Update from New Orleans, 9/17/05

Hi again --

I miss hearing you guys on Sunday mornings. When this is all over I am going to talk to the hospital director at Ochsner about a ham radio station for the institution. They had almost zero communications for several days after the hurricane.

New Orleans is a strange place. The skyline at night is mostly black -- I saw stars for the first time since I moved here. The smell is not nice. Our mayor did point out that New Orleans is now a crime-free and drug-free city. This presents a unique opportunity to keep it that way.

By the way, he is a wonderful mayor and a true hero. Those school buses that they keep showing on national TV belong to the state and their drivers are state employees.

Terry and I plus some flooded friends will be allowed to move back into our house on Wednesday. Utilities are promised to be on. There will be plenty of work to do for the next several weeks. Thanks again for your prayers. I promise we will have another MARCO meeting in New Orleans one day!

Chip, N5RTF

Dr. John McCann, WB5BHB Safe and Sound!

I received the following message from Marita Bakay, a friend of WB5BHB's from their days together at Baylor:

Dear Bruce,
Just got word from John's sister that they're OK. Just some property damage. Unfortunately, his in-laws lost everything, but they're OK, too. I am so very grateful. Thanks for being a strong arm during this tough time.
Best regards,
Marita

Good news, indeed!
-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 11, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we were rained out by poor propagation..we talked about Katrina and Smitty was good enough to send a list of the emergency frequencies which will be posted in the next NL.

This Sunday we will talk about Ultra fast spiral CT--the one you heard so much about starting in 1999 that could pick up the calcium deposits in the coronary arteries and predict (?) one's possible upcoming heart attack. Only cost $500 cash and could save your life (?). Now Siemens has a new 64 slice unit that is more accurate--it was depicted in TIME magazine of Sept. 5, 2005. Keep on the cutting edge--tune in Sunday 14.308, 10 a.m EDT.

Chip our Prez is OK in New Orleans sleeping in his office.

N5RTF now at work in New Orleans.

We stayed with Terry's parents for 2 weeks. On Sunday, Terry went to Texas with the dog and tortoises, and I returned to work at Ochsner Clinic Foundation (1 of only 3 functioning hospitals in southeast Louisiana). I sleep in my office, and the hospital is patrolled by National Guardsmen with M16's. Food is regular, but interesting.

Work so far has consisted of supervising a small inpatient psychiatric unit and refilling meds and talking with patients over the phone. I cover the ER for psych every other night. Tomorrow we try to open a small outpatient clinic.

I did get to check the house -- much tree damage, and many roof slates are missing. A tree is leaning on the back of the house (see photos). Electricity is off, but water and sewerage are still in operation. My antenna pole and inverted vee are still up also!

An announcement was made that we may be allowed to return to undamaged areas of the city on Monday. We may spend a few days in a friend's condo in the French Quarter if power is not restored to the house. With a job and places to live, Terry and I are much better off than many of our friends and neighbors. We are also very grateful for the concern of MARCO members and MediShare's contributions to the relief effort.

Chip and Terry.

This was taken near WA1HGE's place in Maine near Winter Harbor. Maine does great lawn art! I sent dues notices out thru Oct 1... But check the current NL being mailed and send me your dues if close.Saves us a buck or 2. PS also donate to Ludin Fund!

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 11, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday on Grand Rounds we will discus a very good concise article that appeared in the Sept. 5th edition of TIME magazine titled "HOW TO STOP A HEART ATTACK BEFORE IT HAPPENS." It is about the new 64 slice CT scan of the heart and its capabilities. If you have had any experience with this new modality please be on board.

NEWS (North, East, West,South)...President Chip is safe outside of New Orleans. Al Breland KA7LOT, expects to be back on the air soon as he winds up duty in AZ. Paul N6DMV is back in Hungary for a Ham meeting. Danny W4DAN is now 1 month post Fx left leg and reports progress.

I was in Washington DC last Sunday and was unable to get on the air. Hope you fellows kept the log of checkins. Will post the standings next week as the report filters in.

If you have any extra change, dig in and send it to Bill for MediShare relief in N.O. The news media is giving HAMS some credit but the Wall St. Journal said there were 270,000 hams in the US....it actually is around 650,000. They also called our media "antiquated but still good." Bull bull bull, Talk to you fellows Sunday.

