MARLON SUSON has been active in assisting sick and immune-compromised 9-11 first responders since November of 2001. In the process of collecting valuable health resources for these workers, he has amassed data from physicians, literature and nutritionists concerning many different protocols for treatment and they are now here for you to use as a valuable guide. Also, Mr. Suson is listing here physicians experienced in holistic and alternative therapies; physicians that have dealt with Ground Zero veterans who are now experiencing ill health as a result of exposure to chemical toxins. In general, there are two types of treatments available, or two routes to take if you are a disabled 9-11 worker. The first is focusing solely on treatment of symptoms, such as asthma, by using inhaled steroids and medicines such as Albuterol or Prednisone. While this is good at stabilizing the symptoms or stopping emergency situations, how does it heal the sick worker long term? It doesn't. The side effects from these drugs can often stress the heart and adrenal glands, which don't lead to overall improvement, only stabilization and treatment of specific symptoms. Your question, if you are a sick 9-11 worker may be, "How will I improve? Can I attain my pre-9/11 health or come close to it or will I forever be on drugs and their side effects?" Or your question is, "Why am I sick? What is happening to me?" Being confused is normal, especially if most your life has been spent in good health.

The powers that be have spent considerable time & dollars promoting the concept of, "There's no proof that the toxic air at Ground Zero had anything to do with the claims of sick 9-11 first responders." This has been promoted in order to thwart potential lawsuits and to escape any blame or responsibility. It’s about saving money. Rather than handle the situation in an honest, ethical way & take care of those that helped out on 9-11 and the months that followed, they have taken the defense attorney’s approach and basically said, “You’re sick from WTC? Okay, prove it.” However, if say, 15,000 individuals enjoyed good health up until the 9-11 attacks and then mysteriously became ill after serving at Ground Zero, it stands to reason that there is a central antagonist – a causal link that caused their ills (Ground Zero) and it isn’t just coincidental, as the many would lead us to believe. If one person becomes ill from drinking tap water near a chemical refinery, it is much harder to prove a direct link as opposed to if the whole town becomes ill. For many years after the attacks, those in a position to help laughed off claims of ill workers, until James Zadroga came along. James was an NYPD Detective who was a first responder and became ill from breathing in toxins at WTC, but of course there's no proof of this, is there? What if his illness was just coincidental? James voice was finally heard and taken seriously the day President George Bush addressed Congress in 2006. James died that day, instantly bringing the plight of sick 9-11 workers into the national spotlight, which was bad for the White House and even worse for any agencies being sued by sick workers. So, what next? Naturally, a smear campaign was begun to discredit poor James Zadroga, who had suffered a miserable death, gasping his last few breaths of air before expiring, as his son sat listening to George Bush in Washington, D.C. When James died, it became apparent that he wasn't acting sick, but really was sick. Despite the fact that the initial medical examiners determining Mr. Zadroga's cause of death ruled it to be causally linked to the WTC, the City of New York brought in their own medical examiner after Zadroga's death and concluded (on a national stage) that James was nothing more than a drug addict who crushed his own prescription meds and injected them, and that was the cause of death. He was then labeled at a press gathering by a city official as "not a hero" and the mission was accomplished. James Zadroga, the poster boy for the sick 9-11 worker and champion of quality care for future men and women like him had now been discredited. He was a threat to the powers that be and so in death he was thrown into the political spin machine and labeled a drug addict. Such negative press on him was needed in order to poison the minds of those in positions to potentially award damages to injured 9-11 first responders. Discredit the poster boy and everyone else will fall. It is usually what those on the defense (who know the truth) do. They attempt to discredit those on the offense and those telling the truth. If you can discredit someone who is telling the truth and/or accusing you of an ethical wrong, you succeed in taking away their power to pave the way for changes for those in a similar boat.

