Thursday, December 27, 2007

How was Christmas?

For the Clot Buster it was GREAT! I am just very THANKFUL to have the opportunity to have what I have. I am very LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO LIVE THE DREAM like I do each and every single day. I hope that this Christmas you too get the chance to live the dream and carry that over with you to 2008!

Yes, my friends I got some power tools for Christmas... I am going to knock this "honey-do-list" of mine out in no time now... I need to do it because starting on December 31st I am starting my Marathon Training for the Flying Pig Marathon in May. You guys have no idea how scared I am of the 26.2 Miles. Those numbers are so scary to me. But there is no turning back now. We will see how my body holds up... wish me luck!
Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Late December Riding

What an incredible opportunity today to get out and ride. I could not believe that today was going to be so "comfortable"... After going through my list of things to do outside around the house it was time to get the tires pumped up and put on my Spiuk Ultimate Convertible Rain Jacket, which doubles also as a great wind protection jackey, and I was off in my attempt to put together a nice 26 Mile ride this afternoon.

I have to confess that I was surprised to see so few people on the trail on a day like today. We got a HUGE break from the cold and being out there riding is the only thing I had in mind since I woke this AM. Thankfully all of my shopping is done so I did not have to run around this weekend like half of the city is doing according to Mrs. Clot Buster, who told me that the traffic was horrible as she attempted to run some errands for us.

Well, here we are Christams right around the corner. This year, I don't have a clue of what Mrs. Clot Buster have placed under the tree for me. I failed to provide a list this year so I am in limbo about what will it be. I am looking forward to it because I enjoy surprises a GREAT DEAL.

I hope to post again before Christmas at some point but if I don't get around to do it...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL who dare to read this blog. I hope that under your tree you'll find all the GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINESS, and GOOD FORTUNE you can handle for 2008!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Short Flashback

To my race on Thanksgiving at Cincinnati's Thanksgiving Day Race...I don't know about the look of the pulled up socks. However, I appreciate very much the warmth they provide on cool runs. Although, the socks that I wear on these pictures are nothing more than regular old soccer socks there are some people out there who can sport the same look I have for entirely different reasons. I found an article in INSIDE TRIATHLON this past week that I thought was very interesting and related to our thrombosis education effort. If you get the chance checkout the article written by Mr. Cameron Chestnut in Inside Triathlon. I think that the compression stockings can make a difference if they are used appropriately.

So, almost a month without running. I can't believe that I've gone this long. I am holding out until the end of the year and then I'll get back to it as my 18 week marathon training begins on December 31st. This is going to be a challenge but you never know if you are going to make it if you don't try. Come along to see me go through this.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Down but not out...

Sorry!

It is been a while since I last had the chance to update this blog. I have a long list of excuses that I could provide so let me just start with the latest one... Mrs. Clot Buster and I caught some sort of stomach virus that knocked us flat on the ground yesterday. I am very fortunate not to have this often but this one hit us hard. Within an hour we were both going to the can and all through the night we were alternating turns. It definitely took alot out of us because today we are next to worthless... Hopefully, the rest today will help us in our recovery.


So, with the down time on hand I decided to take care of some things and one of them is to sign up for MY FIRST EVER MARATHON... Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Clot Buster is going the distance and he has chosen the FLYING PIG MARATHON in Cincinnati as the race to break through and conker the fear of 26.2 Miles.


I am not sure what I am getting myself into but it is something I need to try. After finding a training program that has me running three days a week (which is about all I can handle) I will resume my running on January 1st and see if I can handle it. For now, I am not doing any running so that my legs get an appropriate rest before I get started with the mileage I am required to be ready for race day. So, May 4th, 2008 here I come!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Mouthwatering...

Let it begin...





That is correct my friends... the Clot Buster Polka-dots are going aero-dynamic...!!!

Thanks to help and generosity of the SPANDEX KING I was able to outfit my lid with some decals that make my lid look mighty good. They even reflect just in case I am out there at dusk putting some finishing touches to my time trialing abilities.

Spandex King THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your assistance. I love the way it looks and I am looking forward to the opportunity to get out there put this beauty to good use.

