A DNR, or a “Do Not Resuscitate” form, is a legal order signifying that a patient does not want to be resuscitated if he or she is to suffer cardiac or respiratory arrest. It tells emergency personnel that the patient does not want CPR, endotracheal intubation, defibrillation, cardiac life support drugs or related medical procedures. This does NOT withhold medical interventions necessary to provide comfort or to alleviate pain. You may recognize this order by its bright orange color, often found attached to the refrigerator in someone’s home. Typically, these orders are in effect for persons whom are terminally ill and prefer to avoid painful or invasive procedures at the latter stages of their life. It is important to have the DNR form easily locatable, as emergency personnel must see the form in order to honor it. DNR bracelets are also an option. These forms are available through various medical organizations or you can print your own. Contact me if you would like an electronic copy of the printable version or if you have any further questions about DNR forms.

On Aug. 13, the American Foundation for Cardiomyopathy and local businessmen Martin Sepulveda and Dave Cisiewski of M&D Partners donated an automated defibrillator to the Rio Swim Club at McClintock High School in Tempe. Sepulveda, a former ASU wrestler, presented the automated defibrillator to Rio Swim Club coach and three-time Olympic gold medalist Melissa Belote Ripley.

Melissa Ripley still remembers the 1972 Munich Olympics where she won three gold swimming medals at the tender age of 15.

With a sweepstakes contest that goes through the summer, an Ahwatukee-based organization seeks to donate life-saving defibrillators to community centers, schools and churches.

Clowns, zombies, aliens, loose killers, and the Bates Motel are all coming to Ahwatukee Foothills tonight for the 10th Annual Haunted House and Hayride at the Ahwatukee Community Swim and Tennis Center.

Marlene Duckworth Rausch chalked up to asthma her getting winded from such everyday activities as keeping up with her then-11-year-old son at the store.

Kyrene schools set Meet the Teacher dates