HAPPENINGS

As part of NMSC's ongoing commitment to community service projects, public health education and patient awareness, numerous forums and seminars were presented in the first three months of 2002. The community education programs were open to the general public and were of course, free of charge. The goal was to provide quality information for the concerned public and create awareness regarding prevention of disease where possible and treatment if necessary. NMSC also presented continuous medical education programs for the healthcare professional community.

The crowd attending the forum

Photos of participants and activities during two of the programs are displayed below. They are from the public forum for "Common Kidney Diseases" held on Sunday, 24 February 2002 and a mini conference on Infectious Diseases that featured international and local speakers that are specialist in the field.

Section of participants mostly local general practitioners who attended a seminar on Infectious Diseases at NMSC on Wednesday, 20 March 2002.

Speakers at the forum (Left to Right) Dr. Clarence Lei, Dr. Clare Tan, Dr. William Chau

ANGER DANGERS

WHEN YOU GET ANGRY, your body responds as though you're in physical danger or vigorously exercising - your heart begins to race and your blood pressure goes up. If you have heart disease, it may increase your risk for chest pain (angina) or heart attack. There may also be a connection between chronic suppressed anger and heart disease, though that is less clear. Before you act on your anger, ask yourself, "Just how important is this issue to me? Am I mad enough to risk my heart for this person or situation?"

• When confronted with a frustrating situation, stop before you respond. Counting to 10 does work.
• Take deep, calming breaths.
• Respond matter-of-factly.
• Be assertive, not aggressive.
• Communicate with the other person. State what's bothering you without attacking.
• If you need to confront someone you are angry with, plan your response and keep it focused.
• If you find you can't control your anger, get counselling.

ROB SAUNDERS/LAUGHINGSTOCK, Mayo Clinic