Compiled by Debra Scherban. Please send items to dscherban@gazettenet.com.
Unless you have a specific reason for not getting a flu shot — such as an allergy — the vaccine is very safe, even if you have heart disease.
In fact, heart disease increases the risk of complications if you get the flu, so it is highly recommended that patients get the shot.
Influenza, or the flu, is a known risk factor for cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The flu also can worsen heart failure or other conditions that can stress the cardiovascular system, such as diabetes or asthma.
It’s not entirely clear how the flu triggers cardiovascular problems. It may make artery-clogging plaques more unstable and vulnerable to rupture. It may lower oxygen levels and make the heart work harder. It may directly injure heart cells. Or it may simply put too much stress on a more frail body.
Even if you get the flu after receiving a flu shot, you’ll probably have a less severe case of the illness.
A recent review of research even suggests that getting the flu vaccine may reduce the risk of a heart attack. The review found that older adults who got the flu vaccine reduced their risk of heart attack over the next eight months by about 36 percent. Among older adults with pre-existing heart disease, getting a flu shot reduced heart attack risk by over half.
— Mayo Clinic News Network
The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament raised $113,200 this year to support Dr. Patrick Wen and his research colleagues in the Center for Neuro-Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
The fundraiser, held at the Crestview Country Club in Agawam, was started by Carla and Tommy Cosenzi, co-presidents of the TommyCar Auto Group of western Massachusetts, to honor the legacy of their father, Tom Cosenzi, who passed away from a glioblastoma in 2009.
In eight years, the event has raised $699,400 to support the work of Wen, Dr. David Reardon and investigators working to increase their understanding of the brain and central nervous system tumors and to translate these findings into therapies for patients.
The tournament was followed by a dinner at Chez Josef, also in Agawam, attended by more than 350 guests. Paul Lincoln, who is a brain tumor survivor, was the speaker.
“We are extremely proud to be able to support Dana-Farber’s world-class researcher’s work to reduce and ultimately eliminate the burden of cancer,” Carla Cosenzi said in a prepared statement.
TommyCar Auto operates four dealerships: Country Nissan in Hadley, Country Hyundai in Northampton, Northampton Volkswagen in Northampton and Patriot Buick GMC in Charlton.
As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip much of the nation, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help meet the constant need for blood this winter.
Millions of people are expected to take to the roads, rail and air to celebrate the season, which can cause fewer donors to be available and lead to a decline in blood and platelet donations. In addition, severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can temporarily prevent some from giving. Donors with all blood types are needed now to help patients
As a special thank you for taking the time to donate, those who come out to give through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Following are some upcoming local blood donation opportunities.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St., Northampton.
Jan. 6, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Stanton Hall, 26 Russell Road/Route 20, Huntington