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Changing pO2licy: The Elements for Improving Childhood Asthma Outcomes

Danielle DeForge — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Changing pO2licy: The Elements for Improving Childhood Asthma Outcomes
Space is limited. RSVP today.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Breakfast and Registration: 8:30 a.m./Panel Presentation: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Capitol Visitors Center, Washington, DC

(Can't make it to DC for the event? Read about a free national webinar below.)

A new report from George Washington University provides an evidence-based, national plan to improve life for the one in seven children with asthma and their parents. The report, "Changing pO2licy: The Elements for Improving Childhood Asthma Outcomes," is supported by the Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN) and RCHN Community Health Foundation (RCHN CHF).

UPDATE - Confirmed participants include:
Peter Grevatt, PhD, Director of the Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education at the Environmental Protection Agency
Sara Rosenbaum, JD, study co-author and Hirsch Professor and Chair GW School of Public Health and Health Services, Department of Health Policy
Julie Hudman, PhD, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Health Care Finance
Feygele Jacobs, MPH, MS, Executive Vice President/COO of RCHN CHF
Deborah Kilstein, JD, MBA, Director for Quality Management and Operational Support for the Association of Community Affiliated Plans
Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director of Trust for America's Health
Floyd J. Malveaux, MD, PhD, Executive Director of MCAN
Thomas Platts-Mills, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology at University of Virginia
Karen Redlener, MS, Executive Director of the Children's Health Fund
Anne Markus, JD, PhD, MHS, co-lead author

Where
Capitol Visitors Center (CVC), Room SVC 209/208
E Capitol Street NE & 1st Street NE

Getting to the Event:
Please note that there is very little public parking available near the Capitol. The nearest public parking facility is at Union Station, north of the Capitol. The CVC is a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest Metro stations (Union Station on the Red Line and Capitol South on the Blue and Orange lines). Once at the CVC, you will be required to go through a security screening. Read more here.

RSVP Information
We encourage all interested parties to attend and RSVP early as space is limited to childhoodasthma@ccapr.com or at 202.609.6011.

Please contact Danielle DeForge at ddeforge@ccapr.com with any questions.

Can't make it to DC for the event?

Join us for a webinar to review the new report on March 4 at 10:30 - 12:00 EST. More details to follow.

RSVP for the Webinar at ddeforge@ccapr.com

19-Feb-10 8:00 AM

[firstname], Asthma Coalition of Texas Newsletter 5-Feb-10

Gladys Casper — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:37:00 GMT

Hello [firstname],

Welcome to the Asthma Coalition of Texas newsletter of upcoming events, articles, jobs and more from our membership.

Calendar Events
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Your login information is listed below. To log into the site, visit http://www.texasasthma.org/en/ and enter your Username and Password.

Username: [username]
Password: [password]

If you have any questions please contact the Site Administrator.

____________________________________________________________

New Report to Provide National Plan to Improve Childhood Asthma

Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Capitol Visitors Center, Room SVC 209/208

What affects 1-in-7 American children; sends hundreds of thousands of parents racing to the hospital each year; and is estimated to cost our health care system $8 billion annually, more than almost any other childhood condition? Childhood asthma.

While most people think they know asthma, they have no idea just how costly and life threatening it can be - especially when it comes to children. And our health system treats it the same way. A new report to be released on February 23rd finds that we know enough to make meaningful progress on childhood asthma, even without health reform.

Join Sara Rosenbaum, JD, Chair of the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Department of Health Policy for the release of Changing pO2licy: The Elements for Improving Childhood Asthma Outcomes, a new report supported by the Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN) and RCHN Community Health Foundation (RCHN CHF).

Speakers will:

Review state asthma data and provide new analysis of national health care spending and new data on the number of uninsured children living with asthma

Highlight state and local model programs

Provide the five essential elements America needs to improve childhood asthma outcomes

Make concrete and evidence-based policy recommendations to bring these elements to life by leveraging existing programs including Medicaid and CHIP

Your Participation:
Sara, Floyd J. Malveaux, MD, PhD, Executive Director of MCAN and Feygele Jacobs, MPH, MS, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of RCHN CHF will lead an expert roundtable about America's progress and prospects on childhood asthma. The leaders will seek input from participants about ways to advance the essential asthma elements and improve the lives of millions of children and their families.

Stay tuned: Official invitation and speaker updates to follow.

If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please email
childhoodasthma@ccapr.com .

