To order "How to Write Letters for All Occasions," send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby, Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)
Minority Organ Donors Are Encouraged to Stay Healthy
DEAR ABBY: For many years, there has been much discussion about the need for more organ/tissue donors. The death of the Chicago Bears football great Walter Payton, who had a rare liver disease that could have been treated if an organ had been found and a liver transplant performed early on, should heighten awareness. With this particular disease, if an organ is not found and a liver transplant is not performed, the disease can result in cancer, at which time a person cannot receive a transplant.
With new names being added to the national waiting list and 12 people dying each day waiting for an organ transplant, will there ever be enough organs to help those who need them?
The National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP) has taken a different approach to help with this problem. First, we educate communities about the diseases and lifestyles that cause people to need transplants in the first place. This includes high blood pressure, diabetes, not eating healthy meals, drinking alcohol, using drugs and not going to the doctor at least once a year for a checkup. If people adopted healthier lifestyles, the number of people who need a transplant would be fewer.
Also, when comparing the number of healthy organs to the number of unsuitable organs of persons who wish to be donors, it is clear that healthier lifestyles would greatly improve the chances for people to donate healthy organs. This would ultimately result in more lives being saved. In many cities, we offer blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose (for diabetes) screenings, and distribute prevention information to encourage people to take better care of themselves.
Second, we show the community that they can be a part of the solution by giving them an opportunity to plan and participate in activities that help others learn about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Also, those who have received transplants or donated a loved one's organs share their stories -- because the best way to educate people is to make sure they hear the message over and over again.
National MOTTEP has programs in 15 cities across the country. Each program works with schools, faith communities, shopping malls, beauty salons, barber shops and other community organizations to educate others about the need to become organ and tissue donors.
Most recently, National MOTTEP developed a Sports Council for Transplantation, which is being spearheaded by basketball Hall of Fame member Oscar Robertson. The purpose of the Sports Council is to gain the support of athletes, coaches and sports journalists to increase organ and tissue donations among minorities.
National MOTTEP was created to increase the number of African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Alaska Natives who sign donor cards, have family discussions and become donors. There are more than 65,000 men, women and children on the national transplant waiting list. Almost half of them are minorities.
It is not only important to get more individuals to become organ and tissue donors, it is equally important to make sure these same people take care of themselves and live healthier lifestyles so they won't end up on the transplant waiting list. -- CLIVE O. CALLENDER, M.D., FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR, NATIONAL MOTTEP
DEAR DR. CALLENDER: For many years I have stressed the importance of organ donation, and also the need for potential donors to be certain their families are willing to carry out their wishes when the time comes. No one should have to die waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. For more information about how you can help save a life, please call MOTTEP at (800) 393-2839.
Woman's Spiked Bar Drink Could Have Been Last Call
DEAR ABBY: The letter about club drugs really hit home. I would like to warn all young women about the potential for their drinks to be "dosed" with these drugs without their knowledge.
I went to a neighborhood bar over Thanksgiving weekend, and found myself feeling very woozy and overintoxicated for the amount I had to drink. I had left my drink on the bar while I went to use the ladies room, and when I came back, it tasted strange. Since it was a new drink, I assumed the bartender had mixed it differently.
Shortly after consuming this drink, I became sick to my stomach and lightheaded. A fellow I had chatted with -- and who coincidentally had offered to watch my drink -- started asking me questions about how I felt and if I wanted a place to crash. I have no doubt he had less than innocent intentions.
Fortunately, two gentlemen by the names of Andrew and Chris came to my aid. They stayed by my side, talking to me, keeping me alert, calling a car service for me and making sure the other guy didn't bother me.
I left the bar before thanking them; so, Abby, please let me thank them now.
Ladies: Do not leave your drink unattended, no matter what! And if the drink tastes "funny," don't drink it! While most of these drugs are tasteless and odorless, others have a salty taste. Just be careful! And to all the Andrews and Chrises out there -- thank you. -- CHRISTINE IN MIDLOTHIAN, VA.