More Information on Hurricane Katrina Relief

MediShare International Chairman Bill Stenberg, N5QF is back from Alaska, and sends the following information:

Dear All,
Again we are facing great disasters, and we are all being asked to help the less fortunate in their time of need. We will be making a group contribution on behalf of MARCO to Direct Relief International for the aid of the victims of the Gulf Coast disaster. If you would like to make a contribution, send it to

MediShare International
c/o William Stenberg/ N5QF
611 West Downing Street
Tahlequah, OK 74464
Please make checks out to: "Ludin Memorial Fund" and make a note directing it to the Gulf Coast disaster. DRI has a very good history of making sure our donations do the most good in helping those in need. We have partnered with them in the past, i.e., last years Tsunami project, and they were very grateful for our support, as well as very responsible with the funds. Please help if you can.
Here in Northeast Oklahoma we are currently receiving about 3000 evacuees into the Camp Gruber facility. Our hospital (Hastings Indian Medical Center) is providing physicians and nurses, and we are also providing ham radio support around the clock. We have had a good response from local hams to work in 12 hour shifts (I am scheduled for Saturday from 7pm to 7am). We are hoping that life can get back to normal for these people, but we realize that it will take a long time.
73 from N5QF,
Bill

William Stenberg, DDS, MPH
Director, MediShare International
www.medishare.org

Chip and Terry Keister Alive and Well!

I received this email from Chip, N5RTF on September 2.
-KM2L

Hi Bruce.

Terry and I decided to leave New Orleans when Katrina reached Cat 5. We finally got out of the city about 5:30 p.m. Sunday with all of our pets but very few belongings. We are living with Terry's parents for a while in Jackson, MS.

We have been in touch with friends who stayed behind. Their house flooded, so they moved to ours which is above sea level. The house itself sustained roof damage and caught a falling tree limb in the back. All utilities were turned off and our friends left today. Crime has been really bad. We hope the army will make a difference.

I brought one HF radio and have a dipole in a tree to listen to the New Orleans radio station. I forgot to bring an antenna tuner, so I can't transmit. I will listen to the net Sunday. Feel fee to post this on the Email reflector. I will write in again later.

Chip & Terry Keister

MediShare Solicits Donations for Hurricane Relief

As MARCO's Secretary Robin Staebler, WF1R, most aptly stated, "This is America's Tsunami."

MediShare is accepting donations for the relief of Hurricane Katrina's victims. Although details are still being worked out, we will partner with one or more experienced relief agencies.

You may send your contributions to

Robin Staebler, MD
Secretary, Medical Amateur Radio Council
144 Head of the Tide Road
Belfast, ME 04915

-or-

Louis Wiederhold, MD
Treasurer, Medical Amateur Radio Council
219 Main St P O Box 300
Francestown, NH 03043

-or-

William Stenberg, DDS
Chairman, MediShare International
611 W. Downing
Tahlequah, OK 74464

Please indicate that your contribution is for Hurricane Katrina support.

Awaiting Word From MARCO President, N5RTF

Marco's President Chip, N5RTF resides in New Orleans.

We last spoke with him on Sunday, August 28 as hurricane Katrina bore down on the city. At that time, he and his wife Terry were preparing to evacuate.

We all hope and pray for their safety.

MARCO Grand Rounds, August 28, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

As of this date no news from our President Chip Keister N5RTF in New Orleans...when last heard from Sunday he was contemplating moving out of the city. Any news place on Listserve. Also no news from John WB5BHB in Vancleave, MS.

Last Sunday we discussed the use of guidelines which are primarily used for one disease and which get complicated when there are several comorbidities present especially in older patients. Our checkins are doing very well: To date, Aug. 28 checkins for 2002: 875; for 2003, 966; for 2004, 1,021 and for this year 1,045. KD4GUA, Warren, will be in Washington D.C. this weekend, and Harry WB9EDP has gratiously volunteered to be net control Sunday. Please keep record of check-ins...program pending.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 21, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

We finished up on B-12 last week (if you missed it, it will appear in the next Newsletter). We are still ahead of last year with check-ins and last year was a record year. We had some unusual check-ins Sunday, i.e., WB2UFO checked in, W4UVS, Ed Westcott, came on board after having a CVA and he did very well. Linda KE5BQK's" husband Bernie (KD5QHV) managed to land on the net and Bob Morgan VE3OQM came through for the third straight week.

This week JAMA Aug 10 2005 Page 716, "Guidelines and Quality of Care for Older Persons." It basically says guidelines (known as cookbook medicine) may be OK when the patient has ONE disease but most older people have multiple diseases and things get mixed up. Tom W3GAT is bringing some ammunition to keep the show explosive. Isn't it great what the ter----- are doing to the drug industry! They wiped out the small airplane manufacturers, they are working on the doctors and now the drug companies. Bill, KC9CS, our Abbott Rep should have some GOOD comment.

MARCO Grand Rounds, August 14, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed the importance of vitamin B-12....we ran short of time so will continue that discussion this Sunday.

The reason B-12 is important is the body needs 9 essential amino acids which it does not produce. From these 9 the body adds 11 more with the aid of B-12. For example, Methionine is a necessary amino acid ...from this it is converted to homocysteine and then to cystine another essential amino acid. If there is a deficiency of B-12 there will be an elevation of the homocysteine level in the blood and we know that is NOT good. Increased risk of CV disease.