You know, next year with the help of DPMSports (if you get the chance checkout all of the cool gear they have available!) and the Spandex King we could put a helmet like this up for auction during the season. Now, there is a thought that I may need to expolore a little further.

I really can't wait to put some miles on my lid. Now, all I need is a bike to match the helmet and my outfit. I better start working on that.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Thanksgiving Day Race - 10K

I cannot believe it...

New PERSONAL RECORD for the 10k distance = 42:07 (6:47 pace per mile).

Even more surprising was the result within my age group, the 30 and 34 olds, I ended up 20th out of 497 competitors. I am impressed a great deal. I guess that I am getting better with age, just like a good wine.

This course in downtown Cincinnati is not an easy one. We had several bridges to cross and the up hills are pretty brutal but the final stretch is the worst in my opinion. Long straight away that is an out and back but on your way out you can see the finish line on the other side of the avenue and it is just a killer trying to hammer out that last mile to bring it home.

I am very pleased with this performance but I have to confess that I am paying for the effort in the sorness that I am feeling. The Clot Buster polka-dots were high flying throughout the course. I know a lot of people out there got to see them as I was blowing past them...

I had a sensational Thanksgiving celebration and I hope all of you out there who read this blog did too! Stay tuned for some photos from the weekend when available.

No turkey left overs for me tonight... Mrs. Clot Buster is crafting something special and the smell is driving me crazy... I got to go!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Every day I am THANKFUL for the opportunity to be here LIVING THE DREAM. I can't even begin to think how different my life would be if I did not take chance 12 years ago. I have so many people to THANK who helped me along the way that I don't know where to begin. I am just incredible greatful for being here and enjoying what I do and what I have with whom I love. So, Thursday morning we ware going to wake up early and head down to Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati to line up for the 98th Annual THANKSGIVING DAY RACE. Along with me and Mrs. Clot Buster there will be about 10,000 other people joining us in the fun. It is a great event to participate in and the course is one to remember. I am looking at going all out and putting on a good show. I set a PR last year and I am aiming at doing the same this year. It is not an easy course but one in which you can throw down. I may end up feeling like in the pictures below but it is all for the turkey waiting for me at dinner...
Enjoy the Holiday! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Transformations

How was the weekend? Hard to believe that we are the door-step of Thanksgiving... before we know it Christmas will be here. Speaking of Christmas, what am I going to get Mrs. Clot Buster? I don't have a clue but I need to start thinking about it just to stay on top of it.

Well, very soon I am going to complete the transformation of the Clot Buster's aero-helmet. The combination of the red polka-dots plus the white helmet will come through very soon. It has taken me a while but the final product will be a good one. I am proud to wear it and continue my support of NATT.

+

20 bags of leaves and still counting... We are pretty well challenged in raking the leaves in our yard. My guess is that we will reach upwards to 50 bags... I can't believe it but that is the way we are going. But really I don't care because the colors are just simply amazing. I may end up dreaming about yellow, orange, and red leaves but in the end it is something I enjoy looking at a great deal. It is nice a treat before the darkness of winter.

Looking forward to watching the AMAZING RACE tonight. Some day I will be lucky enough to make it on that show. I think that Mrs. Clot Buster and I will be good at it. We might argue some here and there but I think that we would be good competitors. I just need to get myself a citizenship and a video camera to get through the application.

To all of you out there purchasing wristbands THANK YOU!!! Keep your interest coming and get in touch with me so that I can send them on. Spread the word about NATT in anyway that you can.

By the way, did you hear the news about NANCY GRACE? Anyone can come down with blood clots at any time... we all need to be aware!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Mountains... What a treat!

Where should I start?

The conference was a GERAT SUCCESS. Thanks to all of you had the chance to attend. I know that with the outstanding speakers we had it was very well worth every minute you spent with us this past Saturday.
We had a great turn out and as always meeting the people at this conferences is great fun for me. Although they can be long days it is a pleasure to be out there giving the people who attend the chance to learn more about blood clots and blood clotting disorders as well as meet with other people and relate to each the journey you are going through. The support we witness at these conferences is exactly why we plan and execute them. I already look forward to the next opportunity for me to participate. I don't when it will be but be sure that the polka dots will be ready to witness the magic of learning and support once more.


What can I say about Salt Lake City? In deed a cool place to visit. I LOVED being amongst the mountains but above all I REALLY ENJOYED the chance to get out there and do some vertical training. WOW!!! Did I miss going up the mountain side...?!?! It was thrill that I can't even describe. The views were incredible in every direction we looked. Very seldom I look forward to get up early to get out the door to work out. But this time being so close to the Red Butte Park I could hardly sleep I wanted to go vertical so bad. The Clot Buster is a HAPPY CAMPER for sure... I think that I am still smiling.
Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Here we go!!!


Very much looking forward to be leaving tomorrow in route to Salt Lake City, UT for NATT's Education Seminar. It is been a number of years since the last time I've been there. Let's see if I remember correctly 11 years. A lot has happened since then.
So, I am taking the polka-dots with me so we will see what the people in SLC think about them.


Blood Clots and Blood Clotting Disorders:Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and PreventionSaturday, November 10, 2007

This FREE seminar will be of interest to:People who have had a blood clot or are at riskPeople with inherited clotting abnormalitiesFamily membersHealth care workersAnyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia

Hosted by The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia in conjunction with the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare

LocationUniversity of Utah's Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) in Alumni Hall room 2110, Salt Lake City, UT

A map of the conference facilities can be found at http://www.conferences.utah.edu/images/pdf/UGHMap.pdf.

Registration InformationRegistration before November 2nd is requested. You may register by sending an e-mail to: nattseminars@yahoo.com or you may RSVP by phone.

Please call Kandace Kaylor at 801-408-1682 before November 4th and 801-507-3747 after November 4th. To register.


Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Monday, November 05, 2007

How about a marathon in 2008...?!?!

Well, I don't know... the question always is, can I do it?

Honestly, I am not sure if I am able to push through and run over 20 Miles. That just seems so far... but on the other hand I welcome to the challenge as something the Clot Buster needs to step up and do. I am thinking it will be great opportunity to lay the foundation to fundraise in this type of event but I am torn about making this decision. I definitely need some help... WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?!?

Also important is the need to find the appropriate race that could handle the polka-dots... or I should say a race the guy in the polka-dots could handle...

You guys have no idea how long I've been debating about this. I am not getting any younger and perhaps this is the time before I turn into my early 30ths... So, if you have any words of wisdom please pass them on because I need all the advise that I can get...

What do you think about Mr. Armstrong and his NYC-Olsen fling? In my humble opinion, which no-one asked for but I am giving anyway, WTF...! What is he thinking? Whatever respect I had for him it will take some time for me to gain back... Now, I understand his whole spiel about "I want to spend time with my kids..." unfortunately not exactly his. I sort of feel the way he looks in this picture, about to throw up...

If you are in SALT LAKE CITY, UT this weekend don't miss your chance and come out...

Blood Clots and Blood Clotting Disorders:Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and PreventionSaturday, November 10, 2007


This FREE seminar will be of interest to:People who have had a blood clot or are at riskPeople with inherited clotting abnormalitiesFamily membersHealth care workersAnyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia


Hosted byThe National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia in conjunction with the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare


LocationUniversity of Utah's Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) in Alumni Hall room 2110, Salt Lake City, UT

A map of the conference facilities can be found at http://www.conferences.utah.edu/images/pdf/UGHMap.pdf.

Registration InformationRegistration before November 2nd is requested. You may register by sending an e-mail to: nattseminars@yahoo.com or you may RSVP by phone.
Please call Kandace Kaylor at
801-408-1682 before November 4th and
801-507-3747 after November 4th. To register.
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Did you guess them...?

