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?

My Firearms License Application was Denied. Can I appeal?

There are two categories of reasons your application for a firearms license may be denied.

An application for a License to Carry Firearms will be denied if you are disqualified under the terms of M.G.L. c. 140, s. 131. Generally, if you have been convicted of any crime punishable by more than 2 1/2 years in prison, been convicted of a violent crime or crime involving firearms, controlled substances, or any other felony, you are ineligible to obtain a license to carry firearms (LTC). You may also be unable to obtain an LTC if you have been treated for substance abuse addiction, or been confined to an institution for mental illness.

However, even if you have not been convicted of a disqualifying offense, the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in your town must still subjectively determine that you are "suitable" to possess firearms. Even if you are statutorily eligible to obtain an LTC, if the police chief finds you "unsuitable", your license will be denied. The Chief Law Enforcement Officer may consider nearly any evidence at his or her disposal, including police reports, court records that did not result in convictions, sealed records, the applicant's truthfulness on the application, and a number of other subjective factors.

Appeals to District Court

A denial made on the basis of "suitability" must be challenged in the District Court where the applicant resides. The burden of proof is on the applicant to prove that the chief's decision to deny the license to carry firearms was "arbitrary and capricious".

Appeals to the FLRB

A denial made on the basis of the applicant's statutory ineligibility may, in certain cases, petition the Firearm License Review Board for a determination that the conviction is not to be considered a statutory barrier to obtaining the sought after license. The FLRB only has the authority to review certain misdemeanor convictions, and the burden of proof falls on the petitioner to demonstrate that the disqualifying conviction does not impact their suitability to possess a firearm.

It is important that you understand that the Firearms Licensing Board (FLRB) has the authority to review only misdemeanor convictions, and that the FLRB may not review convictions for:

a) an assault or battery on a family or household member, or a person with whom you have had a substantive dating relationship, as defined by G.L. c. 209A, § 1;

b) a crime involving use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental, receipt or transportation of weapons or ammunition for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed; or

c) a crime regulating the use, possession or sale of controlled substances.

In addition, the statute specifies that the FLRB may not review a petition if the petitioner:

a) has a disqualifying felony conviction;

b) has multiple misdemeanor convictions, unless the offenses arise from one incident;

c) was denied a license to carry on the basis of suitability rather than a disqualifying conviction (the District Court is the appropriate forum for appeal in this case); or

d) is disqualified for a reason other than a misdemeanor conviction, such as having an active warrant or restraining order.

Finally, the FLRB may not review a petition until after the passage of five (5) years since the misdemeanor conviction or release from supervision, whichever is last occurring.

Also note that a decision by the FLRB in the applicant's favor does not automatically grant a firearms license - the chief of police may still exercise his or her discretion with respect to the applicant's overall suitability. The FLRB can only grant state relief to the issue of statutory ineligibility

Lazy Bones

Once over I was a busy girl, never sitting still, always on the go.  What has brought this about you wonder, after all I have just written 2 books, but you see that's it, I am sitting on my bum all the time looking at a computer.  Which I don't class as work.

 

We have the decorators coming in tomorrow (something I would never have done years ago, as I did it all myself) and have I done much in preparation ... No.  I should have had the room emptied, all the skirting boards dusted, the curtains down and washed.  Instead I have left it thinking Gary would.  He told me he had sorted the bedroom, when I looked in everything was still there, he had taken down 2 pictures.  So I have pulled some furniture out, took the curtains down, although haven't washed them.  Thrown the bedding in the washer and I just hope the painters don't paint over the dust!

 

I am also upset because I pulled out the clothes I always use for holidays, you know the white trousers, the cut off's, the shorts.  Over the years I add to the collection if I see something nice.  Last year I had started to put the pounds back on but it didn't bother me if the waist was a little slack.  I have noticed how swollen my stomach has been for quite a few months now so I tried my favourites on.  They are all so tight, three pair of summer trousers don't fit at all, (one beautiful classy pair from last year) my regular cut off jeans I can't even zip.  The rest are well all I can say is I have 10 days to lose this belly. 

