No More Darvocet
The FDA has withdrawn propoxyphene from the market due to the high correlation of potentially serious and sometimes fatal heart rhythm abnormalities. Propoxyphene, manufactured by Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, and sold under the trade names, Darvon and Darvocet has been the subject of FDA scrutiny since January 2009, as well as in the European markets. The FDA is advising healthcare professionals to stop prescribing propoxyphene. Patients who are currently taking the drug should not abruptly halt their medication but should contact their physician as soon as possible to discuss switching to another pain-management therapy.
"Long-time users of the drug need to know that these changes to the heart's electrical activity are not cumulative," Gerald Dal Pan, MD, Director of the Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology. "Once patients stop taking propoxyphene, the risk will go away."
PROJECT H.O.M.E.
Project H.O.M.E. (Housing, Opportunities for Employment, Medical Care, Education) empowers people to break the cycle of homelessness, address the structural causes of poverty, and attain their fullest potential as members of society.
Project H.O.M.E. achieves its mission through a continuum of care comprised of street outreach, a range of supportive housing, and comprehensive services. We address the root causes of homelessness through neighborhood-based affordable housing, economic development, and environmental enhancement programs, as well as through providing access to employment opportunities, adult and youth education, and health care.
The Project H.O.M.E. community appreciates receiving your support through the donation of in-kind items. Project H.O.M.E. has a wish list which includes many items. If you are interested in donating any of the following items please leave them in the sacristy by next Friday, October 10. Residential Programs Wish List include new twin sheets, new or gently used blankets & comforters, pillows, & pillowcases, bath & hand towels, & washcloths. Diabetic snacks are also on the wish list.
The donated items will be taken to Project H.O.M.E. Thank you for your support.
PERSCRIPTION DRUG EXTRA HELP PROGRAM
Over 110 Medicare recipients in Drexel Hill may be paying more for their prescription drugs because they haven’t filed for the “Extra Help” cost-savings program. To learn more go to www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.
HELP A NEIGHBOR IN NEED
For some cancer patients, just getting to their treatments can be one of the most difficult challenges they’ll face. You can help in the fight against cancer by volunteering to help drive patients to and from their treatments when they may have no other way of getting there. Please consider volunteering for this rewarding opportunity. Schedules are very flexible and you can drive as often or as seldom as you would like. To learn more contact Kelly Bradford at (610) 692-9831, ext. 114 or call 1-800-ACS-2345.
Help Wanted!
The Little Sisters of the Poor are looking for a part-time Dietician one day per week for a 44 bed LTC facility located in SW Philadelphia. Fax resume to (215) 727-8521 or e-mail
phhumanresources@littlesistersofthepoor.org.
SWINE FLU UPDATE
Federal Health and Human Services Department declares a Public Health Emergency
Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
There is no vaccine available at this time, but the swine flu can be treated with certain antiviral drugs such as TAMIFLU, which must be taken within 12 to 48 hours of initial symptoms to be effective. TAMIFLU is only available by prescription from your healthcare provider. Persons with swine flu are contagious for up to seven days or longer after the onset of illness, so it is important to take the following steps to prevent spreading the virus to others:
- Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others
- Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest and exercise
- Seek care if you have influenza-like illness
YOU MAY SAVE A LIFE
The Parish Nurse Ministry Library has non-certified CPR kits for adults and infants sponsored by the American Heart Association. These kits include a 20 minute DVD and are available for parishioners to borrow at any time. Please call (610) 789-9914 if interested.
MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL DIRECTORY
The Parish Nurse Ministry in conjunction with the youth group has established a directory to act as a resource for both the youth and parishioners. The directory is available on the website www.stdots.org. To date, over 75 parishioners have responded. If you have a background in the education or medical fields, please submit your information in writing to the rectory or at dotsparishnurse@stdorts.org.
Ignatian Volunteer Corps
Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) is men and women, age 50 and over, sharing
their skills, talents, and life experiences with organizations that directly
assist people who are poor, or address issues related to poverty. To learn more
about the IVC go to www.ivcusa.com.
Mercy Fitzgerald HospitalMercy Fitzgerald Hospital is looking for new members to join the hospital’s auxiliary. If you are someone who is interested in sharing your time and talents please contact Laureen at (610) 237-4983.
CPR AT HOME
The Parish Nurse Ministry has CPR at Home kits for adult and infant use. These kits are designed to familiarize, but not certify, those interested in the CPR technique. If you would like to borrow a kit, please cal the Nurse Ministry Office at (610)789-9914.
CARLIN CARING BRIDGE
If you would like to visit the website for Leo Carlin go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/leocarlin. You can read daily blogs and keep up with Leo’s progress.
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