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Posts by Jamie Clark74

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Asbestosis in Health ·
Sometimes I feel a bit guilty for not posting more updates or new info... but honestly, I’m done beating myself up over it.If people are just going to assume I'm talking nonsense, then what's even the point of posting?

Most people don't realize how this works. They think if you aren't working directly at Newport News Shipbuilding or Solonit, you're somehow safe. But you can still be exposed to asbestos through other means. I saw someone comment on my health post asking how you could even develop asbestosis if you didn't work at Solonit. It’s a total misunderstanding of the risks.

Let me repeat myself:
Asbestos is everywhere. It’s tucked away in our homes, buried in the siding of suburban houses, and hidden inside partition walls depending on how old the place is. In most major American cities, you'll find it even deeper—woven into the fabric of schools, office buildings, factories, and hospitals. It was used almost everywhere for insulation back in the day. The reality is that it surrounds us, and the danger is real; if you're in an older building where it starts breaking down into tiny particles, you're breathing it in.

To those working in offices, especially out here in the West—don't assume you're in the clear. Most of the ventilation systems were insulated with asbestos, and the heating elements weren't any different. Over time, those tiny particles just start to flake off and get into the air.
I previously mentioned a case out in Canada involving two women who worked in an Air office; they both developed mesothelioma and passed away.

I’ve put together a list of cases where women were washing and drying work clothes and ended up developing mesothelioma.

It’s a heavy thought. There are people out there who, decades ago, helped out by cutting up an old asbestos tile or two during a bathroom remodel or some home renovation. Now, twenty-five years later, they’re passing away from mesothelioma. It's a sobering reality.

Back when the Twin Towers fell in New York City, that dust cloud traveled for miles. A huge portion of those buildings was constructed using asbestos panels. Twenty or twenty-five years from now, we’re going to see many more victims of that exposure.

I can't pull up the exact figure right now, but I believe there were about 550,000 tons of asbestos used in the Twin Towers.

September 11... asbestos dust everywhere!
I’ve been looking through the data on the WTC site regarding respiratory health issues. It’s heavy stuff. If you want to dive into the specifics of how certain workers were affected by breathing in dust and debris during the recovery efforts, this link covers the breakdown. It's a lot to process, but worth the read if you're interested in the long-term health impacts.

I came across this link regarding the health impacts following the events of September 11th. It’s a heavy subject, but worth looking into if you want to understand the long-term medical consequences for those on the ground. It covers how people were exposed to various toxins and the lasting physical toll that took. Just some food for thought.

The location of the asbestos dust in the Twin Towers.
The information on this site is worth a look if you care about safety standards. It highlights some serious concerns regarding exposure risks that shouldn't be ignored. It’s a sobering reminder of why we need to stay vigilant about these kinds of health hazards. Keeping an eye on these updates is just good practice.

It’s all well and good that the US banned its use starting January 1, 2006, but we’re still seeing old parts floating around. That ban only applies to new stuff moving forward.

The biggest challenge we’re facing is a global issue. We have to figure out how to finally eliminate the constant threat posed by asbestos.

I’ve mentioned this before, but the removal process is a mess. Workers aren't wearing any protective gear, they aren't being careful, and dust is flying everywhere. It’s dangerous. This stuff should be wrapped up, clearly labeled, and buried in a designated site. Instead, you have people—even those who should know better—ripping it out and tossing it right next to the road or just dumping it wherever. It's all because hauling it to a proper hazardous waste facility costs a fortune in fees based on weight. People are cutting corners to save a buck, and it's reckless.

Asbestos is everywhere. You can even find it tucked away in household appliances, like certain old space heaters.

It’s a complicated issue, and frankly, people tend to stay silent about it until they're already sick.

And just one thing for those who feel the need to bash me or make fun of me.

There are only three types of asbestosis, and you can't fake them—they show up clearly on an X-ray or a CT scan.

Mesothelioma is a brutal diagnosis. Once you get the news, the timeline is often incredibly short—typically six to twelve months, if not less.

Two pleural plaques lining the lungs.

