[RVRC] cross post: [HamRadioHelpGroup] Digest Number 7514

Tue Mar 1 13:27:59 EST 2016

To: HamRadioHelpGroup at yahoogroups.com

There are 7 messages in this issue.

Topics in this digest:

1a. Re: Ham Radio and Pacemakers
     From: KA9QJG

2a. Re: Prayer Request
     From: Christopher Young

3a. ARRL visit?
     From: Christopher Young
3b. Re: ARRL visit?
     From: Mark Brueggemann
3c. Re: ARRL visit?
     From: Chip Griffin

4a. It was a long time coming....
     From: Bruce-WB2EQM
4b. Re: It was a long time coming....
     From:  richdjschmuke

Messages
________________________________________________________________________
1a. Re: Ham Radio and Pacemakers
     Posted by: "KA9QJG" KA9QJG at COMCAST.NET ka9qjg1
     Date: Mon Feb 29, 2016 1:34 pm ((PST))

FYI

I was really surprised  as big as this group is and lots of Elderly 
Members I did not get one Reply to My question ,, But since this may 
affect all of us or someone We know  Here was a answer I got from a 
couple of Local Ham Friends  thought  would also share I hope  no one 
minds …….

Thanks 73 De Don KA9QJG

Don.
In response to your Email about your wife's heart problem and the use of
  a Pacemaker. my heart has been beating since 1992 and never had any 
kind of problem. Being a HF and UHF user in the radio spectrum for 
almost 20 years find that sometimes peoples analysis of this situation 
is not fact.
Radios send their signal through a shielded  co-ax cable to the antenna 
therefor not presenting any kind of RF to the radio around it. 
Otherwise.. their might be a problem with the radio itself. Also the 
freq that the body uses is not near our Ham Freq's. The life of the unit 
is about 7 years so it has to be changed according to the battery life, 
because it being sealed it has to be replaced when EOL end of life) 
arrives. A minor operation. More of a precaution for infection you must 
remain in the hospital for a while. sometime overnight. Any questions 
Don and I can respond to them but not as an authority but a person who 
has one installed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_cardiac_pacemaker

Devices that may Interfere with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators 
(ICDs)

:Aug 21,2015

Modern Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) have built-in 
features to protect them from most types of interference produced by 
other electrical devices you might encounter in your daily routine. 
However, since they are implanted to prevent sudden cardiac arrest and 
can deliver therapeutic shocks, it is prudent to pay attention to your 
physician’s instructions and try to avoid sources of disruption.

   ICDIf you have an artificial ICD, always:

·   Be aware of your surroundings and the devices that may interfere 
with pulse generators.

·   Carry your ICD ID card to prove that you have an ICD. Download the 
ICD Wallet ID card.

·   Tell healthcare professionals you have an ICD before they start any 
test or procedure using medical or electronic devices.

·   Notify the doctor or nurse where you work that that you have an ICD.

·   Move away from or turn off any equipment you suspect of interfering 
with your ICD. Your ICD will rarely be permanently damaged and will 
resume its normal activity. Inform your healthcare provider of any 
concerns regarding your device.

·   When in doubt, consult your doctor.

   Devices that may or do pose risks

Anti-theft systems (also called electronic article surveillance or EAS): 
Interactions with EAS systems are unlikely to cause clinically 
significant symptoms in most patients. However, the American Heart 
Association recommends that you:

·   Be aware that EAS systems may be hidden or camouflaged in entrances 
and exits in many businesses.

·   Don't stay near the EAS system longer than is necessary.

·   Don't lean against the system.

Metal detectors for security: Interactions with metal detectors are 
unlikely to cause clinically significant symptoms in most patients. 
However, the American Heart Association recommends that you:

·   Don't stay near the metal detector any longer than is necessary.

·   Don't lean against the system.

·   If scanning with a hand-held metal detector is necessary, tell the 
security personnel that you have an ICD and request an alternative form 
of inspection. Ask them not to hold the metal detector near the device 
any longer than is absolutely necessary.

