Weight Loss Tips: Lose Weight Fast and Burn Those Excess Calories

Weight-loss tactics and following a few easy eating plan changes anyone can shed unwanted bodyweight quickly, get rid of those unwanted nutrient consumption and shed some of that irritating fat that just doesn't ever want to go away.

Who wouldn't like to shed unwanted bodyweight and get rid of some of that unwanted baggage? The key may be as easy as enhancing your metabolic rate and helping your human body to use-up more nutrient consumption.

Here are a few simple and fast factors that you can easily add into your life and eventually you can expect to create a significant difference in your health and well being.

Make a psychological today to start shifting a little more every day. Create a game of it if that's what it takes. You have probably heard this before, and if you have you can be pretty sure that the idea is true and will work if you stay with it.

Let's look at the first of our Healthier Weight Reduction Tips:

Something as easy as vehicle parking your car in the last row at the retail center or food market can add up to quite a few additional actions over an occasion interval. Let the people who will always be obese and don't care battle it out for the close to the door areas. You may even earn the regard of some of your other customers by walking your shopping trolley returning to the trolley corral.

Healthy Weight Reduction Quick way

Do you spend lots of your energy and effort discussing on the phone? I know I do, and I discovered that by shifting around while I'm discussing I can get some additional actions in and I don't even realize I'm doing it. Capture, you don't have to sit in a chair you can walk all over the home or even stop in some vehicle car park somewhere and probably see some factors you might never have observed before.

Natural Weight Reduction

Use the upper level bathroom or the one in the underground room if you have one; if you live on one floor take a trip of the home on the way, a several additional actions everytime really contributes up eventually.

Shortcut

When you're watching TV and the commercial comes on stand up and expand, speed returning and forth, tap your feet, move your hands, bend your muscles and then rest them, anything to help take your mind off of those oily poultry and great nutrient treats ads so you can keep targeted on your goal of following eating plan plans that allows you to shed unwanted bodyweight quickly.

Free Weight Reduction Quick way

The experts say that eating smaller foods throughout the day will help keep your metabolic rate burning nutrient consumption a bit longer. It seems to me to be a whole lot better to eat healthy weight-loss foods than to stuff yourself on great nutrient super size foods and feeling bad all day.

Healthy Weight Reduction Tips

By keeping your human body well moisturized with ice cold the water the nutrient consumption are consumed when your human body heats up the the water after you drink it. Hot beverages don't have the same effect, and if you keep gulping those great nutrient sodas down you are losing everything you obtained. Force yourself to stick with the the water.

Getting up and shifting and following these easy healthy weight-loss tactics you can actually get rid of about a third more nutrient consumption a day. The good part is you don't have to do all this at once although it would be nice if you could. Add a number of additional factors a day and eventually both your human body and your lifestyle will benefit more than you could imagine.

Razors Electric

If you probably have locks in locations you don't want it (e.g. encounters and supports for men and feet and underarms for women). When you want to get rid of this locks, you have options. You can have it wax off (ouch!), have it eliminated with a laser device (expensive!), or you can cut it off. Males is a well-known option because it is pain-free, cost-effective, and takes very little effort. However, even when you do select to cut, you still have options. You can use a guide knife or a powered shaver. Both are well-known options, but power shavers take the advantage for many reasons:

They Are Safer

When you think of shaving, there is no question that you probably image little dings and reduces on your epidermis. With a guide knife these are almost a assurance. The knife is distinct and your hands can be unreliable. However, with power shavers you do not have to fear about this. Since the knife has a hurdle that stops the knife from actually touching your epidermis, it will not get cut.

They Are Faster

Since you don't have to fear about dings and reduces, you can cut a lot quicker. Instead of having to lather up, cut, and then clean away the staying shaving gel, you simply have to run the knife over your epidermis. Think of how plenty of your energy and effort you can save by removing all of those extra actions.

They Are More Convenient

You already know that you can use a knife without shaving gel, but you can also use them without water. This implies that you can basically use them anywhere. Provided that they are billed and ready to go, you do not even need to be near power. This makes power shavers ideal for taking with you on quick a business trip or even on hiking visits. An power shaver does not hold you down to your drain.

They Are Price Effective

Yes, it is real that originally power shavers be more expensive than guide razor blades. However, guide razor blades are non reusable. You have to regularly substitute them. What this indicates is that extra time you will be investing a lot more money than you would on one knife. This is especially real if you select a well-made product, such as Panasonic, when choosing your knife. Provided that you take care of your knife by not overcharging it and keeping it protected when not in use, your power shaver can last you a while with no additional costs.

When it comes to techniques, there are many different options. Electric razor blades are clearly a sensible option. They allow you cost-effective versatility while making simpler.

Looking Great of Hair Salon Style

After you have frequented the beauty and locks salon, you will keep with a wonderful new cut and design, which you will want to show off to all your buddies and family. Although the beauty and locks salon beautician has done most of the effort in developing the design, you also have a significant part to play in keeping the new design. To make sure that your design has durability, it is important that you keep your locks in as excellent a situation as possible. It is also suggested to have planned training therapies at your beauty and locks salon after your consultation to keep your locks looking as excellent as the day it was first developed.

There are a lot of ways in which locks can become broken, such as as caused by extreme substance, heat or technical design pressure, as well as due to extreme warm, wetness and breeze which it is revealed to as part of the daily climate. It is even possible for locks to get minimal harm from things like the air conditioner techniques in your car, or in your office. The destruction to your locks may be very actually apparent, or it may be inner, and less apparent to the undressed eye.

Over use of warm design resources such as hair hairdryers, or styling clubs and hair styling clubs, may cause to harm to the cortex of the locks, but there are items which are available from beauty parlors which can help to secure locks from warm design resources. If your new design will require you to sustain it using warm design resources, ask your beautician which items are best to secure your locks. It may be worth making an investment in better high quality warm design resources which are much better for your locks than low high quality, inexpensive resources.

Over contact with the sun can also harm your locks, especially if you invest a lot of time in the sun on the seaside, where the salt-water of the sea and the high sodium air are also a large harm threat. Although the "sun bleached" look may be suitable to some customers, it is actually a indication that the locks is broken, and is not excellent for locks in the long run. Fortunately there are also items available which are exclusively engineered to secure the locks when you are on a "beach holiday".

Incorrect use of home locks colorant items is also a major cause inner harm, especially if individuals try to use items which contain a advanced level of lighten. These items can damage the proteins cross-links and create the locks very dry and weak. The consequences may be especially bad in situations where individuals have used warm design resources within 24 hours of using substance colorants, but without using any way of warm defending product. Hair beauty parlors will be able to offer you color security items which can help to secure the locks before it is colored, and to further secure large and to create it last longer after large has been done.

How To Starting a Small Business

There are many phases to starting your own small business. Lots of steps to go through to get from that initial idea to a fully functioning business. My husband and I are just beginning this journey, and as we do so, I want to walk you through the steps we are taking based on the advice and insight we've received from successful entrepreneurs and my years of business marketing experience.