No responses on the question from my last post. I have to assume that most of you out there had no idea about the answer. Well, no trouble because here it is...
Colorado Rockies: Aaron Cook

Boston Red Sox: Terry Francona
It is always great to hear that with proper treatment people can get back to a normal life style. Thankfully, I know a lot more of these stories from regular people and I can only hope that down the road we can continue to create that awareness so that we all know about the symptoms and are prepared to seek medical assistance when needed. We have a long road ahead of us but good stories of people beating clots and going back to normal life is what keeps us going.
Don't forget coming up in November...
Blood Clots and Blood Clotting Disorders:Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and PreventionSaturday, November 10, 2007
This FREE seminar will be of interest to:
People who have had a blood clot or are at risk
People with inherited clotting abnormalities
Family members
Health care workers
Anyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia
Hosted by
The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia in conjunction with the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare
Location
University of Utah's Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) in Alumni Hall room 2110, Salt Lake City, UT

A map of the conference facilities can be found at http://www.conferences.utah.edu/images/pdf/UGHMap.pdf.

Registration Information
Registration before November 2nd is requested. You may register by sending an e-mail to: nattseminars@yahoo.com or you may RSVP by phone. Please call Kandace Kaylor at
801-408-1682 before November 4th and
801-507-3747 after November 4th. To register.
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster

Sunday, October 28, 2007

SLC

Is Salt Lake City ready for the Clot Buster and the polka-dots?

Ready or not here I come along with NATT's Education Conference on November 10th. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to go out west and spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. I always enjoy the chance to get out there and help out during this education conferences.

So, are you guys following the baseball World Series between the Colorado Rockies and the Bostons Red Sox? The reason I am asking is because each of the teams have a former clotter amongst their roster. In fact, I learned of one of them during tonights broadcast right around the third inning. I already knew about one but the other one was a surprise for me. Can you name them? If you know who they are go ahead and let me know and I will make arrangements to send you some Clot Buster - NATT wristbands on me. COME ON GIVE IT A TRY!!!

Unfortuantely, I am not rooting for either team just enjoying the competition while I am going to town in the house projects I am taking on while Mrs. Clot Buster is out of town. I am just trying to shorten my honey-do-list...

But not all of it is work around here. I got to race in a 5 Miler race today and I was able to clock a 35:09 for my time on this course. Man, I did not count on the hills I was going to face at this race... the legs sure got a nice workout. I am very pleased with this performance even after not being able to train a whole lot lately.

All right, if you know the names of the former clotters from each of the teams please let me know. I look forward to see your responses...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster


Sunday, October 21, 2007

No Time...

It is been busy around here these days. Not much time left to blog as I have some projects around the house that need my attention. I have all these scrap wood my dad helped me collect from this old swing sey we had that I am using to build a shed. It is been an interesting project but one that it is taking time along with the rest of things I already have going on. It is coming together nicely but I have a little more to go. Soon enough I will be finishing it off so that I can have more room in the garage for my triathlon toys...
How about the IM World Championship race in Kona last weekend? I could not believe the race that took place on the women's side. What a story this Chrissie Wellington has from a virtual unknown to world champion in about 9 hours or so of work. I love it! It seems as if the women's torch has been passed to a new generation of racers who are taking the IM world by storm.

On the men's race I was not surprised to see Macca win the whole enchilada. I could not believe all the people who were not able to finish the race (or start for that matter). Anything can happen in this race that is for sure. This one was Macca's race to lose. After being humbled in years past this was his time and I am glad to see him being an honorable champion. I would have love to see Tim DeBoom catch "Thunder Bear" but at the same time it was great to see that someone with a dead even pace in the marathon can make a podium finish at the World Championships. I do have to mention Mr. Alexander and his versatility in the sport of thriatlon. Are you kidding me? His performance in Kona is nothing short of remarkable. What a powerhouse that guy is. I could not believe it when I was watching the broadcast. If he keeps this up he could surprise some people next year.

It would be incredible to be out there to race someday... How much luck do you think I need to win a slot from the lottery? Don't tell Mrs. Clot Buster but I purchase a lottery entry the other day. I think that a "second" honeymoon is a perfect excuse when she finds out. I am looking out for her best interest as a visit to the big island will be exactly what she needs next October...

If you have not had the chance to read about NATT's lates press release please check it out below. Very exciting this going on with NATT and we are getting a front row seat to see it all happen!



