Archive for category Support
Miles for Mesothelioma 5K was a Success
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Support on February 16, 2010
My team and I just returned from the Miles for Meso 5K Run/Walk in Boca Raton, Florida. The event was organized by a local peritoneal mesothelioma survivor who also ran the 5K. Almost 400 runners and walkers participated in this fund raising event. The Mesothelioma Resource Center (Sokolove Law, LLC) was one of the sponsors of the event. Almost $15,000 will be donated to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation which provides support and funds research for mesothelioma victims. Not only were funds raised to support this important cause, but we were also able to increase awareness about mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos.
Myself and five colleagues each took part in our own ways. Three members of our team ran in the race and one came in third in his age group. Two of us passed out water for the runners and walkers. And one of my colleagues captured everything in photos. We all handed out gift bags with information about mesothelioma, the dangers of asbestos and our initiative to ban asbestos in the U.S. We spoke with victims, families, advocates and anyone who wanted to learn more. It was an amazing event and a good reminder of why we do our work everyday.
I’ve included a couple of photos of the team during the event and I’ll be posting a couple of guest blogs this week from my colleagues. We are looking forward to participating in more events in the future.
Mesothelioma Resource Center Teams with Victim to Raise Funds
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Support on January 25, 2010
The Mesothelioma Resource Center is partnering with mesothelioma patient and Pompano Beach, FL, resident Larry Davis. We are one of the sponsors of Larry’s 5K Miles for Meeso Run/Walk fundraiser for the Meso Foundation. This is an established race on the annual calendar of the Boca Raton Road Runners Club; what’s new is this year the proceeds will go the Meso Foundation. At 64 years old, and 3 years after his peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis, Larry regularly competes in triathlons and road races. He is inviting fellow runners and others to come out, run alongside him and support the cause!
Here are the Run / Walk Details:
When: 7:30am February 14, 2010
Where: Spanish River Park in Boca Raton ( A1A @ Spanish River Blvd.)
Registration: Active.com or Accuchiptiming.com
Myself and a team will be attending this event to show our support for this important cause. Victims suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases need increased research for better diagnostic tests and treatment options. Raising funds through events like this one are a way to assist in these efforts.
We hope to see some of you there!
Visit the website for more detailed information: http://www.southfloridamilesformeso.com/
Mesothelioma Patients Coping with Changes in Smell and Taste
Posted by Suzanne@SokoloveLaw in Mesothelioma, Nutrition, Support on December 10, 2009
Changes in taste and smell may not be life threatening, but you shouldn’t ignore these side effects if they happen to you. If food smells and tastes funny or bad to you, eating can become difficult or unpleasant. This can lead to not eating enough, which leads to weight loss.
Weight loss during treatment isn’t a good thing, and it’s important to do your best to keep your weight stable. Losing weight can worsen side effects, decrease immune function, and make it harder for your body to bounce back between treatments.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to keep eating well despite changes in taste and smell. With some creative food choices, you can work around taste changes and get the nutrition you need during mesothelioma treatment.
Tips for Coping with Changes in Smell and Taste
Follow the instructions your health care team gives you for mouth care. Use any mouth care medications or solutions exactly as your doctor or nurse has instructed. Use mouth rinses as prescribed too.
- Try to avoid strong food smells. Smells can kill your appetite and make food taste worse when you do eat. If possible, have others help you prepare food, so you can steer clear of the kitchen and the food smells.
- If you experience a metallic taste when going through mesothelioma treatment, try using plastic utensils to eat.
- If you don’t have mouth sores, try flavoring your foods with tart flavors such as lemon, citrus, vinegar, and pickled items. Avoid these foods and flavors if you do have mouth sores, because they will make the pain worse.
- Try different temperatures of food to see what works best. For example, you may find cold foods such as frozen grapes or watermelon, frozen juices and fruit nectars, cottage cheese, and smoothies or shakes work well. Or you may find that you prefer soups, stews, casseroles and other warm foods. Experiment to find what you like best.
