The In this issue: Inter Act by Dianna Gifford in the Legislative Building. We collaborated two very successful annual Women’s Health Fairs. Our Education Committee coordinates excellent training that is timely for the needs of today’s workforce. Goodbye from Dianna by Dianna Gifford Page 2 Ask the Governor Page 3-4 Meet the 2007-2008 Executive Board Members Page 4 Safe Driving After Dark by V. Sarah Barrie Agency in the Spotlight Pierce College Dianna Gifford past Chair for ICSEW Page 7 When I came in office my vision was to inspire others in membership to leadership. Then empower them. I accepted this office saying to ICSEW membership, “It’s all about you. What we accomplish depends on you. Be yourself.” by Audrey Pritchard Thank you, ICSEW for responding. Page 8 With Christine Gregoire in office, ICSEW has established excellent communication avenues with the governor’s office. We learned what our resources are for making policy recommendations to the Governor and state agencies with respect to desirable changes in program and law especially in the area of education, training, career development, and other conditions of employment. by Mary Davis Page 6 Historical Reflection by Robyn Bradshaw The Office Candy Bowl Projecting Self Image by Kim Hardeman Page 9-10 Female Heart Attacks by Anonymous “Success means you becoming your authentic self.” Sandra Smith Don’t forget to recycle your old cell phone (with battery charger and cords) to ICSEW’s on-going recycled cell phone drive. For further information contact: Sharon Edwards [email protected] Fall 2007 Issue Goodbye from Dianna Page 1 Page 5 Newsletter I am thankful for the opportunity to serve ICSEW. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. ICSEW is a group of powerful dedicated women. I enjoyed ICSEW’s inclusive supportive environment. I value the sharing of ideas that inspire ICSEW to action. We made leaps and bounds in restoring portions of ICSEW history. Housekeeping issues for the meetings went smoothly. We published this bimonthly news letter and continued to make improvements to our web site. We have great professional development pamphlets. We sponsored Public Service Recognition booths during Public Service Recognition week. We have an on going cell phone drive that benefits domestic violence victims. We coordinate an annual clothing drive, partnering with Workfirst, to help the unemployed with outfits for job interviews. To accomplish so much requires the dedication and hard work of all members. I thank you all. Remember it’s all about you. Be yourself. No one can do a better job at being you than you. I trust the new chair, Connie Riker, to share her leadership style and vision with ICSEW. And I trust the powerful women that make up ICSEW to support Connie in her new role and to embrace their own leadership role in improving the working conditions of state employed women. I appreciate the extraordinary teamwork displayed in coordinating ICSEW events. I appreciate the inclusive supportive environment. I appreciate the extraordinary teamwork displayed in the work of a great conference, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work event, and our recent Women’s Health Fair in the capital rotunda, PSRW booth, cell phone drive, and clothing drive. During my term we (ICSEW) hosted the Bi-annual Women in Leadership conference. We held two successful Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work day events ICSEW is a group of powerful women and I am thankful for the opportunity this past two years to have served with ICSEW. ■ INTERACT Ask the Governor “Governor Gregoire, what have you done to support women working in state government?” While I’m extremely proud of the fact that I’ve appointed more women to serve in governor-appointed positions than any other U.S. governor in the country at any time in history, I’m even more pleased to be working alongside intelligent women passionate about delivering exceptional public service to the people of Washington. As Governor of Washington, I am personally committed to hiring bright women to help me move this great state forward. Women currently hold 15 of the 29 positions on my executive Cabinet. They are at the helm of major agencies, including the Departments of Labor and Industries; Health; Agriculture; and Community, Trade and Economic Development. I have named women to 42 percent of the top policy posts in my office, have appointed 566 women (43 percent) to the 1,309 board, and commission openings filled since taking office in January 2005. I continue to be inspired by female peers in other elected positions. Washington is the first, and so far only, state to have women serving in both U.S. Senate seats and as Governor. I know firsthand just how productive women can be and what gifted managers, executives and public officials we can make. In Washington, women are getting that chance more than ever before. In addition, the public is benefiting from their skills, experience and leadership. Women make outstanding employees and leaders. The ICSEW is an organization that provides women with opportunities to grow and develop as leaders. I encourage women to get involved in organizations like ICSEW and take on leadership roles. ■ Washington State granted women the right to vote in 1910 2007-08 Executive Board Chair Connie Riker Department of General Administration [email protected] Vice Chair Amilee Wilson Department of Fish & Wildlife [email protected] Executive Secretary Sarah Barrie Department of Ecology [email protected] Historian Robyn Bradshaw Evergreen State College [email protected] Membership Mary Skube Washington’s Lottery [email protected] Treasurer Kim Sauer Washington State Liquor Control Board [email protected] Communications Linda Watson Employment Security Department [email protected] Conference