Phase one is at once simple. Almost like taking a breath it can come unexpectedly and give you everything you need to dive into the depths of a new adventure. It is simultaneously complex. Just like breathing, if you stop to think about it too much, you may just freeze up and forget how to get started.

Jon Acuff talks about a rule he and his wife have. He is allowed to talk through his dreams and she just listens. No questions of how or the cost from her planning brain, and no spontaneous purchases from him during this "Wow" time. When I first heard this concept, I knew it was perfect. For every dreamer out there, they probably have a close relationship with a planner. Spouse, friend, business partner, whoever that person is for you, this safe atmosphere to dream is a must.

As you start dreaming about your small business idea, find someone you can safely dream with, maybe several people even. Jot down your ideas or have your phone take a voice memo. Just keep thinking of things you enjoy, things you are passionate about, things you think will make a difference or that need changed.

Truth be told, you may not even realize you have a small business idea during the dreaming phase. You may just be dissatisfied with your job or you may have a frustration that you see a solution to that no one has thought of. While the first phase of starting a small business is dreaming, often this phase will be over before you realize you do want to start a small business.
But even if you have already begun your business or if you a veteran business owner, you should always be dreaming. It is in the creativity of imagination that we continue to grow and find new avenues for enjoyment and even profit.

The dreaming phase may be the beginning, but it should also flow throughout the life of your small business. In our family, my husband is the dreamer. He has tossed out a lot of ideas brainstorming about his goals. He has finally settled on one that is a great starting point, meets a real need, and has a low starting overhead. This dream is one that we can both latch onto, and in the coming months, I will share our journey in launching our very own small business.

Definition of Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer

Glandular tissue cancer is a type of adencarcinoma, and can affect different parts of the body. Such affected regions in the body include the stomach, the breasts, the colon, cervix, prostate and pancreas just to name a few. One particularly common type of glandular cancer is adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung is responsible for approximately 40 to 50 percent of diagnosed lung cancers each year. It is a form of non-small cell lung cancers, which accounts for close to 80% of all lung cancers. Detecting such illnesses early on in its journey will definitely increase survival rates in addition to helping alleviate many its side effects. Nevertheless, adenoid cystic carcinoma may not be easily visible during its early stages.

Its origin is typically found surrounding parts of the lungs and is often found in women, even in non-smokers. One of its subtypes known as BAC or bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is found in many non-smoking women. The majority of patients tend to be of Asian decent, and most sufferers are usually under the age of 45. Lung cancer in general is continuing to increase over the years, perhaps due to the increasing amount of smokers across the globe. There have been many suggestions as to the increase in cancer numbers. One being the addition of cigarette filters which have demonstrated to potentially allow even more smoke to be inhaled deeper in the lungs, thus triggering adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Even though early symptoms, for example chest pain or fatigue, tend to be overlooked, there have been some well-known symptoms associated with ACC. Since this form of cancer is prone to spreading from the outer lung, symptoms including coughing up blood and a chronic chough are generally seen. It's imperative to consult your doctor if you have been experiencing any of these signs.

Obviously daily life choices including diet, alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking known as the main cause, and other environmental factors will make you more or less susceptible to adenocarcinoma cancer.

Unfortunately adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lungs have affected non-smokers, most commonly caused by radon exposure in the home. While the severity of this cancer varies significantly depending on the affected organ or glandular tissue, there are a few common symptoms. Anything from fatigue, unexplained weight loss or bleeding can all occur, regardless of the organ affected. Because lung adenocarcinoma is a multi-factorial illness, many factors may be the cause of such a serious condition.

The British Sun Pipped Out

Home is where the heart is, in our case as well our beautiful dogs, but the sun has gone away again.  The beautiful heat and sun on holiday made my back feel much better, I didn't seem to wake up with as many pains in the ribs, only my leg!  We came home to sunshine and I thought yeah I can enjoy the feeling, but alas the sun is out till 10 then rain up here in the North of England.

 

We have guests who are ex pats from Australia and currently live in Asia, they have come to see us after meeting us last September and are having a relax.  There we were planning trips here and there and they just want to relax and play with the dogs. 

 

Today my book is being delivered here from the printers, I can't wait.  I have received an unbounded copy just to set my mind at rest the printing on the pages didn't miss out my first sentences.  I am pleased they are arriving and hope that I can meet up with Chris Knighton to give her quite a few to sell at her forthcoming events. 

 

I was going to cancel my physio with having guests but as we aren't doing much running around I may as well keep hold of the appointment and see if they can do anything else. 

 

I went for my scan on Tuesday, I was so pleased Jean was again the nurse in charge of the needle.  I had my elma cream on and off she went.  She told me the vein in my left arm is starting to move and become hard, probably due to the last chemo and the amount of times it has been used over the years.  I thought she was going to have to start probing to get the tip in but she told me after she had got it.  I didn't think veins could move the moment the needle went through the skin, you learn something everyday.  She is a wonderful lady who is now reducing her hours, I just hope that she is on when I need my next scan, I never have a problem with needles in this department, but there again she has administered about 95% of them over the years.  She lost her husband a couple of years ago, just as they were planning retirements, why does life do that?

 

It's 8 years since my Dad died today, I still remember the call at 7.30, I hadn't been that long since my last chemo treatment and I remember I hadn't really got dressed, just pulled on some joggers as my brother came to get me.  I think I was in shock, I had seen him only the day before but something told me then that I may not see him again, one of those 6th sense feelings.  I wanted to go back and see him but hubby told me I was being emotional due to the chemo, how wrong he was and how right I was.  I think he had given up, he died of a massive stroke, he was far to young at 74.  I am sure he felt guilty for my illness and that brought about his own demise.  Guilt eats us up and I wish I could lose this negative feeling.

 

It seems quite a few warriors are going through a hard time at the moment, Tess, Mavis and Debbie are on or starting another round of chemo, I am pleased to say Ray and Steve are at the moment doing well, I hope that I too will get a good result even though I fear I have a little growth, as long as it remains slow growing then it isn't too much of a worry as yet.  I have received some good news from a friend in the states, she has been receiving a new treatment at Sloan Kettering and is still stable, hopefully this drug will come into its own and maybe be the one that turns meso from a terminal to a chronicle disease.  My other friend's husband is having a lot of fluid around the lung.  Back in 04 after my surgery I had fluid, but they couldn't drain it as the fluid had gathered in pockets, now from this friend, I understand those pockets are fissures created by the meso.  It is frightening when you can't get fluid out, quite a few people I know tap fluid on a daily basis.  This to me is a brave thing, how they can have an alien tap fitted to them scares me.  My body can't stand cannula's inside my veins so imagine having a tap constantly attached.

 

On such a note I guess I will close for today but post a picture to remind me of the lovely weather we left behind together with the new friends we met on the cruise.

