Lung Diseases
Asthma
Lifestyle Latest News
Sites for Receiving Flu Shots - [10/26/08]
Summary: The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is providing a free service to help people with allergies or asthma find clinics that provide flu shots. The Flu Shot Finder uses zip codes and links to a database of over 35,000 flu shot clinics nationwide. Patients are provided with clinic names, phone numbers, dates, hours, and addresses of the clinics.
Comment: Over 20 million Americans have asthma, and about 50 million have allergies. Chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma or allergies can make these people especially susceptible to catching the influenza virus. By using the Flu Shot Finder it will be easy for people with these conditions to receive a flu shot. Getting a flu shot every year is important to the overall health of those with allergies or asthma.
Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com October 26, 2008
Advertisement
Web-Based Asthma Monitoring Helpful to Physicians - [08/25/08]
Summary: A web-based lung monitoring system is currently being developed. This device would allow physicians to monitor lung functions from remote locations and to quickly provide medical attention in case of an emergency. This devices is similar to a Spirometer, but is based on a microelectromechanical system. It measures the flow and volume of the air moving through the lungs. They have designed the devices to be mass produced, and inexpensive which would provide care to many more users.
Comment: Spirometers have been commonly used to measure lung function, but they are often unavailable to patients in developing countries where the high cost limits the number of patients treated. This new device is inexpensive and web-based, which would allow these people to get the same level of care and testing as patients in more developed countries.
Read article - Medical News TODAY August 25, 2008
Back to School Tips for Children with Asthma - [08/07/08]
Summary: Many children with asthma will be going to school this year so the American Lung Association has offered seven tips to protect their health. The first tip is to schedule regular check-ups, the second to be careful with prescriptions, the third to know about prescription services, the fourth to have an asthma action plan, the fifth to visit your child's school nurse and teacher, the sixth to advocate for your child, and the last to know your school's asthma emergency plan.
Comment: Nearly 11% of children going to school will have asthma, and going back to school can put them in a more dangerous environment. Schools can often trigger asthma attacks because they are dusty and have different allergens than the child's home. Students with asthma miss a total of 13 million school days a year, and these tips can help keep children healthy and in the classroom.
Read article - Medical News TODAY August 7, 2008
Ten Health Tips for a Healthier You - [07/13/08]
Summary: A healthy lifestyle is the key to treating, preventing, or lessening the effects of almost every disease and condition. These ten tips are designed to help build a healthier body and lifestyle.
Comment: Tips include: walking 20 to 30 minutes a day, for weight loss, eating "black" foods, such as black mushrooms or licorice, to prevent cancer, heart disease, and slow aging, and preventing dimensia by treating hypertension.
Read article - Health News Digest. July 13, 2008.
Tips From An Olympian for Controlling Your Asthma - [07/06/08]
Summary: Gold medal winning Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee is one of the 22 million Americans suffering from asthma. Several life-threatening attacks and trips to the emergency room motivated Jackie to take controll of her condition. This conversation with Jackie provides valuable tips for controlling asthma.
Comment: Tips include suggestions for long-term and quick-relief medications as well as suggestions on questions a patient should ask their doctor. Working closely with a doctor and pulmonary pharmacist is key to successfully controlling asthma.
Read article - Health News Digest. July 6, 2008.
Protection Urged for Those Living Near Wildfires - [07/04/08]
Summary: The American Lung Association is urging those that live near wildfires to seek protection from the dangerous air pollution. They especially warm those with asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and those with chronic heart problems to be careful. They also warn that children and those spending a lot of time outdoors should be cautious about the air quality.
Comment: Wildfires cause a lot of air pollution, which could reach lethal levels in the areas nearby. This can cause many problems including coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes, and for people who previously have asthma those problems are especially likely. People with asthma are advised to consult their doctor, and if that is not possible to continue using their medicine as usual and be aware of any sudden problems.
Read article - Medical News TODAY July 4, 2008
Playing Sports Safely with Asthma - [05/31/08]
Summary: Exercise-induced asthma can be difficult for children, especially in the summer. To ensure your child's safety, follow these three guidelines from the staff of the Mayo Clinic: control the condition, have an asthma action, plan, and communicate with your child's caregivers.
Comment: Regular exercise strengthens the lungs. So summertime sports should not be off limits for children with asthma. This helpful article offers reassuring advice for parents, as well as a warning against sports that require sustained effort with few breaks, such as basketball and cycling.
Read article - Mayo Clinic. May 31, 2008.
Six Tips for Managing a Child's Asthma - [05/12/08]
Summary: Nine million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with asthma, and it is the number one cause for children frequently missing school. With effective management, however, the frequency of missed school days and other activities can be minimized. Six tips: Help the child understand and follow the action plan. Set up a schedule. Do not allow adults to smoke around the child. Control the child's environment. Maintain an active lifestyle. And, educate the child about how to avoid triggering and exacerbating an episode.
Comment: Asthma is a challenging and scary disease for children. These tips are easy ways for parents and caregivers to help them to live with their condition. Being able to control their asthma allows a child to spend more time enjoying activities and less time in a doctor's office.
Read article - Health News Digest. May 12, 2008.
Optimists Enjoy Better Health - [05/09/08]
Summary: According to a series of studies, optimists enjoy better health than pessimists. But people who are healthy are likely to have a brighter outlook than people who are ill. So scientists adjusted their analyses to account for pre-existing medical conditions and found that existing illnesses do not tarnish the benefits of optimism.
Comment: One explanation may be that optimists lead healthier lifestyles. Or it could be that optimism has biological benefits.
Read article - Harvard Health Publication. May 9. 2008.
Tips for Traveling with Asthma - [05/02/08]
Summary: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that more than 20 million Americans have asthma and 50 million have allergies. Those traveling this summer will face unique challenges. Spending more time outside increases exposure to common asthma triggers like pollen and stinging insects. The AAAAI has made a few recommendations to help make travel easier for those with asthma.
Comment: Recommendations include airing out vehicles before a lengthy road trip and travel, planing to drive in the early morning or late evening and when traveling by airplane, and packing all medications according to federal security regulations. Visiting an allergist or immunologist before travel can also be very beneficial.
Read article - American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. May 2, 2008.