Sarah Bland Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction [email protected] Education Michelle Lucero Department of Agriculture [email protected] Health and Wellness Kristin Reichl Department of Health [email protected] Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day Patricia Thronson Department of Information [email protected] CREATED/PUBLISHED 1909 by E.W. Gustin Professional Development Meagan Macvie Department of Personnel [email protected] INTERACT Meet the 2007-2008 Executive Board Members This year’s ICSEW Executive Board would like to introduce themselves to you, present their visions for the upcoming year, and share what they are most passionate about. The Executive Board includes the ICSEW Chair, Vice Chair, Executive Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian. Subcommittee chairs include Communications, Conference, Education, Health and Wellness, Professional Development, Membership, and Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Connie Riker, Chair: Connie has served on ICSEW since 2004. Her vision for ICSEW is to “increase ICSEW’s involvement in legislative and policy issues.” Connie is passionate about “helping my children grow up to be productive members of society and enjoy life to the fullest.” Amilee Wilson, Vice Chair: Amilee has served ICSEW for 1 ½ years. Amilee’s vision for ICSEW is “that all of us will become advocates for our fellow women state employees and successful at invoking positive change. Our vision for the education committee is to continue to provide unique and innovative trainings to state employees for both professional and personal growth.” Her passion in life “lies in providing a helping hand to others, whether that be serving on ICSEW, volunteering monthly at the Salvation Army soup kitchen, assisting with charity events, or volunteering at my children’s school Giving does a body good!” Sarah Barrie, Executive Secretary: Sarah began working with ICSEW in March 2006. “I volunteered to work on the 2006 conference and helped Jean Vanni with the silent auction. Lots of fun!” says Sarah. Her passion is life and the enjoyment thereof. Kim Sauer, Treasurer: Kim has been an ICSEW member since July 2005. “I was fortunate to be reappointed for another two year term. I plan to fully utilize the opportunity to learn and contribute to and from the committee,” says Kim. As treasurer she plans to support the committees in developing the fiscal year budget, provide cash flow reports, and maintain the financial data as well as actively participate in the Executive Board meetings and its sponsored events. Kim is passionate about her job at the Liquor Control Board. “As I manage the Mandatory Alcohol Server Training program at the Liquor Control Board, I strive to make a positive difference in promoting the responsible alcohol consumption by supporting and providing the guidance to nearly 1000 private trainers in educating more than 170,000 alcohol servers in the State of Washington,” says Kim. Robyn Bradshaw, Historian: Robyn has served ICSEW since August 2004. “I envision connecting our past with the present while building our future collections Top row left to right: Linda Watson, Kim Sauer, Amilee Wilson, Mary Skube Bottom row: Meagan Macvie, Sarah Barrie, Sarah Bland, Connie Riker, Robyn Bradshaw, Michelle Lucero, Wendy Sue Wheeler of ICSEW history,” says Robyn. Her passion is to “bring a sense of legacy and the desire to ensure our history is told with accuracy and available for reflection.” Linda Watson, Communications: This is Linda’s second year serving ICSEW. Her vision for the Communications Committee is to provide timely information to members and to state employed women. She hopes to help members share their knowledge through the ICSEW newsletter, Web site, and other communication formats. Linda is passionate about families and education. Sarah Bland, Conference: Sarah served as an ICSEW alternate for three years, and also represented the State Board of Education for two years. Her vision for 2008 is “to provide a forum in which working women at all levels can explore imaginative ideas and adopt innovative techniques to help them rise to new levels of responsibility, recognition, and reward.” She has a passion for life, learning and success. Michelle Lucero, Education: Michelle has been an ICSEW representative for three years. She co-chairs the committee with Wendy Sue Wheeler. Their vision for the education committee over this next year is “to expand in the locations, topics, speakers, and format of trainings that we sponsor,” says Lucero. Luceno’s passions in life “include family, friends, music, compassion, justice and continual personal growth.” Kristin “Kris” Reichl, Health and Wellness: Kris has served ICSEW for 1 ½ years. Connie Nabors shares the committee chairmanship. Their vision for the Health & Wellness Committee is to raise awareness of women’s health issues and to promote a healthy environment while creating lasting friendships. “I am passionate about providing opportunities for women to achieve all that they are possible of physically, mentally emotionally and spiritually,” says Kris. INTERACT Executive Board Members continued ......... Meagan Macvie, Professional Development: Meagan chairs the Professional Development Committee. Meagan is new to ICSEW, joining the organization in July 2007. Her vision for the Professional Development Committee is “to create opportunities for state-employed women to develop as leaders, professionals and individuals, largely through the ICSEW mentorship program.” She is passionate about building a future where her daughter is recognized, accepted and promoted for her unique talents and contributions. Mary Skube, Membership: Mary has been with ICSEW for a year. Her vision for ICSEW is “to connect women from all