Calendar Events for 5-Feb-10 to 1-May-10

South Texas Asthma Coalition (STAC) 4th Asthma Action Plan Summit
Sponsor: South Texas Asthma Coalition
Speaker's Name:
Day: Thursday 18-Feb-10 10:00 AM
Location: AACOG 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78217
Summary: Click link below for details. /attachments/wysiwyg/539/STAC4thAAPSummit.pdf ...
Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Posted by: Gladys Casper

Articles for 7-Dec-09 to 5-Feb-10

OUTREACH TO PERSONS WITH ASTHMA ABOUT 2009 H1N1 RISKS

Author: CDC

Release Date: Thursday 28-Jan-10 11:00 AM

OUTREACH TO PERSONS WITH ASTHMA ABOUT 2009 H1N1 RISKS AND PREVENTION (From CDC – APRHB, January 11, 2010) · Overall, flu activity in the United States decreased slightly during the week of December 27, 2009 - January 2, 2010, as reported in FluView. Though flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, may rise and fall, it is expected to continue for several more months. · CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu: o ... [More Info]
Posted by: Gladys Casper

Research finds link between air pollution, school absences in Texas

Author: Mike Lee

Release Date: Thursday 28-Jan-10 11:00 AM

Children in Texas are more likely to miss school when certain types of air pollution increase — even when the levels are below the limit set by the federal government, a new study says. The research also shows that absences decrease significantly when pollution decreases. The study is unusual because it tracks the impact on a large group: 39 of the biggest school districts in Texas, including Dallas and Fort Worth. In El Paso, which has some of the state’s worst air pollution, the... [More Info]
Posted by: Gladys Casper

Pediatric Asthma Initiative Trains Thousands of Health Professionals

Author: NEEFUSA

Release Date: Tuesday 15-Dec-09 12:00 PM

Spatial Accessibility to Providers and Vaccination

Author: Linda Fu MD, et. al.

Release Date: Tuesday 8-Dec-09 12:00 PM

Click on the link below to view the full article from the December 2009 Pediatrics Spatial Accessibility to Providers and Vaccination
Posted by: Gladys Casper

Booster Vaccinations: Can Immunologic Memory

Author: Michael E. Pichichero, MD

Release Date: Tuesday 8-Dec-09 12:00 PM

Click on link below for complete article from December 2009 Pediatrics Booster Vaccinations: Can Immunologic Memory
Posted by: Gladys Casper

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Female Adolescents Aged 14 to 19 in the United States

Author: Sara E. Forhan, et. al.

Release Date: Tuesday 8-Dec-09 11:45 AM

Click on the link below for the full article from December 2009 Pediatrics Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Female Adolescents Aged 14 to 19 in the United States
Posted by: Gladys Casper

Relative Impact of Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial

Author: Florence T. Bourgeois, MD, et. al.

Release Date: Tuesday 8-Dec-09 11:00 AM

Click on the link below for full article from December 2009 Pediatrics Relative Impact of Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial
Posted by: Gladys Casper

Directories for 6-Jan-10 to 5-Feb-10

CHRISTUS - Santa Rosa Children's Hospital

Contact: Pamela Wood

Posted by: Pamela Wood

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

5-Feb-10 2:37 PM

OUTREACH TO PERSONS WITH ASTHMA ABOUT 2009 H1N1 RISKS

CDC — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:00:00 GMT

OUTREACH TO PERSONS WITH ASTHMA ABOUT 2009 H1N1 RISKS AND PREVENTION

(From CDC – APRHB, January 11, 2010)

· Overall, flu activity in the United States decreased slightly during the week of December 27, 2009 - January 2, 2010, as reported in FluView. Though flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, may rise and fall, it is expected to continue for several more months.

· CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu:

o vaccination;

o everyday preventive actions, including covering coughs and sneezes, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick;

o and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

· There is no way to accurately predict the course of influenza epidemics. Right now is a window of opportunity for more people to get vaccinated for 2009 H1N1 flu. Supplies of 2009 H1N1 vaccine are increasing and many places have opened up vaccination to anyone who wants it.

· It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat flu in people who are very sick (for example people who are in the hospital) and people who are sick with flu and have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications, like people with asthma or diabetes or women who are pregnant.

2009 H1N1 and Asthma

· People with asthma need to have their asthma well controlled and should have an updated asthma action plan. Medication to control asthma (usually inhaled corticosteroids) should be used as prescribed by each patient’s health care provider. If your child has asthma, make sure that his or her updated, written Asthma Action Plan is on file at school or at the daycare center. Be sure that the plan and medication(s) are easy to get to when needed.

· Because people with asthma are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications, they should seek treatment promptly when ill with either influenza like illness (ILI) or an asthma exacerbation.