 

When I sit at the computer I have a packet of fruit gums by my keyboard, and then when I sit and watch my hour's TV I have another packet, or liquorice.  It's like hand to mouth habit.  My sugar intake has gone through the roof over the last 12 months but recently it has all landed on my stomach.  At first I thought it was good because I was starting to go from pin thin arms (8st 2) back to normal, (9st 7) but I guess I just don't exercise enough to ensure it doesn't sit in the one place after it managed to build the rest of me up, I climbed on the scales and am 9st 13, ok not that heavy but all around my stomach, that must weigh a stone on its own!

 

On top of that I drank a lot last night, not my normal but having felt so low recently and then the clothes thing I let my hair down and ended up with a hangover this morning.  The one that makes you want to lie on the sofa with a blanket over you.  To be totally honest, I have felt down recently and I can't understand why.  I know I have already told you this, but still why am I feeling this low?  I have everything going for me, well if you forget the mesothelioma and the hiatus hernia, but a wonderful husband, the dogs, good friends, work, writing, and inactive disease so why am I feeling this low?

 

I heard from Mr S today, he was diagnosed with me, although in his seventies now, he was only given 3 months to live last October.  I advised him to see J Steele who put him on the 3 chemos, he hasn't had shrinkage but the good news is the meso hasn't grown any further.  He has a large tumour hanging from his aorta and now a new mass on the chest wall.  I am thrilled that JS was able to help.  He is another who has no pain, not even from the original VAT he went through the same day as me.  I wonder if women's bodies respond differently to men's?

 

For all my hard work for healing I was also awarded the Anne English Healing Award, I can't understand how so many voted for me because I only go to one service a week.  I must admit I am thrilled but feel I don't deserve it.

 

The date for my next scan arrived, its in May.  Hubby has done a "Why Have a Scan" routine again, I told him that it's good to keep track of what the meso is doing.  It's because he doesn't want to know and thinks I should do as he says.  He doesn't see it from my point of view, if my friend has decided to grow then I need to know so I can plan what I will do when summer is over.  He seems to think if I know it's going to ruin our summer!  I said back, funny last year I knew how bad it was growing but I made a decision to have summer free of treatments.  I know this is hard on our partners but hey it's not there bodies that feel crap every day.  He gets a grump sometimes if I don't go with the dogs because I think it's too windy.  He is superman, with a fat belly and lots of fat everywhere else that keeps him warm, he doesn't mind a balaclava over his face, I can't bear anything over my face, maybe too many memories of oxygen masks for me.  He doesn't ache when having to walk through the muddy ruts or keep having to stop to catch his breath, blow his nose because over exertion makes it run constantly.  See told you I was having a bad time.  That's another thing, when we were courting he told me to shoot him if he ever had a big fat belly, I reminded him of it once and I got I am what I am back.  Never trust a man.  Why is they stop caring what they look like?  When I would ask him if I was always so thin he would say you are always beautiful in my eyes, what answer is that?  If I ask about my scar he says he doesn't notice it, I bet if I had a great big lump of meso growing out of it he would say the same.

 

Why is living so hard?  I should be jumping around, if this holiday doesn't bring me back up to happy Jan I think I will go mad.  In all the years I've been diagnosed I haven't felt this low, I can't talk to anyone so I am off loading on here.  We need a release and this is mine.  I hope if you are feeling the same you find a way of getting it off your chest and finding your way back up.  I could say a good cry may do me some good but I have nothing to cry about.  I hope my bloods come back and say I am run down, that could then be the reason I feel so low and have the energy of a slug.  Which reminds me I was brushing Bear and one dropped from his coat.  Yak!

 

Well that's me for the night, this miserable person is going to make a cup of tea, without sugar I hasten to add.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin Urges Americans to Learn the Dangers of Asbestos

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin issued a statement urging Americans to learn and take precautions against the dangers of asbestos as part of Asbestos Awareness Week which took place April 1 – April 7.

The World Health Organization estimates that over 107,000 people die each year from asbestos-related disease--10,000 of those deaths occurring in the US. Almost all of us are exposed to very low levels of asbestos in the air, but most will never develop an asbestos-related disease unless directly exposed to higher concentrations.

Asbestos is banned in over 50 countries throughout the world including most of Europe and all of Australia. Asbestos has not yet been banned in the United States, most of South America, China and Asia. Mining for asbestos is banned in the US, but asbestos is still imported and used in a wide range of products.