state agencies to support, learn, and mentor one another. This Committee is a tool for women to enhance and grow both personally and professionally.” Her vision for the Membership Committee is to “keep current the membership roster and to reach out to other agencies that do not have a representative in ICSEW.” She says she is passionate about gardening, and loves flowers. She finds “joy in making flower bouquets for others. I am passionate about visiting our elderly in hospitals and retirement homes…they should not be forgotten.” Patricia Thronson, Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (TODSTWD): Patricia has served ICSEW for two years. Her vision for TODSTWD is to “increase interagency participation and demonstrations of future opportunities for girls and boys as their education progresses.” She hopes to incorporate junior high school students into the TOD&STW Day event. Her passion: “to encourage those around me to celebrate life through a positive and creative attitude both personally as a way of life, and professionally as a way of communicating to those involved in our work-a-day world.” To contact an Executive Board member, see the ICSEW member Web site http://www.icsew.wa.gov. ■ Safe Driving After Dark by V. Sarah Barrie Transportation Officer Safe driving is a challenge in today’s hectic over crowded roadways, but night driving can be even more stressful. Are you aware that 90 percent of a driver’s reaction depends on vision and vision is very limited at night? The National Safety Council has distributed some driving tips for driving at night. For those of us who are age 50+, night vision can be an even greater problem. Older drivers have diminished physical skills, such as slower reaction time and less acute vision. However, depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision are all compromised after dark. Another dangerous factor is fatigue. Drowsiness slows reaction times and because the body thinks of night as the time to rest, you may become increasingly groggy driving at night. Some tips for safe night driving: In Western Washington where rain is normal year round keeping the light lens clean is a necessity. The headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows should be cleaned at least once a week. Make sure your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Judging the speed and distance of other vehicles is more difficult at night than during the day. Do not overdrive your headlights. You should be able to stop in the illuminated area. When following another vehicle keep your low beams on so you do not blind other drivers. Do not ever drink and drive. Alcohol acts as a depressant and can lead to fatigue. If you are too tired to drive any further, stop and rest a while or spend the night. If you are going to stop for a break, make sure you get out of the vehicle and get a break from the vehicle before continuing. If an oncoming vehicle does not lower its beams from high to low, avoid the glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as your guide. Observe nighttime driving rules as soon as the sun goes down. Early evening can be one of the most difficult times to drive since reflective light is deceptive. The latest statistics say Washington had 161 deaths on it its highways from January through April 2007. The statistics do not elaborate how many are night fatalities. ■ Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly. Author Unknown INTERACT Agency in the Spotlight .................. Pierce College by Mary Davis, Program Support Supervisor Pierce College Distance Learning Pierce College is proudly celebrating its 40th year providing affordable educational excellence and opportunities to the Lakewood, Puyallup, and surrounding communities. Each year, nearly 30,000 students attend Pierce College to begin a four-year degree program, learn new or upgrade current skills, improve general skill areas such as English or math, complete high school, or pursue courses for personal enrichment. The college originally started out as Clover Park Community College, evolved into Fort Steilacoom Community College as enrollment grew, and in 1986 was renamed Pierce College to better reflect the community that we serve. The Pierce College Puyallup Campus is located on South Hill in Puyallup; the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom Campus is located on Farwest Drive in the Lakewood area. Additionally, we maintain educational sites at Fort Lewis and McChord AFB, McNeil Island Correctional Facility, as well as numerous smaller sites located throughout the community, providing English as a Second Language, GED, Adult Basic Education, Early Childhood Education, and many communitybased educational classes. Both the Ft. Steilacoom and Puyallup campuses reached a long sought-after goal of opening brand new state-of-the-art childcare facilities this fall. The college serves a large multi-cultural and diverse student population. In addition, there are students from many nations who choose to attend Pierce College. This diversity is reflected in the staff, faculty, and administrators employed at the college and contributes to an added depth and enriched quality to the workplace. One of the fastest-growing areas of educational options is online, or distance learning. These courses are fully transcripted and transferable, using a variety of media ranging from audio and video materials to Internet tools like listservs, Web pages, email and courseware such as Blackboard. Pierce College offers a general AA degree fully online, perfect for the student whose schedule or location doesn’t permit attending on-campus courses. College employees can take most classes offered for an unbelievable low cost of just $5.00 per class. This has afforded many of our staff the opportunity to earn