Center Update: June 2007
Are You Sensitive to Chemicals?
RAP, a project of Boston Self Help Center, is conducting a poll!
If you live in the Boston area and have multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or another medical condition that causes you to be extremely sensitive to chemicals, RAP (the RIDE Advocacy Project) would like to hear from you. To learn more about our poll or to fill out the questionnaire, go to the RAP website at www.rideadvocacy.org and scroll down to “RAP Is Conducting a Poll!” under “What We’re Doing.” We hope to hear from you!
It Could Be You!
A growing number of Americans are developing multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a chronic health condition that involves adverse reactions to such common products as perfume, tobacco smoke, paint, and natural gas. MCS can be debilitating, even life-threatening. It is also preventable. Learn about this growing, but not often recognized, health problem. Boston Self Help Center is offering free educational presentations about multiple chemical sensitivity aka environmental illness. Presentations include a brief talk by an individual who is chemically sensitive, a question and answer period, and handouts that further explain the illness. We can tailor presentations to meet your needs. For more information, please call 617-277-0080.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Project
The Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Project has a new video!
SECONDHAND SCENT: ACCOMMODATING PEOPLE WITH MCS
This 40-minute video is now available from Boston Self Help Center! It includes interviews with three people who have multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and presentations by two doctors, a visiting nurse, and Boston Self Help Center staff about the importance of accommodating people with MCS. The video is targeted to visiting nurse associations but can also be effective in conveying to other health-care providers, family, friends, and co-workers the serious nature of MCS and the importance of accommodating people with the condition.
The cost is: $20 for individuals $50 for agencies (sliding scale down to $30) It is closed captioned and narrated for access by people with print disabilities and those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Peer Counseling Groups
Our current peer counseling group has been running quite successfully. We have been meeting at Lesley University in the evenings. We are in the process of opening up the group to new members. If you are interested please send an email expressing your interest.