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 26, 2007


CDC AWARDS NATT FUNDINGTO IMPROVE BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS

TARRYTOWN, NY - The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia (NATT) today announced the award of two major program grants totaling $1.35 million that will serve as building blocks for its efforts to curb the unchecked devastating effects caused each year to nearly one million Americans who develop a blood clot.

NATT will use its two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants to “launch a national wake-up call to promote public and healthcare professional awareness of this serious medical condition that each year kills nearly 300,000 Americans,” explains NATT President Randy Fenninger.

“We have a national crisis because few people recognize or understand the symptoms and risk factors of this silent killer. And even equally startling, is that not enough of our nation’s healthcare professionals have a full understanding of the symptoms and the methods for treatment of this life-threatening condition,” he said. Complications from clotting, occurring in more than half of those affected individuals, can often have serious consequences – as is evident from an annual mortality rate that is greater than the combined deaths from breast cancer, AIDS, and automobile accidents.

Mr. Fenninger complimented the proactive efforts of the CDC for recognizing the need to fund an all-out public and professional attack against blood clotting disorders. The awards, he notes, “serve to further support our national education and awareness work. This is a superb news for all Americans at risk for blood clots, and a very proud moment for the many volunteers who have worked so hard to move NATT from a board room dream to a now nationally respected community-based advocacy organization that does so much good.”

Aiding the CDC’s proactive funding efforts was a meeting held in May of 2006 by the U.S. Surgeon General who brought together national healthcare and public leaders to discuss the serious problems surrounding blood clots and clotting disorders. The general theme from this meeting is the publication of “Call-to-Action” this fall by the U.S. Surgeon General to improve education and awareness within the healthcare profession, as well as the general public.

These facts, combined with a serious lack of awareness among the public, constitute a significant public health problem that NATT has been battling since its inception in 2003. NATT Executive Director Alan Brownstein explained that a national initiative called “Stop-The-Clot,” will now be launched. The multi-tiered program, one of two receiving funding awards from the CDC, will focus its education and awareness efforts on such objectives as:- Enhancement of NATT’s successful patient seminars into a nationally Stop-The-Clot Forum series- Establishment of a comprehensive consumer Clotting Information Resource Center (CIRC; available via web and print mediums)- Collaboration with the national Hemophilia Treatment Centers, the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Centers, and the Anticoagulation Forum network for distribution of education materials- And the development of a regional chapter infrastructure.

The CDC also awarded funding for a nurses and non-physician healthcare professionals’ education project that will specifically address the areas of blood clot prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management. NATT’s Medical And Scientific Advisory Board (MASAB) Chairman Dr. Stephan Moll, director of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Thrombophilia Program, expressed his board’s delight regarding the CDC awards. “I commend the CDC on their efforts to respond to this extreme health issue in such a proactive manner through funding these programs instituted by NATT,” he said.

Dr. Moll noted that the healthcare professionals’ education project is deemed an essential element in the fight against blood clots. “Improving the content and delivery of health information/education by nurses and other non-physicians,” he said, “provides an educational and training aspect to a critical part of a patient’s healthcare and wellness.”

The program, Dr. Moll explained, will be delivered nationally through the utilization of evidence-based teaching methods in small group sessions led by trained faculty. The program’s ultimate goal is to prevent secondary conditions in people with clotting disorders by improving their access to knowledgeable healthcare providers.

NATT will collaborate with many organizations in its development of a 12-region training program. Patients will be reached throughout the U.S. network of the 140-federally funded Hemophilia Treatment Centers, the CDC Pilot Thrombophilia Centers and through participants of the Anticoagulation Forum.

-30-

(For More Information regarding the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia and/or their national programs, please contact Alan Brownstein at (917) 209-2000 , apbrownstein@msn.com, or NATT President Randy Fenninger (202) 833-007. or log on to http://www.nattinfo.org/. NATT is a 501c3 national volunteer community-based organization which welcomes support through involvement and/or donations. Further information can also be obtained from NATT’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board chairman Dr. Stephan Moll, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at (919) 966-3311 or smoll@med.unc.edu.)

Thursday, October 11, 2007

What are you doing this weekend?


