up with a nice place to recover and he seems in good spirits - or as good as can be expected.

See below for telephone numbers.
The address for sending cards is 896 South 12 Avenue, Piggott, AR 72454



January 7, 2009

I just talked to Michael's mother. She told me that Michael is feeling better but is still in a lot of pain. She said he is talking much better but is still weak, as we all know he would be and will continue to be for a while. She said he has some "stuff" in his lungs that he has to cough up so it won't cause pneumonia but, of course, it hurts him to cough. If he can get that up and things continue to go well, he could possibly be moved into a room today. Michael has his cell phone but has not felt up to using it. His mother's number is 870-324-0552 if you would like to check in with her from time to time. Linda




January 5, 2009

This is to let all of you know that Mike's mother, Lora Faye, just called and said Mike's surgery was over at 2:30pm and all went well. He had
three bypasses. He is in intensive care at the time being but will be moved into a room as soon as he is able. She has his cell phone. His number is 870-598-4543. Please keep him in your prayers. Linda

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Classmate's by-pass surgery

On Tuesday evening, December 30, Mike Howell was air evac from Piggott to St. Bernards. According to his mother, he had 3 heart attacks and is scheduled for triple(at least)by-pass sugery on Monday, January 5.


This is the message received this morning:

I called the hospital this morning to talk to whoever was there with him but none of the family was there at that time. The lady at hospital did tell me he was still in intensive care. The # there is 870-972-4232. If someone from his family is there and they will talk to you, you can call there.

As some of you know and I am sure some of you don't know, Mike Howell had a serious heart attach last Tuesday night. He has been in
intensive care at St. Bernard's hospital in Jonesboro since that time. Some of you have called and emailed asking about Mike. I just got off the phone with his mother, Laura Faye and she told me that he was moved into a room today (room 2000). She said considering what has happened, he is doing really good. He is feeling much better and wanted to come home but they told him "NO". He will be in room 2000 until 7am Monday morning at which time they will take him for a 3 possibly 4 bypass surgery. If all goes well, he will be in intensive care for so many hours and then will be transferred into another room. He should be released next Saturday (if all is going as expected) and will be going to his mother's home on 12th street. Mike has his cell phone with him and his number is 870-598-4543 or you can call 870-972-4100 and ask for room 2000.

e-mail received from Donna Parks after a Saturday visit with Mike:

Mike is looking really good and says that he feels good too. He seems to be ready to get the surgery over with and get on with his life. They will be doing the surgery around 7 AM on Monday, January 5, and I think they said it could last up to six hours. You can go to www.sbrmc.com and click on the Ewell link and send him email.

A message from Steve Champ.

Hey Classmates:

I pray that everyone is safe and happy this New Year’s Morning. I hope that 2008 was good to everyone, and that 2009 will be even better.

Some of ya’ll may already know that on the morning of 12-31-2008 my DAD passed away. It has been a long time in coming with all that he has gone thru in his life. His passing is eased with knowledge that he and Mom got to eat breakfast together that morning. They talked, laughed, and joked with each other. He then went back to bed to lay down and it was over.

I feel drawn closer to my family and friends now more than ever. Dad talked much about friendship these last few years. I have seen and talked to many people that were indeed his friends. A Man is rich if he has the Lord, family and friends.

I just wanted everyone to know we are doing O K and that time will ease the pain somewhat.
Have a wonderful 2009 that is the wish I have for Each of you!

Steve Champ
Charles Robley Champ

PIGGOTT — Charles Robley Champ, 92, of Piggott passed away Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008.

His parents, Charles and Lucy Case Champ, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Dovie Champ of Piggott; children, Mary Margaret Mann of Kansas City, Mo., Charles Champ of Statesboro, Ga., and Steven Champ of Piggott; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, James Champ; and sister, JoNell Hopkins.

Services will be Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 10 a.m. in Hoggard & Sons Chapel in Piggott with Charles Carrens and Loy Culver officiating. Burial will follow in Piggott Cemetery. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be at 6 tonight January 2, 2009, in the funeral home.