3/Asbestosis

This article misses the mark on nail picking and facial scarring. It feels like the author is more concerned with the "Health" section than actually addressing what readers care about.

It’s happening here in America just like it is everywhere else. There was a pattern of covering up cases where people were dying from asbestosis or mesothelioma. Instead, the diagnosis would be listed simply as lung cancer. So, the question remains: were they lying to us?

Nobody truly knows how much asbestos is still built into infrastructure worldwide, let alone how many people are currently suffering because of it.

It’s incredible how much effort companies go through just to dodge payouts. I remember reading about a situation in Canada where the government actually stepped in to change the laws, making it nearly impossible to claim damages if you were exposed earlier on. I can't recall the exact year—maybe around 2000—but it was a mess. When you're dealing with something like asbestosis, you might not even see the symptoms for 15 to 30 years. By then, the legal loopholes are already set in stone.
I found some info;
The process has to go through what used to be known as Workers' Comp. But on top of just rebranding the agency, the current administration has passed laws effectively stripping workers of their right to claim compensation for illnesses contracted prior to 1993.

Down in Australia, there was this company that spent over 60 years manufacturing asbestos products—specifically roofing shingles. They ended up being bought out by an American firm... apparently because they're experts at dodging payouts.

Back in late 2005, the James Harvey Company reached a settlement in an Australian court to set aside $5 billion. The catch? They wanted the government to let them write those funds off against their taxes. And guess what? Now the government is claiming they can't allow that because it would hurt tax revenue. What about the victims? What about the people who are actually sick and dying?

Nothing is certain yet, but we’re hoping all the different labor unions will band together, rally public support, and demand that the government provides what these people are owed.
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Struggling to sleep? Any tips? in Health ·
From Pfizer:
Sleep hygiene tips...check this link

🙂 😉 😎
Asbestosis in Health ·
As I’ve mentioned before, I get asked about health stuff pretty often since I’ve posted a few things on the subject.
At least once a month—especially over the last 18 months—people have been reaching out more and more frequently. I’m attaching the latest email.

original message
From: xxxx@net.hr [mailto:xxxx@net.hr]
Sent: Friday, 16 December 2005 9:59 PM
To: vilimkov@yahoo.com.au
Subject: Hello

Kudos on the posts here regarding asbestos.
I’m 23 years old, but I feel like I’ve been exposed to much more than most people here, and honestly, it scares me how casually people in this country tend to brush it off. My goal is to move abroad; I’m a mother myself, and I’m working hard to make that happen. If I can share a bit about my exposure... It started about ten years ago when they were stripping the roof. They didn't do much else then, but five years ago, my mom and I ended up scraping those boards ourselves—completely unaware of the danger. Luckily, I remembered to use water, which keeps the dust down. Then there was last year, when my parents (who are smart people, really) decided to saw through about twenty of those boards to make a garden fence. By then, I actually knew what we were dealing with. I had nervous breakdowns every single time they started sawing, but they just kept saying, "Just a little more, honey." I didn't have anywhere else to go. Even though they worked outside, they wouldn't change their clothes or anything. They did this throughout most of last year, not all at once. They finally stopped around November, and I gave birth in March. Now, I'm terrified those particles stayed trapped inside the house. I have to say, I resent them for it. I knew the risks, and they knew them too. I can't forgive them, and ever since I had my baby, I've lived with this constant fear. I lose sleep at night just thinking about it. I don't know how much you all know about how long those particles stay suspended in the air. I've even called doctors who told me not to worry, saying asbestosis only happens to those with long-term exposure, but I’ve read enough to know I can't be certain. It’s tragic how little people in the US seem to care; you see these boards in almost every backyard. If only I had known sooner. I hope someone responds, because I don't have anyone else to talk to about this. Like I mentioned before, people around here just aren't interested in the topic. Gabriel

My response!

Gabriel, I received your email.

You're still pretty young... and if you aren't a smoker, that’s a huge plus because secondhand smoke is actually twenty times more intense than regular smoke!
Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of the danger either, much like so many others who lost their lives.

