The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the facts on the 2010–2011 flu season. Who Should Get a Flu Vaccine This Season? It is now recommended for all people six months and older to receive an annual influenza vaccination. This is a new and expanded recommendation for this sea-son. In February 2010, CDC’s…
Respiratory News A clinical study comparing Sprivia in the Handihaler and in the Respimat is now recruiting participants. It is sponsor Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals – the clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT01126437. Because it requires control of breathing and posture, singing lessons can improve quality of life measures and decrease anxiety in COPD patients, according to a…
Innovative Project Encourages Change to Stereotypes of COPD Our Lives, Our Air is the COPD Foundation’s inno- vative “phase two” of its Faces of COPD program. This civilian photography project encourages individuals with COPD to become involved in changing the stereo- types that come with a COPD diagnosis. Our Lives, Our Air will be a…
Taking Aerosol Medications Correctly A recent article in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy Educators talked about common mistakes made when taking aerosol medications. Unfortunately, each device uses a different technique of inhaling. When used incorrectly, you could receive less than optimum medication delivery. It is all about the particle size when you take breathing…
Traveling News -September 2010 When you make your airline or other travel reservations, make sure your name matches exactly what is on the government-issued ID that you are going to use for identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will require full name (middle name too if on your passport or driver’s…
Sharing the Health - September 2010 I found a great site on the Internet to get tips on how to live with COPD at the Breathe Easy Arizona Coalition’s www.breatheeasyaz.org. They even have “How To” videos! Dana Afshari, FL I found a company that sells oxygen holders for your two-wheeled walker and/or wheelchair. It…
Fibrosis File Orphan Drug Status Granted In early September, the FDA granted orphan drug status to STX-100, an investigational, humanized monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). STX-100 targets a key pathway in the initiation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis, according to manufacturer Stromedix Inc. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments…
Alex from Minneapolis, MN, asks Mark about exercising when you have pulmonary hypertension (PAH). Mark explains, of paramount importance is to maintain adequate oxygenation while exercising. If not maintained relatively high, breath- lessness and anxiety will rule, bring- ing those who suffer them to their knees. If you are not able to keep your saturation…