DEAR CHRISTINE: You are a lucky young woman. You had a very close call. The young man who doctored your drink is a predator.
Your comments about never leaving a drink unattended are important. I hope young people will pay attention. It may seem like a cold reality, but it's part of being streetwise and self-protective.
DEAR ABBY: I am a volunteer at a local animal shelter, and I'm deeply concerned about pet owners who do not take full responsibility for the safety of their pets. Every day dogs and cats are brought in off the streets without tags or identification. Many of them are wonderful, loving pets who belong to someone who didn't bother to put identification on them for one reason or another. As a result, thousands of these wonderful animals are put to death every year because their owners can't be located.
Abby, it is heartbreaking to have to euthanize healthy animals due to lack of shelter space and available homes. Please inform your readers of the importance of putting ID tags on their pets. It could save a lot of heartache. -- ANIMAL LOVER IN BEND, ORE.
DEAR ANIMAL LOVER: I'm pleased to publicize this important reminder to pet owners. Dogs and cats are curious creatures who often like to wander. If the animal is picked up, proper identification can literally mean the difference between life and death, so please don't procrastinate.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more attractive person, order "How to Be Popular." Send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)
Babies Cry for Many Reasons All New Moms Should Learn
DEAR ABBY: Usually I do not interject my opinion to total strangers. However, as my wife and I were sitting at a table in a mall, there were two women at the next table. One of them had with her a screaming infant in a buggy. Finally, the mother lifted the baby into her arms and began bouncing it around. The baby cried even more, so the infant was put back in the buggy with a disgusted thrust as the baby continued to scream.
I spoke up, saying, "The baby may be thirsty." The mother found a bottle full of water and stuck it into the baby's mouth. The baby not only stopped crying, but attacked the water as if its life was dependent upon it.
I have heard women say about crying babies, "Don't worry -- the baby is just exercising her lungs." Abby, a baby's cry is a signal that something is wrong.
When a woman first becomes pregnant, a nurse in her doctor's office should instruct her about care for a crying baby. When the baby cries: Is she thirsty? Is he hungry? Is the baby wet and in need of changing? Is she too hot? Too cold? Are the bed clothes wrapped so tightly around the baby or his arms or legs that they are shutting off the circulation? (Lift the baby completely out of the crib and look things over.) The baby might also have an extremity caught in the buggy parts.
Finally, if it is none of the above, the baby might be sick. Learn how to take the infant's temperature. If the temperature is above 100 degrees F, take the baby immediately to the emergency room unless his or her doctor is willing and able to see the infant immediately. -- RETIRED DOCTOR IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.
DEAR DOCTOR: Since babies don't come with directions included, that's excellent advice, for which I thank you.
Many books have been written about the care of newborns, and parenting classes are available through hospitals, some high schools and community colleges. However, your letter provides a quick "ready reference" for a parent on the run.
DEAR ABBY: Everyone, children and adults, who gets lost or is in danger should know Morse code for SOS. It's easy. Just learn this: . . . - - - . . .
You can yell it, tap it out, blow it on your car horn, blow it on a whistle, write it (in very large print) into sand, or lay large rocks on a beach spelling the SOS. The Morse code by voice is: "DIT DIT DIT-DAH DAH DAH-DIT DIT DIT." Many people know this SOS signal -- Scouts, airmen, ham radio operators, boaters, etc. If you think you're in trouble, and know you're within hearing distance, yell, "MAYDAY!"
I learned Morse code in flight school and never forgot the SOS call. Please print this, Abby. I want no one -- ever -- to be in need of an SOS and not know how to send it. -- FEMALE PILOT IN RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF.
DEAR FEMALE PILOT: Since I don't know Morse code for "thank you," I offer my gratitude for your letter in English. The SOS is a handy bit of information to have. Even if one never has to use it, it's good insurance.
Abby shares her favorite recipes in two booklets: "Abby's Favorite Recipes" and "Abby's More Favorite Recipes." To order, send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 per booklet ($4.50 each in Canada) to: Dear Abby Booklets, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included in price.)