So, obviously if you are a sick 9-11 worker, you don't want to end up like James Zadroga. On the morning of 9-11 and the months that followed, toxic chemical cocktails were created, comprised of powdered concrete, glass, light bulbs, mercury, cleaning fluids, benzene, diesel, chlorine, polymers, formaldehyde, xylene, microscopic human tissue and bone, smoke, computer circuit boards, asbestos, carpeting, plastics, resins, paper, office desks and more. All this was breathed in that morning and the months that followed by WTC rescue & recovery workers. Fires smoldered on lower levels at WTC for up to 3 months after the attacks; Ground Zero was like a simmering teapot that was 100 feet deep, each layer containing debris that slowly burned and released toxins. Ironworkers constantly burned/cut steel beams for removal from the site and anyone who worked there will remember that toxic, rancid smell of the ever-burning steel. If you smelled it, then you were breathing in chemicals as well as having those chemicals absorbed into any exposed skin. The constant breathing in of numerous chemicals created free radicals that once in worker's blood streams, began wreaking havoc on their cells and immune system. Free radicals destroy the body’s defenses from within and exploit any immune or musculoskeletal weakness that the person is pre-disposed to, whether it be hereditary or otherwise. Many workers experienced while working there the "WTC Cough" which was a horrible, involuntary bronchial spasm that caught its victims off-guard and often mid-sentence. It could go on for 30 seconds or 30 minutes. The WTC Cough was only a sign of things to come and was the body saying, "I'm not liking what I'm breathing in." Many major war veterans have stated, "If you weren't there, then you wouldn't understand." The same holds true for those that didn't work at Ground Zero or participate in Recovery efforts. Those that worked there often state that it was a privilege to do so, or an honor, but also state that the public has no idea of the atrocities that were witnessed first hand by Ground Zero workers deep inside those gates. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a common affliction for those who were at the World Trade Center on September 11 and the months that followed and we will also list those that can assist you with that. If you walk by a construction site and smell the same vapor or moldy smell from within that was ever present at WTC and find yourself immediately getting depressed, you are not crazy. If a certain sound or sight reminds you of something bad you saw while working at Ground Zero, you are not losing your mind. You suffer from PTSD; it is REAL and can make you miserable and help is available!

Ground Zero Museum Workshop is not a medical facility, does not have MD's on staff and does not offer treatment. However, this resource page is here for you if you believe you are sick in any way from the 9-11 attacks, to use at your own discretion. Much care and thought was put into this resource page. The vitamins listed on this page have been used by sick 9-11 workers who are immune compromised, and with some success. While programs such as Mt. Sinai’s medical monitoring program have best intentions, we feel that programs such as these simply monitor the slow degeneration of the sick 9-11 worker and gives drugs that simply "treat the symptom" and not the PROBLEM. Granted, handing out for FREE medicines (as Mt. Sinai graciously does) that would otherwise cost you money is a noble thing, but your goal is to get better, not stay sick or just ‘stable.’ The physician's on this resource page will assist you in finding out exactly what in your immune system is actually failing and will work with you to improve your overall health, thus hopefully leading to a reduction in symptoms, such as the common ones showing up in sick WTC workers: asthma, depression, chemical sensitivities, adrenal insufficiencies, allergies and stomach disorders. Many WTC workers have chemical sensitivities and adrenal problems, and we will offer lifestyle changes also to help with that. You must become aware of your body's needs and even more aware of your immediate environment to see triggers for your worst symptoms. You suffered physically and mentally from working at one of the worst tragedies that mankind has ever experienced and you must have a healthy recovery program specially tailored for you. You are not helpless and you CAN get better. If you have any questions, email Marlon Suson at: GroundZeroMuseum@aol.com. Many of these vitamins listed here you can order right off the internet. When you see the word "antioxidant" - this refers to vitamins that kill free radicals. Free radicals can cause cancer and basically destroy your immune system. They don’t care whether you live or die. We do. In the future, if Ground Zero Museum Workshop becomes financially strong, it will set up a program to help fund vitamins for sick and disabled Ground Zero vets. This is dream of ours! Once again, we begin with vitamins that support the immune system, and these are our picks as "cream of the crop." Keep in mind that substandard companies are not on this list; the only companies that are listed here ("Best Brands") are those known to make the highest quality of those particular vitamins. If it is within your budget, we strongly suggest these brands. Some are very affordable, while others, such as XANGO supplement is very costly ($35 per 3-week supply), but also helps greatly with chronic fatigue. Many cancer patients take XANGO as it contains 'Xanthones" which are believed to thwart cancer. Dozens of 9-11 responders have died since Recovery operations ended in 2002, and over ten thousand are ill. Since dogs have a shorter life span than humans, it is also no surprise that many of the Ground Zero Rescue/Recovery dogs have also died prematurely from breathing in toxic WTC air. Whether or not society or the powers that be wish to turn a blind eye to your health woes, it won’t stop us from trying to get you on track to re-building your immune system. We care about you and America appreciates your efforts at Ground Zero, whether you served hot chocolate, burned through steel beams or participated in the dig.