or complete a degree or certificate while working fulltime. In fact, staff often request that these educational opportunities be written into their Performance and Development Plan as opportunities for growth and advancement. Many staff continue their studies and The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. ~Sydney J. Harris earn bachelor degrees from local four-year colleges in the area. Employees can also take advantage of personal enrichment classes such as Yoga, fitness classes, computer classes, cooking a vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner, or even ballroom dancing for a nominal cost. The motto seems to be, “If someone wants to teach it, we will try to offer it!” If a particular work situation allows, employees can request a flex schedule, telecommute schedule, ‘regular’ work schedule, four ten-hour days, or a mix of the choices listed above. Especially nice in the summer is the nine-hour Monday through Thursday and four hours on Friday workweek, with the college closing at noon. Pierce College has been and continues to be committed to the support of ICSEW. As a guest speaker, District Chancellor Dr. Michele Johnson has addressed the membership on two separate occasions, speaking about mentoring and leadership topics, and offering insights on achieving personal and professional growth. We look forward to a continued and long association with ICSEW and encourage you to contact us if we can assist you with your educational goals. ■ INTERACT Historical Reflection by Robyn Bradshaw The Evergreen State College Let’s take a look back in the ICSEW history to a report called “Report on the status of women in state service September 1, 1976.” This report compared the employment of women in state service from 1971 to 1975 after the Affirmative Action measures were instituted in 1971. The report revealed very little change occurred in the status of women in state employment during 1971-1975. • In 1971, women comprised 42.1% (11,174) of the total state work force; whereas in 1975 women represented 43.8% (12,078) of the total work force. This is an increase of only 1.7%. • In 1971, the average monthly salary for women was $594, compared to $841 for men. In 1975, the average monthly salary for women increased to $802, compared to $1112 for men. The disparity in salaries between women and men in 1971 was $247 and increased to $310 in 1975. • In addition to the total women state employees employed within the clerical ranks, 42.9% of women were employed in traditional female positions including social service, medical and nursing. In 1975, 39.55% of total women employees were employed in these areas. • When comparing the 1971 to 1975 statistics, there was an increase of 5.8% of women employed in nontraditional areas. These areas included staff services and administration, law enforcement, inspection, hearings, agriculture, engineering, architecture and related positions, trades, plants, equipment, warehouse, farms, garden, fish, game, and parks. Because of an increase in the number of women in non-traditional jobs, representative interviews were conducted with women working in these areas to attempt to determine the degree of interaction of the women and their business associates. Several of the most common comments listed are far too familiar and representative to our last General Membership meeting in September of 2007. “I’m considered a token and am used as an example for all women in terms of success or failure on the job.” “Peer pressure is extreme. I’m expected to fail.” “My agency has set aside positions a woman can do; such as office jobs rather than a field job or in jobs where there is a lot of male support.” “I feel isolated because I’m the only woman in this area and because my male co-workers do not include me in informal meetings where work problems and situations are discussed.” “I’m not allowed to participate in training programs which are essential for promotion into higher level management positions.” It was apparent that the traditional stereotyping of jobs considered as acceptable “women’s work” was still prevalent within the system. Can we say the same stereotyping exists in the 21st century? Recommendations were made to state agencies to conduct affirmative action training for all agency personnel in order to raise awareness levels with regard to sexual stereotyping. The closing comment to the overall summary was thought provoking: Until it is recognized that women are capable individuals who want and need challenging, rewarding employment that makes use of their education and abilities, a major portion of the state’s workforce will continue to be under-utilized. Historical Piece of the Month of October: October 19, 1970, the Washington State Interagency Committee on the Status of Women (ICSW) was established by Governor Dan Evans, replacing the title of the Commission on the Status of Women established on February 20, 1963 under Governor Albert D. Rosellini. ■ INTERACT The Office Candy Bowl by Audrey Pitchford Office of the Insurance Commissioner Some of us love it. Some of us hate it. However, we all know where to find it – the bowl of free office candy! Folks often provide free candy as a way to connect with others, to welcome friendly interaction, and sometimes just to have handy access to sugar! However, if you are working to regain or improve your health, the office candy bowl may turn your job into a struggle. Perhaps you work in a reception area, where removing the bowl is not an option. Short of crying, filling the bowl with last year’s Easter candy, or dumping it in the garbage and acting innocent, what can a health-conscious employee who struggles with her own sugar cravings do? The ICSEW committee recently pondered this question, and brainstormed a few ideas, listed here in no