A massage therapist lives and works near the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment site. They want to know about the possible risks of working with people exposed to chemical toxins. With so many unknowns, what’s the safest way to proceed? Join host Ruth Werner as she helps answer that question and others in this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .”

Sponsors: 

Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com  

Massage Mentor Institute: www.themassagementorinstitute.com

Host Bio:        

Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.   

Recent Articles by Ruth:       

“Working with Invisible Pain,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, November/December 2022, page 36, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1481961-november-december-2022/38

“Unpacking the Long Haul,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, January/February 2022, page 35, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1439667-january-february-2022/36.

“Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Massage Therapy,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, September/October 2021, page 33, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1402696-september-october-2021/34. 

“Pharmacology Basics for Massage Therapists,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, July/August 2021, page 32, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1384577-july-august-2021/34.   

Resources: 

Pocket Pathology: https://www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app

Phone number for free, private water testing: 330-849-3919

Allnutt, B. (2023) ‘East Palestine waste could mean more PFAS, dioxins in Michigan waterways’, Planet Detroit, 26 February. Available at: https://planetdetroit.org/2023/02/east-palestine-waste-could-mean-more-pfas-dioxins-in-michigan-waterways/ (Accessed: 1 March 2023).

Bartels, M. (no date) Chemical Health Risks from the Ohio Train Accident—What We Know So Far, Scientific American. Available at: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chemical-health-risks-from-the-ohio-train-accident-what-we-know-so-far/ (Accessed: 22 February 2023).

EPA not testing for dioxins in East Palestine, Ohio, scientist Stephen Lester calls reason ‘lame’ (no date). Available at: https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/east-palestine-train-derailment/epa-not-testing-for-dioxins-scientist-calls-reason-lame/ (Accessed: 1 March 2023).

How the Ohio Train Derailment Could Affect Your Health (2023) Men’s Health. Available at: https://www.menshealth.com/health/a43008521/ohio-train-derailment-health-effects/ (Accessed: 28 February 2023).

Kwong, E., Cirino, M. and Ramirez, R. (2023a) ‘How the EPA assesses health risks after the Ohio train derailment’, NPR, 27 February. Available at: https://www.npr.org/2023/02/24/1159385101/how-the-epa-assesses-health-risks-after-the-ohio-train-derailment (Accessed: 28 February 2023).

‘Like putting a puzzle together’: CDC arrives in Ohio to investigate health risks from toxic train derailment (2023) NBC News. Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/ohio-derailment-cdc-begins-investigation-toxic-train-disaster-rcna71948 (Accessed: 28 February 2023).

National, T. (2023) Mystery illnesses and dead animals plague Ohio after train derailment, The National. Available at: https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/us-news/2023/02/27/mystery-illnesses-and-dead-animals-plague-ohio-after-train-derailment/ (Accessed: 1 March 2023).

Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) Factsheet | National Biomonitoring Program | CDC (2022). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html (Accessed: 1 March 2023).

Todd, S. (2023) ‘Experts weigh in on potential health hazards posed by chemicals in Ohio train derailment’, STAT, 21 February. Available at: https://www.statnews.com/2023/02/21/east-palestine-train-chemicals/ (Accessed: 22 February 2023).

About our Sponsor:

Massage Mentor Institute

In 2019, Diane Matkowski, aka the Massage Mentor, began a closed Facebook page for hosting discussions with industry leaders. These interviews gave her an idea for The Massage Mentor Institute and Jam Series workshops.

The goal was to create various continuing education classes offered in one spot. The Institute is a space for massage therapists to learn different approaches and philosophies of bodywork and business classes. It’s also home to the Shoulder, Hip, Neck, and Back Jam workshops.

We believe that no one technique works for every human being. Our goal is to help you find your path. We have selected teachers we trust, admire, and believe will help you grow as a licensed massage therapist.

Website: themassagementorinstitute.com

Facebook Group: facebook.com/themassagementor

Instagram: @massagementorinstitute

Ep 326 – East Palestine: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner

The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession