World Asthma Day!

 (http://ginasthma.org/wad/)

Do you have asthma? If so, you are not alone! There are over 334 million people world wide who have asthma! 

I have asthma, as do all three of my children (well.....both of my sons are adults and my daughter is a teenager, so I guess they don't fit the "children" category anymore!)

 

Asthma is different for everyone. In our family, it led to a career change for me. My first Bachelor's Degree was in Interior Design (I still get excited when I walk into a furniture store.....) but I went back to school to get another bachelor's degree so I can help other families learn more about asthma. I wish I would have had someone to help us when my kids were diagnosed 16 years ago. I know that we made a LOT of mistakes!

 

For some people, asthma is not that bad and they may only use their inhaler once a year. For others, they have a tough time!  My kids were hospitalized 12 times and my son almost died twice. I HATE asthma. And pneumonia! And forest fires. 

 

How much do you know about asthma? I didn't know anything when my kids were diagnosed. 

Webmd has a helpful site, called "Understanding Asthma - the Basics." Right above that title is a "pair of headphones." If you click on that, it will read the page for you! There is also a  helpful slide show on the page (just click on the blue start arrow.)

There are a LOT of asthma books for kids on Amazon. Or you can also download a copy of "Understanding Asthma" from the Allergy & Asthma Network. They are a GREAT resource!

 

 There are also videos on Youtube. Everyone learns differently. The important thing is just for you to learn about asthma and how it affects you. Learn what triggers or causes asthma attacks. Learn when to see a doctor and when to change your medicine. 

Think your asthma is okay? Take the Asthma Control Test and find out!  I just read an study that showed that many people THINK their asthma is under control, when it's actually not.

Life is good! Let's breathe well and enjoy life!

Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit patient education and advocacy organization for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our patient-centered network unites individuals, families, healthcare professionals, industry and government decision makers to improve health and quality of life for Americans with asthma and allergies. We specialize in making accurate medical information relevant and understandable to all while promoting evidence-based standards of care. - See more at: http://www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/about/#sthash.GGdaLlUF.dpuf

 

Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit patient education and advocacy organization for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our patient-centered network unites individuals, families, healthcare professionals, industry and government decision makers to improve health and quality of life for Americans with asthma and allergies. We specialize in making accurate medical information relevant and understandable to all while promoting evidence-based standards of care. - See more at: http://www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/about/#sthash.GGdaLlUF.dpuf

 

Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit patient education and advocacy organization for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our patient-centered network unites individuals, families, healthcare professionals, industry and government decision makers to improve health and quality of life for Americans with asthma and allergies. We specialize in making accurate medical information relevant and understandable to all while promoting evidence-based standards of care. - See more at: http://www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/about/#sthash.GGdaLlUF.dpuf