‘Asthma Care for Adults’ lifestyle program begins March 18; register by March 12
Beginning March 18, the Center for Healthy Living (CHL) will offer a four-week, virtual Healthy Boiler program titled “Asthma Care for Adults.” Attendees will meet weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. ET for the first two weeks and only on Thursdays for the final two weeks, for a total of six lessons.
“Asthma Care for Adults” was developed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to help adults and their caregivers learn how to manage asthma. According to AAFA, approximately 25 million Americans have asthma, which is equal to about 1 in 13 Americans. The program supports the physical health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Wellness Program.
Program goals for participants include:
- Understanding asthma pathophysiology
- Recognizing personal symptoms and triggers
- Understanding the importance of medications
- Developing an action plan
- Reducing the number of sick visits relating to asthma exacerbations
The workshop will be co-presented by Cheryl Laszynski, registered nurse health coach at the CHL, and Whitney Soto, lead registered nurse health coach at the CHL. The program covers asthma basics, recognizing symptoms and triggers, asthma action plans, and an overview of different types of asthma medications via seven one-hour lessons:
- Asthma Basics
- Asthma Triggers
- Controlling Asthma Triggers
- Asthma Medicines and Equipment
- Asthma Action Plan
- Communicating with the Asthma Team
- Asthma Management Goals
Donna Mullins, I-9 specialist in Payroll and Tax Services at Purdue, shared that before taking “Asthma Care for Adults,” she did not know what questions she should be asking her physician about asthma in general.
“I realized that while I had been treated for asthma for several years, I knew very little about asthma and treatment options overall,” Mullins said. “During the program, I learned the full spectrum of what asthma is, what triggers my symptoms, what treatments are available and the importance of having open discussions with my physician.”
The free program is available to all benefits-eligible employees at the West Lafayette, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Northwest locations and dependents covered on a Purdue medical plan, with the target population being those:
- Newly diagnosed with asthma
- Previously diagnosed but interested in better understanding disease process
- With a family member/dependent that has been diagnosed
- Interested in better understanding asthma management
Mullins absolutely encourages others to participate in the program.
“The discussions between presenters and participants were very informative,” she said. “The program content helped me understand that there are various signs and symptoms of asthma. I learned the importance of having an action plan prepared for situations when medication was not managing my asthma or when an asthma attack is bad enough to contact my provider immediately. The handouts are well written and great for guidance on keeping an asthma-friendly home (checklist). I refer back to the handouts regularly.”
The program runs March 18 through April 10. Those interested should register by March 12 via the Healthy Boiler Portal. The registration link can be found under the “Healthy Boiler Workshops” section on the portal’s homepage. Hover over the “Asthma Care for Adults” square and hit “Submit” to register.
Questions about the “Asthma Care for Adults” program can be directed to the CHL at 765-494-0111.
Healthy Boiler workshops and lifestyle program are free to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff and their dependents.