· Persons with asthma should not use the inhaled “FluMist®” vaccine.

National Influenza Vaccination Week Key Messages

Overarching Messages

· This season’s National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is January 10-16, 2010.

· NIVW is a national observance that was established in 2006 to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.

· We are fortunate that flu activity has declined in recent weeks. However, flu activity is expected to continue for months, caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses.

· Since 2009 H1N1 disease is likely to continue into the new year, NIVW is an important opportunity to maintain or increase the uptake of vaccination against 2009 H1N1 flu.

· Over 60 million Americans have already safely received the vaccine against 2009 H1N1 flu.

· All data coming into CDC’s vaccine safety surveillance systems continue to affirm that the vaccine against 2009 H1N1 flu is safe.

· At the same time, CDC, FDA, and our partners, continue to rigorously monitor the safety of the vaccine against 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine.

· Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. Find locations in your area where the vaccine against 2009 H1N1 flu is being given by visiting www.flu.gov.

General Audience Messages

· A vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 virus has been produced and is the best way to protect against the virus. Supplies of this vaccine have increased substantially and many places have opened up vaccination to anyone who wants it.

· Because 2009 H1N1 may cause disease for months to come, now is a great opportunity for more people to get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 flu.

· Being vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 flu not only protects you, but it helps protect the people around you. If you get the flu you can pass it to others including babies, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions who are more likely to suffer serious complications.

· Encouraging everyone to get vaccinated can also help motivate people with chronic health conditions and their family members to get vaccinated to protect those at higher risk of complications.

Messages for People with Chronic Health Conditions

· The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu. Persons with chronic medical conditions who think they have flu should call their doctor to see if they need antiviral treatment.

· Although people with chronic medical conditions are at high risk of severe complications from influenza, including hospitalization and death, many people in these groups do not realize that their medical conditions increase their risk.

· If you have a chronic health condition and have not received your vaccine against 2009 H1N1 flu yet, get one now.

Messages for Parents and Caregivers of Children and Adolescents

· If a child has an underlying health condition like asthma, a neurological disorder or diabetes, they are at high risk for flu-related complications and should be vaccinated.

28-Jan-10 11:00 AM

Research finds link between air pollution, school absences in Texas

Mike Lee — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Children in Texas are more likely to miss school when certain types of air pollution increase — even when the levels are below the limit set by the federal government, a new study says.

The research also shows that absences decrease significantly when pollution decreases.

The study is unusual because it tracks the impact on a large group: 39 of the biggest school districts in Texas, including Dallas and Fort Worth. In El Paso, which has some of the state’s worst air pollution, the reduction in carbon monoxide levels resulted in a 0.8 percent decrease in the rate of absences.

"Kids are particularly sensitive to pollution, given their small size, high metabolic rates and developing systems," said Steven Rivkin, a professor at Amherst College in Massachusetts.

"Our study provides evidence that high carbon monoxide levels impose substantial costs on children and their families," Rivkin said. "The results also highlight the importance of close monitoring of pollution levels and research that isolates the effects of pollutants on health and the ability of children to perform their daily activities."

The health effects of air pollution are a major topic in Texas because the state is one of the most polluted in the country. A recent survey by Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth found that 1 in 4 children in North Texas has asthma, which can be both caused and aggravated by air pollution.

Historically, it’s been difficult to prove a direct cause between air pollution and student absences.

The rate of absences varies with the seasons, and it’s affected by a lot of other factors, from poverty to the weather. Previous studies in California and Utah have shown that absences increased as pollution rose, but they only covered a couple of months.

Rivkin and his co-authors compared years’ worth of attendance records from the Texas Schools Project, a database at the University of Texas at Dallas, to the results of pollution monitors run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

They used a series of statistical calculations to eliminate other variables and found a pattern linking carbon monoxide levels and absences at schools near the pollution monitors. The highest carbon monoxide levels were in El Paso, Houston and Laredo.

The researchers showed a direct link between student absences and days with high carbon monoxide levels, even after accounting for other variables. That was true even when the carbon monoxide level was as much as 25 percent below the level the EPA considers safe, which is 9 parts per billion.

Each day that the level exceeded the standard would equate to 12 or 13 absences per 1,000 students, and each day the level was 75 to 100 percent of the standard would equate to five to six absences per 1,000 students.

If every day of the six-week grading period were above the carbon monoxide standard, the researchers calculated, absences would rise by 9 percent. If every day were between 75 and 100 percent of the standard, the calculations showed that absences would rise by 5 percent.

