Abstract for Pennsylvania Health Equity Summit 2019

011      Community Outreach for Lung Cancer Prevention through Radon Testing in Homes, Including Those in High Priority Areas Throughout Pennsylvania

Gloria J. Linnertz, and Jacquelyn E. Nixon Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction (CRR) Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, PA

Background: Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and causes approximately 21,000 deaths annually from lung cancer according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Pennsylvania (PA) has some of the highest concentrations in the U.S.  Although there have been strides acknowledging the risk, radon testing and mitigation are still correspondingly low and appear to reflect the general public’s belief that their risks from radon are lower than the risks faced by others. Our community outreach: Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3), a nationwide advocacy nonprofit organization, addresses the need for stronger public engagement, greater outreach, and targeted radon awareness initiatives on an “ongoing” statewide level with more aggressive campaigns that emphasize radon as a cause of lung cancer. CR3 outreach initiatives include:  “Teachers for Radon Reduction” which brings teachers, parents, and others together in an effort to encourage radon testing in schools throughout PA. “CR3 Support for PA House Bill 1057” - encourages PA to support passing a law requiring radon testing of all schools in PA. “CR3 News Magazine” -- the only magazine in the world dedicated to radon and lung cancer-- in every healthcare facility with the express purpose of informing the nonsmoking lung cancer patient and medical community about radon as a possible cause.  “Radon Results Reported to Physicians” -- a radon health care alert that would report radon levels to physicians regarding patient exposure at the time of testing upon the request of the individual and would provide a platform for physician analysis of a patient’s risk from exposure. Alerting the physician could possibly trigger additional analysis and add value to the ability to properly diagnose lung cancer, strengthen the process of the early detection of radon, improve benchmark statistics that support national monitoring of progress towards radon-related lung cancer reduction, and possibly help save lives from this mostly unknown killer. “(MOVeS) for Radon Project” – Partnered with PA AARST in the development of outreach services for free radon testing and mitigation of homes in Pittsburgh. These initiatives combined aim to help address environmental equity and lung cancer prevention.

LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH--A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

A Breath of Fresh Air

November is Lung Cancer Awareness month and most people don’t associate optimism with lung cancer; however, it is time to visualize a change—a change in lung cancer stigma, lung cancer prevention, control, and awareness.  Lung cancer was considered a crucible—an intense traumatic and sometimes unexplained event.  Society was always lashing out at patients for smoking, but now thanks to many influential lung cancer organizations and leaders in research developments with encouraging treatments, we can be aspiring and motivated in our passion for lung cancer reduction with confidence.  However, this depends on speaking with a compelling voice, engaging others with commitment, in policy reform, monetary contributions and a societal change in empathy and survivorship.

For years we have encountered learned helplessness when it comes to lung cancer, becoming passive, pessimistic with depression and anxiety.  However, times, attitudes, awareness, and research are changing those outdated behaviors and feelings.  With the strength of emotional, spiritual, scientific and legislative support, lung cancer can be wrapped in positive stories of survivorship.  What is needed for this to occur continuously is perseverance and a resolve to make it happen. 
Encouraging advances such as biomarker testing—testing cancer tissue for changes in genes or proteins—and liquid biopsies are making it possible for targeted treatment to be based on this type of data. Support for lung cancer research funding from the federal government will encourage more exploration into these new advances which may result in improved plans for treatments with precision medicine and clinical trials to explore possibilities of effective treatment.  Immotherapy is another critical advancement for overcoming lung cancer.

We all have a stake in the future of lung cancer and need to take leadership rolls to join the movement of erasing the stigma of lung cancer with advocacy to create an envisionment  that eliminates the fact that annually over 200,000 people are being diagnosed with the greatest cancer killer of all—lung cancer.  Early detection is a powerful advantage and a proven successful strategy in long-term survival and overcoming lung cancer.  Low dose CT scans screening for lung cancer are available for long-time heavy smokers but should also be available for individuals exposed to elevated levels of radioactive radon gas as well.  Smoking and exposure to radon gas are the leading causes of lung cancer.

Preventive care is critical in the journey of visualizing a future when lung cancer is no longer the greatest cancer kill of both men and women.  The impact of federal funding and collaborating with federal and state legislators for radon awareness and reduction policies and research advancements will help save lives.  Become a catalyst for change; influence your legislators to test our schools for radon and appeal to Congress for a commitment to increase the funding for lung cancer research.

When my husband passed with lung cancer, nearly 14 years ago, none of this treatment was available nor was the awareness of the danger radioactive radon gas exposure common knowledge with the general public.  We are making progress but It doesn't happen without a sincere desire to make a difference with relentless hours of effort. 

Sincere thanks to Congressional champions like Rick Nolan of Minnesota and Frank LoBiondo of New Jersey for support in research funding.

Much thanks to the Interior, Environment, and Related Agency House Subcommittee members Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson; Ohio Rep. David Joyce; Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree; New York Rep. José Serrano; Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley; New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman; Michigan Rep. Brenda Lawrence; Utah Rep. Chris Stewart; Nevada Rep. Mark Amodei; Washington Rep. Derek Kilmer; and Minnesota Chairperson Betty McCollum for the continuing funding of the State Indoor Radon Grants.  Much more needs to be achieved on the state and federal levels, and we are very thankful for your continued support in helping to save lives.