Don't I look healthy, I did look funny in the bikini where I had remembered to cover some of the radiation patches and not others and also burnt.  My skin has changed again due to the recent chemo, so if you are out sunbathing remember to use factor 50 on scars and radiation patches, 30 and 20 on the rest of you.  Don't miss any parts of the skin otherwise you will end up multi-coloured!

Maybe I am getting a little to old to wear such clothes!

"Call the Midwife": Public Health in the 1950s and Today

Are other people in love with "Call the Midwife" like I am?  I started watching last year during a break between Downton Abbey seasons.  The show follows the lives and work of nurse/midwives working in the Poplar community of east London in the 1950s.  The community has a high poverty rate and limited resources.  The series is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, who like the main character Jenny Lee, became a midwife at the age of 22.

Season 2 of Call the Midwife (airing in the U.S. March 31-May 19, 2013) has been packed with public health issues.  I have been struck by how many of the highlighted issues still challenge us today:

• Season 2, Episode 1: Jenny Lee begins to care for a young mother named Molly, pregnant with her second baby.  In the course of their visits, Jenny realizes that Molly is a victim of domestic violence.  In one especially poignant scene, Jenny soothes and encourages Molly via a conversation held through the family's mail slot. Molly has been ordered by her husband not to let Jenny in the house.

Domestic violence (or intimate partner violence- abuse by a current/former partner or spouse) is still a problem today.  The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that it affects millions of Americans.  This violence has long-term economic and health consequences for individuals, families, and communities.  The CDC offers many resources focused on public health's role in the prevention of intimate partner violence.

• Season 2, Episode 5: Jenny Lee provides prenatal care to Nora, a mother of 8, living in poverty.  The family of 10 crowds into a 2 room flat.  When Nora finds out that she is pregnant again, she is desperate to end the pregnancy.  With the family's financial situation, she feels that it is impossible for her family to take care of another child.  Jenny confronts Nora after seeing evidence of self harm.  Jenny reminds her that there is only one way to terminate a pregnancy (abortion), but it is illegal.  Nora risks her life seeking the services of a local woman who performs abortions.

Abortion remains a hotly debated public health issue in the U.S. both at the state and federal level.  This episode of "Call the Midwife" is a grim reminder of what can happen when women do not have access to safe, legal abortions.

• Season 2, Episode 6:  After diagnosing several late-stage Tuberculosis (TB) infections in Poplar, the community physician (Dr. Turner) advocates for a screening program in the form of an x-ray van.  Dr. Turner and Sister Bernadette (a nun/midwife) make a wonderful public health argument for the resources they need.  They cite the risk factors, specifically poverty in their community, noting that families may have up to 12 people in one apartment.  The close living quarters increase the chance of spreading this infectious disease.  In fact, we meet one family in the episode that lost 6 children to TB.  As a public health professional, it was fascinating to see the promotional materials that the clinicians created to recruit people for the screening.  They papered local bars with flyers and set a large sign outside the van reading, "Stop. 2 minutes may save your life. Get a chest x-ray".

Infectious diseases and their screening, treatment, and vaccination remain key public health issues in the U.S. and around the world.  Many infectious diseases like measles or chickenpox can be prevented by vaccines.  Over the past 15 years, there has been much discussion between the public and public health communities about the safety of vaccines for children.  In January 2013, the Institute of Medicine released a report reaffirming that the current childhood vaccine schedule is safe.  In fact, they report that "vaccines are one of the safest public health options available".

Tell Me What You Think:

• What have been your favorite episodes of "Call the Midwife"?
• What other public health issues are portrayed in the 1950s that still challenge us today?

The Hunt for A Cure: W&C responds to WSJ article

The Wall Street Journal, which is in the business of putting asbestos trial lawyers out business, contacted me over a year ago. They wanted to run an article about my donations to medical research.

As a journalist myself in college, it didn’t take long for me to figure out their angle. They wanted to show that somehow my practice of sponsoring medical research, as opposed to spending oodles on TV and Google ads, was “fishy” if not “rotten.”

The result of that year long quest appeared today in the crusty WSJ under the byline of reporter Dionne Searcey. The title: “Mesothelioma Doctors, Lawyers Hunt for Valuable Asbestos Cases.” 

Right away you get a feel for the slant. We are “hunters.”  Now, I’ve gotten to know Ms. Searcey fairly well and my guess is she didn’t write the headline.  Contrary to the splenetic anti-lawyer bias of the WSJ’s editorial board,  Ms. Searcey actually went the extra mile to check her facts, question her own biases, and listen to contrary points of view. To her credit, she even previewed with me the accuracy of the quotes she attributed to me and others.  In sum, she has shown a degree of professionalism I did not expect from her employer, and I respect her methods greatly.

But I wanted to clarify just a few points.

First, we wouldn't be in this mess if the asbestos industry hadn’t created it.  Nor would we be fussing about the ethics of sponsoring medical research if the asbestos industry itself had not steadfastly and stupidly refused to clean up their horrific mess.

Second, if the parties responsible for the asbestos cancer mess won’t clean it up, who will? The Federal government has not invested in medical research commensurate with the size of the problem, their responsibility (for Navy vets, meso is a “service connected disability) or their own fault. Meanwhile, the number of people diagnosed with meso is “too small” for Big Pharma to justify any serious investment. The labor unions are broke. If not the patients and their advocates, who will step up? 

Third, if money curries favor, from a strict profits and losses perspective, why hasn’t the asbestos industry donated to research?  A few years ago, Dr. Cameron was invited to speak to 600 asbestos defense lawyers, insurance adjusters and company reps.  He talked about the medical and ethical benefits of sponsoring research. How much did they pony up? Zero. Now, that’s “disgraceful.”

The asbestos industry is notorious for corrupting the medical and scientific literature with false and deceptive articles they paid for designed to prove to juries that asbestos is as benign as mother’s milk. If anyone knows how to curry favor with money, it’s the asbestos industry.

It simply boggles my mind that the industry, after 50 years of wasting tens of billions of dollars on phony research and medical mercenary “experts,” still has yet to see the economic benefits from finding a cure.  Put lawyers like me out of business! Save asbestos-tainted companies from bankruptcy! Spare millions of people agony, misery and death! It makes dollars and sense.

Fourth, the only “stakeholders” that really don’t want to see a cure for mesothelioma are the legions of “bill to kill” defense lawyers. They get paid by the hour. It’s in their economic interest to drag out tedious, life-sucking litigation, as the John Johnson case sadly but clearly demonstrates.

That said, over the past 25 years, I have met several honorable defense lawyers who agree with me that their clients should indeed invest in a cure.  They agree with me that they should find a way to resolve meritorious cases early before racking up thousands and thousands in legal fees. And they agree that it makes no sense at this late date for asbestos defendants to invest in crackpot “experts” to gin up junk science to bamboozle juries, when the money should instead be invested in cleaning up their horrific mess. 

We are quick to forgive in this country.  People, like corporations, make mistakes. What’s unforgivable is the perpetuation of that mistake by stubbornly refusing to own up to it.

