‘Asthma Care for Adults’ lifestyle program begins Aug. 2; register by July 26

Beginning Aug. 2, a five-week, virtual Healthy Boiler wellness program called “Asthma Care for Adults” will be offered via the Center for Healthy Living (CHL), supporting the physical health and behavioral health pillars of the Healthy Boiler Program. Attendees will meet from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for the first two weeks and then noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays for the final three weeks for a total of seven lessons.

The “Asthma Care for Adults” program was developed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) 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 one in 13 Americans.

Program goals for participants are for them to be able to:

• Understand asthma pathophysiology.
• Recognize personal symptoms and triggers.
• Understand the importance of medications.
• Develop an action plan.
• Reduce the number of sick visits relating to asthma exacerbations.

The program will be co-presented by Cheryl Laszynski and Whitney Soto, registered nurse health coaches at the CHL. The program’s seven sessions will be:

• Asthma Basics
• Asthma Triggers
• Controlling Asthma Triggers
• Asthma Medicines and Equipment
• Asthma Action Plan
• Communicating with the Asthma Team
• Asthma Management Goals

The free program is available to all benefits-eligible employees on the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest (Hammond and Westville) campuses and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan with the target population being those:

• Newly diagnosed with asthma.
• Previously diagnosed but interested in better understanding disease process.
• With family member/dependent who has been diagnosed.
• Interested in better understanding asthma management.

Those interested should register by July 26 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.