My Life as an Asthma Mom

 This was what my son looked like 25 years ago when we received a surprise asthma diagnosis in the hospital. Except he should also have an oxygen mask on too.  As I learned more about asthma, I realized that it wasn't normal to cough and be short of breath all the time. Well, huh. I was also diagnosed with asthma, as was my young daughter and older son. I would like a refund on my genetics please.  What I Wish I Had 25 Years Ago Trust Your Instinct  You are the expert on your body. You know when something isn't right for you, your children, or another family member you care for. I had read a magazine article about asthma, and was sure my son had it. But the pediatrician said no. A few weeks later, my son was hospitalized and THEN I found out he had asthma.  If your doctor won't listen to you, find one that will. Asthma Education would have been helpful.  25 years ago, computers weren't common, and smart phones didn't exist. I couldn't sit at my son's bedsi...

If you want to learn about asthma, you want to learn from the best and brightest in their profession, right?  An Asthma Educator Specialist is a someone who specializes in teaching patients and their families about asthma.  They stay updated on the latest research and guidelines by attending annual asthma conferences, and only share evidence based information with families (rather than folk remedies).  I'm talking about you essential oils and homeopathic drops... An Asthma Educator Specialist was originally called a Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) and was credentialed through the National Asthma Education Credentialing Board. I took and passed the exam from them back in 2016. This credential is now offered through the National Board for Respiratory Care and the name has changed to "Asthma Educator Specialist." https://www.nbrc.org/ What's the big deal about an Asthma Educator Specialist?  As I mentioned earlier, people will share ideas about folk remedies that they...

    RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) is a fairly common cold-like virus that affects the throat, nose, and lungs.  As with other respiratory diseases, it's common in fall and winter - usually peaking in December and January. The symptoms from RSV can be mild in healthy adults, but can be very dangerous in infants and older adults.  It can also cause children with asthma to become very sick.  When my son was 5 (yes 5), he was admitted to the hospital for an entire week with RSV. The hospital staff was shocked since they usually see infants with RSV.   But my son has severe asthma and had many hospitalizations for pneumonia and exposure to wild fire smoke.  So I wasn't surprised he was hospitalized, he is always hit harder with respiratory diseases than my other kids with asthma.  Infants with RSV RSV in babies can cause pneumonia (a lung infection) and bronchiolitis (swelling in the small airways).  This can lead to a hospital stay for ...

If you have been wondering why I haven't created any new articles lately....look closely at the graphic.  This is why.  It was my first ambulance ride, and hopefully my last.  I had a bad fall that left me with a broken leg, and a broken arm (both on the right side.) I couldn't put any weight on my right leg and needed surgery since I shattered my right arm.  After a few days in the hospital, I had no choice but to be transferred to a skilled nursing facility.  I spent two months doing physical therapy with a the rest of the patients, who were all in their 70's and 80's.  We spent a lot of time commiserating about injuries. And I learned how to propel myself backwards in my wheelchair with my one good leg.  It was the longest two months of my life, and I would love to forget it. However, the large scar on my right arm won't let me forget it. And I'm still in a wheelchair and re-learning how to walk.  Accidents affecting asthma It wasn't enough to ...

  The U.S. is a mix of disasters.  The South has been hit by two destructive hurricanes in a few weeks time, Helena and Milton. Milton was called a once in a 1,000 year hurricane.  Homes have been washed away, and the death toll is over 200, and families are devastated. In the West, they are continuing with a drought, record high temperatures (close to 100 degrees in October), and continuing wildfires. There is a wildfire near me, and it's over 20,000 acres and causing evacuations.  In October.  Instead of snuggling under a blanket and sipping hot chocolate while we eat apple cider donuts, we are sitting in front of the air conditioner  What is happening with this crazy weather? The Dangers of Wildfire Smoke  According to the CDC, wildfire smoke can cause: Coughing and wheezing  Trouble breathing Asthma attacks Stinging eyes, scratchy throat and runny nose  Headaches Fatigue Chest pain Fast heartbeat Wildfire smoke doesn't follow city, ...

  2024 Social Health Award Winners    Every year, advocates from around the country are recognized for their hard work during the Social Health Awards. Before winners are chosen, they go through online voting for their category, followed by three rounds of judging.  Some of the nominees advocate for a disease they have, others advocate on behalf of family.  These are the 2024 winners, a few family members, and staff from Health Union.  I was shocked when they announced my name.  In fact, I was yelling so loudly (I won! I won! I won???? Are you sure????) that I had to exit a tram at the top of a mountain.  Good thing I was able to get off the tram before it started down the mountain. No one would want to ride with the crazy lady.  My award validated the work I have been doing in asthma education since 2009. This group of winners advocates in a variety of ways, such as:   Coordinate support groups Make reels for TikTok and Instagram ...