These days, most exposures to asbestos occur from renovations performed on buildings and homes built before the 1980s, automotive work and clean-up from natural disasters. Asbestos fibers are invisible and most people are unaware that it is present in the air they are breathing.

The following is a list of “usual suspects” for containing asbestos:

• Roofing materials
• Popcorn ceilings
• Drywall and drywall mud
• Vinyl and linoleum floor tiles
• Cementious or transite pipe
• Wall or ceiling insulation
• Textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceilings
• Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves and fireplaces
• Hot water and steam pipe insulation
• Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets
• Automotive brakes and clutches

This informative video shows in detail what to look out for in the home if you suspect asbestos is present.

If you suspect asbestos is present, do not disturb it, and contact an accredited asbestos abatement professional who can let you know whether it is safely contained or if it presents a danger to you and your family.

For more information on asbestos please visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

No Breeze

Hubby has got himself excited, there is no breeze outside which means I will go for a walk with him and the mutts.  Problem is I can't, I'm waiting in for a young IT lad to come and see if he can fix my problems with uploading the edited book for Kindle! 

 

Typical a nice day out in the woods and I can't go.  As with all youngsters, you ask what time and they shrug their shoulders, time doesn't seem as important when you are young.  Anytime was the shrug or when I get there.

 

I started a new regime of treatment for my bile today, although I am waiting on taking the tablets that have also being prescribed, they are antibiotics and really I don't think I want to start long term on something as dangerous for a hiatus hernia.  The other is a powder you sprinkle on water or juice.  Problem is it's 4 times a day and you can't take tablets after it only 1 hour prior.  This means I will have to become better organised at taking my morphine on a morning and night.  I don't like taking meds unless I really have to.  Wish there was some form of exercise out there that could pull my stomach back out of the chest area!

Hubby took this yesterday of our daffs in the garden, a reminder that spring is really on its way.  For all our sakes let's hope it is around the corner.  I think everyone, not just us meso sufferers, needs to feel that sun on our bones.

 

In October 2011 I was shocked to see how thin I was, getting on the scales I was only 8st 2lb, it took a lot of eating to start keeping weight on, plus I believe the chemo killing my friend meso has helped.  I know I am getting fat as my belly looks like I am 6 months pregnant so last night I climbed on the scales, 9st 13.  A little too heavy now, although right for my height it is all around the middle.   The thought of me in a bikini sunbathing brought a sour taste to my mouth.  I have a week to try and lose half a stone as that all the new summer stuff I bought last year won't fit! I have pulled a few things out for hols and put them in the spare bedroom.  I looked at the trousers but haven't the energy to try them on to ensure they fit.  What am I like, useless I can here you scream at the screen

 

I have to be honest too, the last few weeks I have felt down, maybe down is too strong a word, but I just can't be bothered with anything.  The thought of packing makes me feel ill, I have a lot of work at work to do but can't get motivated, websites need updating but I just can't find the enthusiasm and then proof reading, my eyes get too tired.  I feel bored, maybe that would be a better word, yet I have so much going on I don't know how I can say the word.

 

Its that perpetual circle, get up, take 90 minutes to feel human, get showered, go to work, come home, eat, work on the computer, watch an hours tv go to bed.  I blame the weather but maybe it is me, maybe I am becoming lazy.  The doc thinks I may be anaemic, hopefully this is the case, as I don't like this person I am becoming.  Hopefully this holiday will lift me and I will find Jan underneath again.

 

Enough of my problems, we all have them, just I really don't know how we get through them sometimes.  Adding to everything else I have just been told I have been awarded The Anne English Healing Award from Darlington Spiritualist Church.  This is a lovely honour and one I can't understand being given to me.  Anne was a wonderful healer, having fought cancer herself several times she died of it a couple of years ago.  I think she would be pleased an award was created on her behalf but I know many more healers that I think should have received the honour.

 

Well I guess I had better decided on what to do, probably proof read until my little IT guy arrives.  I would rather write, I have so many stories racing round in side my head when I come out of the shower.  Not enough hours in the day or maybe I just manage them badly.

Can a "Federally Prohibited Person" still obtain a Massachusetts FID Card?