The reverse turned out to be true, too. In El Paso, the carbon monoxide level exceeded the EPA standard on 16 days in 1986, and was within 75 percent of the standard on 19 days. By 2001, the number of exceedances had dropped to one day, and the number of near-exceedances had dropped to six. Had the amount of pollution not decreased, the findings suggest that the absentee rate would have been around 5.2 percent, instead of the actual 4.4 percent, that year.

Because air pollution is most likely to affect children with underlying health problems, the researchers believe that the biggest decrease in absences happened among unhealthy children.

The study, by Rivkin, Janet Currie of Matthew Neidell of Columbia University; Eric A. Hanushek of Stanford University and E. Megan Kahn of Amherst, was published in November in the Review of Economics and Statistics.

MIKE LEE, 817-390-7539

28-Jan-10 11:00 AM

Pediatric Asthma Initiative Trains Thousands of Health Professionals

NEEFUSA — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:00:00 GMT

In just three years, more than 3,200 health care professionals, medical students and residents have been trained on environmental management of asthma by our Pediatric Asthma Faculty Champions. These Faculty Champions are pediatric faculty members at five medical schools across the country who work toward integrating environmental management of pediatric asthma into medical education and practice. NEEF is expanding the Pediatric Asthma Initiative with additional Faculty Champions in new regions of the country. The training tools and resources are available both in English and Spanish. The recently translated Spanish materials are being used in trainings both internationally and within the United States, including at the Children's Environmental Health Conference in Puerto Rico. Initial analysis of data collected from Faculty Champion trainings over the past three years indicate that after training, pediatricians are much more knowledgeable about environmental management of asthma and also much more likely to recommend environmental intervention to their patients.

15-Dec-09 12:00 PM

Spatial Accessibility to Providers and Vaccination

Linda Fu MD, et. al. — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Click on the link below to view the full article from the December 2009 Pediatrics

Spatial Accessibility to Providers and Vaccination

8-Dec-09 12:00 PM

Booster Vaccinations: Can Immunologic Memory

Michael E. Pichichero, MD — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Click on link below for complete article from December 2009 Pediatrics
Booster Vaccinations: Can Immunologic Memory

8-Dec-09 12:00 PM

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Female Adolescents Aged 14 to 19 in the United States

Sara E. Forhan, et. al. — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:45:00 GMT

Click on the link below for the full article from December 2009 Pediatrics

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Female Adolescents Aged 14 to 19 in the United States

8-Dec-09 11:45 AM

Relative Impact of Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial

Florence T. Bourgeois, MD, et. al. — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Click on the link below for full article from December 2009 Pediatrics

Relative Impact of Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial

8-Dec-09 11:00 AM

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

November 15 to December 31, 2009

Now is the time to carefully review the healthcare paperwork that may be coming your way during the November 15 to December 31, 2009 Medicare Open Enrollment period in which the seniors of Texas and others will be making important decisions about their healthcare services and providers. This is also the time that many employers offer workers the opportunity to make changes to their healthcare plans. As such, everyone should pay very close attention to information being sent to them about all of the available plans and options. As well, people should pay careful attention to new opportunities and plans that may help them save money, but that may not include the services or prescription drugs currently being taken. Make certain that you compare all health and prescription drugs coverage options, and choose what is best for you and your family. One other important distinction is between co-payments for prescription drugs which are oftentimes being replaced with co-insurance arrangements in order to control costs. With a co-payment, you pay a specific amount for a drug depending on the type of medication you take. Co-insurance means you share in a portion of the cost with the insurance company. The bottom line here is for everyone to carefully review your own personal paperwork, talk with your family members and physicians, and make certain you carefully decide what plan works best for you. If you have questions, you should call the Medicare telephone number (1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) or talk with your employer or physician. One other web resource link is via Medicare at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/openenrollment.asp .

1-Dec-09 11:00 PM

OUTREACH TO PERSONS WITH ASTHMA ABOUT 2009 H1N1 RISKS AND PREVENTION

Texas Department of State Health Services — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Outreach to Persons with Asthma about 2009 H1N1 Risks and Prevention

(from CDC – APRHB, OcTober 19, 2009)

Persons with asthma have been shown to be at increased risk for severe complications and death from influenza infection in previous influenza pandemics.
Historically, influenza immunization rates among persons with asthma have been extremely suboptimal (36% in recent studies).
Relative to the general population, persons with asthma are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality related to seasonal influenza infection.
Relative to the general population, persons with asthma are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality related to 2009 H1N1 influenza (“swine flu”) infection.
Nearly 6.7 million asthma sufferers are under age 18.
Asthma disproportionately impacts minority members and other socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. African Americans have the highest asthma death rate of all major groups.

