What is a PTA?
A PTA unit is a local, self-governing membership association whose main purpose is to promote the health, welfare, safety and education of children and youth in the home, school, community, and place of worship. PTAs traditionally work within a school community, although there are examples of non school based PTAs working for children in other settings. Why Join a PTA? One important reason to join PTA is that PTA is the only group whose exclusive interest is the health, welfare, safety and education of your children. Children cannot vote, and are not organized and do not participate in the legislative process. Thus, they have no say in creating the policies that affect their lives and well-being. PTA allows you to speak for the interest of your children when you cannot be there yourself. Whether in Washington DC, Olympia, or in your own city government offices — everywhere decisions are made that affect your children, PTA is there speaking on behalf of your children.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is a procedure that can open up a blocked blood vessel using a small, flexible plastic tube, or catheter, with a “balloon” at the end of it. When the tube is in place, it inflates to open the blood vessel, or artery, so that normal blood flow is restored. Why is it necessary? Fatty deposits can build up in your blood vessels, reducing blood flow and in some cases, blocking it completely. The biggest danger from fat build up is that pieces may break off, form clots, and cause a heart attack or stroke. The PTA can open blocked arteries and reduce these risks. How is it done? The radiologist will insert a balloon-type catheter into an artery in your groin or arm. The doctor will inflate the balloon several times, for about one minute each time, in order to “push” the fatty deposits against the artery wall. The technologists working with the doctor will take X-ray pictures to make sure the blockage is opened.
The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a grass roots organization that brings parents and teachers together so they can work towards improving the lives and education of students. Over 6.5 million people belong to PTAs nationwide, making it the largest child-advocacy volunteer association. Simply, a PTA is a group of adults, both men and women, affiliated with a school that have organized to work to help children thrive and learn — whether that means fundraising for school supplies, educating parents, helping teachers, or fighting for legislation to ensure every child gets a high-quality education.
