Post on 09-Oct-2020
For more than 110 years, we have been providing lung
health education and awareness to the 10 counties of
western Pennsylvania, and this past year was no
exception.
We provided more free direct services to residents in
our service area than in the past five years combined.
More than 200 asthmatic school-aged children received
asthma education and medial assistance in the form of
air conditioning units, medication and nebulizers.
For the first time ever, we partnered with in-home
nursing agencies to provide children on ventilators with
needed medical assistance. More than 1,500 residents
received free cold weather masks to help protect their
lungs during the frigid winter. For the first time in over
a decade, we offered a free Tuberculosis Educational
Conference that was attended by more than 80 medical
professionals from our community. We rounded out
the spring with a free COPD cruise, Breathing in the
‘Burgh, for those living with lung disease.
As we continue to increase our efforts to provide
assistance and education to meet the ever-growing
needs of our community, we are also evaluating every
program we offer to constantly ensure we are doing
our best, and offering our best to YOU.
All of this could not be done without your support, and
we thank you. As you read on, you will find a snapshot
of our past year and articles written by our staff
addressing various topics concerning lung disease.
Please visit us online at www.breathepa.org to see all
that we offer.
From the Executive Director Mr. John P. Rupp
SPRING/SUMMER
2014
Is There a Link Between
Asthma and Menopause?
I recently came across a short article from the winter 2013
issue of Allergy & Asthma Today titled “Does Menopause
Increase Asthma Severity?” that explores the possible links
between menopause and asthma.
Seriously? Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and the
urge to really hurt someone aren’t enough to deal with?
Come on, Mother Nature, throw us a bone!
The report, which originally appeared in the September
2013 Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, states that
women in their 40s and 50s are being admitted to hospitals
with asthma symptoms at more than twice the rate of their
male counterparts. As we can guess, this may have
something to do with hormones. If I go back to when my
own asthma reappeared, after decades of being
asymptomatic and under no treatment regimen, it was
during my menopausal years that my symptoms resurfaced.
I was about 46 years old when my asthma came back with a
vengeance. I ended up in the hospital, had subsequent
emergency room visits and many trips to a pulmonologist
before my symptoms were back under relatively good
control.
One thing this new article doesn’t mention is if the
women in the study had already been diagnosed with
asthma or if they were newly diagnosed during their
menopausal years. It is also important to keep in mind that
the study took place in New York only – However, I can’t
imagine that the results would be that different anywhere
else—New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, East Coast, West
Coast—Hormones are hormones.
If you have concerns about the potential link between
asthma and menopause after reading these facts, it is
important that you address them with your physician. You
can work with your doctor to try to work up a plan for early
intervention than can help prevent trips to the ER or
unwanted hospital stays.
Not sure how to begin the conversation with your doctor?
Give me a call at 1-800-220-1990 – I’m happy to talk you
through what you should ask and how to address your
concerns with your doctor or pulmonologist.
Wishing You Peace and a Good Deep Breath,
Marianne Drevna BS, LRCP
Improving Your Indoor Air Quality When you think of air pollution, you probably imagine cities with smog or haze, but you might be surprised to know that the air inside your home or office can be just as polluted, if not more. This can be especially damaging to children, people with asthma, and the elderly. Here are some steps you can take to make the air in your home or office better for your health:
Vacuum – Use a vacuum with a High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to get rid of toxins and allergens. Vacuum two or more times a week for best results, making sure to pay extra attention to high traffic areas, and remember to vacuum walls, carpet edges and upholstered furniture.
Mop and Dust– A microfiber mop and dust cloth will pick up any dust or allergens that vacuuming may have left behind.
No Smoking Indoors – Cigarette smoke creates the most indoor air pollution – it contains more than 4,000 chemicals.
Test for Radon – Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless and odorless, and it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Tests can be purchased through our online store – it is inexpensive and easy.
Exercising with Asthma If you have asthma, you may feel like you should avoid exercising, especially if it worsens your symptoms, but you can, and should, exercise!
Exercise-induced asthma can occur in people who have chronic asthma, but it also occurs in those who don’t have chronic asthma. This type of asthma is triggered by exercise or physical activity. It occurs when people start to draw breath through their mouth instead of their nose, a common occurrence when exercising, not allowing the air to warm up and humidify before it reaches the lungs. Exercise-induced asthma attacks are triggered by this cold, dry air hitting the lungs.
