October is a lot of things...cool weather, fall leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, tall boots...but did you know that October is also National Healthy Lung month?
My pal Heather told me her story and why having healthy lungs is important to her.
Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, that affects the lining of the lungs. I had just given birth to my daughter Lily, and was told that I might not live to see her first birthday. After the removal of my left lung and a series of treatments, I am now part of the very small group of mesothelioma survivors.
Her cancer was caused from the abestos fibers that were on her dad's old work jacket. She wore it for years when doing chores outside.
Heather and The Cancer Alliance want everyone to be informed about the ways to keep our lungs healthy.
Did you know?
- Approximately 1.5 billion people are breathing dangerously high levels of pollution each day.
- Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that attacks the lining of the body cavity called the mesothelium. The only known cause to mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
- The number of women with mesothelioma is expected to rise because of the secondary exposure to abestos.
- Abestos is still not banned in the United States today.
- You can keep your lungs healthy by avoiding air pollution, exposure to toxic substances and not smoking tobacco.
These are just some of the facts that I would have known if I hadn't read about Heather's story. It's important to listen to your instincts and if you feel sick, see a doctor.