Cell phones: Currently, phones available in the United States (less than 
3 watts) present a very small risk to ICDs due to wireless transmissions 
from the antennae.

·   Technology is rapidly changing as the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) makes new frequencies available.

·   Newer cellphones using these new frequencies might make ICDs less 
reliable.

·   A group of cellphone companies is studying that possibility.

·   Keep your cell phones at least 6 inches away from your ICD by using 
them on the ear opposite your ICD site and avoid keeping them in your 
front chest pocket.

·   Keep walkie-talkies ( 3 watts or less) at least 6 inches away from 
your ICD site

MP3 players/headphones: MP3 players do not pose the risk; the headphones 
do. Most contain a magnetic substance, and research has documented that 
placing the headphones too close to the ICD caused interference. That 
same research showed that ICDs were twice as likely to have interference 
as pacemakers were.

·   Keep your headphones at least 6 inches away from your ICD.

·   Never rest your head on the chest of a person with an ICD while 
you're wearing headphones.

·   Both the earbud and clip-on types of headphones can cause 
interference.

·   Do not place headphones in a breast pocket or drape them over your 
chest.

Radios: Can possibly affect how the ICD works.

·   CB radios or amateur ("ham") radios under 3 watts should be kept 6 
inches away from the implanted device. CB and “ham” radios (3-15 watts) 
should be kept at least 12 inches from your ICD. CB and “ham” radios 
(15-30 watts) should be kept at least 2 feet from your device.

·   CB radios (under 5 watts) should be kept at least 12 inches from 
your ICD site.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL): A noninvasive treatment 
that uses hydraulic shocks to dissolve kidney stones.

·   ESWL should be avoided in patients with ICDs.

·   Discuss your specific case with your doctor before and after the 
treatment.

   Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A noninvasive diagnostic tool that 
uses a powerful magnet to produce images of internal organs and 
functions.

·   MRIs are not recommended for people with ICDs. Discuss options with 
your physician. Some types of ICDs may be OK for an MRI; however, your 
doctor and technician will need to review your ID card and consult to 
make sure.

   Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation: A medical 
procedure that uses waves to manage a wide variety of arrhythmias.

·   Your doctor should carefully evaluate the risk; the procedures may 
be acceptable with certain precautions taken.

High-frequency, short-wave or microwave diathermy: A medical procedure 
that uses high-frequency, high-intensity signals for physical therapy. 
These may interfere with or permanently damage the pulse generator.

·   Not recommended for people with ICDs.

Therapeutic radiation (such as for cancer treatment): May damage the 
device’s circuits.

·   The degree of damage is unpredictable and may vary with different 
systems.

·   The risk is significant and builds up as the radiation dose 
increases.

·   The American Heart Association recommends that the ICD be shielded 
as much as possible and moved if it lies directly in the radiation 
field.

·   ICDs have been shown to be more sensitive to radiation therapy 
interference than pacemakers.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): A medical device 
used to relieve acute or chronic pain with electrodes placed on the skin 
and connected to a pulse generator.

·   Most studies have shown that TENS rarely interferes with some types 
of ICDs; however, TENS can interfere with other types and can interfere 
on subsequent TENS treatment even after showing no interference on 
initial treatments.

·   TENS may be acceptable with precautions taken such as careful 
evaluation and extended cardiac monitoring.

·   Not recommended for use on the torso.

   CT and CAT Scans: Diagnostic specialized x-rays called computed 
tomography (CT scan) or computed axial tomography (CAT scan) that 
combined with computers create multiple images of areas inside the body 
that are being examined.

·   Depending on the scanner being used, some ICDs may receive 
interference so be certain to have your doctor, electrophysiologist or 
technician discuss the procedure first.

Electrolysis: A procedure for removing unwanted hair.

·   Be prepared to provide a note from your physician before 
electrolysis can be performed.

·   Certain precautions may be recommended by your doctor and device 
manufacturer.