An applicant seeking to possess certain firearms in Massachusetts may obtain a Massachusetts Firearm Identification Card (FID) even if they have been previously convicted of certain offenses. Under state law, as long as at least five years have passed since the completion of the imposed sentence on certain non-violent felony offenses as either an adult or juvenile; convictions for the use, possession or sale of controlled substances; conviction of certain non-violent misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment for more than two years; or the conviction under any law relating to weapons or ammunition for which imprisonment may be imposed, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall issue the applicant a Firearms Identification Card.

However, an applicant with any criminal record should proceed extremely cautiously. Even though Massachusetts has issued an FID, the possession of a firearm by certain individuals convicted of the above offenses may still be federally prohibited from possessing firearms, and doing so is a crime punishable by up to ten years in federal prison.

Every time you purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer, the dealer will complete a form ATF 4473, and will perform a NICS check with the FBI to ensure you are not a "Federally Prohibited Person" as defined in the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)). The information supplied on form ATF 4473 will be run through millions of electronic records in state and federal databases to see if the person trying to buy the firearm meets one of nine different categories of reasons for which federal law would prohibit them from being in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, the conviction of many of the crimes described above will create a permanent federal prohibition on firearms ownership.

Should the instant records check discover information which establishes you are ineligible to possess a firearm, your transaction will be denied (i.e., you can't purchase the gun), but the story does not end there.

A Brady denial means it is illegal for you to be in possession of any firearms, even those you already own at home, and even if you were able to obtain a Massachusetts FID Card. If you want to avoid possible seizure and forfeiture of your guns, get them into storage with either an FFL or transferred to a friend or relative who you know is legal to possess firearms and who agrees to hold them and not let you have them until your situation is resolved. You may need to memorialize this transfer on an FA-10 or E-FA-10, if you are in Massachusetts.

Once you get your guns safe and receive the statement of reasons for your denial, you should contact an attorney who is familiar with the field of firearms law.

Median Family Income Figures for Chapter 7 Qualification Rise April 2013

Every six months the United States Department of Justice releases new Median Family income figures for each state and territory. These figures are used to calculate a debtor's eligibility to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. If a debtor's income is greater than the median income for their state of residence and family size, they many not be able to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case.

The Means Test calculation compares the average monthly income (as calculated over the last six (6) months) to the median family income in a debtor's state for a household of their size. If the average monthly income is lower than the median family income for the debtor's state of residence and family size, then they pass the means test and there is a presumption that they may file for Chapter 7 relief.

The Median Family Income for Massachusetts as of November 1, 2012 were as follows:

Family size 1: $54,475 per year
Family size 2: $66,076 per year
Family size 3: $80,822 per year
Family size 4: $101,523 per year

add an additional $7,500 per year for each additional household member.

These figures went down slightly in each category from these figures.

The Median Family Income for Massachusetts as of April 1, 2013 are as follows:

Family size 1: $55,602 per year
Family size 2: $67,443 per year
Family size 3: $82,495 per year
Family size 4: $103,624 per year

add an additional $8,100 per year for each additional household member.

If your income is greater than the median income for your state of residence and family size, you still might meet part (b) of the means test after taking into consideration certain expenses as defined by the Bankruptcy Code and other deductions, including regular charitable donations (up to 15% of your income), school expenses, payments on 401(k)/IRA loans, and health Insurance. If you are subject to this calculation an attorney can help you perform this task.

Click here to learn more about The Means Test or use our Means Test Calculator.

To have an attorney help you with these calculations call 508.655.5980 to schedule a consultation or e-mail us here.

Social Media: Providing Connections, Voices, Adventures to Many with Chronic Illness

I am in awe of social media.  

I am in awe of it in my professional life.  I have connected with colleagues all over the world who share my passion for public health, health communication, blogging, pop culture- you name it.

I am also in awe of it in my personal life.  As someone who lives with a chronic illness, I have connected with others who suffer from similar symptoms, offer support, advocate for patient rights, and recommend creative solutions to balancing work and life.

In the past month, I have been struck by several examples of how social media is transforming the lives of people with chronic illness.  Without the networks available within social media, many of these people may have been very isolated due to their conditions.

On March 11, 2013 NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams ran a story about Virtual Photo Walks.  The project's tagline is "Walk the walk for those who can't".  Using the social media platform Google+, Virtual Photo Walks enables people to become "interactive citizens" again.  They connect with smart phone enabled photographers to "travel" and see places and people that they used to see...or always wished that they could.  The news story profiled a woman with Lupus who could not travel due to her serious health condition.  She always wanted to go to Italy and with Google+ she did.  We watched World War II veterans no longer able to travel, "visit" the USS Arizona Memorial through the collaboration of photographers and Google +.  It was incredible to watch.    

On April 5, 2013 CNN Tech ran a story called "On Twitter, Roger Ebert Found a New Voice".  The story describes how Roger became an avid twitter user in 2010, years after cancer had silenced his voice.  He wrote, 

"Twitter for me performs the function of a running conversation. For someone who cannot speak, it allows a way to unload my zingers and one-liners".

As someone growing up in the 80's, I regularly watched "Siskel and Ebert and the Movies".  Keeping up with Roger through twitter and his blog "Roger Ebert's Journal" in recent years has been a seamless transition.  I felt like the show never ended.  I kept up with his running commentary and of course- his movie reviews.

Sustaining your presence in the world is important with a chronic illness.  I felt that point strongly when reading his final blog post, "A Leave of Presence".  

"What in the world is a leave of presence?  It means I am not going away".  

Please Share:

• What creative ways do you see social media being used to support those with chronic (or acute) illnesses?
• Why do you think these communication channels are so effective in "sustaining your presence"?

Weekend Sunshine

I don't know where the time has gone since last Good Friday and this weekend.  I know we were all disappointed with the weather, I've never known such a cold Easter, but the last March we had when it was this cold I was only two!

 

I spent Easter Weekend literally typing, Easter Monday saw me complete my first draft of book two, I did just over ten thousand words that day and to be honest I was exhausted, both mentally and physically.  I mentioned my legs had been aching and more so my left, I have a feeling I have actually pulled a ham string.  Yesterday hubby made me do some stretches, painful as they were they seemed to have helped. 

 

Wish I could say about the headaches I have been having, not sure whether it's my eyes or not, but they too seem to get tired, more now than ever. 

 

I think I am hitting that age when everything starts to begin to fail, next I'll be wearing tener ladies!

 

Poor Debbie has been struck down by meso pain, doctors find it hard to match pain killers to this pain, and to be honest it is difficult.  Either it can be a stabbing pain or a continuous feeling of someone putting a drill into your insides or a constant ache.  Each of them requiring a different pain relief.  I know I live on morphine, and yes other pains still get through.  When the meso is growing it too can cause its own pain together with nerve damage pain.  It would be wonderful if they brought out a tablet that killed it all, instead we find we have to take a combination of drugs to get on top of it.  As the years have gone on I have never got on top of my pains, some become background that you feel all the time but your brain stops telling you how much they hurt.  Our bodies are amazing and at times I guess we don't appreciate them, until something goes wrong.

 

I know if you read this blog you have probably read everyone else's, but I still would like to thank Linda and the people at ADAO for doing such a wonderful job at the conference.  I wonder why ours aren't as big as those in the states?

 

This has been the first weekend for weeks that I have actually been over the fields with the mutts, it was great yesterday as I watched 5 buzzards flying over the trees, hopefully they will nest close so we can watch them raise their young.  Today a deer stood staring at us for quite a while, although it is wonderful I do wish they would move, if I was a poacher, which have been reported in our area, I would have had a clear shot.  But for being out, no wind, we even had sunshine!

Our hols are coming up and I must start thinking about putting the summer clothes out, I am becoming lazy where movement is concerned.  I just can't seem to pull energy together to do the things I could.  I just seem to lack enthusiasm for things at the moment, but am sure that is down to no sun!

My meso had better stay away from my pericardium this year, I need a long flight in November to catch some warmth to get me through the long winter months!.

To everyone struggling with meso treatments my thoughts are with you, to those of us who are inactive but stable, let us keep it that way.  Special thoughts to Tess at the moment and to Mavis who is waiting those all important scan results. 

Huffington Post Debunks Claims of Fraud by Supporters of the “Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act”

Currently before the House of Representatives is House Resolution 982, the “Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act of 2013”. Supporters of the FACT Act claim that their goal is to protect the rights of victims affected by asbestos exposure. They assert that the bill is necessary to address what they claim is “rampant fraud” in claims filed with asbestos bankruptcy trusts.

Huffington Post business writer Brian Young has examined the issue in two recent articles published on huffingtonpost.com. We believe that Mr. Young has effectively revealed how corporate interests have levied false accusations against an all-too-familiar scapegoat, asbestos plaintiffs’ attorneys, in order to pass legislation that will hurt, not help, the asbestos cancer victims they claim their bill is designed to help.

In his article, “Shedding a Tear for the Insurance Industry?”, Mr. Young reveals that the FACT Act  is supported by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). ALEC, a “non-profit” group of legislators, businesses and foundations,  is funded by corporate interests including Exxon Mobil and the Koch brothers, among others. The group pushes for legislation that supports lowering minimum wage, fights clean-energy and clean-air initiatives, and strongly opposes government involvement in the regulation of corporate activities.

In a follow-up article, Mr. Young responds to a Wall Street Journal Article which seems to take the side of the bill’s supporters. Young states, “The bill is just the next step in the insurance industry's coordinated campaign to make this debate about lawyers vs. poor, beleaguered corporations.” The truth is that there are more asbestos claims being filed not due to fraud, but due to the widespread use of this extremely dangerous mineral which these corporations knowingly exposed workers and by extension their families to. The reason these people are entitled to any compensation at all is proof to the fact that these companies had complete disregard for the health and safety of others and placed profits above human lives.”

“These companies cry that too many new claims are being filed so fraud must be occurring, although the WSJ’s article specifically identified only two isolated incidents of improper claims being submitted to asbestos bankruptcy trusts out of the 850,000 the WSJ examined that have been filed over the last 30 years.”

"ALEC and their allies in government and the media can cry their crocodile tears for the poor, downtrodden insurance companies, but I won't shed a tear for the multimillion dollar industry. Like most people, I will send my sympathies to the families of people whose loved ones suffered and died terrible deaths -- and I will cheer the lawyers who defend them when they get their well-deserved day in court."

Well said Mr. Young!!

Small Business With Obamacare

I have been going door-to-door in the local business community, over a few weeks I have talked with 100s of business owners - more like 500-600 and one common reoccurring complaint I hear is that the small businesses will not be hiring anyone due to ObamaCare. Whether their fears are exaggerated or not, doesn't matter as they have made up their minds already. If 10% of our population owns a small business and the smaller of those won't hire anyone, we have a huge problem. You see 75% of our population is employed by small companies - not large corporations or government agencies. Okay so, let's talk.

Interestingly enough, as I was preparing this article I read a piece on MSNBC Money news titled; "Is Obamacare a 'bullet to the temple'? Bernie Marcus, who co-founded Home Depot in 1979, says the massive health care insurance overhaul will kill off small business," published on April 12, 2013 and written by Aimee Picchi. Well, is Bernie right or is he over playing the political rhetoric you ask? Well, I am telling you after talking to over 500 small businesses in our area, out here in a California suburb trying to be a big city, that this is the same thing owners are telling me - so, I'd say Bernie is spot on here.

In fact, just today I talked with a 75-year-old business owner of a print shop. He was retiring, and letting his son take over the business. He said he just could not handle the pace of the work anymore, and he had plenty of business. He was busy teaching everything to his son, and going to let his son take over the company, and give him a small stipend payment each month to help with his retirement. He told me that when his son does finally take over the business that he won't be hiring anyone, not in the era of ObamaCare.

Indeed, I was a little bit taken aback, it's not that I don't understand his plight, I totally see where he is coming from, but the father was quite busy, he had more business than he could do, he really needed someone to help them with deliveries, and help them with all the printing. He was working from zero dark 30 in the morning until well after eight or nine o'clock at night. He really needed a few people in there to help him, and he'd be glad to hire a few employees, but not with all the new rules and regulations, and increased costs.

He said if he did, he wouldn't make any money, and with more employees just means more liability, more payments to more government agencies, and a greater liability of risk of lawsuits. This is something that the Obama administration just doesn't understand. It's not just ObamaCare, it's everything else as well, and this is just the icing on the cake. If we think that small businesses are going to hire more people with these increased costs for healthcare mandatory coverages we are kidding ourselves. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.