FRESH AIR
A Newsletter for Breathe PA’s Supporters and Friends
COVID
COVID-19 continues to circulate globally. Today we are in a stronger, more prepared situation than when the pandemic began, with vaccines, boosters and treatments. The CDC continues to provide updated guidance to the public on best practices for protection and to reduce risk, including mask mandates, isolation recommendations, and testing.
Remember that:
If you are sick, stay home. It is important to test early, and if positive contact your doctor regarding the next steps in treatment. Seek immediate care for symptoms that could be signs of an emergency, such as trouble breathing or chest pain.
Wearing a mask in public indoor spaces will help reduce the spread of all viruses, including COVID-19. If you are infected with the coronavirus and do not know it, a mask is very good at keeping your respiratory droplets and particles from infecting others.
Handwashing remains as important as ever. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Flu Vaccine
It’s almost flu season, and yes, you can get COVID at the same time! Did you know that flu vaccination is an important preventative tool for people with chronic health conditions? The vaccination can reduce symptoms and hospitalization for flu-related chronic lung diseases, such as COPD and other chronic lung diseases. Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. Make sure you get your flu shot. Make an appointment today!
Cruise Gateway Clipper · June 16, 2023
The 7th Annual Breathing in the ‘Burgh COPD Cruise was held this past June and was attended by 61 happy cruisers.
We had 2 wonderful speakers talking about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and the Zephyr Valve. Many questions were answered by the 4 vendors onboard, a delicious lunch was served, and the weather cooperated beautifully for the 2-hour cruise on the 3 rivers. We hope you all plan to attend in 2023. We’d love to host you!
SCHOOL NURSE CHAMPIONS
Today we applaud our School Nurse Champions... Leah Meehan from Hopewell School District. Leah was nominated as a School Nurse Champion because she’s always attentive and welcoming to all her students and consistently looks out for and is available to assist with any health concerns that may impact a child at school.
We would like to congratulate the School Nurse Office of Marshall Elementary School in the Laurel Highlands School District. Marilyn Rathway and Tara Landman were winners for all their hard work and dedication to the Marshall Elementary Students.
JEANNIE SIMMS
We are excited to announce that our own Jeannie Simms is the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Asthma Educator award at the Association of Asthma Educators conference in Chattanooga, TN!
Pictured: AAE President Melinda Shuler and Conference Co-chair Teresa Summe
REBECCA KISHLOCK
We are pleased to welcome Rebecca Kishlock, Breathe PA’s new Interim Executive Director. For the past 6 years has been the Director of Tobacco Cessation and Education Program at Breathe PA leading the Smokeless Saturday and Smoke Free For Life Programming. When asked about her new position, Rebecca says, “My goal is to preserve and build upon the incredible legacy that this organization has, while simultaneously looking toward the future with growth in mind.”
COPD/LUNG DISEASE
Do you know the difference between COPD and emphysema? COPD is a lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of airflow that interferes with normal breathing. The more familiar terms “chronic bronchitis” and “emphysema” are no longer used but are now included within the COPD diagnosis.
There is so much confusion when it comes to defining COPD, so let’s try to clear it up for you. According to the World Health Organization Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible. The more familiar terms ‘chronic bronchitis’ and ’emphysema’ are not used as much but are now included within the COPD diagnosis. Other diseases that fall under the COPD “umbrella” are bronchiectasis and refractory asthma (chronic, difficult to control). Let’s break them down.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis causes the following changes to occur in the airways: increased mucus production, swelling and constriction of the smooth muscle that surrounds the airways.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a lung condition that causes the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) to become damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream. When you exhale, the damaged alveoli don’t work properly and old air becomes trapped, leaving no room for fresh, oxygen-rich air to enter. This also makes it harder and harder to take a deep breath because your lungs are partially filled all the time. Most people with emphysema also have chronic bronchitis.
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis (brong-ke-EK-ta-sis) is a condition in which damage to the airways causes them to widen and become flabby and scarred. It is usually the result of an infection or other condition that injures the walls of your airways or prevents the airways from clearing mucus. Your airways slowly lose their ability to clear out mucus which then builds up and creates an environment in which bacteria can grow. This leads to repeated, serious lung infections. Each infection causes more damage to your airways. Over time, the airways lose their ability to move air in and out. This can prevent enough oxygen from reaching your vital organs.
THE MEDICARE DONUT HOLE, EXPLAINED
What exactly is the Medicare prescription “donut hole”?
The Medicare Part D donut hole is a term made up by ordinary people for the stage of Medicare Part D that is officially called the coverage gap. The reason they call it the Medicare donut hole is that it used to be a hole in the middle of your drug coverage during a calendar year. Here’s how the year breaks down:
January 1st
Your prescription plan resets, and you begin paying ONLY your copays until the combined amount that both you and your insurance have paid reaches $4,430 ($4660 in 2023). When that is reached you are in the: Coverage Gap (Donut hole)
You pay a certain percentage for your drugs based on the type/tier. Here’s an example of a Medicare drug plan’s tiers (your plan’s tiers may be different):
Tier 1—lowest copayment: most generic prescription drugs
Tier 2—medium copayment: preferred, brand-name prescription drugs
Tier 3—higher copayment: non-preferred, brand-name prescription drugs
Specialty tier—highest copayment: very high cost prescription drugs
When the amount you and your insurance have paid reaches $7050 ($7400 in 2023) :
Catastrophic Coverage Begins
You will now pay 5% or a small copay, whichever is smaller through December 31st.
Do Advantage Plans have donut holes?
Yes. All Advantage plans have a donut hole just like a regular Part D plan.
How do I know if I will reach the Medicare Donut Hole?
Your prescription plan sends out a statement, or explanation of benefits (called an EOB), each month. This statement tells you how much you have already spent on covered medications and how many dollars are left before you reach the coverage gap. After you reach the gap, your insurance company will send you notices that track your gap spending. They will let you know how many dollars are left before you reach catastrophic coverage.
How can I avoid hitting the donut hole?
Buy generic, order by mail, ask about manufacturer discounts, look for state assistance programs, and shop around for a new prescription plan. (An insurance broker that is not affiliated with any particular insurance group can help you find the best plan for your particular situation.)
Where can I find more information?
https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/ what-medicare-part-d-drug-plans-cover
You can also call your Part D or Advantage Plan provider.
TB CONFERENCE
In 2023, Breathe PA will hold our annual TB Conference. It will be a virtual event which will be held on March 15th from 12pm-4pm EST. The conference is free and open to anyone who would like to join. NCPD and Respiratory Credits are anticipated. Our confirmed speaker is Dr. Zuroweste presenting on Interpretation of TB Tests (TST vs IGRA). We are working on two additional speakers that we will be announcing soon! Watch our website for updates.
WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU TESTED YOUR HOME FOR RADON?
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that enters your home through the foundation. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, responsible for 21,000 deaths each year, but testing and remediation will help keep your home safe.
Testing kits are available from Breathe PA for $15, which includes shipping and analysis. Order yours today at www.breathepa.org/ product/radon-test-kit/
RECALL FOR RESPIRONICS
This is a voluntary notification to users of specific CPAP or Bi-Level PAP therapy masks containing magnets to inform them of the updated instructions and labeling, including the strengthened warning and added contraindication.
Patients should only stop using the masks with magnets if the implanted metallic medical device/metallic object is contraindicated against the mask magnets. These patients should consult their physician immediately to determine if another mask can be used for their therapy.
Get the latest update here - https://www.fda.gov/ medical-devices/safety-communications/updatecertain-philips-respironics-ventilators-bipap-machinesand-cpap-machines-recalled-due
VAPING
TRENDS
AND RESOURCES
With the school year fresh in session, parents should be aware of the prevalence of e-cigarette use, especially among teens. In March 2022, the FDA & CDC released findings on use of tobacco products by high school and middle school students from the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey. In 2021, approximately, 2.55 million (9.3%) students reported current (past 30-day) use of a tobacco product: 2.06 million (13.4%) high school students and 470,000 (4.0%) middle school students. Trends coming in besides vapes are students being caught with delta 8 and occasionally delta 10.
Vape brands that are popular currently are the Hyde, Esco and Puff Bar/Njoy.
School administrators are noticing that the age of the students using vapes is lower and lower each year even as early as lower elementary grades.
Cranberry Professional Park
201 Smith Drive, Suite E
Cranberry Twp., PA 16066
FRESH AIR | FALL, 2022
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pediatric Lung Health Challenges that School Nurses Face December 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This Training is for School Nurses. Learners will be able to identify whether the symptoms presented are asthma or another pediatric lung health condition, and provide appropriate education and interventions for students with Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD); Long COVID; Pulmonary Hypertension; and Bronchitis
To register: https://attendee.gototraining. com/r/3039673988815718145
Introductory Smoke-Free for Life Facilitator Training
Upcoming Virtual Class Dates: Nov 1, Dec 6, Jan 3, Feb 7, Mar 7, April 4, May 2, June 6
This 3-hour live online introduction course gives individuals the ability to educate others in their community about the fundamentals of quitting. Training dates are available monthly. The program cost is $99/participant. Register at www.breathepa.org
This course will help you…
· Develop a baseline insight about tobacco and nicotine dependence
· Gain an understanding of the cycle of addiction
· Obtain an ability to communicate quitting options
· Earn the qualifications to implement the Smoke-Free for Life Program