 |
|
|
 Vallarta Living | Veteran Affairs | August 2006 
Viet Nam Vets High Risks for Parkinson's
 David Lord - PVNN
| | Parkinson's Disease or "shaking palsy" is a brain disorder that causes muscle tremor, stiffness, and weakness. Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease include muscular stiffness, a tendency to tire more easily than usual, and trembling that usually begins with a slight tremor in one hand, arm, or leg. This trembling is worse when the body is at rest but will generally stop when the body is in use. |
A study by Harvard scientists finds that people who reported being exposed to pesticides before 1982 had a 70% higher incidence of Parkinson's disease developing 10 to 20 years later than those who weren't exposed.
In 1982, 143,325 people took part in an American Cancer Society study. After adjusting for age, sex, and other risk factors, researchers found that those who reported pesticide exposure had a significantly higher rate of contracting Parkinson's. In fact, 413 out of the 7,864 who reported exposure to pesticides were later diagnosed with the disease.
According to Alberto Ascherio, a Harvard professor of nutrition and epidemiology who led the study, the main limitation is that "we really don't know which chemicals people used and how strong the exposure was. The risk was similar in farmers and non-farmers, which would mean people were also exposed to pesticides in their homes and gardens."
Parkinson's Disease is a chronic and progressive degenerative brain disorder that causes shaking, rigidity and slowness of movement. There is no cure, although some treatments are available.
An estimated 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson's. The condition usually develops after the age of 65, but 15% of patients diagnosed with the disease are under 50. Actor Michael J. Fox, whose foundation financed the study, was diagnosed with Parkinson's when he was only thirty years old.
This may be the reason that the Department of Veterans Affairs is now considering adding Parkinson's Disease to the list of presumptive illnesses due to exposure of Agent Orange while serving in Viet Nam.
the above is in-part from a Copyrighted 2006 USA TODAY article, a division of Gannett Co.
REUNION OF THE KHE SANH SIEGE
Last month, I had the great pleasure of attending a reunion of the Khe Sanh Veterans Association. The 1st Battalion of the 26th Marines is a very select group. They were activated in World War Two and went on to fight on Iwo Jima and other Pacific Islands until the end of the war, when the regiment was decommissioned.
That is, until the regiment was recalled to duty for the Viet Nam War. From 1966 to 1970, another four years of combat proved that the unit's actions exemplified the high standards by which Marines are judged today.
During the reunion, I learned that the Khe Sanh Association still holds the N.V.A. flag my combat unit captured in the battle on May 9th of 1968. The sacrifices made under that regimental flag will be remembered by all of us who served.
Thirteen members of my Charlie Company were killed in action that day, while I was fortunate enough to only be wounded. I was dismayed to learn that the following month, on June 9th & 10th of 1968, 108 members of the Charlie company were killed in action. Today, all of their names are inscribed on the memorial wall in Washington, D.C.
I found just 3 others at the Charlie Co reunion, but I hope to find more from Charlie 1/26 5th Marines. I know there must be some. Maybe you Veterans know of some, if so, please let them know I'm looking.
The recent Department of Mexico Convention elected Louie Regalatto as the new Department Commander. The new Commander then appointed a new Department Service Officer from Post 7 Lake Chapala to take my place. I have given freely of my time in the past and will remain available for consultation to members since I am still the only Accredited Service Officer with the American Legion in Mexico.
 My focus will be expanding the service provided to U.S. Veterans by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. My goals this year include:
I am planning service trips to central/southern Mexico, in the Purple Heart Service R.V. seen in photo.
I also intend to write a book that will serve those Veterans wishing to retire in Mexico with the basic information needed for a successful transition to Latin America.
If you have questions please send an email to david.lord@yahoo.com
 David Lord served in Vietnam as combat Marine for 1st Battalion 26th Marines, during which time he was severely wounded. He received the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation for his actions during the war in Vietnam. In Mexico, David now represents all veterans south of the U.S. border all the way to Panama, before the V.A. and the Board of Veterans Appeals. David Lord provides service to veterans at no fee. Veterans are welcome to drop in and discuss claims/benefits to which they are entitled by law at his office located at Bayside Properties, 160 Francisca Rodriguez, tel.: 223-4424, call him at home 299-5367, on his cell: 044 (322) 205-1323, or email him at mophmx@@yahoo.com or david.lord@yahoo.com.
Click HERE for more Veteran Affairs with David Lord »»» |
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us