It looks like I’m one of the lucky ones who won't die from this, but I'll definitely deal with breathing issues. I make sure to see specialists twice a year for breathing tests, and I have them.
I used to get a CT scan twice a year... now I’m cutting back to just one. Honestly, I’ve already had way too many CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs done on my spine.

I could have been exposed in so many different spots at the steel mill—whether it was through drilling holes in the sheets or handling those asbestos rags used to protect electrical panels and insulation.

I started working back in Australia around 1970. During a checkup for some issues with my spine, they happened to run an x-ray and actually found something wrong with my chest.

They took one look at the X-ray and immediately diagnosed it as asbestosis... that was back in 1997. It just goes to show how much time it takes for it to develop and actually show up on an image, especially since there aren't any symptoms, like I mentioned before.

I'm 64 now, so I've calmed down a bit. I've got plenty of other things to deal with—I've had two spinal surgeries, and honestly, work has just worn me down. My joints are acting up and I'm dealing with all sorts of muscle issues, but I don't have anything on hand to help with the pain.

Just so you know, a lot of people have reached out to me asking for advice or trying to pick my brain about what I know and what they should do next.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure—at least not for now. Anyone who ends up receiving Methotrexate... it hits them hard and fast, and they're gone within six months.

Multiple plaques. What exactly am I dealing with? I notice that when I'm more active, my breathing gets a bit shorter, but so far, it isn't too bad... though it looks like I might end up with asbestosis. It’s starting to become a real struggle to breathe.

Let’s hope you were lucky enough to get what you wanted and that there aren't any lasting consequences... I can't tell you anything else, but it's the truth. You really can't know for sure until at least 10 or 20 years have passed, sometimes even longer.

Try not to dwell on it... though I know firsthand how hard this is. You haven't gone through it yet, and maybe you never will. One thing I'll say: don't listen to anyone peddling "herbal cures" or claims about boosting your immune system to fight this off. It's all nonsense. They're just looking to make a quick buck off people who are already suffering.

I truly wish nothing but the very best for you and your child.

Jamie Clark74
Adelaide, Australia

It’s heartbreaking to think about the anxiety and uncertainty this young woman is facing, wondering if she has asbestosis... all because people weren't warned about known dangers. People stay quiet, and because of that, millions end up dying from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

😠
Help! I messed up my nail! in Health ·
Henry Wells said:Can you share a photo?

http://images.google.com/images?q=tb...m/nailart1.jpg

It's just a fingernail!!!! And the pain...😉 😁
Sophia Martinez65 said:Hi Jamie Clark74! I really like your vibe. I'm new to this forum, so I haven't had a chance to read everything you've posted yet—just a little bit. But from what I can tell, you and your family probably need an entire small hospital, or at least a whole team of specialists from every field. 🙂
How did you end up with Asbestosis while living in Australia? I always thought that was something localized to people near San Diego, because of that factory out there...
I hope you're doing better now. Take care!
And to everyone else dealing with circulation issues, stay strong. I hope you all manage to kick the smoking habit in the new year!


Unfortunately, Asbestosis is a global issue with over a million victims worldwide... you can find more info on Asbestosis in my thread here:

🙂 😎
Poor circulation and smoking: any advice? in Health ·
placidfox55 said:The best kind of exercise—and honestly enough for the average person—is just walking for 30 minutes, three to five times a week. And you definitely don't need a trust fund from your parents to make that happen. 😎


There I go again...I smoked about 60 to 80 cigarettes a day for 32 years...until I finally quit at age 46. I wanted to be able to tell my younger son not to start, but he was only 13 back then. How could I ask him to stay clean when I was still lighting up?

My older son is 42 now and still smokes. He’s already had three spinal surgeries—including hardware installed to hold everything together. His recovery just isn't happening like mine did after my second spinal surgery (a laminectomy for stenosis at L5-4 and L4-3), mostly because of the smoking.

