Ship's Log - USS Star League

Our Science department went AWOL to Risa missing the July monthly report. However, our Medical Officers provided input for the August report.

All you hear on the news is "America is Obese", like it was a sickness or a crime to be overweight. Well, maybe it is to some extent, but it is really a crime to make the weight-challenged (I like that!) FEEL as though they are sick, or even a criminal. True, some people have mental or emotional problems that cause them to overeat, but these people
will not be helped by being treated in such a way, it will only hurt them more. Okay, but what about those of us that simply have trouble losing weight, or at least, in keeping it off? First ask yourself why you want to lose weight, in the first place. To look good for someone? To be able to wear those cute clothes they seem to make only for the skinny little sticks that pass for women these days? To improve your health and lower your chance at things like diabetes and heart disease? All of the above? That's okay, really. To feel good about oneself is the most important goal you can have. Whatever the reason, it's YOUR reason, and that's what counts. Now, a few words of advice from the Chief Medical Officer (Me, or did you forget?), learned from many years of TRYING to diet. Notice the TRYING. I've learned a number of things that work, and a LOT that don't. First of all DO NOT follow any "fad diet". None of them work, not permanently, and they can cause serious damage to your health. Second, DO
NOT cut any type of food completely out of your diet. For example, CARBS ARE GOOD! DAIRY IS GOOD. FATS ARE GOOD! WHAT DID I JUST SAY!!!!! YES, fats are good for you.....the right kind of fats and in the right proportions. In fact, you will have trouble digesting ANY food if you cut fats completely out of your diet. No carbs? Better load up on Ex-lax.....you'll need it. And if you cut out dairy, think of the vitamins and calcium you'll lose. Actually, the only thing you can safely cut out entirely is sugar...the granulated type, not that found in various fruits and vegetables. Now what I'm about to say may shock you, make you think the ol' CMO has taken one space-walk too many (Boy,the stars are so pretty with nothing between them and me!), but I have long thought this, and I actually read it in a health magazine in the doctor's office. If you REALLY want that slice of cake or that brownie, or that bowl of ice cream, EAT IT! Just be sensible about it. Have one small or medium slice, one small or medium bowl, eat it slowly, and ENJOY it! Doctors have finally discovered a very old fact of life.....the more you deny yourself something, the more you want it. Eventually you'll give in (if you're human, vulcan, klingon, ferengi, or whatever), and then you'll most probably splurge, eat too much, feel like a pig, and fall into a serious case of guilt because you fell off your diet. Therefore, indulge yourself a little now and then. Permit yourself to enjoy something you really want. And DO NOT feel guilty about falling off your diet.....this is part of the reason you went on that diet, in the first place, to feel good about yourself. Think of it as a reward for all the times you decided you didn't want it that badly. One more thing before I sign off. Excercise. Start slow, go easy, don't push too soon. If it hurts, it is NOT good for you!!! Okay, one more thing, I get to say " I TOLD YOU SO !!!" Did anyone else read the article in USA Weekend in the Augusta Chronicle about diet drinks? I have always said I did not like diet sodas, they taste funny, they're not "the real thing", and I had my doubts that they were really good for you. The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio did a study that proved people who drank diet sodas gained more weight than people who drank regular sodas. The study followed more than 600 people for up to eight years They ranged in age from 25 to 64 and had normal weight at the beginning. At the end of the study approximately 33% of those drinking 1-2 cans per day of regular soda, and 47% of those who drank more than two cans a day, became overweight or obese. Of those who drank diet sodas, approximately 54% of the 1-2 cans per day group, and 57% of the more than two a day group, became overweight or obese. Why? There are several theories, but the one that made the simplest sense, and I have seen it myself......those who drink diet sodas and other diet drinks make the mistake of thinking that this means they can now eat a sweet roll or
cupcake, or whatever, since they saved the calories that would have been in the drink. And, often, more than one, or a very large slice. So, though the drink may have been "calorie neutral", it produced a calorie surplus. I always thought that, if it was fake, it couldn't be good for you! Hey crew, let me know how you like my "column" and feel free to give me feedback. Do you want to hear more medical advice from the Ol' CMO ?

You saw Bones use it in "Star Trek VI-The Undiscovered Country" as he attempted to save Chancellor Gorkon. Used correctly, it can buy time until a rescuer arrives with a defibrillator. It's Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR), and, as the resident CPR/First Aid instructor on the USS Star League, I would like to say my bit on the importance of being trained, and maintaining certification in, CPR.

CPR is the procedure in which blood with oxygen is delivered to the brain and other vital organs of the body through a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths, buying time until a trained rescuer can arrive with a defibrillator to give an electric shock to the heart in order to attempt to bring it back to a normal heartbeat. It does not restart the heart by itself. Many workplaces require CPR training, and for good reason.

CPR training is offered by the American Red Cross and American Heart Association. It is not hard to learn. More advanced classes also teach students how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). AEDs are found in airports, some shopping malls, department stores, health care facilities, and other public places. The machines use voice prompts to tell the user what to do.

Now for a few words on the importance of CPR training. Being trained to help save the life of a family member, friend, loved one, or a stranger...what more can be said? It also exemplifies the principle of Starfleet and Star Trek: "Let me help."

Now to debunk a few myths about CPR. Although one may see an actor pound on a "victim's" chest with a fist on a show, precordial thump, as it's called, is not taught in CPR classes and has not been since 1979. So don't even think of using it! Also, one might have seen defibrillation simulated on TV medical shows, but there are just some things that will not happen in real life:

1. A victim will not buck his/her hips several feet off the floor or table when the shock is given. (Can you say

2. Defibrillation will not work if a victim is "flatlined" because there is no rhythm to shock. An AED will not shock a

victim whose heart is completely stopped; it will tell the rescuer to check breathing and pulse and to give CPR

Notice that I did not say anything about how to give CPR. This is because you can only be certified after taking and passing a course from the American Red Cross (which may also include first aid training) or American Heart Association. So get to your local chapter and take that class! If you are already certified, maintain it by retaking the course before your card expires.

PO3 Max, Cmdr. Jana Sandarg, & Lt JG Carl Irvin enjoyed a nice day at the park. There's nothing like food cooked on the grill!

In memory of 'Scotty', who passed on July 20, 2005, please send me your favorite memory of James Doohan for publication in the next Ship's Log or two. It can be about any experience you had in meeting him or in your favorite episode of Star Trek.

051001 - Crew Walk - 1530 - Green Way in N. Augusta, off of Buena Vista Avenue

0512 - Cmdr Denise James - Communications; Cmdr's Mickey & Jerry Holden - Security