Winchester Hospital Presents Pediatric Asthma Update in Recognition of Asthma Awareness Month in May

Winchester, Mass. – In recognition of Asthma Awareness Month in May, Winchester Hospital pediatric asthma educators June Mayo and Anne Russell recently presented “Pediatric Asthma Update 2010” to 28 pediatric and school nurses from 10 communities.
 
Discussion topics included an overview of updated national asthma guidelines, asthma medications, techniques for medication delivery (including hands-on practice with various inhalation aids and devices), tips on becoming a Certified Asthma Educator and information about Winchester Hospital’s free Community and Hospital Asthma Management Program (C.H.A.M.P.) for children up to 18 years of age.
 
“The diverse representation from schools and physician offices is reflective of how asthma management continues to be a team approach,” Mayo said. “Asthma care is truly a partnership.”
 
Also assisting Mayo and Russell were intern Andreea Apostol and Brittany Zappala, who recently completed Winchester Hospital’s Nurse Aide Training Program.
 
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, causing breathing difficulty. About 20 million Americans suffer from asthma, which may be allergic or non-allergic. Many of the symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and chest tightness) are the same. However, allergic asthma is triggered by inhaled allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold. Non-allergic asthma symptoms are triggered by factors such as anxiety, stress, exercise, cold air, dry air, hyperventilation, smoke, viruses or other irritants not involving the immune system. While research still needs to be done to fully understand how to prevent, treat and cure asthma, sufferers can live healthy and active lives with proper management.
 
Winchester Hospital’s team approach to treating asthma through C.H.A.M.P. involves the patient, family, physician, school nurse, inpatient pediatric staff, licensed respiratory therapist and emergency department staff. The purpose of the C.H.A.M.P. program is to reduce emergency room visits, asthma-related inpatient admissions and missed days from school, while improving children’s lung function and understanding of how to control exposure to triggers and effectively manage asthma with medication. C.H.A.M.P. provides three home visits by a pediatric asthma educator; a customized asthma action plan, which is also distributed to school personnel and other care providers; education regarding the correct use of inhalers, spacers, peak flow meters and nebulizers; and a diary to track asthma signs and peak flow readings.
 
For more information about C.H.A.M.P., call the Winchester Hospital Community Health Institute at (781) 756-4700.
 
About Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute
Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute is committed to helping community members take responsibility for their health and well-being by offering the education and resources that change lives. Established in 1996, the Community Health Institute provides more than 30 programs and services throughout the year, with offerings in disease management, childbirth, integrative therapies, fitness, yoga, Tai Chi/Qi Gong, CPR and first aid, weight management, career services and support groups. The institute is also home to two retail services: A Caring Place, which features wigs, bras, prostheses and head coverings for women living with cancer; and the Lactation Center Boutique, which offers the highest-quality breastfeeding supplies and support. Unless otherwise indicated within the program’s description, for more information or to register, please call the Community Health Institute at (781) 756-4700 or visit www.winchesterhospital.org.

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