It was already noted a while ago that I have some calcified plaque in my bilateral carotid arteries...and considering that, along with my Apnea, I have to use a CPAP machine at night. Because of various health issues, frequent X-rays show "vascular calcification"...which tells my primary care doctor to keep a very close eye on my cholesterol levels. Luckily, I've always kept it under 4"...but that just means most of the damage came from the cigarettes..
A specialist told me straight up: the consequences are definitely from the smoking.

Now that I know I have Asbestosis too...I'm just glad I quit smoking 18 years ago. My pulmonologist says my lungs have recovered 100% since I stopped. It usually takes about 10 to 15 years for lung capacity to fully bounce back from years of smoking.

With the Asbestosis, I would be in serious trouble breathing if I hadn't quit. I wonder if I'd even still be here... or at the very least, if I wouldn't have had a stroke.

Over the last 15 years (I'm 64 now), so many people my age have passed away from lung cancer or suffered heart attacks or strokes.

Don't mess around with your health like that...especially if you have kids. You're killing them through secondhand smoke, too. I'm certain my grandson developed asthma because of my older son smoking in the house and in the car. To make matters worse, the kid is almost 18 now and he's already a smoker himself..

placidfox55 is spot on. I've said it many times before: all you really need for your health is 30 minutes of brisk walking every day. No excuses. If it's raining, find a mall or an office building and walk the stairs. Or hit a big shopping center. That will do you more good than any expensive gym membership...and it doesn't cost a dime!


🙂 😉 😎
How often do guys actually shower? in Health ·
Yesterday in Adelaide, South Australia... hit 98°F during the day and stayed at 79°F overnight. I ended up showering three times just to cope, especially since I was working in the garage where it felt closer to 118°F.
On top of that, I’m on about 30 different medications, which tend to leave a bit of a scent. I rely heavily on anti-allergy soaps and deodorant because my meds cause constant skin itching.

It reminds me of being in a grocery store line; you can always tell who has showered and who hasn't.
I'm talking about those winter months... in the summer, nobody is going to stand within six feet of someone who hasn't cleaned up.
How often do guys actually shower? in Health ·
Showering is amazing—great for circulation and total refreshment, especially if you alternate between cold and warm water.
For anyone dealing with sensitive skin or those pesky "dermatitis" issues where people mention fluid buildup or
just using soap without harsh chemicals.

I still remember washing up in a basin back in Washington, D.C.... thinking about the hassle of it all makes me feel a bit uneasy.

I’ve been living in Australia for 36 years now, and depending on the day, I take at least two showers. It's a necessity when it hits 105 or 115 degrees out there. I’d love to see someone who tries to get by with just one shower every couple of days... though I know some people manage.

I agree with the sentiment; having worked heavy industrial jobs that absolutely wreck your hands because you have to wash them constantly with harsh chemicals, almost nobody I knew escaped with dermatitis... even if they didn't get it all over their bodies.

Thank God for showers... even though I live somewhere with water restrictions, the need for water and washing will always be there.

👋 👋
Has anyone here heard of Aetna?

👋 👋
Healthcare in this country is a joke! in Health ·
guinness said:You can hear plenty of things at first, but eventually, you need a little common sense to figure out if any of it is actually possible, right? 😉

Over in the USA, they just locked up someone posing as a Naturopath who was claiming to cure cancer and other terminal illnesses.

The facts are simple: the guy had zero training. He bought a diploma, registered himself, and the government didn't bother to check—unlike the actual professional associations.
It all fell apart once his expensive "medicines" were tested in a lab and found to contain absolutely nothing. Nothing at all. Meanwhile, a few people died because they were promised he could heal them, leading them to skip conventional medicine and chemotherapy.

As for you guys, someone needs to give you a reality check. You need to stop these constant attacks and this rude way of trying to push nonsense onto vulnerable people.
😠 😠
Healthcare in this country is a joke! in Health ·
I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea and think things are better elsewhere... honestly, it might actually be worse.

Here is the section I previously posted for the diaspora.