- If things taste too sweet, try sour and tart flavors. For example, try a smoothie made with frozen cranberries.
- Some people find that liquid nutritional supplements taste too sweet. You can cut the sweet taste by combining one-to-two teaspoons of finely ground decaffeinated coffee, ice cubes, and a chocolate or vanilla liquid nutritional in a blender.
- Try rinsing your mouth with cool black or green tea, lightly salted water, or baking soda and water. These liquids can “freshen” and cleanse your taste buds before eating.
- Try flavoring items such as chicken, fish, beef, or pork with savory or sweet spices, such as rosemary, thyme, mint, basil, oregano, or cumin.
- Be open to new foods and flavors. Foods you normally don’t like may taste good to you now. Things you normally like may not be appealing. Try different foods and flavors to find what works best.
Finally, be sure you address other symptoms or side effects that may be contributing to difficulty eating. For example, if you have uncontrolled nausea or vomiting, you need to better manage these symptoms before you’ll be able to eat anything. Keep the lines of communication open with your doctor and ask for help if you need it.
Mesothelioma and the Benefits of Exercising
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Mesothelioma, Support on October 5, 2009
Most of us are aware of the benefits of exercising, but we may overlook the benefits if we have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other serious illness. Exercising can be an important part of your overall well-being when suffering from a serious illness. Also, exercise has been show to improve survival rates and quality of life in cancer patients. I encourage my clients to talk to their medical provider about exercising and what would be recommended for their individual case.
Guidelines for physical fitness for most cancer patients and survivors:
- Aerobic exercise for 20-60 minutes 3-5 times per week (walking, running, swimming)
- Anabolic exercise for major muscle groups 1-3 times per week (weight or resistance training)
- Flexibility exercises for major muscle groups 2-3 times per week (stretching, yoga, pilates)
Changes associated with regular exercising include:
Increased-
- survival rate
- quality of life
- muscle mass, strength and power
- cardiovascular fitness (healthy heart)
- immune system capacity
- physical functioning ability
- flexibility
Decreased-
- nausea
- fatigue
- body fat
- heart rate
- blood pressure
- depression and anxiety
- psychological and emotional stress
Remember to consult your physician or health care provider. Start small and work up to increased levels of activity. Every step helps.
More information on Exercising and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Awareness Day – September 26th
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Mesothelioma, Support on September 26, 2009
Mesothelioma Awareness Day was started a few years back by grassroots efforts of victims, families, and the Meso Foundation. It is a day to spread the word about mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos exposure. It’s also a day to advocate for legislation to ban asbestos use in the U.S. For me, it’s a day to recognize those currently suffering from mesothelioma, their loved ones, and those we have lost to this devastating disease.
People will choose different ways to spread awareness and advocacy. Some will have large events like 5K run/walks, dinners, and bowl-a-thons. Some will spread the word in their communities by handing out literature and talking about their experiences during festivals and events. Some will contact their local radio stations to play Warren Zevon songs and talk about mesothelioma. And others will contact their government representatives to encourage recognition of this day and to introduce legislation for an asbestos ban. However you choose to participate in Mesothelioma Awareness Day – good luck and continue your great work. It is the many voices combined that will be heard.
Increased awareness and advocacy about the long term affects of asbestos exposure such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases is still needed. Raising awareness can lead to increased funding for research; which in turn can lead to improved diagnostic and treatment methods. Ultimately this will benefit those victims currently suffering from mesothelioma, their families, and people who may develop (be diagnosed with) mesothelioma in the future. Lastly, a ban on asbestos in the US and worldwide could eliminate people suffering from these diseases associated with asbestos exposure.
Every effort helps. Spread the word about mesothelioma and how is has impacted your life. Join with others who have similar experiences. And remember working to increase awareness is important all year long.
Find more information: Raising Mesothelioma Awareness
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