It was just over a few weeks ago that my father had a procedure to open the blood flow to his leg. The procedure was similar to a heart catheterization where they would attempt to use a balloon to open blockage and possibly insert a stent. No procedure is without risk, but we were optimistic that the results would be good.
When my father arrived the morning of the procedure, he had little to no pulse in his foot. I was there to ask the doctor some questions, and was hopeful that the procedure was going to be a success. There was really no way of telling until after the procedure whether the intended results would be realized.
It didn’t take long for us to come to that realization. From what we heard that afternoon, and from what my father is experiencing thus far, it has proven to be a successful procedure. I was excited to hear a nurse say that there was a really good pulse in his foot. Further, it was as if my father could feel the blood beginning to circulate in his leg once again.
Medical advancements are quite fascinating and quite engaging. It is amazing to me sometimes that we are able to learn so much and make great advancements in the field of health care and medicine. People’s lives can be changed.
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to visit Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Global Health as part of an immersion experience with United Methodist Communications. While there, we heard about the studies that are being undertaken and the advancements that are being made in the area of Global Health, specifically relating to Malaria.
I was truly engaged as I listened to scientists who had a real passion for science as well as a real passion for the lives of those who would be saved through their research. Their passion for saved lives was what was driving their research. Their passion and desire to eradicate Malaria was the reason that they were doing research.
Did you know that nearly 500 million people contract malaria yearly? Did you know that nearly 3 million of those that contract the disease, die? Further, and probably most disturbing is that Malaria is also the leading cause of death for children under 5 years in those areas.
But there is real hope.
Research at Vanderbilt is looking at ways of breaking cycles of replication, how mosquitoes transmit the disease, what attracts the female mosquito to humans and ways that we can eliminate that attraction, and how they can lure the deadliest creature on earth into traps without harming wildlife or other important environmental factors.
Research studies are showing that not only are bed nets and other repellents working, but that they are having residual affects in areas surrounding beds and homes that are being treated. Sustainable solutions and options are being tested and results are showing that the findings from research are making an impact in the field.
When my father arrived the morning of the procedure, he had little to no pulse in his foot. I was there to ask the doctor some questions, and was hopeful that the procedure was going to be a success. There was really no way of telling until after the procedure whether the intended results would be realized.
It didn’t take long for us to come to that realization. From what we heard that afternoon, and from what my father is experiencing thus far, it has proven to be a successful procedure. I was excited to hear a nurse say that there was a really good pulse in his foot. Further, it was as if my father could feel the blood beginning to circulate in his leg once again.
Medical advancements are quite fascinating and quite engaging. It is amazing to me sometimes that we are able to learn so much and make great advancements in the field of health care and medicine. People’s lives can be changed.
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to visit Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Global Health as part of an immersion experience with United Methodist Communications. While there, we heard about the studies that are being undertaken and the advancements that are being made in the area of Global Health, specifically relating to Malaria.
I was truly engaged as I listened to scientists who had a real passion for science as well as a real passion for the lives of those who would be saved through their research. Their passion for saved lives was what was driving their research. Their passion and desire to eradicate Malaria was the reason that they were doing research.
Did you know that nearly 500 million people contract malaria yearly? Did you know that nearly 3 million of those that contract the disease, die? Further, and probably most disturbing is that Malaria is also the leading cause of death for children under 5 years in those areas.
But there is real hope.
Research at Vanderbilt is looking at ways of breaking cycles of replication, how mosquitoes transmit the disease, what attracts the female mosquito to humans and ways that we can eliminate that attraction, and how they can lure the deadliest creature on earth into traps without harming wildlife or other important environmental factors.
Research studies are showing that not only are bed nets and other repellents working, but that they are having residual affects in areas surrounding beds and homes that are being treated. Sustainable solutions and options are being tested and results are showing that the findings from research are making an impact in the field.
All this research is being undertaken to eradicate a killer disease. And what was so exciting is that this is possible! The cycle of disease and transmission can be broken, and ultimately life can be sustained. People’s lives can be changed!
Even more exciting is that we can have a part in this. Supporting efforts to change lives, can change our lives and the lives of those around us. This research will benefit research into eradicating all diseases that are transmitted in similar ways. This one disease, Malaria, doesn’t only affect the lives of those on other continents, it affects us.
If you were to tell someone 20 years ago that they would someday insert a stint into your Femoral Artery and restore blood flow to your leg, they probably would have looked at you like you were crazy. Some people think the same thing about the eradication of killer diseases. Some people believe it can’t be done.
I’m excited to see that someone things that it can. I pray that we will. I hope that you will pray too.
This week in worship, we will be thinking about those living across the globe and those living amongst the threat of killer diseases. This week is World Communion Sunday and we will break bread with our brothers and sisters across the world. I hope that you will join us.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
3 comments:
I'm so glad that your father is doing well after his procedure. My mother suffered from arteriosclerosis in the abdomen and legs and it ultimately took her life. She was not diligent in taking care of herself after surgery, continued to smoke, and her choices ultimately led to her death. I, too, am amazed at medical technology and how many advancements help us to live longer lives. Malaria is a preventable disease and we need to help in the fight against it. I support the Nothing But Nets campaign. Thanks for sharing, Greg.
Good post, and great picture from the paper you linked to me. Makes me be thankful that we live in a country that has technology and money to handle such an insect and not let it be a threat to us. If only the world looked at this as if It were in immediate danger to everyone in the world, I am sure it would be erradicated in no time. That is my prayer.
Greg,
Thank God that your father is doing well after this procedure. Also, it's exciting to see how Malaria awareness is spreading. Be blessed and I'll see you Tuesday.
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