Health & Wellness Blogs

Most people are familiar with the term “shell shock.” First coined during World War I, soldiers developed this type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a reaction to the intensity of war. Symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, loss of sight and hearing are attributed to shell shock. Soldiers were deeply affected by the symptoms, and…

When it came to health and vitality, my husband Brian ticked all the boxes. After thirty years of marriage, I still marveled at his boundless energy and strength — the rival of men half his age. On the day of his 52nd birthday, he looked the same to me as he had on the day…

Actinolite is one of the six minerals in the asbestos group. Once hailed as a wonder material for its fireproofing qualities, asbestos is now synonymous with mesothelioma cancer, and its use is either banned or heavily regulated in the developed nations of the world. Given its notoriety for causing an incurable and aggressive cancer, I…

My family experienced many grief-related emotions with Dad’s mesothelioma cancer diagnosis. It was a hard time in our lives, and for me, the emotional difficulties were long lasting. Patients and caregivers may experience feelings of grief associated with fighting aggressive cancer. Dealing with the diagnosis is tough, and suffering loss is often devastating. Over time,…

Throughout my childhood, my family didn’t delve into religion much. My sister and I occasionally attended church with relatives, but my parents weren’t what I’d call “religious.” We didn’t regularly attend church services, and we didn’t talk about God. My family believed but did not practice religion. Some people are raised to practice a particular…

If you are a mesothelioma patient looking for high-quality, nutrient-rich foods, quinoa might have popped up on your radar. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) has been around for more than 5,000 years. The tiny, edible seeds come from a plant botanically related to beets, spinach and chard. In 2013, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United…

The new year brings healthy resolutions for people looking to start exercising and improve their diet. For many people diagnosed with mesothelioma, remaining healthy and strong is always a priority. Years ago, oncologists advised patients to rest and “take it easy” during cancer treatments. However, research over the last decade shows exercise is safe during…

It is that time of year again when we see the “New Year, New Me” posts on Facebook and Twitter. As people begin their new year’s resolutions of leading healthier lives, diet and nutrition ads flood the TV, the web and social media. Health consciousness in the U.S. is undeniable. Americans spent over $20 billion…

End-of-year holidays are always a time of reflection for me. I lost my dad to mesothelioma 23 years ago on Nov. 4, 1993. I have progressed from letting sadness consume me on the anniversary of his death to spending the day fully functional. Although I take pleasure in recounting touching memories of him with my…

For most people, the holiday season evokes warm and fuzzy feelings, but for those facing mesothelioma or grieving over a lost loved one, this time of year can dampen the spirit. After losing my father to mesothelioma in November 1993, our first holiday season was brutal. We didn’t have a turkey for Thanksgiving, and we…