Finally, maybe I’m wrong about the “benefits” of keeping meso patients alive. Unfortunately, as long as certain states limit or eliminate the damages available in wrongful death cases, then the bad guys will indeed have an economic incentive to hasten their victim’s demise.  It’s no secret that here in California the asbestos companies generally settle wrongful death claims for far, far less than they do for living claims.  The law encourages this wicked behavior.  In this dark and dusty light, it’s no wonder the bad guys don’t invest in a cure.

My firm’s motto has always been: “Asbestos Lawyers for Life.”  Yes, it’s in my firm’s interest to help my clients live long and prosper.  The day that in this great country we hold in contempt efforts to cure cancer but applaud and reward the cancer creators, well, that’s a day I’d rather put off, and I don’t think I’m alone.

RGW

5/6/13

Hunters for Justice and a Cure for Meso: The John Johnson "Fight Meso" Family, sponsors of the Dana Point Grand Prix

Home Again

Why is it the days seem to roll into one when you are coming to the end of your holidays and what you did on day one you can't remember.  The holiday is truly over and this morning I will call in to work to try and catch up before Monday morning's onslaught of everyone needing a piece of me.

 

I have to say I have enjoyed the time away, ok a few ups and downs, my leg being the most annoying and hopefully when I see the physio on Thursday I may get some relief as the massages didn't really do it.

 

The internet access drove me to distraction along with only having the Ipad to work with, how many of you can use this for typing and emailing I just don't know, I found it hard going most of the time.  I wish I could say to Amanda I have brought the sunshine back for you in a big bottle but unfortunately it never seems to reach us, as we flew through the blue sky's yesterday across from Italy I thought hey it may be nice and sunny in good old blighty but as we crossed the white cliffs banks of cloud approached us.  In fact our decent was through heavy thick cloud that whipped the plane or way and another.

 

I read a couple of good articles on living after cancer and one on MKMRF.  Living with mesothelioma certainly has it's ups and downs, this pain in my leg and butt cheek for instance, I am worrying, hopefully needlessly, that it is a bit of growth on the bottom left of my lung which is now pressing on a nerve instead of me perhaps doing something like sitting the wrong way and pulling a muscle.

 

The last day of our cruise was in Sorrento, but you know I just couldn't be bothered to get off the ship and visit, yes it looked lovely from out in the water and I should have made the effort but I needed a day of relaxation.  I felt guilty for not visiting but I am sure we will get there again.  We spent a cold night up on deck having dinner with people who were strangers 10 day ago but became friends over the course of the holiday.  Because of the internet I am sure we will be in touch, not like the olden days where you just could never be in touch so easily.

 

Two of the party we befriended have a large Doctor's practise in Pittsburgh, they told me they hadn't had a case of meso for ten years.  Pittsburgh was a notorious hot spot for this disease and now they have a total decline so how come the rest of the world is still on an upward rating.

 

The dog's were certainly pleased to see us, we dropped the bags off and took them straight out for a walk, I haven't seen both tails go so much from left to right for ages.  Bear ran around the fields sniffing who had been around his property over the last week, boy did he have fun, whereas Lexi stayed by our sides.

 

Well that's it for now, have a busy night tonight, a 65th birthday party to attend, just hope I don't over do myself today and find I'm tired!

 

Time for me to catch up on everyone's blogs and see what's being happening while I've been away.  I truly hope that Amanda and Ray have finally found themselves out and about enjoying themselves.

Workers Memorial Day--Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living

In recognition of Workers Memorial Day 2013,  Worthington & Caron would like to acknowledge all of the working men and women who have been hurt, taken ill or have died in pursuit of their piece of the “American Dream”. This, of course, includes hundreds of thousands of workers who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis as a result of exposure to asbestos in the workplace.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established on April 28, 1971 with the mission of assuring safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education and assistance. The anniversary of this day has been designated Worker’s Memorial Day, a day to honor all men and women who have been injured or have lost their lives due to a workplace accident or exposure.

According to the World Health Organization approximately 125 million people in the world were exposed to asbestos at the workplace, and more than 107,000 people die each year from asbestos-related disease. One in every three deaths from occupational cancer is estimated to be caused by asbestos.

Even though OSHA established regulations regarding the handling of asbestos in the early 1970s, many manufacturers continued using asbestos in their products for many years--in some cases decades later. The OSHA regulations proved to be of some effect in reducing exposures to existing asbestos that had been installed years earlier and could be marked and cordoned off at jobsites such as factories, refineries and power plants. However, the regulations proved to be less effective in limiting exposures to new products that were used by workers or by others in their presence at jobsites. As disease caused by asbestos typically doesn’t manifest until 20 to 50 or more years after exposure, it is anticipated that the incidence of asbestos disease will remain at its current rate for years to come.

Many believe that the conduct of asbestos companies from the 1930s through the 1980s is one of the worst examples of companies placing profits ahead of public safety in our nation’s history. Worker’s Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of worker health and the need to prevent this situation from ever occurring again. 

Kudos to The New York Times Magazine for Examining the "Feel-Good War" on Breast Cancer!

In last week's The New York Times Magazine, Peggy Orenstein wrote an article called "Our Feel-Good War on Breast Cancer".  The piece is lengthy but well researched, insightful, and well worth the reading time.

Peggy, a breast cancer survivor herself, hits every key public health issue- cancer screenings, treatment options, "awareness" raising, message framing, funding, and research.  As someone who has been critical of "awareness" raising, I was happy to see the issue discussed front and center.  For me, her interview with Dr. Gayle Sulik (Sociologist and Founder of the Breast Cancer Consortium) was the most striking.  A key quote from Dr. Sulik (I added the bolding):

“You have to look at the agenda for each program involved.  If the goal is eradication of breast cancer, how close are we to that? Not very close at all. If the agenda is awareness, what is it making us aware of? That breast cancer exists? That it’s important? ‘Awareness’ has become narrowed until it just means ‘visibility.’ And that’s where the movement has failed. That’s where it’s lost its momentum to move further.”

Peggy also tackles the issue that is an ongoing challenge in public health and medicine:  screening.  Screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms.  Ideally, screening will identify diseases early when they are easier to treat and have better outcomes.  For breast cancer, the key screening test is a mammogram (x-ray of the breasts).  However (as Peggy points out), we seldom hear about the research that demonstrates limited effectiveness of mammograms for reducing cancer death.  This is not the research cited in the communication materials from advocacy organizations.  We also tend not to hear about the negative side effects of screening large segments of the population.  There can be false positive tests: which subject the patient to unnecessary medical intervention and emotional distress.  There can also be over-treatment for the detected cancer, even if it turns out to be a non-aggressive tumor.

When I was working in suicide prevention, one of the best articles I read was "Screening as an Approach for Adolescent Suicide Prevention" by Dr. Juan Pena and Dr. Eric Caine.  The authors dedicate a section of the paper to key decisions and tasks to resolve before implementing a screening program.  While the public health issue and screening tests are different, I believe many of their decision points are generalizable to almost any health issue.  The table presenting these decisions and tasks is a great reminder to public health professionals and clinicians that recommending and undertaking a screening program should be strategic and the decision should be re-visited regularly.  For example, the authors highlight:

• Key Decision:  Population and Setting- Is the screening program consistent with the target population's community or cultural values?
• Key Decision:  Screening Instrument- What will be the false positives and false negatives rates in the population to be screened?  Are these rates acceptable?
• Key Decision:  Staffing and Referral Network- Are there effective treatments available for the types of conditions being screened for?
• Key Decision:  Quality Assurance- How will the screening program be monitored to ensure that protocols are followed?
• Key Decision:  Legal and Ethical Issues- Has sufficient informed consent been given to parents and youth about risks, benefits, and limits of screening?

Going back to the "Feel-Good War" article:  I like that Peggy did not just point out all the flaws in our current breast cancer screening and treatment systems.  Instead, she invited her interviewees to recommend potential improvements.  Some ideas were noted in two key areas:

• Message Re-Framing:  Rather than offering blanket assurances that “mammograms save lives,” advocacy groups might try a more realistic campaign tag line. The researcher Gilbert Welch has suggested this message, “Mammography has both benefits and harms — that’s why it’s a personal decision.”

• Funding Re-Distribution:  Peggy asked scientists and advocates how some of that "awareness" money could be spent differently. She highlights the February recommendations of a Congressional panel (made up of advocates, scientists and government officials) that called for increasing the share of resources spent studying environmental links to breast cancer. They defined the term liberally to include behaviors like alcohol consumption, exposure to chemicals, radiation and socioeconomic disparities. 

Tell Me What You Think:

• What do you think about the "pink culture" or awareness raising around breast cancer?  Will it effectively lead us to our goal of prevention?
• In addition to message re-framing and funding re-distribution, what else would you recommend to help improve the approach to breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment?

Not in the mood

Twice in one day what is going on with me, well I'm having one of those days and if you read my blog you also know this is my release, release from the anxiety meso brings.   Firstly I forgot that chemo changes our bodies, ok you say your chemo was Nov last year so what's the problem,
I burnt when normally my skin wouldn't even notice, it's the first time it has seen sunshine and those precious damaged chemo cells have never had sun on them before.  People and here I mean those around us, think they know how we feel, think because we are inactive, don't have anything wrong, they don't seem to accept that our body is working twice as hard to keep us in inactive, that we are trying our hardest to be normal, but tonight I think I have fallen off that emotional washing line, maybe I haven't changed the sheets for a long time and the line has got tight, tonight it sagged and hit rock bottom.  If I hear bless you one more time I swear I could commit murder!

But I'm on holiday so I should be happy, but holidays can be tiring, especially a cruise plus it's a place of food, walk, food, talk, shower (again) food, drink bed, shower, breakfast and on and on, I feel like a spoilt brat and probably am acting like one but I feel like I don't live my life for me, maybe tomorrow I will feel different but here now at present I feel like I am an imposter, the smile is false, the person inside just wants to shout stop the world I want to get off!

Pain and sunshine

The hot sun has certainly warmed those ribs up and taken quite a lot of the normal meso pain from the highs to the lows on the 1 to 10 scale but the pain in my butt, sorry it is a pain, and down my leg every time I sit in a certain position is driving me to distraction.  I believe the rolling of the boat has helped with the bile as I don't feel so sick on a morning.  Wonder if hubby fancies moving into a canal boat for the rest of my life!

Seriously though I moan about the cold of home and how heat helps and it truly does but the pains still haunt us.  I'm talking about pain more today because catching the few bits I can on Facebook I see Debbie is really suffering and for her through this unpredictable journey of meso, it's a first.

I have suffered pain long before diagnosis and my heart feels heavy for her, there is no golden tablet that takes it all away, it hovers even with a large dose of morphine.  Our life's are just one long round of pain, once it stops in one area it starts in the next, each nerve fighting with the next to generate the most pain and be noticed by the brain to remind us how fragile our body really is.  Pain is the ultimate bug bear of this disease in my eyes.

So another new day of exploring for us, the one thing about cruising sometimes is we dock at industrial style ports and today is one of them, just tried taking a pic but can't on the iPad!  I have been pretty much out of contact, it seems strange not having email everyday or being on Facebook for a couple of hours, technology has taken over my life.  I brought my 2nd book to edit but have I not read much, on a cruise you don't seem to find reading time.  We have made friends with some amazing people which has been wonderful.  We were supposed to have dinner with the Captain last night but were ordered to ditch him so we could all eat again together, today will be our first day alone as our new found friends have booked tours so maybe I might just get some proof reading done.

Good news too, if I haven't already posted, Debbie has also been asked to be an ambassador for Mkmrf, Hopefully this will make the charity more well known in the South of England, again helping bring more funds to keeping the tissue bank open.  

Oh well, it's a hard life for some of us, had better think about showering and having breakfast, how is it you eat much more on holiday than you ever do at home?  Hubby's pot belly has increased another 3 inches and mine, well lets just say when I sit down it flops over.

As a friend recently said to me "we are still breathing" so to all of us, long may that continue!

Canada Drops Opposition to Chrysotile Addition to List of Controlled Hazardous Substances

The United Nation’s list of Controlled Hazardous Substances is maintained by an international treaty made up of representatives from around the world known as the Rotterdam Convention. The Convention’s purpose is to set standards of protocol for the regulation of global trade of hazardous materials in an effort to protect human health and the environment.

Chrysotile has been on the list of considered additions to the list of Controlled Hazardous Substances since the Convention’s first meeting in 2004. However, in order for chrysotile to be added, the vote needs to be unanimous among the represented countries. The addition of chrysotile has been strongly opposed by countries with large stakes in the asbestos industry including Brazil, Canada, China, India, Kazakhstan and Russia. Inclusion does not imply that the substance has been banned, but that its import, export and use is severely regulated.

India withdrew its objection to the addition of chrysotile at the 2011 Rotterdam Convention, but Canada, which was exporting thousands of tons of chrysotile asbestos to other countries, objected on the basis that it was a propaganda ploy by groups wishing to benefit from the trade of replacement products such as cellulose and ceramic.

That same year the last operating asbestos mine in Canada ceased operations and the Canadian government committed to lend the mine $58 million to restart production. But in 2012, the newly elected government announced it would not honor the commitment. The new Ministry also announced that it would no longer oppose the addition of chrysotile to the list of Controlled Hazardous Substances.

The sixth meeting of the Rotterdam Convention runs from April 28 to May 10, 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland. While it is unlikely that other countries in opposition will follow suit, Canada’s change in stance is an important step toward placing of public health above corporate gains.

Chrysotile asbestos is a fibrous magnesium silicate mineral that is the most abundant variety of asbestos found on earth. The largest known natural deposits of chrysotile are located in Quebec, Canada and the Ural Mountains in Russia. Chrysotile is most commonly exported to developing countries which have failed to implement proper safety regulations to protect citizens.