Overarching Messages

Key messages for persons with asthma and health-care providers link to the overarching “Take 3” framework and include the following:

1. Take everyday preventive actions.

If you have asthma, you should follow an updated, written Asthma Action Plan developed with your doctor. Follow this plan for daily treatment and for controlling your asthma symptoms.
If your child has asthma, make sure that his or her updated, written Asthma Action Plan is on file at school or at the daycare center. Be sure that the plan and medication(s) are easy to get to when needed.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based gel hand cleaners are also good to use.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (If you have asthma and you live or have close contact with someone who has H1N1 flu, talk to your doctor about medicines to prevent flu.)
Have a plan to care for sick family members.
Stock up on household, health, and emergency supplies, such as water, Tylenol®, and non-perishable foods.
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting.

2. Take time to get vaccinated.

It is important for persons with asthma to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine as well as a seasonal influenza vaccine.
Persons with asthma should not use the inhaled "FluMist®" vaccine because of the increased risk of wheezing post-vaccination.

3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

Treat any fever right away.
Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lose when you are sick.
Your doctor will decide if you need the antiviral drug Tamiflu® (oseltamivir). Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping the germs from growing in your body. These medicines can make you feel better faster and make your symptoms milder. Relenza® (zanamivir) is not recommended for treatment in persons with asthma.
These medicines work best when started soon after symptoms begin (within 2 days), but they may also be given to very sick or high-risk people (like persons with asthma) even after 48 hours. Antiviral treatment is taken for 5 days.
Tamiflu® is also used to prevent H1N1 flu and is taken for 10 days.

Health-care providers.

1. Preventive actions

All persons with asthma should have and use an updated, written Asthma Action Plan , developed with their healthcare professional, for daily treatment and for control of worsening asthma symptoms. It is important that the Asthma Action Plan include what they should do at the earliest onset of symptoms of influenza-like illness. Children with asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan on file at their school or daycare center, and the plan and medication(s) should be readily accessible.

The risk for 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection might be reduced by taking steps to reduce the chance of being exposed to respiratory infections. These steps include—

Frequent hand washing.
Minimizing contact with sick people.
Having sick people stay home (except to seek medical care).
Having sick people cover their coughs.
Avoiding, whenever possible, crowded settings in communities having outbreaks of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

2. Vaccinations

It is important for persons with asthma to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine as well as a seasonal influenza vaccine.
Persons with asthma should not use the inhaled FluMist® vaccine because of the increased risk of wheezing post-vaccination.
A person with asthma who gets any type of flu is at risk for serious complications and hospitalization.

3. Antivirals

Treat quickly. Treat persons with asthma with influenza-like illness as soon as possible. Treatment should not be withheld pending results of testing for influenza, if testing is done.
Persons with asthma with influenza-like illnesses should receive empiric antiviral treatment with Oseltamivir (trade name, Tamiflu®).
Zanamivir (trade name, Relenza®) is not recommended for treatment in patients with underlying airways disease (including asthma), because of the risk for adverse events, such as bronchospasm, and because efficacy has not been demonstrated among this population.
Since rapid access to antiviral medications is essential, healthcare providers who care for persons with asthma should develop methods to ensure that treatment can be started quickly after symptom onset. Actions that will support early treatment initiation include:
- Informing patients or their caretakers of signs and symptoms of influenza and the need for early treatment after symptom onset. Individuals may be infected with influenza, including the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
- Ensuring rapid access to telephone consultation and clinical evaluation for persons with asthma and other high risk conditions
- Considering empiric treatment of persons with asthma based on telephone contact if hospitalization is not indicated and if this will substantially reduce delay before treatment is initiated
Post-exposure antiviral chemoprophylaxis can be considered for persons with asthma who have had contact with someone likely to have been infectious with influenza.

A Summary of General CDC Public Health Messages Related to H1N1

(as of October 16, 2009)

Flu activity is widespread in 41 states and influenza-like
illness, flu-related hospitalizations, and flu-related deaths are all higher than expected for this time of year.
Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses.
These 2009 H1N1 viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.
2009 H1N1 vaccination has begun but initial supplies are small. More doses are expected for shipment each week. We ask members of the public who want to receive this vaccine to be patient as this program expands and more vaccine becomes available. There will be enough vaccine available for anyone who wishes to receive it.

