September 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:

To receive RHAMC's monthly e-newsletter, send an email to info@lungchicago.org.

Policy Victories for Clean Air and Healthy Lungs

This past spring, RHAMC volunteers traveled to Springfield to advocate for tougher clean-air legislation for both diesel air pollution and radon exposure. Diesel air pollution can be a trigger for asthma and heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and premature death. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This August, Gov. Quinn responded by signing bills into action that reduce diesel pollution and raise awareness about radon.

  • Diesel Anti-Idling Bill (HB 2664): Amendment to a 2006 law that limits idling of diesel vehicles weighing at least 8,000 lbs. to 10 minutes within any 60 minute period in the Metropolitan Chicago and Metro East St. Louis areas when the temperature is 32 to 80 degrees. HB 2664 increases fines for violators of the law from $50 to $90 for a first offense and from $150 to $500 for subsequent offenses. The law also provides an incentive to local governments to enforce the law by allowing local governments to keep a portion of the increased fine. Another portion of the fine will fund anti-idling education efforts by the Illinois EPA.
  • Radon Testing and Task Force (HB 1088): Illinois Emergency Management Agency must approve all radon detection devices before they are sold. A Radon-Resistant Building Codes Task Force will be formed, which will make recommendations for new building codes. RHAMC's Eileen Lowery, Manager of Lung Cancer and Lung Health Initiatives, is expected to be named to this task force.
  • The Radon Disclosure Bill (HB 2439): Sellers of certain properties must make buyers aware that they either have no knowledge of elevated radon levels, or have lowered any elevated radon concentrations in the past.
  • Radon School Testing Bill (HB 4223): School districts should test their buildings for radon every 5 years and notify parents and faculty of the results.

For more information about this legislation or RHAMC's advocacy program, contact Ashley Collins at (312) 628-0202.

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Catch Your Breath Conference to highlight Asthma, COPD and Influenza

This year's annual Catch Your Breath: Women and Lung Health Conference will feature these topics and speakers:

  • Asthma & Women: The Impact of Vitamins and Nutrition - Dr. Giselle Mosnaim, Rush University Medical Center
  • Living with COPD: The Influence of Gender - Dr. Ravi Kalhan, Northwestern University Medical Center
  • Influenza: From Seasonal to H1N1 - Dr. Rachel Caskey, University of Illinois at Chicago

Join us on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Maggiano's Little Italy, (240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook).  Tickets are $30.

Continuing medical education credits for physicians, nurses and respiratory care practitioners will be provided. For more information, visit www.catchyourbreath.org. To register, contact Holly Herald at (312) 628-0235.

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Join the Hike for Lung Health

Join us on Sunday, September 27 for RHAMC's third annual Hike for Lung Health. Each year, the event raises more than $100,000 to support lung health and fight against lung diseases such as asthma, COPD and lung cancer. Create a team with your family, friends or coworkers to fundraise for RHAMC or one of our Hike charity partners.

Click here to register or contact Gina Schwieger at (312) 628-0210.

See you at the park! 

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Flu Prevention Tips and Updates

It's time for your annual flu immunization!  The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for everyone six months of age and older as your first line defense against influenza.

RHAMC conducts an annual campaign to immunize Chicagoland residents seeking to protect themselves against the seasonal flu in cooperation with the Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health. Clinics begin in early September. Chicago-area residents should call 311 or talk with their health-care provider to identify local sites administering flu shots.

In addition RHAMC's website will provide updated information on H1N1 (swine) flu throughout the coming months.   For updates or more information, visit the "Flu Season Info" section, view our What You Need to Know fact sheets:

Seasonal Influenza

H1N1 Influenza Virus