There is an excellent article in JAMA Aug. 10, 2005, Page 716, "Guidelines and Quality of Care for Older Patients." It basically says guidelines (cookbook medicine) may be ok when the patient has ONE disease, but most older people have comorbid pathology--more than one disease and then when you introduce two guidelines you start getting into trouble. Plan on discussing this week from Sunday unless someone has something else to bring up.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 7, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday electrical storms caused a postponement on the lecture "B-12 Deficiency in those over 50." Harry WB9EDP came up with a remarkble off-the-cuff discussion on "ionization" that was a winner. Incidentally, the National Acad. of Science has just come up with a study that states, "Even very low doses of radiation pose a risk of cancer over a person's lifetime. It rejected some arguments that tiny doses are harmless or may in fact be beneficial (Australian uranium miners had a higher life expectancy than non-miners!)

Danny, W4DAN, had the misfortune of falling while cutting wet grass on a Tennessee hill resulting in 4 fx in the lower left leg. He is now home with a cast.

This week we will back on the B-12 schedule. Remember, MediShare net Monday nights 7.225 at 9:30 pm eastern.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 31, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday, Lou WA1HGE, discussed "The late withdrawal of implantable defibrillators." Did the Company withhold information after two deaths to prevent massive legal action? We never did solve that one! Good News: Our check in rates up to Aug. 1st read as follows: 2002--755; 2003--816; 2004--889; 2005--895. This week we will discuss B-12 Deficiency in those over 50. We had some interesting checkins Sunday--VE3OQM came back after a two year absence fixing his kitchen. Peter N3NCD and Doug KB3HER from HEW's club station in Maryland came on board. We also had about 5 checkins to the MediShare net on Monday night at 7.225 and Echolink N5UUA-L. Also, got a new address on Gene N3HG who is now living in what he describes as a "prison" of steel, called a Retirement Villa? (no radio antennas allowed, can someone pass him a saw?)

MARCO Grand Rounds, July 24, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA

This Sunday, Lou WA1HGE requested time to present a mystery disease....as a back-up we may discuss "B-12 Deficiency In the Eldery."

The Newsletter went out yesterday and you should receive it Monday.

MARCO Grand Rounds for Sunday, July 17, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Sunday we discussed ionization and the difference between air-purifier ionizers and ozone generators. There were 2 stations, K9PEP and KI5DT from the International Health Society that does work in Honduras We lost them when we asked about their activities. This week we will continue the same subject. Harry, WB9EDP, our physicist, will be net controller as KD4gua will be attending a family reunion in Pottstown, Pa. We had 32 checkins which is good for this time of year. Tune in 14.308 Sunday 10 a.m Eastern Daylight time. The Newsletter went to bed & should be in the mail by the first of the month.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 10, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed "How to Improve Health Care in the USA." A poll was taken and the winner was: Go back to the old system of pay for service to the doctor and health insurance for hospital care (8 votes, although 3 of us thought it had outgrown itself?) Trailing with 2 votes each were: The Canadian system, the English system, the Federal Reserve type one-payer system, (the Military system got one vote and having your own insurance system (?) got one vote. Incidentally, we had only 2 on the Monday Echolink.

This Sunday we will discuss "Ionization," which pertains to radio and medicine. Harry, our physicist, is going to help out with this one. Tune in 14.308 Sunday 10 a.m. EDT

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 3, 2005

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we had a VERY interesting 45 minutes discussing what is wrong with today's American medical system. Next week, we are EACH going to come up with the answers. So far here is what we have :

1. Establish a US Council on Health Care, a system similar to the Federal Reserve, where politics and suing are largely eliminated. A one-payer system where basic care would be mandatory for all adults. Advance care can be obtained elsewhere. The money would come from two taxes, a gross receipts levy on businesses and a flat tax. (If you are for this, state "I am for #1--or #2,#3 etc. In this way we can poll the group.) SAVE THIS.

2. Continue the present Medicare system but allow all those from 1 day to 16 to be included and lower the age from 65 to 64, 63, one year each year. Withholding tax would raise from 2% to about 3.5%.

3. Establish a basic medical care system on the foundation of military medicine. Run by doctors (not insurance companies nor lawyers). The program could be run by the Dept. of Defense (against disease). Financing would be established by Congress. Funds might be diverted from aid to other countries to aid to our own people.

4. Return to the system that worked prior to the present mess....pay for out patient services and ONLY private insurance for hospital care. Remember we learn from history what works and this did work!

5. 6.7.8.9.10,11,12 pending.

Think about the above and place your plan below and number it so ALL can be discussed. Doctors are fed up being puppets for insurance companies, governments and lawyers. Our patients are listening and WE should deliver. Make it brief and to the point...and oh yes, spread the word--patient input is most important.

Renewals (updated)

George Delatush WD4KCU
Roger Higley W8CRK
Fred Halik K2EU
Robert Reichman WA3IHV
Floyd Brinley K3EVC (I corrected the address Floyd)