That is a hard question to answer...



I think for sure I will be paying attention to the developments at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. Who will have the perfect day to win this year? It is pretty much anyone's race. I don't even have a clue about who has the best shot out there. There are several contenders in both the men's and women's races. Maybe an American can come out and represent... that would be pretty cool to see again.

The swim start is truly something to see...


I can't believe that back in 2003 Mrs. Clot Buster and I had the chance to be at the race as volunteers towards the tail end of out Honeymoon. That was really wild and something I will never forget. The finish line is something special, especially towards midnight. I don't think that there is something more electric than that...



Yes, that is Mrs. Clot Buster's hand at the her post in T2.


Outside of checking out the Ironman race I am planning on doing a century ride on Saturday. The IM will not start until pretty late in the afternoon due the time change at the big island so I have time (if I get my act together early in the AM) to get out there and put down my Century for 2007. Let's see if I can can do it. I just hope to be conservartive and not go out too hard...



Norman Stadler coming through T2. He was first off the bike that year but his run was not put together then as it is today.


Well, here is to a good night of sleep so that I can start my weekend in full force tomorrow after work. I do still have to work to keep the lights on Fridays...

The finish shoot. Also an incredile sight just because of its history in the sport...


Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Still at it...


THANK YOU to all of you out there who are contacting me and are interested in learning about NATT, as well as, helping the organization with the purchase of a wristband. Keep those requests coming! As soon as you get in touch with me we can get the ball rolling and have the wristbands on their way!


THANK YOU a thousand times over!


This weekend I had the chance to race in a Trail 10K at High Banks Metro Park just north of Columbus on route 23. I love this place a great deal as it has a number of hiking trails that make for VERY CHALLENGING running trails that I enjoy a lot. Mrs. Clot Buster found this place about two years ago and we go there to train very often. So, racing on those same trials is a big trill because we get to push one more gear out there than we normally do. I raced pretty well, despite my lack of intense training. Once the season is over I pretty much cut back a lot of my swimming, biking, and running to a level in which I can keep a base but not much beyond that. So, racing a 10K can be a pretty good shock to the system.


On Saturday, I felt great and I was able to push a pretty fast pace according to the Clot Buster's standards. I was able to clock a 45:32 for a 10K distance that had some very steep hills to cotend with. But best of all I was able to finish THIRD OVERALL in the race!!! I could not believe it... I guess that all of the good runners skipped this race and let us slow guys have our moment of glory out there. Hey, I guess that I take it and enjoy it for what is worth!!!


So, off we go to start another week in paradise.


To all of you reading out there... HAVE A GREAT WEEK!


Thanks for reading,


The Clot Buster

Saturday, September 29, 2007

EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA !!!

Very exciting news about NATT. Please read below!

==========================================================

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 26, 2007

CDC AWARDS NATT FUNDING
TO IMPROVE BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS

TARRYTOWN, NY - The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia (NATT) today announced the award of two major program grants totaling $1.35 million that will serve as building blocks for its efforts to curb the unchecked devastating effects caused each year to nearly one million Americans who develop a blood clot.

NATT will use its two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants to “launch a national wake-up call to promote public and healthcare professional awareness of this serious medical condition that each year kills nearly 300,000 Americans,” explains NATT President Randy Fenninger.

“We have a national crisis because few people recognize or understand the symptoms and risk factors of this silent killer. And even equally startling, is that not enough of our nation’s healthcare professionals have a full understanding of the symptoms and the methods for treatment of this life-threatening condition,” he said. Complications from clotting, occurring in more than half of those affected individuals, can often have serious consequences – as is evident from an annual mortality rate that is greater than the combined deaths from breast cancer, AIDS, and automobile accidents.

Mr. Fenninger complimented the proactive efforts of the CDC for recognizing the need to fund an all-out public and professional attack against blood clotting disorders. The awards, he notes, “serve to further support our national education and awareness work. This is a superb news for all Americans at risk for blood clots, and a very proud moment for the many volunteers who have worked so hard to move NATT from a board room dream to a now nationally respected community-based advocacy organization that does so much good.”