· The vaccine development process is complex and forecasting how much vaccine will be available at a certain time is challenging and amounts will vary from week to week. Millions of doses of vaccine are in the pipeline and federal, state, and local public health authorities are working hard to get vaccine out to the public as soon as we receive it.

· We had to choose between waiting to distribute vaccine until we had large quantities ready to be shipped versus distributing limited quantities of the vaccine sooner. We chose the latter knowing that it would create some challenges and frustrations (for our public health partners in the states, providers, and the public), but also knowing that it would allow us to start protecting people against this disease as soon as possible.

· Thus, we only have small amounts of vaccine for states to order at the moment. Given this situation, states will initially be conducting very targeted vaccination efforts that take into consideration their local situation with 2009 H1N1 disease.

Each week, CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators in a report called FluView.

20-Oct-09 3:00 PM

Controlling Asthma in Older Adults

Alan P. Baptist, MD, MPH — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Controlling Asthma in Older Adults

When asked what asthma is, many people say it is a disease of children that affects few adults. In fact, asthma often starts later in life. Adults over the age of 65 have the highest rates of hospitalization and even death from asthma compared to any other age group. It is clear that interventions tailored towards older adults are needed.

The Center for Managing Chronic Disease is investigating a new intervention based on self-management rather than additional medication as a way to improve asthma in older adults. Using techniques we developed and tested in women with asthma and children with asthma, we created a six-session educational intervention that we are currently evaluating in older adults. Self-management strategies can improve quality of life and asthma outcomes by giving patients control over their disease. After we evaluate and refine the educational sessions in this pilot study, we intend to conduct a multicenter study and provide the techniques to health systems interested in improving the care of older adults with asthma.

About the Center for Managing Chronic Disease
Collaborations among individuals, communities, and health systems are required for the proper prevention and management of chronic disease. The projects at the Center for Managing Chronic Disease involve these entities in efforts focused on achieving optimum health and well-being. By developing innovative interventions and by examining how to adapt successful ones to various environments and circumstance, the Center uncovers new approaches to disease management. Our research is in search of solutions that can be widely disseminated and lead to changes in policy and practices.

To read more about the Center and its research projects, please visit our website at www.managingchronicdisease.org .

Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by shortness of breath and airway inflammation. Physicians and patients often erroneously believe asthma only affects children, or that all asthma begins in childhood. In fact, some authors have reported that up to 40% of people with asthma have their first attack after the age of 40.

My current work with the Center is focused on developing educational self-management strategies that can help older adults with asthma control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Using themes that we discovered through focus groups, we are currently evaluating a teaching tool that can be administered through group and telephone sessions. We intend to use this research to develop a program that can be disseminated to help improve the health of older adults with asthma.

--Alan P. Baptist, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Medicine,
Center for Managing Chronic Disease

Vol. 4 | 2009 The Center for Managing Chronic Disease
1415 Washington Heights | Ann Arbor, MI 48109 | Noreen M. Clark, Ph.D., Director
cmcd-info@umich.edu | www.managingchronicdisease.org

7-Oct-09 11:00 PM

ALERT - Tylenol recalls children's products - ALERT

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

You may have heard that McNeil Consumer Healthcare (the makers of Tylenol) is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products that were manufactured between April, 2008 and June, 2008 in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company is implementing this voluntary recall at the warehouse and retail levels, because examination of one of the inactive ingredients did not meet internal testing requirements. However, the packaged product, shipped to retailers by the company, has met all specifications.

These actions do not apply to Children's Tylenol Meltaways and Junior Strength Tylenol Meltaways. The voluntary recall applies only to select lots of Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products.

If you have any of the potentially affected products in your home and have questions you can contact the McNeil Consumer Call Care Center at 1-800-962-5357 (available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.)

Parents and caregivers who have given the product to their child or infant and have concerns should contact their child's health care provider.

The full list of affected products is here. Consumers can find the lot numbers on the bottom of the box containing the product and also on the sticker that surrounds the product bottle. If you have more questions, please contact our consumer call center at 1-800-962-5357.

MedPageToday reports the following:

The company cautioned that infection with the bacteria can be serious in high-risk persons, including those with pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, or immune systems that are otherwise compromised.