particular order. If you are trying to avoid the candy: • Chew on coffee straws or gum • Bring your own healthy snacks to munch on, or ask coworkers to take turns bringing healthy snacks • Line up your healthy snacks between you and the candy bowl • Put a physical barrier between you and the bowl, such as a screen • Post a picture between you and the bowl, with a symbol to remind yourself to avoid the candy (such as “Mr. Yuk” or a skull and crossbones) • Post nutrition information about the candy between you and the bowl • Request healthier snacks, such as sugar-free candy, hard candies, or gum • Request a lid for the candy bowl, so candy will be less visible and tempting • When you want the candy, take a break or walk • Talk with coworkers and supervisors about your concerns, ask for their help and support, and brainstorm solutions with them • Talk to your union representative, shop steward, agency Wellness Coordinator, ICSEW representative, and other agency staff for resources and ideas • Join or organize a support group within your agency • Participate in the Governor’s Health Bowl or other wellness events, and challenge your coworkers to join you • Focus on areas where you have a lot of control over your health: meditate, exercise, eat regular healthy meals and snacks, spend time with friends and family, and do activities which bring you pleasure and joy If you provide free candy, think about ways you might be able to support your coworkers with the previous suggestions, and these ideas as well: • Move the location of the bowl – put it inside your office or in a break room • Limit how often you refill the dish • Put tags of encouragement in the bowl to help with wellness • Set up another fun alternative to welcome others to your work space – such as a hole of miniature golf or other game For supervisors and managers: • Sponsor an agency-wide health day • Sponsor an agency wellness program and support groups • Maintain an open-door policy • Seek balance between welcoming others and supporting employees • Conduct a survey with employees, to solicit their wellness needs Other good ideas are always welcome! If you have found a solution to the candy bowl dilemma in your office, and you would like to share it with others in an upcoming Interact article, please pass it along to your ICSEW representative or the ICSEW Communications Committee! Thank you! ■ INTERACT Projecting Self Image by Kim Hardeman Department of Labor & Industries The choices you make will leave a lasting impact on your professional relationships. What is the image you portray with your appearance? Do you realize the first impression you make with every encounter is the physical? from peers, customers and those you encounter. The following are examples of the types of clothing that are acceptable to portray a conscientious employee: Clothing that is clean, neatly ironed and fits. Working in an environment that is interactive with customers, whether internal or external, you will be judged on the selection of your wardrobe. When you work in a business casual environment, the apparel you choose could be different from a business professional environment. Certainly, you should dress appropriately for the employment you choose. If you work in the construction field, you wouldn’t normally wear a suit. On the same theme, you will want to wear neat and presentable attire if you are working in an indoor office environment. Items appropriate to your environment, i.e. not something you wear to go to the beach, mall or an evening of entertainment. When you select casual clothing, you portray a casual attitude. When you select a more professional, serious wardrobe, you will reflect a more professional attitude. You will receive a different type of respect When you plan your day, expect the unexpected. The opportunity of a lifetime may be coming your way today. ■ When you are getting ready for work, make work your priority. Display the importance of your job with your appearance. If you wake up feeling drab, that is the day you really need to concentrate on giving a fabulous physical impression to others and yourself. You will receive positive feedback which could in turn improve the way you feel and the way you are perceived. Figure 1: Computer Screen Enhance your manual with visual aids! Are you writing a user guide or informational resource? Make your document more comprehensive and engaging for readers by incorporating images of computer screens and/or program windows. Here’s how to: Capture an Image of a Computer Screen (Figure 1) 1. Select “Print Scrn/SysRq” on your keyboard Figure 2: Program Window 2. Within Microsoft Word, place your cursor where you want the image to appear 3. Select “Ctrl” and “V” on your keyboard simultaneously Capture an Image of a Program Window (Figure 2) 1. Select “Alt” and “Print Scrn/SysRq” simultaneously on your keyboard 2. Within Microsoft Word, place your cursor where you want the image to appear 3. Select “Ctrl” and “V” on your keyboard simultaneously INTERACT Female Heart Attacks One womans survival story Women and heart attacks (Myocardial Infarction): Did you know that women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have when experiencing a heart attack, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest and dropping to the floor like we see in the movies. Here is the story of one woman’s experience with a heart attack. “I had a completely unexpected heart attack at about 10:30 pm with NO prior exertion; NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might’ve brought it on. I was sitting all snug & warm on a cold evening, with my purring cat in my lap, reading an interesting story my friend had sent thinking, “Aah, this is the life, all cozy and warm in my soft cushy Lazy Boy with my feet propped