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The Indiana Joint Asthma Coalition and our partners are proud to announce our first
Indiana State Asthma Conference!
Mark your calendars for May 14, 2013 and join InJAC at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, Indiana for a day featuring national and state experts in fields related to asthma, who will help put medical and public health professionals in the driver's seat in the race to beat this chronic disease!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Choose one of three ways to register:
- Register to attend online with a credit card (fees may apply);
- Register to attend via phone by calling (317) 520-9343;
- Register to attend via paper application.
If you are interested in becoming a speaker, exhibitor or sponsor of this conference, download our applications for further instructions.
Stay tuned to our website for more updates, agenda and more!
There are significant changes coming to the Indiana Joint Asthma Coalition in 2013, and our December Newsletter has all the information for you. Among the changes are our new structure of workgroups within the coalition. These workgroups are:
- Asthma Team-Based Care: Will explore how to create more effective and standardized asthma management to effectively improving an asthma patient’s quality of life and decreasing the burden of asthma on the health care system
- Tobacco-Free Living: Will include sustaining and expanding smoke-free laws in Indiana, as well as increasing the number of smoke-free multi-unit housing options provided in public and private settings.
- Conferences and Events: Will be tasked with creating opportunities to educate, train and increase networking throughout the state, including an annual InJAC conference, on topics relating to asthma.
To learn more, read InJAC's December Newsletter today!
Update 1/16/2013: Indiana's death toll due to the flu has risen to at least 27 people. Flu season may have arrived earlier than usual, but it's not too late to get your flu shot!
Wane TV: Flu Deaths in Indiana rise to 27
The CDC's FLUVIEW: Weekly Updates on the Flu Nationwide
It's not too late to get your shot! Find yours with the Flu Shot Finder
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Colder temperatures. Leaves changing colors. Pumpkin carving. Fresh apple cider.
And flu shots!
Yes, it’s that time of year! While everything outside is changing, a person with asthma is adapting too. Colder weather, windy days, falling leaves bringing allergens closer to the ground – all of these changes are triggers for asthmatics.
However, Autumn is also the start of the flu season, when things get dangerous for those with asthma. Because those who have asthma are at a higher risk of severe cases of influenza (the flu), a respiratory disease that can affect your lungs, cause inflammation and narrow your airways.
But have no fear - there’s a vaccine to prevent that!
What is Seasonal Influenza?
Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. Every flu season is unlike the last and influenza infection can affect people differently. Whether you’re extremely healthy or prone to respiratory infections, anyone can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.
The “flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. It’s important to get vaccinated sooner, rather than later, as the vaccine can take up to two weeks to create your body’s immunity to the strain. (See the Map of the Flu Virus in the US – Updated Weekly.)
Nearly one-half of Indiana adults (51.2%) and children (45.6%) who currently have asthma receive a flu vaccination. Male children account for 77 percent of emergency department (ED) visits for flu and asthma** compared to 47.2 percent of female children.
Influenza Hospital Discharge Data from 2009-2010** found that one (1) in four (4) flu hospitalizations involved individuals with asthma, amounting to 2,557 emergency department visits and 567 hospitalizations. Learn more about Asthma and the Flu in Indiana.
Asthma and the Flu
Asthma is the most common medical condition among adults and kids hospitalized with the flu. Though people with asthma are not more likely to get the flu, it can be more serious for people with asthma, even if their asthma is mild or their symptoms are well-controlled by medication. This is because people with asthma have swollen and sensitive air
With the school year quickly approaching, here's a checklist to make sure your student with asthma is adequately prepared.
1. Develop an Asthma Action Plan: All students with asthma should have a written Asthma Action Plan that details personal information about the child’s asthma symptoms, medications, any medicine required before exercise and provides specific instructions about what to do if an asthma episode does not improve with prescribed medication.
Each students and parents should discuss their Asthma Action Plan with their teachers, school nurse, coaches, bus drivers, babysitters/daycare staff and anyone else who has regular contact with the student throughout their school day. Discuss your child’s specific triggers and typical symptoms so that they can be prepared to effectively assist your child should an asthma episode occur outside of your presence.