Electrocauterization: A procedure used in surgery to stop bleeding.

·   Your doctor should carefully evaluate the risk; the procedures may 
be acceptable with certain precautions taken.

Other medical procedures that may be possible when the necessary 
precautions have been taken:

·   Acupuncture with electrical stimulus

·   Ultrasound

·   Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

·   External defibrillation including use of AEDs

·   Stereotaxis

Power-generating equipment, arc welding equipment, jumper cables, and 
powerful magnets: Such as found in some medical devices, heavy equipment 
or motors can inhibit pulse generators.

·   Stay at least 2 feet away.

·   Working with this equipment is not recommended for people with ICDs.

·   Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about being around 
such equipment.

Magnets: Magnets in general may or may not affect your ICD operation so 
it is best to avoid close and prolonged contact with any of them. 
Magnets can activate a switch which can prevent the ICD from delivering 
treatment therapies such as life-saving shocks.

·   Keep magnets at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the ICD site.

·   Avoid magnet therapy such as used in bracelets and necklaces that 
may be worn for extended periods of time near the ICD.

·   You may not know what does or doesn’t have a magnet in it. If you 
feel any interference, move away from the source or turn it off if 
possible.

Electric power tools and electronic devices: Most household equipment in 
good condition poses little if any risk to your ICD when they are used 
properly. However, it is best to keep them at least 6 inches (15 cm) 
away from your ICD site. Primarily keep the motors and antennae 6 inches 
from your ICD.

·   Drill (battery and electric)

·   Hedge trim

·   Weed whacker

·   Router

·   Circular/skill saws

·   Leaf blower

·   Electric lawn mower

·   Sander

·   E-readers

·   Electronic tablets

·   Video game wireless controllers

·   Remote car starters and remote key entry

·   Security badge wall scanner

·   Home wireless devices such as modems, Bluetooth®, routers, headsets

·   Speakers

·   Radio-controlled toys and other products

·   Hair dryer

·   Hand-held back massager

Ab stimulators, electronic body fat scales, magnetic mattress pads or 
pillows: Are likely to interfere and are NOT recommended for use if you 
have an ICD.

Gas-powered equipment, car battery charger and gasoline ignition 
systems: Components within ignition systems of gas-powered engines can 
cause interference in some cases.

·   Keep at least 12 inches (30cm) away from your ICD site

Electric fences, electrical pet containment systems, transformer boxes: 
Like most of the potentially disruptive items, the risk increases with 
extended periods of time and close proximity to them.

·   Keep at least 12 inches (30cm) away from your ICD site

Anti-theft systems (also called electronic article surveillance or EAS): 
Interactions with EAS systems are unlikely to cause clinically 
significant symptoms in most patients. However, the American Heart 
Association recommends that you:

·   Be aware that EAS systems may be hidden or camouflaged in entrances 
and exits in many businesses.

·   Don't stay near the EAS system longer than is necessary.

·   Don't lean against the system.

Metal detectors for security: Interactions with metal detectors are 
unlikely to cause clinically significant symptoms in most patients. 
However, the American Heart Association recommends that you:

·   Don't stay near the metal detector any longer than is necessary.

·   Don't lean against the system.

·   If scanning with a hand-held metal detector is necessary, tell the 
security personnel that you have an ICD and request an alternative form 
of inspection. Ask them not to hold the metal detector near the device 
any longer than is absolutely necessary.

Cell phones: Currently, phones available in the United States (less than 
3 watts) present a very small risk to ICDs due to wireless transmissions 
from the antennae.

·   Technology is rapidly changing as the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) makes new frequencies available.

·   Newer cellphones using these new frequencies might make ICDs less 
reliable.

·   A group of cellphone companies is studying that possibility.

·   Keep your cell phones at least 6 inches away from your ICD by using 
them on the ear opposite your ICD site and avoid keeping them in your 
front chest pocket.

·   Keep walkie-talkies ( 3 watts or less) at least 6 inches away from 
your ICD site