May 5, 2009 World Asthma Day

World Asthma Day Theme for 2009:
“You Can Control Your Asthma.”
How controlled is yours?
Check out the Global Initiative for Asthma website: http://www.ginasthma.com/

May 4th - Asthma Educator Day 2009

Who are Asthma Educators?
Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Social Workers, Pharmacists, or Physician Assistants.

What does an Asthma Educator do?
Educate...Encourage ...Empower

Asthma Educators...Educate
They teach patients: -self-management skills to help keep them out of the Emergency Department and the hospital.
-what asthma is.
-how to avoid triggers that may cause or worsen their asthma.
-how and why they use their medication.

Asthma Educators...Encourage patients by: -developing a partnership.
-developing a trusting relationship.
-working to develop a management plan they can follow in their everyday life.
-encouraging them to enjoy an active life.

Asthma Educators Empower
-They give patients the information they need to manage their asthma.
-They give patients the tools they need to improve and live a good quality of life.

Happy Asthma Educator Day!
Do you know an Asthma Educator who has made a difference?
Thank an Asthma Educator Today!!

THANK YOU AUNT BETH!!!!

THANK YOU KOSAIR HOSPITAL ASTHMA UNIT STAFF