DR. WALLACE: I went out with a guy last week and we had a fantastic time. After we said good night he said that we would get together again and that he would call me within a couple of days and set up another date. I was happy because I really wanted to see him again and I am disappointed now that after 6 days he hasn't called.
My girlfriend said that I should call him, but I'm not too sure I want to do that. Calling might give him the impression that I'm desperate or that I'm super aggressive.
May I have your opinion please, and hurry! — Anxious, Lansing, Mi.
ANXIOUS: Some guys might not enjoy being called by a girl, but I get the impression that most do enjoy being called and that a call from a girl is a great ego boost. Call your friend. You have nothing to lose and it's possible that a great romance will be in your future and you will live happily ever after!
SAVING A LIFE BRINGS JOY
DR. WALLACE: Last night my older brother became a hero. Our family was celebrating my grandfather's birthday at a restaurant when a neighboring diner got something stuck in his throat and couldn't breathe. This man stood up and tried to grasp for air, but he was unsuccessful. No one at his table knew want to do, but someone yelled, "Please help! This man can't breathe!"
My brother hurried over and used the "Heimlich maneuver." After two jerks, a piece of meat flew out of the man's mouth. The poor man was weak and very scared, but he was alive with no real damage to him. His wife was so happy with emotion that she hugged my brother over and over for quite some time.
Our family celebration was over $150 and the owner refused to accept any payment at all for our meal. This was a very, very nice gesture.
My brother learned the Heimlich maneuver when he was a paramedic. Is it possible you could print how to successfully use this method on someone who is choking? Last night my brother taught all of our family members to do it. We all took turns practicing on one another. Even my grandparents participated. — Proud sister, San Bernardino, Ca.
SISTER: Saving a life brings joy to all. The feeling your brother has is exhilarating and he absolutely deserves much praise.
The American Red Cross recommends before the Heimlich maneuver is applied, have the person choking stand up and hang his or her head down across the chest. Then give this person for sharp slaps between the shoulder blades. If this does not clear the breathing lane, then move on to the use of the Heimlich maneuver. Here are the specific instructions for the "Heimlich maneuver":
Stand behind a choking victim and wrap your arms around the waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it from side against his abdomen between the rib cage and the navel. Grasp the fist with your other hand and press with a quick upward thrust.
If this still doesn't get the job done, do it again and press a little harder.
This really works! Since I have learned this easy maneuver, I have had to use it twice, once on a friend at dinner, and again on a stranger in a restaurant.
Teens, please practice this maneuver on your parents now so you can use it in an emergency. Don't be overly aggressive as you could break a rib or two. Practice makes perfect and, in this case, you can save a precious life.
Proud sister, thanks for your wonderful suggestion. Everyone should learn how to successfully use the Heimlich maneuver. It doesn't take long to learn, and it could make you a hero!
Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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