up”. A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion, you know when you have been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel like you have swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion and it is most uncomfortable. You realize you should not have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly and should have drunk a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. This was my initial sensation - the only trouble was that I had not taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m. After that had seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up my spine (hindsight, it was probably my aorta spasoming), gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my sternum (breastbone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR). This fascinating process continued into my throat and branched out into both jaws. “Ah ha, now I stopped puzzling about what was happening--we all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of an MI happening, haven’t we? I said aloud to the cat and myself, “Dear God, I think I’m having a heart attack” I then lowered the footrest, dumping the cat from my lap, started to take a step and fell on the floor. I thought to myself “If this is a heart attack, I shouldn’t be walking into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else...but, on the other hand, if I don’t, nobody will know that I need help, and if I wait any longer I may not be able to get up.” I pulled myself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the next room and dialed the paramedics... I told the operator I thought I was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into my jaws. I did not feel hysterical or afraid, just stating the facts. She said she was sending the paramedics over immediately, she asked if the front door was near to me, and if so, to go unbolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in. I then lay down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness. I do not remember the medics coming in, their examination, lifting me onto a gurney or getting me into their ambulance, or hearing the call they made to St. Jude ER on the way. I did briefly awaken when we arrived and saw that the cardiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull my stretcher out of the ambulance. He was bending over me asking questions, (probably something like “Have you taken any medications?”) but I could not make my mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer. I nodded off again, not waking up until the cardiologist had already threaded the tiny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery into the aorta and into my heart, where they installed two side-by-side stints to hold open my right coronary artery. “I know it sounds like all my thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call, and both the fire station and St. Jude are only minutes away from my home, and my cardiologist was all ready to go to the OR in his scrubs and get going on restarting my heart (which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and the procedure) and installing the stints. “Why have I written all of this to you with so much detail? Because I want all of you to know what I learned first hand.” continued on page 10 INTERACT Heart attack survival story continued ........ 1. Be aware that something very different is happening in your body not the usual symptoms like chest pains but inexplicable things happening. It is said that many more women than men die of their first (and last) MI because they didn’t know they were having one and commonly mistake it as indigestion, take some Maalox or other anti-heartburn preparation and go to bed, hoping they’ll feel better in the morning when they wake up....which doesn’t happen. My female friends, your symptoms might not be exactly like mine, so I advise you to call the paramedics if ANYTHING is unpleasantly happening that you have not felt before. It is better to have a “false alarm” visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be! 2. Note that I said, “Call the paramedics”. Ladies, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER--you’re a hazard to others on the road and so is your panicked husband who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what’s happening with you instead of the road. Do NOT call your doctor--he does not know where you live; and if it is at night, you will not reach him anyway. If it is daytime, his assistants (or answering service) will tell you to call the paramedics. He does not carry the equipment in his car that you need to be saved. The paramedics do, principally OXYGEN that you need ASAP. Your doctor will be notified later. 3. Do not assume it could not be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count. Research has discovered that a cholesterol elevated reading is rarely the cause of an MI (unless it is unbelievably high and/or accompanied by high blood pressure.) MI’s are usually caused by long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts of deadly hormones into your system to sludge things up in there. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let us be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we have of surviving. ■ The InterAct is published by the Communications Subcommittee of the Interagency Committee of State Employed Women (ICSEW). Photocopying, distributing, or posting of this publication is strongly encouraged. This publication is available in alternate formats. Views stated in re-printed articles are informational and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ICSEW. All persons interested in submitting articles or ideas to this publication should contact their agency’s ICSEW representative or: Tammy Risner, Publisher Office of the State Treasurer (360) 902-9008 [email protected] 10