24-Sep-09 4:00 PM

EPA IAQ Training November 3-5

Kim Davis — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:20:16 GMT

Tendenci Newsletter

[menu]

Hello [firstname],

National Environmental Health Association, Special Training Opportunity
Learn the Latest About Asthma Triggers and IAQ Issues,
November 3-5, 2009
http://www.neha.org/pdf/research/2009_Asthma_Triggers_Workshop.pdf

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA),in cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Environments Division, is offering a significant training opportunity for environmental health professionals working in city, county, or state health or environmental protection agencies. NEHA is providing a comprehensive, 2½-day training course that is designed to reflect the new national priorities in addressing indoor air quality and health impacts resulting from IAQ contaminants. Specifically, material on asthma triggers, environmental tobacco smoke, mold spores, and radon will be presented along with supporting resource material. The course will be taught by recognized authorities in the indoor air field with a focus on presenting the latest health impact data and remediation strategies.

In addition to the educational content of the workshop, a second and equally important goal is to train participants on how to develop and implement a comprehensive community action program. A community action program is designed to
• obtain measurable results in the areas of outreach and public participation,
• identify risk reduction methods for IAQ contaminants,
• reduce asthma triggers (and other triggers specifically impacting children), and
• encourage residential testing and mitigation for elevated levels of radon gas.

NEHA will require a commitment to implement a community action plan as a prerequisite for acceptance to the training.

NEHA will select up to 30 people for training in Washington, DC, with all expenses paid. This includes roundtrip, coach airfare, lodging, and a per diem allowance for meals. Travel to Washington, DC, will be on Tuesday, November 3, 2009.

Calendar Events for 22-Sep-09 to 1-Dec-09

Houston Dynamo's Asthma Awareness Game Night
Sponsor: Houston Dynamo Soccer and ACT
Speaker's Name:
Day: Sunday 4-Oct-09 6:00 PM
Location:
Summary: Join ACT as we work with the Houston Dynamo's to kick asthma in Texas. Asthma takes the field at the Dynamo's games on 6/10, 7/25, 8/23, and 10/4. It's easy, follow the directions below to purchase tickets and a portion of the proceeds go directly to the Coalition! ...
Add to Calendar
Posted by: Gladys Casper

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22-Sep-09 8:20 AM

EPA Announces it Will Reconsider National Smog Standards

http://www.epa.gov/groundlevelozone — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:30:00 GMT

EPA Announces it Will Reconsider National Smog Standards

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson today announced the agency would reconsider the 2008 national smog standards to ensure they are scientifically sound and protective of human health. Smog, which is also known as ground level ozone, has been linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

“This is one of the most important protection measures we can take to safeguard our health and our environment. Smog in the air we breathe can cause difficulty breathing and aggravate asthma, especially in children,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Reconsidering these standards and ensuring acceptable levels of ground-level ozone could cut health care costs and make our cities healthier, safer places to live, work and play.”

The reconsideration announced today covers both the primary and secondary ozone standards. EPA sets primary air quality standards to protect public health, including the health of sensitive groups, such as children and people with asthma. The secondary standard is set to protect public welfare and the environment, including protection against visibility impairment, damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings. The Agency will propose any revisions to the ozone standards by December 2009 and will issue a final decision by August 2010.

EPA will conduct a thorough review of the science that guided the 2008 decision, including more than 1,700 scientific studies and any public comments from that rulemaking process. The Agency will also review the findings of EPA’s independent Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, which recommended stronger smog standards.

EPA will move quickly to implement any new standards that might result from the reconsideration. To reduce the workload for states during the interim period of reconsideration, the agency will propose to stay the 2008 standards for the purpose of attainment and nonattainment area designations. EPA will work with states, local governments and tribes to ensure that air quality is protected during that time.

Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from industrial facilities, power plants, landfills and motor vehicles react in the presence of sunlight. Scientific studies have linked ozone exposure to respiratory health problems ranging from decreased lung function and aggravated asthma to increased emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and even premature death. Seasonal ozone exposure has also been linked to adverse effects on sensitive vegetation, forests and ecosystems.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/groundlevelozone

R259

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View all news releases related to air issues

18-Sep-09 9:30 AM

H1N1 Vaccine Registration and Ordering Instructions

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Hello [firstname],

Stakeholders, please note the official notice below on behalf of the DSHS Immunization Branch with regards to the H1N1 Vaccine Registration/Ordering Instructions. Click on the file link below to read.
/attachments/wysiwyg/539/H1N1VaccineRegiInstructions.pdf

Calendar Events for 3-Sep-09 to 1-Dec-09

Managing Asthma from Air Pollution to Zafirlukast ACT 2009 Annual Meeting
Speaker's Name:
Day: Thursday 17-Sep-09 12:00 PM
Location: University of Texas Thompson Conference Center Austin, TX
Summary: General Sessions: Thursday, September 17, 2009, Noon – 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2009, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Half-Day Session "The Susceptibility of Children To the School Environment"* Saturday, September 19, 2009, 8:00 a.m. - Noon...
Register Add to Calendar
Posted by: Gladys Casper