Doctor visits are covered by Medicare, but here's the catch: every doctor sets their own rates. If they charge more than what Medicare considers the "recommended" amount, you’re stuck paying the difference out of pocket.
It’s the same deal when seeing a specialist; you end up footing the bill for anything above those recommended rates.
For instance, my primary care doctor charges about $47 for a standard 5-to-15 minute visit, and Medicare covers $25.50 of that.

To give you another example, about 18 months ago, I needed a second or third opinion before having spinal surgery.
I waited four months just to see a top specialist. I already had my MRI and two other opinions in hand. That one visit cost me $180, and Medicare only kicked back $75.

One thing you really need to realize: many specialists only work out of private hospitals and only take private patients. If you don't have private insurance, you aren't getting surgery.


Back in 2004, I had a Laminectomy at two levels. My specialist practiced privately but would operate at the public hospital if necessary. Since he stopped operating, I had to wait nine months at that same hospital just to see a different neurologist. Otherwise, I would have been waiting over a year since I wasn't currently scheduled for surgery.

Right now, I’m on an 18-month waiting list for both shoulders and elbows due to musculoskeletal issues and degeneration—dealing with bursitis and tendon tears in all four joints.
Luckily, through my primary doctor, I can get X-rays done at a clinic using ultrasound-guided injections.

Australia is facing a massive medical crisis. Just yesterday, there was a segment on MSN questioning whether the system is truly collapsing.

Even the Minister for Southern Australia took medical leave due to the intense pressure and work stress.

Just a few more examples from what I’ve written elsewhere:
Wait times for specialists—whether it's an orthopedist or even a neurologist—are stretching past a year. Personally, I hit the 24-month mark, though I've currently been waiting 18 months.

People are waiting up to five years for hip or leg surgeries. They end up so desperate that they turn to TV news and the press, often teaming up with opposition politicians, just to get their cases noticed.

There was one woman who dealt with continuous incontinence for two years—she couldn't even leave her house—and nothing happened until she finally went to the media.

Sure, if you have private insurance, you'll see a specialist quickly and get your surgery on your own timeline instead of waiting five years.

This situation isn't isolated to Southern Australia; it's happening across the whole country. You wouldn't even know it unless you follow the news or happen to be someone desperately needing specialized care or surgery.

Maybe New South Wales-Sydney is so saturated with doctors and specialists that they only bother working if they can charge more than what Medicare pays. I doubt that's the case, though. I'm more inclined to believe it's just a lack of experience on Mr. Spiker's part and his good luck in not needing a hospital or specialists right now.

I could go on, but this is already getting to be too much.

It also seems that after the trade deals were signed with the Americans, we're paying more for our medications. We'll soon find ourselves just like them—struggling like the poor, unless you're wealthy enough to afford private insurance.

So, there you have it: a prime example of Western medical care.

👋
A bit more detail on spinal issues, including some visuals.

Let's talk about spinal stenosis, protrusion, and herniated discs.
Lower back pain
Usually, this shows up as stiffness in the center of your lower back. For about 5% to 10% of patients, this turns into a chronic issue known as lumbago, where the discomfort becomes almost constant. If the pain starts radiating down one side or into your leg, you’re likely dealing with sciatica. That typically means a herniated disc is pressing on the sciatic nerve, most often at the L4/L5 or L5/S1 levels.
Low back pain can also be an early warning sign of advanced osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bit of a "silent" disease at first, offering very few symptoms. It often goes undetected until a vertebra fractures or suffers an injury, at which point the pain becomes quite intense.
Arthritis—the progressive breakdown of joint cartilage—is another common culprit. The sensation is similar to lumbago. You might feel it from the pressure of sitting or standing for too long, or at night when you shift positions. It can also make getting out of bed or stretching in the morning a struggle. Just keep in mind that arthritis or more severe spinal deformities involving bone spurs don't always cause pain.