Due to the unyielding of vested corporate interests, the danger of chrysotile asbestos continues to remain a contentious topic. However, in February 2013, the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer called for an end to all uses of asbestos reiterating all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic and can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Sunshine and cool breeze

I feel naughty saying how beautiful it was feeling that heat on my bones yesterday.  We docked at Kusadasi but stayed on board.  The gauntlet of getting through the duty free shopping centre put us off, apparently the vendors chase you all the way, certainly not something hubby enjoys.  But we came for heat more than anything else and yes my bones soaked it up, although my muscle/nerve hasn't improved.

We have intermittent Internet service so have had a hard time downloading Facebook although I have logged in I can't see anything just keeps loading.  To my fellow warrior Mavis I hope she has digested her bad news and put some plan of action into her thoughts.  Being told your meso is back is never easy then wondering what you can do is harder still.  We don't have the choices on treatments that others have.  I know I put back my own treatment when the meso was back in 2010, but again each case is different, hence making mesothelioma the killer cancer.

Well we have just docked after sailing all night, Mykonos looks quite inviting, when I worked on Santorini a friend worked here but that was some 28 years ago (at least) like all islands changes will have occurred.

Better get ready, breakfast then off to discover the island.

News from the med signing off.

Lung Cancer Stage 4 Life Expectancy and Treatments

Stage 4 lung cancer is the last stage of lung cancer that is also known as Metastatic Cancer. This is the condition where the cancer cells have affected both lungs and other areas of the body, such as brain, bones, liver and so on. Unfortunately, 40 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer are already in stage 4 when they are first diagnosed. This is not uncommon as earlier stages often misidentified as other less serious health problems. Thanks to medical improvements, a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer does not mean that they cannot prolong their life. The life expectancy of the patient can be improved through certain treatments so the patients can live longer, generally about 7 to 12 months since they are diagnosed, although the cancer itself is incurable. Some people are even able to survive for years, even up to 7 years.

The life expectancy of stage 4 lung cancer therefore varies, depending on many factors, including the physical and mental condition of the patient, the age, the sex, and the current condition of the cancer itself, whether it has developed further or not. Normally, women have higher survival rate than men. In this stage, surgery is no longer possible and chemotherapy is the option to reduce the size of the tumor, slow its growth, terminate the most cancerous cells, improve the symptoms and quality of life and more importantly, prolong the life of the patients. Radiation is often mixed with the chemotherapy. Both methods often cause severe side effects such as abdominal pain, memory loss, bone pain, kidney problems, impotence and many others. In addition, there are other treatments that can help the patient prolong their life, which are target drug treatment and the patient's contribution in clinical experiment. Both methods basically work by targeting the patient's cancer characteristics and treating it.

The patients will not experience severe side effects as with chemotherapy and radiation. The medical experiment alone is proven to be successful in improving the survival rate of the patients, mainly because patients engaging in the experiment get all the focus on themselves and if there is a new finding to help improve the survival rate, it will be tested on them. In addition to all the medical treatments above, sometimes patients also look into alternative treatments, although from medical point of view, those treatments do not do the stage 4 lung cancer anything.

The treatments include acupuncture, massage therapy, certain diet, natural substances such as baking soda and even taking kerosene as well as certain herbal remedies. They might work in reducing the symptoms of the cancer but are unlikely to cure the cancer itself, but are always worth investigating, as some have a very good history of helping. The outcome of those alternative treatments is always better if the cancer is still in early stages.

"Call Me Crazy": Lifetime's New Movie That Champions Hope and Resilience Around Mental Illness

*Warning: it was difficult to write this post without including a few small spoilers, but I hope you'll watch the whole film anyway.

On Saturday April 20th, Lifetime debuted "Call Me Crazy: A Five Film".  The film (which boasts a star-studded cast and director list) includes five short stories that examine the impact of mental illness from various perspectives.  Each story is named after the main character: "Lucy", "Grace", "Allison", "Eddie", and "Maggie".

In the first story, we are introduced to Lucy (played by Brittany Snow).  Lucy, a law student, has recently been admitted to a psychiatric institution after experiencing a schizophrenic episode.  She is struggling to see how she can live a "normal" life that includes relationships and a career.  Her clinician encourages her to finish law school because she has insight into something very few people understand (mental illness)- so who knows how many people she could help?

In "Grace", we meet a daughter who has been living with a bipolar mother for her entire life.  Grace is played beautifully by Sarah Hyland from "Modern Family"- I loved seeing her in a dramatic role.  We see the "highs" and "lows" of her mother's condition.  We also see the devastating impact that it has on Grace's life when it is not treated.  Grace often plays the role of caretaker- making sure her mother is safe.  We see her struggle to have her own life aside from her mother's illness.

"Allison" offers the viewers a twist.  She plays Lucy's younger sister.  So we step back from Lucy's view and we see how mental illness has affected her entire family.  Allison's childhood, her sense of safety, her relationship with her parents- were all changed as a result of her sister's illness.  She has bottled up a lot of anger and finds it difficult to support her sister through her recovery.

"Eddie" introduces the only male main character.  He is suffering from severe depression.  He has withdrawn from his wife and his friends.  He has stopped receiving help from his therapist.  We watch his wife intervene after discovering that he may be thinking about suicide.

Finally, "Maggie" introduces topics that (unfortunately) are all too common these days- post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and military sexual trauma among our returning veterans.  Maggie (played by Jennifer Hudson) was victimized during her time in the Army and its lasting impacts are threatening her ability to have a healthy relationship with her family.  Here we get another update on Lucy- she is now a lawyer and is representing Maggie in court.

While each story stands on its own, Lucy's story is woven throughout "Allison" and "Maggie" as well.  I really liked this strategy.  Not only because I became invested in her character during the first story...but also because seeing her evolve over time helped to demonstrate some key themes from this film- hope and resilience.

As Lucy says to Maggie: "I am living proof". [Of what?] "That there is hope".  In court, Lucy reminds Maggie's judge that having mental illness does not mean that you are a bad person or a bad mother.  She also reminds him about the importance of social support, "it is nearly impossible to get well alone".  Even though we see all of these characters at their lowest point- there is still hope that they can feel better, have strong relationships, and contribute positively to the world.

It seems fitting that Brittany Snow's character delivers these messages about hope and resilience, as she is a strong advocate for them in real life.  Together with the Jed Foundation and MTV, she founded Love is Louder.  Love is Louder is an inclusive movement that amplifies messages of love and support to combat negative messages resulting from bullying, loneliness, and stigma.  She has also publicly shared her own battles with anorexia, depression, and self harm.

As a health educator, I highly recommend this film as a resource for discussing mental illness, suicide, stigma, social support, and help-seeking.  Since each story is approximately 20 minutes, they can be broken down into segments or watched all together.  This film is a great example of Entertainment Education, which is an area of public health that acknowledges the strong impact that television and movies play in educating the public about health issues.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness, please reach out:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)

The Joys of Packing

I still can't shake this mood of doom or get off my backside and be active.  But today I did pack, early for me as I normally do it the night before.  I'm just afraid that after work tomorrow I will feel like just wanting to sit and stare at the computer screen.