Gloria Linnertz
Director/Founder
Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction
October 20, 2019
seascape@htc.net
618 830 4660

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 RSS Email Newsletters Put PRWeb on your site

Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3) Launches "Teachers for Radon Reduction"

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Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3) launches the "Teachers for Radon Reduction" project that encourages teachers, parents, education advocates, industry leaders, and legislators to rally for the testing of radon in every school in America.

SEPT 2019 CR3 News Magazine: "Radon In Schools": https://joom.ag/9LYe

"UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better ... It's not!" ... The Lorax, written by Dr. Seuss (1971)

WATERLOO, Ill. (PRWEB) September 03, 2019

Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3) Director, Gloria Linnertz announced the formation of "Teachers for Radon Reduction" a platform for teachers, parents, education advocates, industry leaders, and legislators to rally for the testing of radon in every school in America.

CR3 members, teachers, and parents will gather together for this project to bring about strong awareness that a potential problem could exist in their local schools. This coalition is proud to support our educators, senators, and representatives as they work toward enacting legislation requiring radon testing in all schools and mitigating those where levels are high.

"The time is now,” says Gloria, “and it is up to all of us to protect the future of our children—our future generations—from this radioactive gas exposure which can result in lung cancer. We cannot afford to ignore the hazard of radon exposure of our children and increase their risk of lung cancer."

Radon is the second leading cause of Lung Cancer, as stated by the Surgeon General. Over 21,000 people die from radon-related lung cancer each year. Approximately 80% of the people don’t find out until their lung cancer is in stage 3 or stage 4!

“We are pushing for early detection!” Gloria said. "CR3 is committed to strengthening our public schools by asking our teachers and parents to join the fight for the early detection of radon. Pennsylvania Rep. Timothy Briggs [D] submitted PA House Bill 1057, which basically states that all PA schools should be tested and the results given to the parents within 90 days. Pennsylvania is one of the states with some of the highest levels of radon in the country, and this effort shows their concern for the health and welfare of their children.”

"The September special edition of CR3 News Magazine: Radon In Schools will highlight radon school concerns, teachers testimonies, and legislative actions," says Jackie Nixon. "We are going to provide substance to our awareness by publishing a periodical that best illustrates the seriousness of this matter."

Join “Teachers for Radon Reduction". Call, write, and visit your legislators to tell them a law must be enacted to protect our children.

Contact Information
Gloria Linnertz, Director
Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction
(618) 830-4660

Jacquelyn E. Nixon, Publisher of CR3 News Magazine
Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction
(412) 961-1980

http://www.citizens4radonreduction.org
2019 Sept Issue CR3 News Magazine: RADON IN SCHOOLS
Direct Link: https://joom.ag/9LYe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citizens4radonreduction.org
info@citizens4radonreduction.org

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Gloria J. Linnertz, Dir.

Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction
(618) 830-4660
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Jacquelyn E. Nixon, VP Mktg

Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction
(412) 961-1980
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Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction on World Cancer Day website

Thanks to our publisher, Jacquelyn E. Nixon , Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction was featured on the World Cancer Day website for our Black History Month Special Edition of our CR3 Radon News electronic magazine. Way to go Jackie!
https://www.worldcancerday.org/activity/2019-cr3-news-magazine-black-history-month-special-edition?fbclid=IwAR2AWf7h7DKrAs04nqpceGNLR7SX97-FKzgAZu6pRKEOap7dwfXhiGW4Moc

CR3 Radon News Magazine--May Issue--Apathy

CR3 News Magazine  2019 MAY Issue_ _ Direct Link:  https://joom.ag/fFHa Medical Update: RADON APATHY You can no longer sit back and do nothing ... You now know too much! Paying attention to your environment can help improve your health. New studies point out the need to pay close attention to your surroundings when it comes to your family's good health. Your environment can dictate your mood, and even affect your chances of developing certain illnesses. You can't ignore cancer.

Cast Your Energy Into the Pond

Cast Your Energy Into the Pond

              We are embarking upon a new season—a season of renewal and hope.  With compassion, trust, and the spirit of togetherness in the hope of helping to prevent future deaths from radioactive radon gas exposure; we can make a difference and help save lives.  Spring is all about new life, new opportunities, and new beginnings.  Believing in a mission, having a vision, and working toward fulfillment of a dream is what life is all about.  Please share your passion for radon reduction in our next issue of CR3 News. 

              We ask ourselves what we can do to make a difference.  Walk gently on this blessed earth with mindfulness of nature and humankind.  Tread lightly along your path showing kindness but taking up your torch to light the way for this worthwhile cause for others to come.  Practice courage as you share the facts of science and embrace the challenges which energize and empower you. Cast your energy into the pond and watch the ripples begin with the awakening of the danger of radioactive radon gas exposure.  You can move mountains when it comes to the awareness, education, and action for radioactive radon reduction.

              We are strands of this magnificent web of life that brings us all together.  We have an opportunity to make a difference; don’t miss it.  Be part of the change for good on the horizon. Words are plentiful—actions are what count; realize your journey and embark upon it.

Gloria Linnertz

March 17, 2019

Radon Legacy

https://joom.ag/Gpga

Radon Action Month--test your homes, schools, workplaces

Hope you will read and share our January issue of CR3 Radon News electronic magazine. Thanks so much to Jackie Nixon, lung cancer survivor and publisher, PA Re...presentative of Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction, and publisher of our magazine.
https://www.prweb.com/…/radon_water_testi…/prweb16010442.htm