👋
Need some help! in Health ·
Sarcoidosis is a condition defined by non-caseating granulomas. It can strike at any age and affect almost any organ, though it most frequently targets the lung tissue in young adults. Clinical presentations vary: the acute version (Lofgren syndrome) typically involves erythema nodosum, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, and polyarthralgia. A more insidious onset often presents with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy alongside respiratory issues, or milder systemic symptoms like a dry cough, fatigue, exhaustion, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, or an enlarged liver and spleen. Other signs outside the chest include: 1. Skin—erythema nodosum and lupus pernio; 2. Eyes—hypopyon and uveitis; 3. Bones—joint pain; 4. Heart—ventricular tachycardia, complete heart block, congestive cardiomyopathy, or heart failure; 5. Central Nervous System—paralysis of cranial or peripheral nerves; 6. Kidneys—hypercalcemic nephropathy and kidney stones.

More info available via this Google link:
http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=h...oogle+pretraga

👋 👋
Need some help! in Health ·
Sarcoidosis
It's a non-malignant, non-infectious systemic disease characterized by granulomas.
Disease characteristics: Non-caseating granulomas can pop up at any age or in almost any organ. It most commonly affects the lung tissue in young adults, typically between the ages of 20 and 40.
Lofgren syndrome: The acute form is usually marked by erythema nodosum, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, and polyarthralgia. A more insidious onset often presents with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and respiratory issues. You might also see milder systemic symptoms like lymphadenopathy, an enlarged liver or spleen, a dry cough, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and general weakness.
Extrathoracic signs of sarcoidosis:
skin: erythema nodosum on the lower limbs and lupus pernio
eyes: uveitis and hypopyon
bones: arthralgia and pain in large joints
heart: ventricular tachycardia, complete heart block, congestive cardiomyopathy, and heart failure
CNS: paralysis of cranial and peripheral nerves
kidneys: hypercalcemic nephropathy and kidney stones
Treatment: There isn't a specific cure. The prognosis is generally good, as the disease often resolves on its own (about 80% of cases). However, it can occasionally be aggressive, leading to tissue and organ damage (about 20%). In those instances, corticosteroids are necessary.
Retrieved from "http://www.sarcoidose-infos.com/mediawiki/index.php/SARKOIDOZA"
Massage therapy recommendations? in Health ·
Jamie Clark74 said:It feels a bit like walking into a urologist's office...
I'm just worried about performance issues...

Do you think a massage therapist might take that as a compliment?😁

Honestly, if you actually went in for an exam, it’d probably be smaller than a grain of sand. It’s easy to talk a big game until you're actually on the table. A doctor might need a microscope just to locate it... anyway, I'll leave it at that.😁 😉
Casey Palmer5 said:I assume you have a girlfriend to handle that delicate task for you.😁

Since you're the expert here, maybe you could walk us through the process... I've actually never heard of this "prostate massage" thing before.🙄 😕
The Fast One said:Well, a urologist—who else would it be?

An exam isn't nearly as bad as a massage. It’s a little awkward (nothing too crazy, I've seen worse), but you'll get through it for the sake of your health.

Sounds like your doctor is a bit of a joker!

If you actually had prostate issues, you wouldn't be dealing with premature ejaculation; you'd be
dealing with impotence instead... it works the other way around!😉 🙄

From what I can tell, casualnomad42 tried to bring this up, but he ran straight into a wall of resistance from the "know-it-all clique." All that effort resulted in 🙂

Major props !!! 👎

"Across seven mountains and seven seas, seven deserts and seven peaks, seven oceans, seven meadows and seven canyons, seven forests, seven hills and seven valleys, seven plains, seven pastures, and seven rivers, a single dragon dwells.
Wake up one morning and realize: 'Good grief, where on earth am I living!'
"

Lost! 😁 😉
The Fast One said:I don't see what's strange about this. I know how the prostate works. A prostate massage is done through the colon, exactly like the diagrams you posted show.

Bravo, finally a "real man," a "total alpha male"!!!😁

In all seriousness... hundreds of men avoid regular checkups just because they find the process uncomfortable or even unbearable...how many times have you actually had an exam and felt a finger on your prostate?

I've been getting checked regularly every 18 to 24 months since I turned 45, and I can tell you it’s a bit uncomfortable. It's not exactly something I look forward to... let alone having someone massage that area. I'm honestly not sure who would even suggest that to you.

🙂 😉 😎