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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Heart Awareness Month

Although this month is almost over, most of us know February is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Knowledge about prevention is so important. I have blogged about this before, but I feel the story warrants repeating. Last fall my basement flooded and left it damp and moldy. One of my storage containers was my father’s old military trunk. When I opened it and attempted to clean it, I inhaled the mold that was covering everything inside. The following weeks I spent trying to eradicate the rest of the mold in my basement and taking Claritin-D so I could breathe. Long story short, I am now being treated for high blood pressure and heart arrhythmia! I cannot stress the importance of wearing masks when dealing with toxic paints, and materials. Also, read the labels of any medication before taking it!
The image above is part of the old truck, which is now in my garage airing out. I drew a little heart on it to remind me not only that I love my father, but also I need to love myself by watching my health and what I consume.

20 comments:

  1. Having taken preservation workshops and done some research for libraries, plenty of exposure to sunshine and fresh air helps. For those small items that may be stuck together -- either microwave it for 10-second intervals on a higher power to eradicate the mold or freeze it so you can then un-stick pages. I have links on my blog; so does Egmont! Good luck & stay healthy -- love your little heart on the trunk!!!

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  2. Thanks for comment and the tip, Kelly. I do have some books that need to be treated. I'll try the microwave. I never would have thought of that!

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  3. The heart on the rusty trunk is lovely!

    All the best i wish for you, take care!

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  4. Thank you for you kind words Momo Luna

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  5. even so .... the image got so great........

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  6. Your post is a reminder to me as well - when I use the encaustics I need to ventilate because the fumes become toxic if the temperature gets too high. Thank you for the reminder, Eva.

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  7. Nice rust, good advice and hope you are doing well.

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  8. Dear Eva,

    It is very important to wear protective gear when dealing with airborne materials. I remember failing to do so when working with resin and for almost three weeks I had difficulty breathing.

    As for heart disease, I know this all to well. At the DIRECTORY there are some links in the first column at the end. I hope your readers take advantage of it.

    On the subject of the heart, I am going in for my second angiogram because there is blockage again, even after open heart surgery four years ago.

    Warmest regards,
    Egmont

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  9. Robin, I bought encaustic waxes last year and never go around to using them. I understand how important it is to have proper ventilation and that masks aren't sufficient. PLEASE make sure you do. Your talent and health are too important to risk it.

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  10. Thank you Stan, for your comment. Yes, I'm doing better. I've been put on a new medication that seems to be working.

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  11. Egmont, thanks for commenting and adding more insight to this post.I will check out the link . I'm sorry that you have to go through another angiogram. I will be thinking of you and sending healing thoughts your way.

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  12. Eva, Thanks for the reminder about using masks and having proper ventilation while we work.
    I sometimes get caught up in the moment when I'm creating and don't take the time to be safe.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog!
    Have a great weekend,
    Michelle

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  13. Michelle,I must confess I've been guilty of that in the past, but now I'm more careful about it. BTW I don't use my cell phone when I'm driving either! :O)

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  14. OMG-- how terrible-- I guess we should be more careful in our quest of rummaging through old rusty boxes and such in our search for old, weathered, worn stuff-- I hope you are better soon.

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  15. Thanks Donna, for visiting and commenting. Yes, I guess we never know when we may opening a Pandora's box. I've just been put on a new beta blocker, hopefully this one will be better.

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  16. Thanks for the heart health awareness and oh so sorry to hear about the miserable side effects you've had to deal with ...I hope you feel better soon.

    the heart scratched into the trunk is truly charmed.

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  17. Thank you for your concern and comments merci. Hopefully you will never have concerns for your heart health. :O)

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  18. I'm so sorry this happened and know I am guilty of the same kind of digging through old rusty items...I will be more careful now...thank you. I like the advice of sunshine and fresh air...the great natural healer..best to your speedy heart recovery!

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  19. Thank you for your comments, Blue Sky Dreaming. I just returned from a nice fresh air walk.It's great to have sunny warmer weather today.
    Mold and spray fixative, glues and paints are things that I've been guilty of exposing myself to. I'm paying the price now, but the new meds are helping the arrhythmia. Unfortunately the chocolate, coffee, tea and wine are gone :O(

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