Northwind 3/23/06

Posted by David Engels 
 

WHATCOM COUNTY NORTH ROTARY

NORTHWIND

 

March 23, 2006

 

Meeting to Order: President Scott called the meeting to order at 12:36pm; Deb Wiggs greeted the club in Kenyan. Scott then led us in the pledge of allegiance. Gary Tomsic provided the invocation.

 

Visiting Rotarians: Adam Finfer introduced the visiting and guest Rotarians: From the Bellingham Club, Bob Westford and from out of town, George Tsakumis and district governor, Harv Jubie.

 

Guest of Rotarians: none noted.

 

Returning Rotarians: Tony Cubellis returned from spending 14 days in Mexico.

 

Birthdays:  President Scott announced a slew of upcoming birthdays: Tony Cubellis; Rose Abbaspour; Addie Brown; Adam Finfer; Rich Jacobson; and Dick Langabeer.  Happy birthday to each and all!

 

Foundation Minute: Today's minute focused on Foundation Scholarships.

 

Announcements: Ken Richardson announced that we have 3 weeks for RYLA nominations. The club has budgeted for two individuals. Remember, this program is for individuals between the ages of 18-25 and can be related to Rotarians. Paul Cooley reminded the club that Career Fair is 3/31. Hilary Baumstarck reminded the club about signing up to volunteer for the Fun Run. Bill Grace said there are current copies of the roster available so if you don't have one, pick one up. President Scott announced the early leaver policy now known as the "scooter" policy; you must pay $3 and obtain a "scooter" button and also apologize to the speaker.

 

Happy Bucks: Ken Richardson and his wife are celebrating their 37th anniversary (congrats Ken!); Bill Grace donated blood for the 105th time and will donate proceeds from sale of garden benches to WCN Foundation for the Dick Metcalf Project, if interested, let Bill know ($250 w/o back and $350 w/back); Mel Hollinger's new hearing aids "can hardly see a thing"; Deb Wiggs will sell your books on tape on eBay and proceeds donated to Dick Metcalf Project (already made $20 last week); Mary Kanikeberg was the first "scooter" donator, apology to the speaker; Scott Wallace had a good fishing trip; Larry Pollett skied 10 different ski areas with Jake in 12 days (yes, Jake survived); Jim Bliss had to leave early; Nancy Harrison loves the arrival of spring, daughter home from college; Tony Cubellis was happy to be back and not happy to be back; Dick Langabeer had to leave early; George Tsakumis is happy the district governor is in attendance and birthday of grandson; Randy Carr is happy to stay and hear the speaker; and Marlene Sexton's husband went to LA.

 

Finemaster:  The $5 maximum fine is in effect today.  Scott Wallace is taking the podium. Scott's theme for fines today is: "you should be happy if⿦.."; you are wearing a tie ($1); you ate more than one cookie at lunch ($1); you own stock, because the DOW is over 11,000; you are a Huskie or Zag fan for their March madness success; you are Paul Cooley (picture in Business Monthly); you are a Ferndale resident (new event center); you are a government employee (health care benefits paid for); you own an SUV, pickup, Motor Home (can afford gas); you drink bottled water (more expensive than gas); you are a state park visitor (park fees removed); you don't understand the "SayWA" slogan (you're in the majority); you own a GPS (won't get lost like that drug-running family in OR); you are a current or retired educator (high turnouts for WASL); you are a BC ferry rider (haven't hit a rock); you are an attorney (BIA v. Orca lawsuit where attorneys win because of fees collected).

 

Banners:     The banners depicted various water scenes in honor of World Water Day, another great theme by Stan.

 

Program: Dave Adamson introduced Linda Krafsur, a clinical nutrition specialist. Linda discussed the topic of cholesterol.

 

Heart disease is currently the number one cause of death and disease in the US and high cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Cholesterol is used and needed by every cell in the human body. It is essential for brain function (no wonder I'm so smart); it also keeps moods level (that's why I'm so even-keeled).

 

Cholesterol has the following profile: LDL is the lousy cholesterol, most unstable and builds up in the arteries (wait a minute, what about the brain function and mood level?); HDL is the helpful cholesterol, shuttles lousy (LDL) out of the arteries (I need more of this); VLDL is the very lousy cholesterol (I have a feeling I have too much of this); and triglycerides are fats (my diet), high levels cause plaque buildup in arteries (must be why I have bad circulation).

 

The sources of cholesterol come from what you eat (e.g. animal products); and internally a majority is made in the liver as a result of food by-product. When you eat carbs (my diet, again), the excess eventually is converted into triglycerides and cholesterol. This is then transported by VLDL which circulates through the blood stream (I'm starting to get a picture of why I have high cholesterol).

 

Stress is a leading cause of high cholesterol (that's it; my whole lifestyle is killing me). When you are stressed the body releases adrenaline which mobilizes the storage of fat and protein in your body and converts it to sugar. If the fuel that is created is not needed, then it is converted into cholesterol or triglycerides.

 

The "optimal" numbers when you have your cholesterol checked are as follows: total number less than 200; LDL below 130; HDL above 40; and TG's below 150. The LDL goal of being below 70 will avoid increased risk of heart disease (I'm doomed).

 

You can control your cholesterol by diet, exercise and managing stress (I'm sure all you accountants have this in control this time of year). Your diet should consist of "real food", not "fake food"; should be balanced with protein, healthy fat, carbs and vegetables. Vegetables contain "sterols".  The presence of sterol reduces and can turn off the production of cholesterol. Conversely, the presence of insulin turns on an enzyme which starts the production of cholesterol.

 

Eat real food; have 3 well-balanced meals each day; never skip a meal; always include protein as your main source of a meal; include healthy fats and low saturated fats; include some complex carbs; and avoid salt.

 

Exercising regularly will help lower stress, which can help your cholesterol. If all else fails, look into controlling your cholesterol with statin drugs. They are well tolerated and safe. However, diet and exercise is the first line of approach (yes, must try it more than just one week); if that doesn't work, speak with your doctor about medication options.

 

Drawing: John Aubert had his ticket called, but did not draw the ace of spades, which is probably a good thing since Dan won the whole pot last week. The pot grows bigger.

 

Editor this week:  Greg Thulin