June 2010
Breathing easy this summer
Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago's e-newsletter is published monthly and contains news of our happenings, program updates and links to lung health resources.
This month's issue includes:- Illinois lawmakers pass landmark asthma legislation
- Summertime means more "unhealthy" air days: stay informed!
- Schedule a flu clinic today!
- Get Involved: Join us on Facebook!
To receive our monthly e-newsletter, send an email to info@lungchicago.org.
Illinois lawmakers pass landmark asthma legislation
In May, Illinois legislators unanimously passed House Bill 5836, which removes a barrier from students carrying and using their quick relief asthma inhalers at school. The first of its kind in the U.S., the new legislation eliminates the need for a doctor's note, and instead permits students to carry and administer their quick relief asthma inhalers at school as long as they submit a copy of their prescription label and a note from their parent or guardian.
The requirement for a doctor's note has been in effect since 2001, but it proved to be a barrier for some students, especially for students who do not have frequent access to a long-term health care provider.
Student health greatly impacts student achievement, particularly for students with asthma. In the United States, students with asthma miss an average of eight days per school year because of their asthma, making it a leading cause of school absenteeism.
In Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, as much as 20 percent of the population has asthma. In a study of eight Englewood schools, an estimated 660 children were found to have asthma, but only 38 children had the proper forms to carry their inhalers at school.
Summertime means more “unhealthy” air days: stay informed!
On hot, sunny days with little wind, unhealthy levels of ozone (smog) and fine particle pollution (soot) linger in the air and can cause breathing problems. Already this year, metropolitan Chicago has had 10 days with air quality that was deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups.
When air quality is deemed “unhealthy,” it is important for people in sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and people with lung disease to limit strenuous activity and stay in a temperature-controlled environment.
It is also important for everyone to limit their polluting activities on days with unhealthy air quality. People can help limit pollution levels by carpooling, not mowing the lawn and using less electricity.
To be informed of days when poor air quality is predicted, sign up for EnviroFlash alerts sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Schedule your flu clinic today!
Each year, our dedicated registered nurses deliver more than 22,000 seasonal flu vaccination shots throughout Chicago. We provide flexible scheduling and affordable services to ensure that people of all ages are protected against seasonal flu.
Schedule a clinic for your workplace, community center, social club or apartment complex today to reserve your preferred date and time!
Contact Doreen Minnice, RN, BSN at dminnice@lungchicago.org or (312) 628-0201.
Get Involved: Like us on Facebook!
Join Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago on Facebook! Be part of discussions, comment on lung health news, stay up-to-date on our special events, and share your news on our wall!
Click here to “like” our page.