Aiding the CDC’s proactive funding efforts was a meeting held in May of 2006 by the U.S. Surgeon General who brought together national healthcare and public leaders to discuss the serious problems surrounding blood clots and clotting disorders. The general theme from this meeting is the publication of “Call-to-Action” this fall by the U.S. Surgeon General to improve education and awareness within the healthcare profession, as well as the general public.

These facts, combined with a serious lack of awareness among the public, constitute a significant public health problem that NATT has been battling since its inception in 2003. NATT Executive Director Alan Brownstein explained that a national initiative called “Stop-The-Clot,” will now be launched. The multi-tiered program, one of two receiving funding awards from the CDC, will focus its education and awareness efforts on such objectives as:
- Enhancement of NATT’s successful patient seminars into a nationally Stop-The-Clot Forum series
- Establishment of a comprehensive consumer Clotting Information Resource Center (CIRC; available via web and print mediums)
- Collaboration with the national Hemophilia Treatment Centers, the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Centers, and the Anticoagulation Forum network for distribution of education materials
- And the development of a regional chapter infrastructure.

The CDC also awarded funding for a nurses and non-physician healthcare professionals’ education project that will specifically address the areas of blood clot prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management. NATT’s Medical And Scientific Advisory Board (MASAB) Chairman Dr. Stephan Moll, director of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Thrombophilia Program, expressed his board’s delight regarding the CDC awards. “I commend the CDC on their efforts to respond to this extreme health issue in such a proactive manner through funding these programs instituted by NATT,” he said.

Dr. Moll noted that the healthcare professionals’ education project is deemed an essential element in the fight against blood clots. “Improving the content and delivery of health information/education by nurses and other non-physicians,” he said, “provides an educational and training aspect to a critical part of a patient’s healthcare and wellness.”

The program, Dr. Moll explained, will be delivered nationally through the utilization of evidence-based teaching methods in small group sessions led by trained faculty. The program’s ultimate goal is to prevent secondary conditions in people with clotting disorders by improving their access to knowledgeable healthcare providers.

NATT will collaborate with many organizations in its development of a 12-region training program. Patients will be reached throughout the U.S. network of the 140-federally funded Hemophilia Treatment Centers, the CDC Pilot Thrombophilia Centers and through participants of the Anticoagulation Forum.

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(For More Information regarding the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia and/or their national programs, please contact Alan Brownstein at (917) 209-2000, apbrownstein@msn.com, or NATT President Randy Fenninger (202) 833-007. or log on to http://www.nattinfo.org/. NATT is a 501c3 national volunteer community-based organization which welcomes support through involvement and/or donations. Further information can also be obtained from NATT’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board chairman Dr. Stephan Moll, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at (919) 966-3311 or smoll@med.unc.edu.)

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

What Now...?



Well, I am officially done with triathlons for 2007. It is been a GREAT DEAL OF FUN and SO FAR a GREAT SUCCESS in terms of the fundraising. Please pass on the word so that I can make the fundraising collected in 2007 the new benchmark for years to come.

The formula is very simple: Consider donating a Nickel, Dime, or even a Quarter for every mile that I raced this summer... about 300 Miles all together and go on forward and write that total as a donation to The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia - NATT. If you are interested in donating please drop me a line and I will let you know how.


Well, as of what I have coming up next, I am not really sure. I may do some running races here in there if the legs are holding up well. I know for sure I am doing Cincinnati's Thanksgiving Day Race for my 10th time! Hard to believe that I've done this race that many times but it is true. I am looking forward to putting down a respectable time for the 10K distance. Last year, I went all out and this year I am planning on doing the same so watch out people...!


If you are not aware you should know that the US Women's Soccer national team will be playing tomorrow against Brazil in the semifinals of the Womenes World Cup in China. It should be a great match and of course I hope for the American Ladies to move forward and go all the way to be World Cup Champions once more.


Speaking of soccer I just got home from playing in my men's over 30 league I've been playing for the past few weeks. I always enjoy some good old soccer playing to give me a break from the routine of swimming, biking, running. What other sports do you do in the off season to give you a break?


Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster