Newsletter for Breathe PA’s Supporters and Friends
It is hard to believe that just over a year ago, our lives turned upside down. Statewide shutdowns, mask mandates, and school closings disrupted our lives. Thousands in our communities became sick and many died from coronavirus infections. But as vaccinations are becoming more widely available, coronavirus infections have begun to decline, and state restrictions are slowly being rolled back, it seems as though there is light at the end of the tunnel. We must remain vigilant to prevent the spread of disease, while getting back to living our lives. Getting vaccinated when it is your turn, social distancing and mask wearing when around others, hand washing and sanitizing, and isolating when sick are all important strategies in getting out of this pandemic. Breathe Pennsylvania is here to help members of our community navigate their respiratory health concerns. For more information visit us at www.breathepa.org.
Are you a southwestern PA resident with sleep apnea, who is experiencing difficulty paying for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) supplies?
If so, Breathe PA may be able to help. To learn about our CPAP Assistance Program visit www.breathepa.org/obstructive-sleep-apnea or call (724) 772-1750.
DOES MY MASK FIT WELL?
There is scientific evidence that shows that wearing a mask helps reduce the transmission rate of coronavirus, however HOW you wear your mask matters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are stressing the importance of face mask fit in protecting from illness due to coronavirus. How well a mask fits, how well it filters air, and how many layers it has are important factors in preventing illness.
So, how do I improve how well my mask works?
• To improve mask fit:
o Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of the face. The mask should not have any gaps.
o Nose wires (a metal strip at the top of the mask) can help improve fit around the nose.
o A mask fitter or brace over your face mask can help eliminate gaps around your nose, cheeks, and chin.
o Check for gaps by cupping your hands around the outside edges of the mask. Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask.
• To improve filtration:
o Choose cloth masks that are made of multiple layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric. Your cloth mask should block light from coming through the fabric when you hold it up to a bright light source.
o Choose a surgical mask (disposable face mask) made of multi-layered, non-woven material.
o Double mask by wearing a cloth face mask over a surgical mask. Note that you should not wear two surgical masks together or wear a KN95 mask with any other masks.
If the mask has a good fit, you will feel warm air come through the front of the mask and may be able to see the mask material move in and out with each breath. When trying to improve fit and filtration, make sure that breathing is not difficult, and your vision is not obstructed. If either occurs, choose a different mask.
DOUBLE MASKING
MASK FITTER
WHY PULMONARY REHABILITATION IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT NOW
By Marianne Drevna
There have been so many things we’ve had to postpone, do less of, and in some cases give up doing altogether due to the coronavirus. There is no doubt that it has been a challenge for everyone. But if you suffer from a chronic lung disease and your doctor has ordered pulmonary rehab sessions for you, now is not the time to stop going. Why? While there is no cure for COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation is a program that includes exercise training, education about your disease and how to manage it, nutritional counseling, and breathing strategies. All of this can help decrease your symptoms, increase your ability to exercise, help manage anxiety and depression, and provide much-needed social interaction while allowing fewer hospitalizations due to exacerbations. In some cases, patients have been able to successfully decrease the amount of supplemental oxygen they are using.
Once you have started your pulmonary rehab program it is just as important to stick with it because regular exercise provides continued benefits. Many pulmonary rehab facilities have maintenance programs that allow you to continue your program for a small monthly fee and in some cases, it is free with a Silver Sneakers plan covered by your insurance.
If you have COPD and have never heard of pulmonary rehab, it is time to ask your doctor about it. There are many independent and hospital-based programs that can help you improve your quality of life. All this brings us to the most important concern: is it safe to attend pulmonary rehab with the pandemic continuing to affect the health of so many? Yes. All facilities are following CDC guidelines by screening patients as they come in, providing disinfecting products, distancing between patients, requiring
PREPARING FOR MY CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION
Science continues to rapidly advance and coronavirus vaccinations are becoming more widely available. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your turn to be vaccinated:
• The PA Department of Health website lists vaccine eligibility, providers, and frequently asked questions at https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/ coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Vaccine.aspx
• Wait at least 14 days before getting any other vaccine, including a flu or shingles vaccine, after you get your COVID-19 vaccine. Or if you get any other vaccine first, wait at least 14 days before getting your COVID-19 vaccine.
• When you are vaccinated you should receive a vaccination card or printout that tells you what COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it. You’ll need to bring this card back for your second dose (if applicable) and keep it for your records.
• It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.
Hesitant to get your shot? Talk with your doctor now, to discuss specific concerns that you have about receiving the coronavirus vaccine. Having the discussion now will help you make the most informed decision when it is your turn to receive a vaccine.
masks, providing protective barriers, and staggering start times to prevent overcrowding. Your safety is a priority at all facilities so if you have stopped attending, consider going back. Exercising will not only make your body feel better, but your mind as well.
Breathe Pennsylvania can provide assistance to help pay for your pulmonary rehab program. You can ask for more information at your rehab facility or call us at 724-772-1750.
Cranberry Professional Park
201 Smith Drive, Suite E
Cranberry Twp., PA 16066
FRESH AIR | SPRING, 2021
2021 Tuberculosis Education Conference
On March 18, 2021, Breathe PA hosted 225 nurses, respiratory therapists, and public health professionals at our 2021 Virtual Tuberculosis Education Conference.
Thank you to our speakers, Dr. Neil Schluger, Dr. Lynn Sosa, TB Patient Advocate, Diane, and the Conference Planning Committee members from the Allegheny County Health Department, PA Department of Health, and Rutgers Global TB Institute.
The 2021 Tuberculosis Education Conference was made possible by generous support from the Otis H. Childs Charitable Trust.