 

I have pushed myself and finished correcting the first draft of the next book, that has also been downloaded to my kindle so I can read it on hols and mark any further errors.  At least my bad memory is good for something as I had forgotten the story and the ending, the last few chapters I was on the end of my seat wondering how it was going to come together!

 

Another worry about my memory is my book is advertised for pre-order on Amazon as a paperback, I can't remember doing that, nor can I get into an account to see how I did it or more importantly, who has pre-ordered it.  I am getting a little worried but hubby keeps brushing it off by saying I am over tired.

 

My leg also is getting worse, thinking I have a trapped nerve in there, I daren't let my imagine take hold, just in case.  Although last night I made myself sleep on my back and didn't place a pillow in between my knees.  I got into this habit when I was so thin that my bony knees rested on each other.  At least my bloods came back ok but I am having a few little ripples of pain in the third boob and right back, I have to hope that my short cycle of alimta works for longer than the last time, 4 months stability isn't long enough for any of us.

 

I actually got out with the dogs in the fields yesterday, the sun shone and the breeze was warm, I couldn't believe it, nor could the dogs both stayed by my side the whole time.  I left hubby with his camera and went for a walk in the woods, spying a couple of deer I tried to keep the dogs quiet but Lexi started singing, (yes she sings) and they heard so I watched them spring away in the distance.  It was good though, we were out about 90 minutes and it filled me with a I need sun and today was just a taste. 

 

I hope the weather will be nice when we arrive on Tuesday and no storms at sea, on Friday I caught up with an old friend.  She owns a spa called Broom Mill Spa about 10 minutes away but I haven't made the effort to go for nearly 3 years.  I was greeted like VIP when I arrived, it was great catching up, the children have grown so much I didn't recognise them as they came to give me a hug.  Both daughters are truly beautiful young ladies.  I got my finger nails and toe nails done as well as waxing those eye brows.  We are both to blame for the absence in seeing each other, she has been busy keeping the Spa busy in this economic down turn together with running around after the children etc, although we both keep meaning to get in touch something called life can get in the way.  I have promised once I get back I will at least see her once a month.  Mind saying that I said that to my two best friends, So far this year I can count on one hand the amount of times we have been together.

 

Hubby told me today he has managed to lose half a stone, I have managed to lose a lb, still I have packed a couple of pair of tight summer trousers, you never know I may still lose a few more so I can wear them!  I hope he can carry on losing it would do him the world of good, like me it is all on his belly!  I should have had it written into our marriage vows, and no fat stomachs!

 

One last word, I hope Mavis gets a good result tomorrow, I know she is worried, as we do, we can only hope her stable inactive continues, and if you are receiving results yourselves, I hope you get the same.

Report Notes Unusual Side Effects from Alimta Chemotherapy

A report in the March 2013 edition of the medical journal, Lung Cancer, details two unusual side effects seen in a 77 year-old man who was receiving Alimta chemotherapy in the course of maintenance therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (“MPM”). One week after the patient received his seventeenth cycle of Alimta, he began suffering from neutropenic enteritis (“NE”), a potentially life-threatening condition associated with inflammation of the cecum or bowels which was treated with antibiotics. Another side effect experienced by the same patient was severe hyperpigmentation, which is the discoloration or darkening of the skin all over the patient’s body.

There are prior reports of two patients receiving Alimta in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer who developed NE, but this is the first documented case of an MPM patient exhibiting NE. Hyperpigmentation has been documented in two previous patients receiving Alimta. But this is the first case where both symptoms/side effects were exhibited in the same patient.

Since its approval by the FDA in 2004, pemetrexed, brand name Alimta, has been routinely prescribed in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. To this day, Alimta/cisplatin remains the only FDA approved chemotherapy drug combination for the treatment of mesothelioma.

Even though it was ultimately approved, the clinical trials of Alimta/cisplatin showed only a 41% partial response rate and an increased median survival rate of only 2.8 months compared to patients treated with cisplatin alone. Furthermore, in its approval letter, the FDA noted that it’s approval of Alimta/cisplatin was limited to “use with patients who are not eligible for surgery.”

More recent published trial data reveals that a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy is almost always associated with the longest survival times. 

Wife's Homestead Claim Remains in Limbo With No Answer From Fifth Circuit

The plight of the non-filing spouse who stands to lose an interest in the homestead is a trap that is easy to overlook.   Under 11 U.S.C. Sec. 541(a)(2), when one spouse files bankruptcy, all joint management community property enters the bankruptcy estate.    This means that if the filing spouse elects not to claim the homestead as exempt in favor of selecting other property or is subject to a cap, the non-filing spouse may lose her interest in the property without having any say in the matter.     

I have previously written about the Odes Ho Kim case here.   In the Kim case, an involuntary petition was filed against Mr. Kim.    The creditors then sought to impose a cap upon his homestead exemption.  Mrs. Kim intervened asserting that she had an independent interest in the homestead.   The Bankruptcy Court and the District Court ruled that Mr. Kim was subject to a cap on the homestead exemption and that Mrs. Kim had no separate interest in the property.    If both spouses had filed, they would have been entitled to two times the amount of the cap.   However, with Mrs. Kim sitting outside of bankruptcy, her interest in the homestead was completely divested by the bankruptcy filing.

Up until this point, the result of the case illustrated an unfair result for the non-filing spouse, but one which was based on an arguable reading of the code.    However, things got interesting after the case was appealed to the Fifth Circuit.    On September 10, 2010, Pronske & Patel and Andrews & Kurth appealed the District Court ruling on behalf of the Kims.    The case was argued to Judges Higginbotham, Owens and Haynes on July 8, 2011.   Now, almost two years have passed since oral argument without a ruling.   According to the Bar Association for the Fifth Circuit, the case is the oldest bankruptcy case still under advisement and is the second oldest case of any kind under advisement.    

While speculation about the reason for the long gestation of the opinion is not worth much, I will engage in some anyway.   Both Judges Owens and Haynes sat on Texas state benches before being named to the Fifth Circuit.   (Indeed, Judge Owens was on the Texas Supreme Court).   Texas has a long tradition of protecting homestead rights.   Additionally, according to a recent book on the history of the Texas Supreme Court (Haley,The Texas Supreme Court: A Narrative History 1836-1986, University of Texas Press 2013),  Texas also was also the first state to recognize property rights for married women.    It may be that the judges are struggling with how to reconcile these strong Texas state law protections with the Bankruptcy law applicable here.   It will be interesting to see how the case is finally resolved.

Why Use Lawyers - The American Way

Over the past years us sufferer's have become vigilant over which sites we visit due to our names being used and sold on to lawyer firms, more so in the USA than here in the UK.  Always one for searching information when I can, I noticed how many sites are backed by Lawyers in the States or have large sponsorships paid to them. 