To reduce the likelihood of an exercise-induced asthma attack, caution and preparation should be used. These tips
can help, but as always, consult your doctor for what is appropriate to your individual situation:
Use your inhaler about 20 to 30 minutes prior to exercise
Bring your inhaler with you in case you need it
Keep an eye on the Air Quality Index – avoid exercising outdoors on bad air quality days
Avoid peak pollen times for running, usually between 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards
If it’s cold outside, use a scarf or a mask over your nose and mouth.
Avoid exercising when you are sick
Remember that your asthma shouldn’t limit what you can and can’t do, as long as you take the proper precautions.
Improving Your Indoor Air Quality cont.
No Shoes Policy – Try to institute a no shoes policy in your home. If this isn’t possible, put a large doormat at the front door or main entryway of your home – It will reduce the amount of dirt, pesticides and other pollutants tracked into your home.
Humidity level – Keeping humidity at 30 to 50 percent helps keep dust mites and mold from accumulating. A dehumidifier or air conditioner, depending on the season, helps reduce moisture,
controls allergens and reduces indoor pollen count.
Use Natural Products – Synthetic fragrances in laundry products, air fresheners and some household cleaning products emit many different chemicals. Try using mild cleaners, opening windows when using products that may contain these chemicals, using natural ingredients to clean when possible and avoiding aerosol sprays.
Add Plants – Plants not only add color to your home or office, they can purify the air and absorb
pollutants. Just be sure to choose a plant that is not poisonous when ingested if you have children or pets.
This newsletter helps to
support our ongoing mission to
help the members of our
community better understand
their lungs and how to keep
them healthy through our
educational programs and
services.
We have chosen our most popular blog
subjects from the past year for
inclusion in this newsletter.
We invite you to stay up-to-date with
our staff bloggers throughout the year
on our website: www.breathepa.org,
social media channels and through our
e-newsletters.
We are blogging about respiratory
health topics and sharing of-the-
moment news concerning lung
disease.
As always, feel free to contact us
directly with any questions that you
might have or to share topics that you
would like to see us cover by emailing
Breathe PA at info@breathepa.org.
The Different Types of Sleep Apnea - Obstructive Sleep Apnea vs. Central Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a very common disorder that causes pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. It is usually a chronic condition that results in poor sleep quality and tiredness throughout the day, and can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated.
There are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is most common, and central sleep apnea. It is also possible to have mixed, or complex sleep apnea, a combination of both types.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by complete or partial blockage of the upper airway during sleep. This blockage can be caused by enlarged tonsils, too much tissue at the back of the throat, a large tongue or a deviated septum.
Most people who have OSA do not notice anything is amiss. Usually their bed partner notices the signs, which can include:
Snoring
Shallow or no breathing at times
Resuming breath with a loud gasp, snort or body jerk
The treatment for OSA will vary depending on the severity and cause of the disorder. Visit the “Lung Library” on our website to learn more about treatment.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain failing to signal the muscles to breathe. This type of sleep apnea is generally associated with a serious illness that affects the lower brainstem, which controls breathing.
Associated conditions or illnesses can include:
Neurological diseases, like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s
Damage to the brainstem from a stroke or injury
Kidney failure
Congestive heart failure
Unlike OSA, central sleep apnea is not usually associated with snoring, though other symptoms of the disorder are similar, including:
Fatigue during the day
Headaches in the morning
Difficulty concentrating.
The treatment of central sleep apnea depends on if it is associated with another condition or not. If it is, that condition will be treated. Otherwise, treatment options are similar to OSA.
Do you want to quit
smoking? For good?
Smoke-Free For Life (SFFL) is an eight-
session tobacco cessation program that
uses a group approach to quitting
tobacco, while focusing on the
individual needs of each participant. It
is a balanced, evidence-based program
that utilizes best practices to address all
aspects of tobacco use and cessation.
Skilled professionals guide participants
through the quitting process and help
structure a sensible maintenance plan
that will be the basis for a lifetime
without tobacco.
SFFL is offered in community and
corporate settings.
For more information on Smoke-Free
For Life, and how it works, please visit
our website at www.breathepa.org or
call Mary Ann Valasek, Director of
Tobacco and Health Programs, at
724-772-1750.
Breathe Pennsylvania: An inside look!
Breathe PA’s Marianne Drevna, BS LRCP, provided COPD education at
the Breathing in the ‘Burgh cruise on the Gateway Clipper
Mary Ann Valasek, Director of Tobacco and Health Programs, teaches
students at Chartiers Valley Middle School about the dangers of tobacco
Breathe PA participated in the Fifth Annual GNC Live Well Pittsburgh Health
and Fitness Expo - educating the community on exercise-induced asthma
Dr. Sally Wenzel of the UPMC Asthma Institute, a Breathe PA board member,
filmed a segment for Breathe PA’s award-winning “Asthma Beyond” DVD An inside look at Breathe PA’s School Asthma Initiative
Breathe PA’s staff
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
Mr. Michael J. Accetta
Mr. & Mrs. David Aikins
Ms. Mary M. Allen
Mr. Clarence M. Allman
Ms. Lena M. Altomari
Mrs. Amy L. Amond
Mrs. Linda Anderson
Anonymous
Ms. Susan Armstrong
Mr. & Mrs. James Asmonga
Ms. Dolores M. Bable
Mrs. Mary A. Bacik
Ms. Betty Bailey
Mr. Harry L. Bair
Mr. Marvin Balaan
Mr. Leonard Barchie
Ms. Ellie Barovitch
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Mr. Gary Busalski
Mr. John J. Busko
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Mr. Jay C. Canson
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Mr. Nicholas W. Carper
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Ms. Florence K. Chick
Mrs. Clinton L. Childs Jr.
Ms. Judy Ciripompa
Mr. Jeffery L. Coffin
Mr. Lyman H. Cohen
Mr. Robert W. Connor
Ms. Agnes E. Conway
Ms. Mary M. Corless
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Mrs. Beverly Daniel
Ms. Elizabeth A. Danser
Mr. Jethro J. Davis
Ms. Joan C. Davis
Mr. Sam Destefano
Mrs. Helen Destefano
Ms. Sarah Detar
Mr. David Dickey
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Mr. Gordon Fidei
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Mrs. Constance France
Ms. Lois A. Fry
Janice M. Futato
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Mrs. Eileen J. Gerneth
Mr. Thomas W. Gillen
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley D. Gladysiewski
Mr. & Mrs. Edward L. Gliatti
Mr. James E. Gnecco
Mr. Joseph R. Goral
Mr. Lewis E. Grafton
Mr. John C. Green
Ms. Patricia H. Green
Mr. John Habinyak
Ms. Phyllis R. Hacke
Mr. T. B. Hagen
Mr. Walter R. Haidet
Barbara L. Hairhoger
Ms. Kathryn Hancher
Mrs. Mary Harhai
Mr. Wayne Hays
Mr. & Mrs. James G. Hellmann
Mr. Leo Henry
Mr. Robert F. Heyl
Ms. Veronica A. Homola
Mr. Arlan D. Horne
Mr. Frank X. Horrigan
Ms. Lisa Houy
Mr. & Mrs. Craig R. Hughes
Mrs. Katherine Hunter
Ms. Cleo D. Ifft
Ms. Maryln B. Ignath
Mr. Charles D. Jacobs
Mrs. Yvonne Kaczmarek
Mr. C. Ted Kaltwasser
Mr. John H. Kathman
Mr. William Kazakewicz
Mrs. Arlene B. Keffer
Ms. Donna Kell
Ms. Ileen D. Kelly
Mr. Edward F. Kemp
Ms. Marlene M. King
Anna Marie Kirk
Ms. Cheryl A. Kocay
Ms. Maxine C. Kopiec
Mr. Ted Korintus
Ms. Dolores Kovach
Mrs. Suzanne Krueger
Ms. Darlene Kuszyk
Ms. Dorothy J. Kyslinger
Mrs. Lynn Labasik
Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Labuda
Ms. Grace M. Lamark
Dr. Ronald A. Landay
Mr. Ross W. Lappe
Mrs. Ruby Lehman
Mrs. Ruth H. Leinhos
John E. Lentz
Mr. Eric Lipsky
Ms. Martha Long
Mr. Gary C. Loughrey
Mr. Donald J. Luther
Marlene Lutz
Mrs. Dianne E. Lynch
Ms. Eleanor Mayfield
Mrs. Lois M. McConnell
Mrs. Mildred M. McCullough
Mr. Kenneth L. Mccurdy
Mr. Robert McDowell
Ms. Ellen F. McGuigan
Ms. Suzanne B. Mclaren
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Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Mengato
Mr. John T. Mertz
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Ms. Lee Miller
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Mr. & Mrs. George B. Miller
Mr. & Mrs. John F. Mitchell
Mr. James M. Moore
Mr. Vaughn K. Moreau
Mr. Larry Moyer
Mr. Joseph Mulhern
Mr. Robert G. Muny
Ms. Elsie Murray
Ms. Jean M. Muth
DONORS LISTED MADE A DONATION TO Breathe Pennsylvania JULY 1, 2013 Through MAY 30, 2014.
Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Labuda
Ms. Lorraine Nagy
Mrs. Eunice Nasri
Ms. Phyllis Nastasi
Ms. Ellen K. Nestor
Ms. Brenda Newton
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Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nickleach
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Vicky L. Novak
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Ms. Barb Palazzolo
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Mr. Steve Plecenik
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Mr. & Mrs. Russell W. Porter, Jr.
Mr. Donald V. Pritchard
Mr. & Mrs. Henry W. Rappold
Diana Rauch
Frances Rawson
Mrs. Alden Read
Mr. James E. Reagan
Mr. Joseph D. Rettger
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Mr. Michael E. Rock
Mrs. Alice A. Rock
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Mrs. Deborah D. Rodgers
Mr. & Mrs. John P. Rupp
Ms. Elizabeth Rupp
Ms. Vicky J. Ruvo
Mr. Lawrence Sampietro
Dr. Mark H. Sanders
Ms. Esther Sawyer
Ms. Marsha Schaer
Mr. James E. Schloer
Mr. Joseph M. Schneider
Ms. Eleanor L. Schoenberger
Mrs. A. R. Schroeder
Mr. J. H. Schroeder
Mr. Robert T. Schwer
Ms. Alma J. Scott
Mr. Donald Screcongost
Ms. Marilyn A. Severance
Mr. George Shaufl
Mr. Daniel C. Shively
Ms. Donna Shultz
Mrs. Vicki L. Siegfried
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Jeannie Simms
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Mrs. Paulette M. Smith
Mr. Clarence Smoyer
Ms. Jenine M. Stankiewicz
Ms. Ann Stevenson
Ms. Joanne Stone
Ms. Barbara A. Stopperich
Mr. Harold Stratton
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Mr. Thomas H. Sunday
Miss Irene E. Surmik
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Angelo Taranto
Mr. Robert J. Thomas
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Mrs. Maria Townsend
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Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. Vogel
Mrs. Roma A. Vose
Judith Walker
Ms. Marilyn L. Webb
Mr. Brad L. Weber
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Wehar
Dr. Sally E. Wenzel
Ms. Mary Wheatley
Mr. Robert R. Winter
Ms. Cheryl Wist
Mr. George D. Wyse
Dolores Yaworski
Mr. Stanley Yopek
Mrs. Brittany D. Zuckerman
Dollar Bank Foundation
Fannie Mae SERVE Matching Gift Donations
Hilinski Construction Company, Inc.
Indiana County Fair Association
Linda Barnicot Publishing LLC
Rotary Club of Monroeville
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Yearick-Millea
Youghiogheny Canoe Outfitters
Zurn Industries
To date, our annual fund has raised more than
$24,500! Because of our donors’ generous
support, we were able to provide more than
1,500 FREE cold weather masks to western PA
residents this winter. We’ve also provided
patient assistance in the form of single
air-conditioning units, nebulizers, peak-flow
meters, medication and oxygen to more than
400 individuals. THANK YOU!
If you’d like more information on donating to
Breathe PA please visit www.breathepa.org.
Camp Huff-n-Puff
campers take part in an
education session
Register your child today for Camp Huff-n-Puff, a four-day adventure camp for children ages 8-13 who have asthma. In its 30th year, Camp Huff-n-Puff will be held at
Jumonvile (near Uniontown, PA), August 7-10, 2014.
The four-day, overnight residential camp is a fun, learning
opportunity for children with asthma. The camp is staffed
with medical professionals including doctors, nurses,
respiratory therapists and EMTs. The camp provides 24-hour
supervision for your child, so that they can experience
summer camp without the worry of being unattended in case
of an asthma attack or symptoms of asthma. Education is
offered alongside many other activities, including a ropes
course, rock climbing, swimming, nature hike, obstacles and
much more!
For a behind-the-scenes look at Camp Huff-n-Puff visit our
website, and check out our YouTube channel!
Please feel free to
contact Camp Director,
Marianne Drevna at
724-772-1750 for more
information.
Scholarships are
available!
2013 campers with
Southwest Pennsylvania Air
Quality Partnership’s
Coach AQ!