VITAMINS SUGGESTED FOR SICK 9/11 WORKERS ( Available at WILNER CHEMISTS in Manhattan or on the Internet )
	Reduced L-GLUTATHIONE (Antioxidant) Best Brand: KLAIRE LABS, Nevada / 150 mg capsules (read about it: www.protherainc.com)
	SELENO MET (Organic Selenium - Antioxidant) Best Brand: KLAIRE LABS, Nevada / 200 mcg. capsules (read about it: www.adam.about.com)
	Organic mix of: FLAX & PRIMROSE OIL (antioxidant) Best Brand: HEALTH FROM THE SUN, Massachusetts / Soft Gels (read about it: http://www.answers.com and also: www.mayoclinic.com)
	VITAMIN C, "EASY-C" - Buffered (Important Antioxidant) Best Brand: NATROL "EASY-C" / 500 mg capsules, easy on the stomach (read about it: www.natrol.com)
	Mangosteen Fruit Extract "XANGO" : (super antioxidant. contains Xanthones www.xanthonesresearch.com ) Best Brand: "XANGO" ; Drink only 2 ounces (shotglass) of juice daily Many cancer patients drink this to thwart cancer and improve energy; makes the brain sharp also (We can order this through the museum and save you some money if needed) (read about XANGO here: www.xango.com)
	PAROTID PMG : (Used for Chemical Sensitivities / from Bovine source) This vitamin is good if had or currently have chemical exposure Best Brand: Standard Process, Wisconsin / 244 mg tablets (read about it: www.totalhealthvitamins.com)
	Milk Thistle, "Thisilyn" (aids in detoxifying the liver) Very important to aid in detoxifying your body Best Brand: Nature's Way, Utah / "THISILYN" 175 mg capsules (read about it: www.altmedicine.about.com)
	Digestive Enymes, "Candidase" (For Digestive / G.I. Problems / Take with your meals) This is plant based digestive enzyme / vegetarian / keeps yeast overgrowth in stomach at a minimum Best Brand: Enzymedica, Florida / Capsules (read about it:www.enzymedica.com)
	Acidophilus, "Commensal" or "Ther-Biotic Complete" (Keeps digestion normal / very important) Best Brands: New Millenium Foods (Commensal) & KLAIRE LABS (Ther-Biotic) Best to purchase these in the refrigerated section at Hickey Chemists, NYC (41st street) (read about it:www.altmedicine.about.com)
	Vitamin D3 (Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases) Best Brand: Jarrow Formulas / 1000 IU, 100 Softgels (read about it: www.vrp.com )

CHEMICAL EXPOSURE

If you were exposed to chemicals at the World Trade Center and have a host of symptoms, from stuffy nose, gastric disturbance/digestive problems, asthma (COPD), chronic fatigue or other problems that normal physicians cannot explain (or just give you drugs), chances are you are "chemically sensitive." Here is a quick run-down of things you should start avoiding immediately or modifying, which can lessen symptoms:

Stop using laundry detergents with fragrances/perfumes. Buy "All-Free" detergents that have no smell. Inhaling strong perfumes in your bed sheets while you sleep in unhealthy for you. Perfume allergy is common. Perfumes contain Benzene, a chemical that was ever-present at Ground Zero.

Stop using hair shampoos, conditioners and deodorants with fragrances. Buy fragrance free, preferably at Whole Foods vitamins - they have a great selection. Avoid all products containing Aluminum.

Stay away from blue, red, yellow dyes. They can trigger asthma attacks and other illness. At WTC, blue dye was in the steel being burned on a daily basis and was being absorbed into the fatty tissue of those working nearby. These dyes are often found in food products. Don't eat them. Blue, orange, yellow & black dye came out in the sweat onto towels of WTC workers undergoing the sauna detox program in New York City. (read here: http://nydetox.org/results.htm)

Purchase a dust mite-free allergy cover for your mattress & pillows. Dust and mites trigger asthma.

Purchase a quality shower filter that removes harmful chlorine out. Chlorine has been known to trigger sudden asthma attacks. These units easily attach to your existing showerhead pipe. We will update you soon on reputable companies that sell these units.

Purchase an air cleaner, preferably the highly rated  IQ AIR CLEANER or an Ozone Machine from VOLLARA. Keep this in the bedroom as your quality of sleep is everything. Air cleaners are extremely helpful for asthmatics & those with chemical sensitivity.  

Depression is a common symptom of Chemical Sensitivity. Chemicals exposure can cause the adrenal glands to slow down and when the adrenals are not working properly, many environmental illness physicians (some of whom are former psychiatrists – [Dr. Thomas Stone, Illinois] have suggested depression immediately sets in. Under-active or compromised thyroid glands can cause depression. If you never had any depression or anxiety symptoms prior to 9-11, then suddenly were diagnosed with them after working at WTC and placed on "anti-depressants," try taking a 2nd look at whether you need to be on them. Many anti-depressants have side effects which are ugly, to say the least. Taking a pill won’t make your problems or depression just disappear. If you were sold that bill of goods, think again. It can be from the adrenal glands not working properly or from things that were traumatic that you witnessed. If that’s the case, you need to discuss this with a mental health professional that does not give you “meds.” They don’t make those bad experiences disappear – they just mask them by doping you up.

Antidepressants Don't Work : They Make Things Worse

After purchasing any new clothes, you must wash them prior to wearing them, as all new clothes are coated in Formaldehyde, an ever-present chemical at WTC. Formaldehyde allergy can cause sinus congestion, fatigue and asthma attacks.