The one's that inform you are fine, like Mesotheliomahelp.net say they are backed by a Lawyer Firm, as do many of the larger Meso help sites, but some are sneaky and can get you to give your name and address up front, promising to send you a book on meso.  I came across one only last week.  Even though checking out the website and clicking here and there I couldn't find any affiliation to a lawyer's company.  I filled out the info, to see what would happen, sure enough I was contacted by a lawyer. (I didn't want a book by the way I was researching!)

When I was first diagnosed the only sites that had information on Mesothelioma were a couple of Lawyer sites  in the states and they said what they were, although these days this has moved on, from the 4 pages on google back then to the 400 + pages on google today.

We do need the large corporates to sponsor some of the sites otherwise a lot of information would be lost out there to many of us, when do we have the time to track everything down on the internet.  But there are so many.   

I asked a friend in the States to write about why Lawyers are important in the states

Lawyers Can help Mesothelioma Patients Get Much Needed Financial Relief

Some doctors estimate that mesothelioma treatment in the United States can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $1 million, depending on the number of doctors’ visits, cost of surgeries and lengthy hospitalizations, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.  Most individuals, even with insurance coverage, cannot afford the high cost of treatment for the disease.  However, for those eligible for compensation from companies responsible for the disease, the payment they receive can help cover some, if not all, of the associated costs.

The hazards of asbestos were first identified in the 1920’s, but for years companies ignored the dangers and subjected millions of workers worldwide to the risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Common occupations with a high incidence of this disease include plumbers, pipefitters, boiler trades, auto mechanics, Navy veterans, merchant mariners, electricians, carpenters and many other trades that used asbestos-containing materials without being warned of its lethal effects.

Managing the associated health care costs for mesothelioma is one of the major concerns of mesothelioma patients. Some patients are forced to end treatments early due to their inability to afford further care.  Others continue to build debt until they are left wondering how they will cover the bills. 

In fact, according to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, medical bills are responsible for close to 60 per cent of personal bankruptcies in the United States - with 75 percent of those individuals having health insurance.

The tragedy of mesothelioma is that it could have been prevented, and is most often caused due to the negligence or recklessness of companies responsible for ensuring the safety of its workers. Having the companies pay for the workers’ illnesses is one way to hold the companies responsible for their actions.

Asbestos litigation is the longest running mass tort in U.S. history, with the first case filed in 1929. Countless people in the United States have filed lawsuits after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis or other asbestos-related diseases.

Many people that do not understand the devastating impact mesothelioma can have on a family believe that mesothelioma lawsuits are frivolous.  What may not be clear, however, is that some companies broke laws, tried to hide information and failed to provide adequate protection to their employees – all while knowing mesothelioma was a real risk to their employees.

In 2011, the New York law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP, secured separate verdicts in the United States of $32 million and $19 million in cases involving individuals who contracted mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos.  The companies in the lawsuit were found to have acted with reckless disregard for the safety of others.

Deciding to pursue a claim against the companies that caused your mesothelioma should not be taken lightly. A lawsuit can help a family recover from the financial impact of the disease. However, legal action can be stressful, time-consuming and physically exhausting for a mesothelioma patient.

If you are considering pursuing an asbestos-related case, you will want to retain a law firm that is experienced and successful in the courts when dealing with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. You will also want attorneys to represent you that have a passion for helping mesothelioma victims and are compassionate toward their clients. No amount of money can bring back a loved one that has died from mesothelioma, but financial compensation can help the families begin to rebuild their lives. 

We may condemn them but without them sponsoring Mesothelioma websites or research foundations we would be short on information and organisations like MARF wouldn't be able to carry out their help to mesothelioma sufferers. 

Who are Belluck & Fox, well they are the lawyers who keep Mesotheliomahelp online.

Emergency Response to the Boston Marathon Bombings: Looking to Social Media for Information, Resources, and Connections

Boston is my second home.  I lived there for 6 years.  I went to school there.  I made some of the best friends of my life there.  I got married there.  I spent many Marathon Mondays along the race route cheering for friends, colleagues, and absolute strangers.  As many have reported on the news, Marathon Monday is the best day of the year in Boston and you have to experience it to truly understand its excitement and feeling of community.

I am absolutely heartbroken about yesterday's bombing at the Marathon.  In tears, I sat and watched the news alone in my home.  However, I did not feel alone.  As news broke, I quickly connected with Boston friends via text and social media to make sure they were okay.  Many had been watching at various points along the route.  I also connected with public health colleagues to follow the news and to catalog resources and information being deployed to my friends in Boston and also to those of us watching from home.

As with Hurricane Sandy last November, I think it is important to document all the ways that social media is being used to disseminate information and support public health and emergency management.  Here are the key themes that I saw:

Immediate Public Safety Concerns and Instructions

With the #tweetfromthebeat hashtag, Boston Police communicated regularly with twitter followers, instructing marathon spectators to clear the area around the finish line and refrain from congregating in large crowds.

Investigation

To assist with the investigation, Boston Police and FBI are asking all spectators and eyewitnesses to submit video and photos taken at the finish line.  This message has been widely disseminated via social media.

Reconnecting Runners, Spectators, and Resources

As we have seen with emergency management of natural disasters, social media and technology play a critical role in reconnecting victims with their families and friends.  For example, the following resources were quickly deployed on social media:

• American Red Cross: Safe and Well
• Google: Person Finder
• Google document: Local Boston residents offering shelter to displaced runners/friends/families

Resources for Journalists

Along with tweets from respected news organizations and reporters reminding each other not to speculate early on in the investigation, there were also formal resources circulated regarding how to effectively cover such a story.  For example, the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma offers comprehensive resources on the reporting of disasters and terrorist attacks.  A resource focusing specifically on the Boston Marathon bombings was tweeted out:

Mental Health & Support Resources

Many public health professionals linked to resources to support those in distress following the bombings and/or those who needed help communicating about the events (e.g., discussing it with children).

HHS Secretary Sebelius tweeted about federal disaster resources:

Philadelphia (like many other cities) tweeted about local disaster resources:

Massachusetts General Hospital and other organizations tweeted out tips for discussing the Boston Marathon bombings with children:

As I discussed in my coverage of Sandy, the power of social media also brings challenges to public health and emergency management.  We have seen some early postings about the lessons learned from this event- which does include a discussion of concerns such as rumors spreading rapidly on social media.  For example, it was first reported that cell coverage in Boston was being turned off so that additional bombs could not be detonated remotely.  We later learned that information was not true.  The cell service was slow or not operational due to the extreme overload of users trying to communicate simultaneously.  There was also a lot of concern about very disturbing images of the crime scene and victims being shared on social media.

So there is much to learn about the use of social media for public health and emergency management through close examination of this event and others.  In any case, it is very clear that social media needs to be a part of every organization's disaster and response plan. 

Tell me what you think:

• What was your impression of the use of social media by federal/state/local organizations yesterday after the Boston Marathon bombings?  
• Can you share additional examples of how it was used effectively?  
• What did you see that concerned you?