Author Archive

This week we feature a guest post from Karen Hamel, who is the EHS & Technical Specialist at New Pig. Karen discusses how to minimize asbestos exposure in the workplace.  Have a question or comment? Let us know in the comments.

Minimizing Asbestos Exposure in the Workplace

The terms ahrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite or actonolite aren’t exactly commonplace.   However, their more common name, asbestos, is all too familiar to many.

Veterans account for approximate 30% of diagnosed mesothelioma patients.  Widely used by every military branch, asbestos was highly regarded for its heat resistance and fireproofing capabilities. In fact, asbestos was so valued that the military even mandated widespread usage before eventually phasing out the material in the 1970s. As a result, veterans who served between 1940 and 1970 have a risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.

Navigating the sometimes complex VA benefit system can be a struggle for some.  This is why we offer free VA Benefit assistance to veterans and their families.  This week we featured a video series from Carl Jewett, senior veterans benefit counselor.

Our social community continues to grow at the Mesothelioma Center.  This week we passed over 2,000 "likes" on our facebook page, and our engagement with the mesothelioma community continues to grow.  We wanted to thank you for continuing to help us spread awareness of mesothelioma and asbestos related disease.  Creating a targeted community where information can be shared is the best way to make patients, caregivers, and their families know they are not alone.

Have you taken the time to "like" us on facebook? Join the discussion on our wall.

Via Skype, we interviewed Ron Matich from Breathe Safely LLC.  The video series on YouTube concentrates on the importance of respiratory protection.  Here Ron discussed the leading cause of mask failure, inward leakage. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week:

Recently the Mesothelioma Center's Rachel Gilner had the pleasure of interviewing Ron Matich, Respiratory Protection Specialist, founder & inventor of Breathe Safely LLC.  Ron has committed himself to improving current respiratory protection equipment by ensuring there is a tight seal between the mask and the face of the user.

In this video, Ron discusses the leading cause of mask failure, known as inward leakage.

Karen Selby RN, Patient and Family Advocate for the Mesothelioma Center talks about common signs and symptoms of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Conference: Web Q&A Session

We closed out the week with a great discussion from leading treament providers for mesothelioma via a livestream chat. Asbestos.com was mentioned by Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Oncology Social Worker at Penn Medicine as being a leading resource for mesothelioma and support group information. The Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania is a national leader in education, research and patient care, providing an expertise on mesothelioma that only a few other facilities in the country can match.

Erionite, the new asbestos?

Livestream provided via Penn Medicine.  Source Link

The Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania is a national leader in education, research and patient care, providing an expertise on mesothelioma that only a few other facilities in the country can match.

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can bring many questions to mind.  What are my treatment options?  How did I develop this?  Where can I look for information?  One question that ultimately has to be addressed is “How am I going to pay for treatment?”

Treatment options for mesothelioma can be quite intricate and expensive.  Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma, leaving most patients with lifelong medical expenses.  Treatment can include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Living with mesothelioma includes financial planning, and seeking out other forms of financial assistance.  While many mesothelioma patients are covered under medicare or private insurance, there can be many other unexpected costs.

Asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of serious respiratory diseases and cancers, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other conditions. Asbestos was an extremely common building material for many years used in everything from house siding to pipe insulation to floor tile.

During the mid-20th century researchers officially established a connection between serious respiratory conditions and asbestos exposure. Some evidence was actually presented as early as the 1920's, however millions of workers had already been exposed to asbestos fibers.

Good Morning Meso Warriors! Start the day off right with this very basic "Morning Yoga Routine" from Fitness Instructor Sean Vigue.

Receiving cancer treatments can leave you with feelings of anxiety and fatigue. Studies have shown that a regular practice of yoga and stretching can decrease anxiety, strengthen the immune system and give you more energy.