May 2009
Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago's e-newsletter is published monthly and contains news of RHAMC happenings, program updates and links to lung health resources.
This month's issue includes:
- Catch Your Breath events raise $25,000
- New funding announced for gender-specific research
- H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update
To receive RHAMC's monthly e-newsletter, send an email to info@lungchicago.org.
Catch Your Breath events raise $25,000!
Lung disease has grown steadily over the last three decades, and women are bearing a disproportionate share of the health burden. Not only are women affected by lung disease differently and at higher rates than men, they are also the primary decision-makers on important lung health concerns of their family members.
Catch Your Breath is our initiative for women dedicated to raising awareness and funding for lung disease research and programs. Last week, more than 200 people gathered to support and celebrate women's lung health at two unique events:
Inspiration, a benefit at the Metropolitan Club, honored Lyn Tepper, APN, CNS, TTS (pictured with Mary Ann Childers) and Joan Schiller, MD, two outstanding women whose careers have focused on helping patients understand and improve their lung health.
Event co-chair Kathy Skagerberg told guests: "I'm honored that so many friends have joined us here to raise money that will fund local researchers seeking to cure lung disease, or find better treatments." The event included a traditional cocktail party and featured an art auction fundraiser.
RHAMC also recently partnered with LUNA, the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to present LUNAFEST, an annual traveling festival of short films by, for and about women. Hosted at Victory Gardens Theater, the event featured10 films, including one by Evanston filmmaker Lisa Blackstone. Before the screenings, guests enjoyed cocktails and a silent auction.
The combined events raised nearly $25,000 for Catch Your Breath activities!
New funding announced for gender-based research
An important aspect of Respiratory Health Association's commitment to women and lung health involves funding local researchers. We are confident that today's exploration will lead to tomorrow's cures and better treatment options for people with lung disease. With funds raised from the Catch Your Breath Initiative, RHAMC is supporting three ongoing research projects related to gender-specific studies in lung disease.
Sharon Rosenberg, MD from Northwestern University is researching COPD, including gender-based differences in co-morbid conditions and gender-based differences in health status.
Kyle Hogarth, MD from University of Chicago is researching bronchoscopy (a test that may improve early detection of pre-cancerous lesions) and clinical differences in men versus women for the detection of pre-cancerous lesions, as well as the differences amongst women that develop lesions compared to those that do not.
Blanca Camoretti-Mercado, PhD from University of Chicago is researching LAM (lymphangioleiomyomatosis), a rare lung disease that mostly affects women in their 30s and 40s.
Through funds raised from the Chicago Lung Run, RHAMC is also supporting the work of Ravi Salgia, MD, PhD from the University of Chicago. Dr. Salgia is researching biomarkers in tumors and blood of smoking and non-smoking women with adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update
The appearance of the novel H1N1 (swine) flu has caused great concern across the country and caught the public's attention. While cases continue to rise throughout the country as expected (an estimated 3,600 cases nationwide), it is important for individuals to continue to practice good hygiene in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Some good reminders include:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use Alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
The appearance of H1N1 flu highlights the negative impact of influenza and the importance of annual vaccination for seasonal influenza. Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect you and others from what can be a very costly and deadly disease - an estimated 220,000 people are hospitalized annually from seasonal flu. While the flu season typically runs from November through April of each year, it is never too early to think about vaccination for you and your family from the seasonal flu.
Through its Influenza Prevention Program, Respiratory Health Association begins offering flu vaccinations to businesses, schools and community-based organizations in October. For information about our Influenza Prevention Program, contact Doreen Minnice at 312-628-0201.
