Meeting of November 2nd

Beetle Bailey hosted our program with our speaker Angie Sisk. Ms. Sisk enlightened us about the disease "Maccular Degeneration", and asked Beetle the question that has no answer "how about those Gamecocks?" Please contact Beetle personally for his answer. Also joining Beetle for the presentation was his wife Debra (shown here closest to the flag). Full meeting report will follow on this site.


Last Meeting
November 2, 2005
Reporter – Patty Cavanaugh
President Hite brought the meeting to order with Kevin Adams giving the invocation. Molly Cousins gave a report on the dictionary project, sharing endearing thanks received from River Springs Elementary students. Ray Hunt updated us on the Fall Social Oyster Roast to be held Wednesday, November 9 at Inglewood Manor. He requested a volunteer (because of a resignation) to find sponsors and to oversee the Annual Golf Tournament. December 14 is our Christmas party, to be held at Ascot Club House. Chris Joye reported that the Harbison project is in progress. Chuck Larsen announced the Irmo Chamber’s Annual Auction to take place on November 17 to benefit five charities and Irmo High School.
Beetle and Debbie Bailey introduced Angie Sisk, an Occupational Therapist from Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital (296-5486), who presented a program on macular degeneration. MD is related to aging; the macular (part of retina in back of eye) degenerates, central vision is lost, and peripheral vision remains -- more than 10,000,000 Americans are affected. By age 75, more than 15% have MD. It is the leading cause of blindness over the age of 55. There are two types of MD, with dry MD being less severe than the wet form. Causes of MD are genetics, age related, nutrition, smoking, sunlight exposure and being Caucasian. MD limits safety – contributes to falls and injuries, limits independence and socializing. There is no cure, but treatments include laser and occupational therapy and teaching patients to use vision most effectively. Prevention of MD: 1. Wear UV eye protection; 2. diet high in fruits and vegetables, especially leafy green; 3. stop smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke, and 3. exercise regularly. Prescription antioxidants can be obtained. Avoid partially hydrogenated oils; use olive, canola, flaxseed or safflower oil. A number of community resources are: reduced bus fare, Pitts Eye Fund, MD Support Group at 779-4449, State Library talking books 734-4611, Commission for the Blind (898) 398-8787, and Shepherd’s Center on Trenholm Road. Occupational therapy is covered by Medicare and medical insurance.
After thanking Ms. Sisk and presenting her with a Rotary pen, President Hite adjourned the meeting, with a reminder that the Fall Social Oyster Roast will take the place of a regularly scheduled Wednesday meeting next week.