ur patients are being bombarded with many commercial advertisements for over- the-count-

er (OTC)snore and sleep solutions. As the health care professional we must help them navigate the market and get physician recommended/ordered devices appropriate for their care. Considerations must be made for the patients health, existing medical condi-tions and comfort suited to their sleep style. Apnea is a serious sleep disorder that requires medical attention when diagnosed. Patients are more routinely being asked questions regarding sleep routines as part of the

routine physical exam. The Practitioner can order a home apnea screening or home sleep study (often mandated by insurances before an in-lab study) or refer to a sleep specialist. The full in-lab sleep study offers the better full clinical picture and the PAP trial with pressures titrated to the patient’s optimal sleep and oxygen levels. Be aware that everything from adhesive strips, nasal one way valve devices and air purifying humidifiers are making claims to improve quality of sleep. Patients are consumers and may may look may look for the

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attractive and cheap solutions to what may be a life threatening sleep disorder. Snoring is sometimes viewed as an embarrassing admission to be made in a in the health care office. Sleep partners are often losing sleep over the snoring or pauses in their significant others breathing and will be the one requesting something be done. Patients are more frequently being asked questions regarding sleep routines as part of the routine physical exam including weight and BMI. Obesity is a large contributing factor in obstructive sleep apnea and weight loss is a common recommendation. The website of the American Sleep Apnea Association (sleepapnea.org) warns that OTC appliances at drug stores or online are not FDA approved for sleep apnea. “When not fitted properly over-the-counter appli-ances can cause unwanted side effect and inadvertently worsen sleep apnea.” (https://www.sleepapea.org/treat/sleep-apea-treatment-options)

There are many treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and must start with finding a sleep doctor, a sleep lab and for some oral appliances, a sleep dentist. Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices are a first line treatment and if not tolerated or failed use of PAP there are surgical procedures that may be an option. INSPIRE is one surgically implanted device designed to maintain airway patency at multiple levels of the airway. INSPIRE mon-itors a proprietary algorithm and continuously monitors the patient’s breathing patterns and delivers mild hy-pogossal nerve stimulation during inspiration, which is when theairway is most vulnerable to collapse”. (https://www.inspiresleep.com/patients) . Physicians offering this treatment can be found on their website.

Search the appropriate sleep accredited websites for the sleep disorder treatment options available and recommend patients get a referral to a sleep specialist for the best alternatives for their specific sleep problem. The National Sleep Foundation offers Healthy sleep tips for everyone:

1. Stick to a sleep schedule of the same bedtime and wake up time even on the weekends. 2. Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual3. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid naps especially in the afternoon. 4. Exercise daily. 5. Evaluate your room.6. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.7. Use bright light to help manage your circadian rhythms. Avoid bright light in the evening and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning.8. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals in the evening.9. Wind down. Spend the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as reading.10. If you can’t sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired. 11. If you’re still having trouble sleeping, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor or find a sleep professional.https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/healthy-sleep-tips

References:https://www.inspiresleep.com/patientsInspire SleepPatients: How it worksAccessed March 4th, 2019

Continued From Page 1

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/healthy-sleep-tipsNational Sleep FoundationSleeping Tips & TricksAccessed March 7th, 2019

https://www.sleepapea.org/treat/sleep-apea-treatment-op-tionsAmerican Sleep Apnea AssociationSleep Apnea Treatment OptionsAccessed March 4th, 2019

This year, the ISRC celebrated its 51st annual conference in Oak Brook, Illinois. The theme was Fast Track Forward, perfectly fitting for the rapid growth that Respiratory Therapy experiences. There were a vast variety of topics this year with three different tracks available. Emotional Intelligence and Pulmonary Function Testing, were two workshops offered and were very well received. On Thursday, the ISRC Board of Directors hosted a General Assembly providing a delicious lunch for everyone in attendance. During this meeting, President Elect, Midge Seim was sworn in as the current President of the ISRC. Lisa Zaenger concluded the meeting with an inspiring talk inviting respiratory therapists to get involved in their state advocacy. Overall, this was another successful conference with over 300 people in attendance. If you would like to be involved in planning the 52nd annual conference, please reach out! We are always welcoming fresh ideas, and you do not have to be on the ISRC Board of Directors to participate!

Annual Conference a Success

Each year, the Illinois Society for Respiratory Care put out a call for nominations for the Therapist of the Year and the Legacy Award. While the calls for nominations were later than usual this year, the Society was able to ask for, and receive, nominations for these two prestigious awards. In order to become the Therapist of the Year, the nominee should be someone who strives to make a difference in all aspects of their career. They must be a licensed practitioner and a member of the AARC/ISRC. The nomina-tor is asked to name the reason why their nominee should be the Therapist of the Year and include details related to service excellence, sharing of knowledge, service to the community, committees in which they serve, compas-sion, quality of care, team spirit, leadership, their involvement in the promotion of the profession, and the wellness for the patients they serve. The Legacy Award is reserved for someone who has dedicated two decades or more to the development, improve-ment, and advancement of the practice of Respiratory Care in Illinois; and through his or her vision, vitality and diligence has significantly impacted the profession of Respiratory Care as it is practiced in Illinois today. Addition-ally, the nominator are asked to include in their nomination information about their nominee that includes, but is not limited to, service, education, credentials, ISRC chapter activities, ISRC state activities, affiliate activities, AARC activities, AARC involvement, respiratory related activities, political activities, presentations given, and awards and recognitions. The Award is not given posthumously. There are scoring criteria used to ensure fairness and uniformity in awarding this prestigious award. This year’s nominees were no slouches; they include staff therapists, educators, and managers. The therapists who were nominees for the 2019 Therapist of the Year award and/or the 2019 Legacy Award are Marty Both, Kelly Crawford-Jones, Wade Jones, Anne Polito, and Jane Reynolds. This year’s Therapist of the Year is Jane Reynolds. Jane’s nominator was Pam Nugent. Pam’s nomination stated as follows:

“Chapter 2 educator from Malcolm X College, Jane Reynolds, MS, RN, RRT is simply the epitome of someone who has worked tirelessly to educate the next generation of skilled and compassionate Respiratory caregivers. Jane works late hours each week and over breaks, creating case studies, quizzes and resources to help her students succeed. When students don’t have the support or resources to keep them in school, Jane often finds innovative ways to help students continue. She is an educator, mentor and friend to decades of therapists in the state of Illinois and beyond. Many of the students Jane teaches come from environments that challenge them every day. Jane consistently motivates them to continue on towards their goal of achieving their dream of graduating, many first generation and immigrants. Many of Jane’s students have returned to visit her and expressed sincere grati-tude for changing not only their lives but the lives of their children by improving the family stability and support. Jane never asks for anything in return, ~ just do your best and be a lifelong learner. If it were not for Jane and her tireless dedication to educating the next generation of the best and the brightest caregivers and patient advocates, Respiratory Care would not be where it is today! As one of her most recent graduates stated at commencement, "Jane Reynolds believed in me when I did not think I could be successful: Jane saw in me what I didn’t and motivated me to keep going day after day. Jane Reynolds thank you for getting me to the finish line. I will carry on and pay forward the kindness you showed me each day for 2 years. Thank you for a new life!” This is Jane, always motivating students to be the best they can be, yesterday, today and tomorrow.” Continue Reading

2019 RCP OF THE YEAR AND LEGACY AWARDS Becky Renton, MHA, RRT, BHS-RT

This year’s Legacy Award winner is Marty Both. Marty’s nominator was Goldie Belk. Goldie’s nomination stated:

“Marty Both has been a part of the Respiratory Profession for, let’s say, a multitude of years. Marty came toSt Bernard as a student (OJT) from Southern Illinois (Decatur) with prior work as a paramedic. Aftercompleting her required hours at St Bernard, she was offered a position in April of 1994 where she earnedher CRTT credentials. Marty treated her patients with the utmost professionalism and empathy. She knewrespiratory care was her calling.

Marty was eager to become more involved in the field and immediately joined the Illinois Society forRespiratory Care. Marty became an ISRC Board of Director Member and a member of the ISRCmembership committee approximately 25 years ago. She has never missed a conference and has faithfullymanned the membership table that has always been decorated with the flare of the annual conference theme.Marty has also been an active member of the program committee and has never shied away from hard workand was never afraid to speak her mind.

Marty recently retired, got married and moved back to Southern Illinois. Most people would quietlydisappear but not Marty. It was no surprise that she continued to enthusiastically share her love anddedication to the field. Marty is still a very active member on the Board of Directors for the ISRC, the ISRCexecutive committee, the membership committee and the program committee. Last year Marty became theChapter 3 chair. This year Marty remained Chapter 3 chair and took on the extra responsibility of being theChair of the Chapter Chairs. As Chair Marty is responsible for keeping tabs on all 7 chapters that comprisethe entirety of the State of Illinois. Marty has faithfully attended most every meeting of the ISRC Board,Executive team and program committee. Marty has also taken her passion about the field of respiratory careon the road and visited schools to generate interest in the profession. This year Marty participated, supportedand generously donated her time, efforts and finances to put on two very successful educational seminarsdownstate. One of the seminars was created to meet the educational needs for those that work the nightsshift. While others sneered at the idea Marty went forward with her innovative idea and made the seminar asuccess.

Marty may not have a multitude of credentials after her name, but she has been an active participant in theISRC and a strong cheerleader for the respiratory care profession her entire respiratory career and beyond.Her passion and commitment to the respiratory care profession and dedication to the Illinois Society forRespiratory Care is inspiring. I am proud to nominate this most deserving Respiratory Therapist for theLegacy award.

You may have heard of the little Engine that could… well, Marty is the Little Engine that could, did and stilldoes…”

The call for nominations for the 2020 awards will be going out early in 2020; look for the email and the notice onthe ISRC website towards the end of January 2020. In the meantime, be thinking about the RT’s in your life andwho would fulfill the role of RCP of the Year and Legacy Award winner!

- Becky Renton, MHA, RRT, BHS-RT

Continued

TheRespiratoryTRACT

What is the correct usage of the terms “Mucus” and “Mucous?”?TRIVIA CORNER

TRACTPublished bimonthly. The closing date for the editorial and advertisement printed material is the tenth day of the even num-ber months. The Respiratory Tract will accept all manuscripts for review. Once published, the article becomes the prop-erty of ISRC and may not be published elsewhere without the permission of both author and editor. Opinions expressed by authors are not necessarily those of ISRC. The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity and space.

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Lexie Caraway MBA, RRT-NPS-ACCS, AE-C of Sarah Bush Lincoln in Mattoon, Illinois was selected as the 2019 recipient of the “I See You Care” award. The award is presented by Advanced ICU Care, the nation’s lead-ing provider of high acuity telemedicine services. The award is in its fourth year and one winner is selected each year based on their service and accomplishments throughout the year. This recognition highlights out-standing collaboration between on-premise care staff and Advanced ICU Care’s intensivist-led remote critical care team – to the end of providing the gold standard of care to the hospital’s most critically-ill patient popula-tion. Lexie was nominated for her work in establishing a team wean protocol at Sarah Bush. This protocol has been proven to helpextubate patients faster and lower the number of Ventilator Acquired Events at the facility.

“I See You Care”Award Winner

Greetings! I hope that this finds you well, practicing respiratory care, and making a difference in the lives of your patients and their families. My column this issue will be a random collection of thoughts and news bits. First, let me introduce myself. Officially and legally my name is Madeline. I am more commonly known as Midge. My last name is Seim, pronounced “same” by my husband’s ancestors. I will answer to anything that comes close. I earned my RRT in 1979, and never looked back. I have lived the amazing growth and change in our profession, the procedures and therapies that we provide, the equipment that we have available, and the expectations of med-ical community. I was offered an opportunity to be a clinical instructor just a few years after graduation, and maintained ties with the local Respiratory Care program long after the paid clinical instructor position was eliminated. My clinical experience is primarily in 300-400 bed medical centers in cen-tral Illinois. Fortunately, that included Level 1 trauma, level 3 neonatal, and

open-heart recovery. In the hospital, there were positions in supervision, and clinical education. While engaged in clinical practice, I quietly went back to school to earn the bachelor and master degrees needed to prepare for my next dream job as an instructor and then program director of a respiratory care education program. As respira-tory care faculty, I have the best of both worlds: time with students in the classroom, and the lab on campus, and also with students and their patients in the hospital. In the next two years I am looking forward to getting to know the respiratory therapists throughout the state, and hearing your stories. Speaking of stories, the Tract needs your stories. Has your department initiated a procedure or practice? Tells us about the process. Has someone in your department earned special recognition in the organization? Send us the story, and a picture if the subject agrees. If you are associated with a respirato-ry care school, send us stories about student activities, and encourage students to write for the Tract. Send your stories to MWagner@sblhs.org

Continuing Education UpdateThe ISRC Annual Conference was attended by 289 respiratory therapists, and over 60 vendors. I would like to thank the Program Committee for the months of planning and then the presentation of the conference. I appreci-ate the work of the Board of Director representatives, chapter chairs, and officers who attended and provided the man power throughout the three day event. A special “Thank you!” to Program Chair, Audrea Hardwicks-Wil-liams for her years of service to the committee and the ISRC.

Although there were two one- day conferences planned in Chapters 3 and 4 over the summer months, both were cancelled due to extremely low registration. The venues had been secured, speakers and vendors committed, AARC CRCE applications submitted and approved, and food planned.

An Open Letter From The President’s Desk

Continue Reading

We apologize for any inconvenience to the few had registered. There is one more Chapter 3 ISRC co-sponsored program to be held Friday, October 11 in Decatur. This program is a collaboration with the nursing department at Decatur Memorial Hospital, and will focus on trauma care. We will be learning collaboratively, just as we practice. If you plan to attend future planned programs, please register early, as it is registration that dictates the feasibility of holding every planned event.

If you still need continuing education credit for the October 31, 2019 Respiratory Care Practitioner licenserenewal, please consider the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) On-Line Continuing Education offerings. Many of these are free to members, or at a reduced cost. Non-members are also welcome to use this option. It will just cost a little more.

Challenges and OpportunitiesI heard from my dean that there is a rumor out there stating that respiratory therapy is a dying field. For a col-lege that poses funding questions. For the medical facilities needing credentialed respirator practitioners it poses a man-power problem. As I researched, I found an article published April 19, 2019 by foxnusiness.com titled “Top 25 fastest –disappearing jobs in the US.” Number 2 on the list: Respiratory Therapy Technicians. Also published in April 2019 in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook is projecting a 23% expected job growth, or much faster than average growth in need and job opportunities for respiratory therapists. No wonder there is confusion. Some would say it is language semantics, technical or therapist. But I think the differences knowledge and clinical skill between the new-graduate technician and the new- graduate therapist can be critical. The one year respiratory therapist certification programs no longer are accredited, and therefore no longer exist. Although most states consider the CRT credential the minimum requirement for a license to practice, many em-ployers are requiring the RRT credential for all new therapists. As a respiratory therapist you care for patients struggling with one of life’s most basic functions, breathing! You have been trained to care for a variety of illnesses and injuries that compromise breathing, alter quality of life, and even threaten life. You can care for patients of all ages, often moving seamlessly from infants to geriatrics within the same hour. Be proud of who you are and what you do. Identify yourself to your patients and their families as their “Respiratory Therapist.” Practice your one-minute elevator speech so that when asked what you do, you are prepared to positively represent your profession as a respiratory therapist. Let’s not let respiratory care remain one of the best kept secrets in healthcare!

“To know that even one person has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

All the best to you, Midgemseim@parkland.edu

Epinephrine Availability Still in Question

Children will be headed back to school in just a few weeks and that means now is a great time for RTs to touch base with parents and school personnel about the ongoing problems with the availability ofepinephrine injectors for the prevention of anaphylactic shock in allergic individuals.

The beginning of the school year is especially problematic because more parents are trying to acquire one of these devices before they send their children with potentially life-threatening allergies back to theclassroom.

Having more devices isn’t helpingThe access issues being seen with epinephrine should be eased by the greater number of productscoming on the market, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.

While the FDA approved the first generic version of the EpiPen in April of 2018, an article published by Bloomberg.com on July 10 suggests uneven distribution and the reluctance of insurance companies to pay for it is complicating the situation.

According to a Consumer Reports story published on July 16, Novartis has released a new type of epinephrine injector called Symjepi as

well, and Walgreens is carrying the full line of another new type of injector called Auvi-Q and is making it available at no cost to consumers who have commercial insurance.

Despite these positive developments, the Consumer Reports article goes on to note that Costco, CVS, Healthwarehouse.com, and Walgreens have all said EpiPens and their generic counterparts are still on back order or in short supply.

The FDA confirms the ongoing shortage, and Bloomberg adds that the issue is being further complicated by the fact that teachers and other school personnel have not been trained to use all the new devices cur-rently on the market.

Great graphic to share with patients, familiesFor more information about the different brands and types of epinephrine injectors available today, in-cluding websites and contact information for patient assistance programs, check out this graphic from the Allergy & Asthma Network.

Please share this great graphic with your patients and families who may be struggling to acquire one of these devices for their loved ones.

WELCOME NEW AARC MEMBERS

Acharya, NehalAcosta, ElaineAkbar, Claudia A.Ali, Hiba M.Ashby, CassandraAssaf, HebaBickerman, ErikaBradley, LoraBroderick, DonnaCapili, TahiaCaponigro, TennilleCocanig, BrittanyCooke, KathyCreamer, Andrea L.Cruz, Jaclyn L.Culberson, MarrenDally, MaryDecker, SeanDeering, Mary KathleenDiamond, Matthew V.Dombrowski, JessycaDoshi, Vrati S.Predkiewicz, Lindaprice, kerryPyles, HarleyReger, StefaniRivera, Glenn

Doyle, CeceliaDvorak, CheriEdwards, Lucille L.Edwards, TinaEkoi, EbenezerEwing, ShawnFlores, VanessaGoss, Jamie L.Gustas, Yessenia M.Heiple, RitaHodge, AbbieIbrahim, Omair M.Jelesky, JoshJohnson, NicholasKarwa, AyazKeating, Michael C.Kumar, HemishaLamorena, Emileele, lanLicup, Mikhael M.Lopez, SamsonLullo, BeverlyRuggs, RavenShimkus, Joan P.Stewart, BrianStewart, Jeanette M.Thomas, Jacob

Marciniak, MalgorzataMcClain, Kris M.Mogbo, KennethMohammad, AhmadMoore, Jennifer S.Naser, RawanNeumann, ChloeOrellana, Maria I.Owens, Michaela S.Quandt, TraceyRiebel, Lauren a.Rothman, Marcsabas, markSalaita, Fadi F.Sauer, John W.Sciulli, Christina L.Sharples, LindaSmith, JeffSosa, MaudeStrother, Donna M.Taylor, JeriTaylor, Jeri A.Thornton, JasmineTuano, Randy C.Valentine, LoriVillanueva, ErikaVillegas, Juan

Temple, James R.Tillman, TheresaVargas, HeidyWagner, Sheila A.Wainwright, KarlWarren, Ariel M.Webber, LaWannaGriggs, ShaneGuy, Marsha S.Hansen, BethHazard, Ashley L.Hoveln, AllisonJoudeh, AmaniKennerson, CarolManaila, DenisManzoor, NoreenMask, Traci L.McCain, MelissaMeza, TeresaMuthalu, KarthikayiniNaser, ElhamNellore, Ramesh B.Washington, Regi-nald W.Wieland, Roma L.Witkowska, AnnaWright, Maajidah

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