The Susceptibility of Children to the School Environment
Sponsor: ACT
Speaker's Name:
Day: Saturday 19-Sep-09 8:00 AM
Location: Thompson Conference Center Austin, TX
Summary: THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CHILDREN ...
Register Add to Calendar
Posted by: Gladys Casper

Houston Dynamo's Asthma Awareness Game Night
Sponsor: Houston Dynamo Soccer and ACT
Speaker's Name:
Day: Sunday 4-Oct-09 6:00 PM
Location:
Summary: Join ACT as we work with the Houston Dynamo's to kick asthma in Texas. Asthma takes the field at the Dynamo's games on 6/10, 7/25, 8/23, and 10/4. It's easy, follow the directions below to purchase tickets and a portion of the proceeds go directly to the Coalition! ...
Add to Calendar
Posted by: Gladys Casper

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3-Sep-09 10:00 AM

2009-2010 RSV Season

HHSC — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:00:00 GMT

August 20, 2009 - 2009-2010 RSV Season
The start of the 2009-2010 RSV season varies based on a patient’s county of residence, with most areas in Texas beginning Oct. 1. Prior approvals for Synagis will be available through the Vendor Drug Program beginning September 15, 2009. To learn more about the Vendor Drug Synagis process and get the county schedule, visit the Vendor Drug website.

20-Aug-09 1:00 AM

Preferred Drug List Changes

HHSC — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

July 22, 2009 - Preferred Drug List Changes
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission Vendor Drug Program implemented changes to the Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL) effective today, July 22. The new PDL includes changes recommended by the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee. Two new drugs classes, “Cough and Cold Products” and “Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Agents,” are included in this update. The new “Cough and Cold” drug class includes many combination products used in the symptomatic treatment of colds, as well as narcotic and non-narcotic cough and cold products. Please visit the Preferred Drug List webpage for a summary of the changes and to view the PDL.
Notable Changes
·     The Proventil HFA® Inhaler was added to the PDL as the preferred albuterol inhaler.*
·     Xopenex HFA® Inhaler will also remain on the PDL in the “beta-agonist bronchodilator” drug class.
·     Ventolin HFA® and Proair HFA® Inhalers will remain non-preferred drugs and require prior authorization.
*Pharmacists should dispense Proventil HFA® as the preferred albuterol HFA inhaler. Non-preferred Ventolin HFA® and Proair HFA® will require initial treatment failure with the preferred Proventil HFA before they will be considered for prior approval.
·     In the “Proton Pump Inhibitor” drug class, Nexium® will remain on the PDL as the exclusive preferred product.
·     Prevacid® will change to non-preferred status although Prevacid Solutabs® will be approved for the treatment of children under age 11.
The online formulary search will reflect the latest changes to the PDL by July 28.

22-Jul-09 5:00 PM

Operation Lone Star Offers Free Medical Care to South Texas Communities

HHSC — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMT

AUSTIN – Operation Lone Star, which provided health care to more than 11,000 South Texas residents in just two weeks last year, is expanding this summer to provide free health clinics in even more locations. Military personnel, state and county officials and hundreds of volunteers will provide free health services at locations in Brownsville, Raymondville, Lasara, San Juan, La Joya, Laredo, Hebbronville, Rio Grande City and Zapata this year.

22-Jul-09 9:00 AM

Medicaid Guarantees Payment for Temporary Medicaid Eligibility Verification Form (1027-A)

HHSC — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:00:00 GMT

July 10, 2009 - Medicaid Guarantees Payment for Temporary Medicaid Eligibility Verification Form (1027-A)

Medicaid clients may present the Temporary Medicaid Eligibility Verification form (Form 1027-A) as evidence of Medicaid eligibility. Form 1027-A is an official state eligibility document and can used as proof of Medicaid eligibility until the family receives the Medicaid Identification Form (Form H3087). Medicaid numbers should be assigned within one month of the original presentation of Form 1027-A. Vendor Drug strongly encourages pharmacies to fill the prescription immediately and then bill as soon as the Medicaid number is assigned. Pharmacies also can submit a paper Pharmacy Claims Billing request (Form 3700), and the claim will be paid when the Medicaid number is posted.

To learn more about this and other pharmacy outreach initiatives, visit the Vendor Drug website.

Visit us on the web at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/ .

GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission · 4900 North Lamar Blvd · Austin TX 78751 · 1-800-439-1420

10-Jul-09 2:00 PM