MOLD ALLERGY can be a problem for sick 9-11 workers with weak immune systems. There was an enormous amount of mold exposure at WTC, most prominently in the PATH subway areas below Ground Zero. Stay away from areas (especially at home) with old books and papers, as these contain nasty molds called Phoma Beta and Pullularia, which can trigger asthma attacks and sinusitis, as well as fatigue. MOLD is a big trigger for depression. Imagine if your old books and papers are causing you depression and instead of throwing them away to alleviate symptoms you pop an anti-depressant? Ouch. If you own these old paper items, seal them in plastic boxes and store them away from your sleeping area.

Pet Allergy that is undiagnosed can often be the cause for asthma attacks or sinus problems. Many people who are allergic to their pets will often say, "I've had a pet for years but I'm not allergic." Later, when they are tested by an allergist, they can find out they are highly allergic to their pets. That doesn't mean you have to get rid of your beloved pet, but you can keep them out of your sleeping environment.

EMF Exposure (Electromagnetic Fields) can have a weakening effect on anyone, especially those with compromised immune systems. What is an EMF? Well, you can read more by clicking here:www.mercola.com. Try not sit in front of the TV for hours at a time as you are sitting in front of an EMF Field. According to research, EMF's turn the natural pulse of your bio-rythmic system backwards, kind of like the hands of a clock beginning to slowly turn in the opposite direction. The result is chronic illness. Simple things you can do at home are making sure your head, when sleeping in bed, is at least 6 feet away from any electrical outlet. Make sure no LCD clocks or radios are near your head when you sleep as they "pulse" EMF's. And don't sleep with the TV on or you are sleeping in a constant EMF field. An amazing product that was donated to Marlon Suson in 2002 during the Recovery at Ground Zero that was then handed out to 9-11 firefighters digging for missing family members were "Q-Link Pendants" which you can view here. www.qlink.com.au. NYC Firefighters who wore the Q-Links reported back to Mr. Suson that they felt a new sense of calm when wearing them at Ground Zero, and one active firefighter said that he had to remove it when fighting fires as he jokingly stated that he was too calm! The Q-Link somehow protects the body from EMF stress and radiation, leading to a better sense of well being. If we thought it was a hoax, we wouldn't endorse it. It works.

Physician's Resource List

Chiropractic & Nutrition:

Dr. Michael Smatt, Madison Avenue Chiropractic Center
295 Madison Avenue @ 41st Street, Phone: 212-684-5811
website: www.Chirotime.com
Dr. Smatt not only understands how to help heal sick 9/11 rescue workers through Chiropractic, but he also worked at Ground Zero during the Recovery. In 2001, he organized a program whereby Chiropractors from all over the U.S.A. would volunteer their time to give free adjustments to Rescue & Recovery workers. His expertise in Chiropractic mixed with an in-depth knowledge of nutrition makes him a valuable asset & resource to those afflicted with health problems and injuries from working at Ground Zero. He is quite passionate about helping those with WTC injuries regain their health and if you have questions for him, simply email him at: drsmatt@chirotime.com. Most major insurance plans accepted.

Allergies and Adrenal Problems

Dr. David Borenstein, Borenstein Center
349 West Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY
Phone: 516-749-6447
website: www.BorensteinCenter.com
A common affliction for WTC workers is "Chronic Fatigue," which is a specialty for Dr. Borenstein. He also offers nutritional counseling, acupuncture, integrative cancer treatment & holistic medicine. On staff at the Long Island facility is Edward Persaud, who coordinates the allergy department and is formerly of the well-known Hoffman Center in New York City. Most major insurance plans accepted. The LIRR will take you there in about 45 minutes.

Dr. Ronald Hoffman, The Hoffman Center
776 Sixth Avenue, Suite 4B, New York City
Phone: 212-779-1744
website: www.DrHoffman.com
Dr. Hoffman and his center combines modern, medical technology and complementary medical modalities in an innovative yet responsible manner to heal patients and optimize their health and vitality, while simultaneously empowering them with the knowledge necessary to overcome their fear of the unknown and to take command of their health and fitness. Dr. H. is a pioneer in the field of holistic medicine. To inquire about patient services please email them at TheHoffmanCenter@aol.com.

Therapy / Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Dr. EJ Suh, Psychologist, PhD.

333 West 57th Street, Suite 1H, NYC
Phone: 212-265-5009
E-Mail: ejs161@columbia.edu

Dr. Suh has worked extensively with former World Trade Center workers who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She is in private practice and is also an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University Medical Center. She is an expert in her field and has taught and supervised hundreds of NYC mental health professionals and has treated many clients. She specializes in cognitive behavior therapy and is Ground Zero Museum Workshop's top choice as the best mental health professional to treat those suffering from PTSD. Dr. Suh is genuinely passionate about helping those who worked at Ground Zero recognize, cope with & heal from the horrible sights and sounds associated with working at the site of the 9/11 attacks.