Skip to main content

September 26 is Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Mesothelioma -- a long word you may have heard on a commercial or two, but do you know what it means? This rare and deadly cancer is sadly lacking awareness. In honor of Mesothelioma Awareness Day on September 26, read below for the top 8 things you don’t know about this cancer, but should. Then share them. The key to saving lives starts with education. 

1. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is invisible to the naked eye. Once inhaled, these fibers may infect the protective lining of the lungs, abdominal cavity, or cardiac cavity. 

2. No amount of exposure is safe. Just exposing yourself once could put you at risk for developing the disease later on in life. If you were exposed today, you may not be aware until 2043, as the average latency period is about 30 – 40 years. 

3. Asbestos was once used in more than 3,000 consumer products. These include household items, some of which may still be in use. Some of these even include hair dryers, crock pots, and cigarette filters. 

4. It can be found in many older homes, schools, factories, and commercial buildings. Homes built prior to the 1970’s, along with a myriad of public buildings still could potentially contain asbestos because of the materials used in the original construction. 

5. Asbestos exposure is still the LEADING CAUSE of occupational cancer in the US. Even after 30 years since the United States government issued stern warnings about the continued use of asbestos, many workers who were once exposed are now at risk of developing the disease. 

 6. United States Veterans are at the greatest risk. For many years, asbestos was used across all branches of the military. Many veterans and shipyard workers were exposed to high levels of asbestos from several different applications. US Navy veterans who served during World War II and the Korean Conflict unfortunately have the highest incidences of asbestos related disease, including mesothelioma. 

7. Asbestos is still not banned in the US. Federal law requires the newly manufactured products contain no more than 1% asbestos. Although its use is regulated, roughly 30 million pounds are still being used each year. 

8. Mesothelioma can be caused by secondary exposure. Family members of those who were directly affected by on-the-job asbestos exposure may also at risk of developing mesothelioma. 

Want to do something to help this Mesothelioma Awareness Day? Our friend and 7 year survivor, Heather Von St. James, needs your help. Check out her campaign and share her message to help educate and save lives. Be a voice for the victims. Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/emily/8-things-you-should-know-about-mesothelioma.htm#ixzz2eiv5TGnt

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Life is a Beach Giveaway Hop

Spring is in full swing.  The birds are singin'.  The pollen is falling and temps are FINALLY warming up.  So what better time time to start planning our Summer getaways. This year - as always - we are beach bound.  It's one of our fave places to visit given we only get to the beach once or twice a year.   Last year's visit to Cozumel was one for the record books. We stopped by this little restaurant and dined on grilled shrimp in a cabana right on the beach.   'Ohana also has a line of tequilas in flavors I had never seen before.  Tropical flavors such as coconut, mango and pina colada.  Hubby and I tried the 'Ohana peanut butter tequila.  The owner said folks either love it or hate it... we LOVED it!!! As I was sipping all I could think of was how good this peanut butter tequila would taste as a baste on my tequila wings.  It would be like a tequila satay wings type dish. * * * G I V E A W A Y * * * One lucky Three ...

Inspirational Quotes to Celebrate National Women's History Month

March 8th is recognized International Women's Day . The 2018 Theme for National Women’s History Month is “ Nevertheless, She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women .” "She Persisted".  Sound familiar?  This year the National Women's History Project has selected a distinguished group of women to be honored.  Women who persisted.  Check out inspirational quotes from some of the honorees. Geraldine Ferraro (1935-2011) Politician/First Woman Major Party VP Candidate and Human Rights Activist "My desk drawer is filled with all kinds of prayers" Elizabeth Peratrovich (Kaaxal-gat) (1911-1958) Political Activist for Alaska Natives, Spearheaded First Anti-Discrimination Law, USA “I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind gentlemen with 5,000 years of recorded civilization behind them, of our Bill of Rights.” Jill Moss Greenberg Women’s/Civil Rights Activist * "ext...

Jeepers! It's January Hop

Happy New Year! What better way to kick off the new year than with a giveaway! I am so excited to join The Mommy Island, The Kids Did It and 90+ other fab blogs in the first big giveaway hop of 2018! Here’s your chance to start the new year off with a win. One lucky Three Boys and an Old Lady blog reader will receive a $15 Walmart eGift card. $10 may not seem like a lot but it’s enough to stock up on some last minute Christmas clearance gifts. Trust me. I bought a 6’ Christmas tree WITH lights, 2 animal massagers, 3 Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Jelly Beans Mystery Bean Dispenser, Christmas cards and wrapping paper less than $20 during an after Christmas Walmart shopping trip. I was searching for some cough syrup when my friend’s kid spotted the Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Jelly Beans Mystery Bean Dispenser on sale for 50 cents. What a steal! The regular price is $10 so to find them on sale for 50 cents was a deal. We cleared the shelves. A few rows down we spotted some anima...