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Dear Friend,
Firstly, let me begin by wishing you a Happy New Year! I hope you are well and have been able to keep cool during these hot summer days.
The last few weeks have certainly been interesting, with COVID-19 consuming a lot of our news, from vaccines and face masks to travel restrictions and even world tennis! All of these topics are surrounded by emotion and differing opinions, creating many vibrant conversations, but also some uncertainty.
While this could be another challenging year, I want to remind you that we are still here for you. If you have any questions about asthma and/or COPD, please take advantage of our FREE services so you can keep on top of your respiratory health this year. Most of our services can also be provided by phone or by video conference, so those concerned about venturing into public spaces can feel safe and still access our services.
Our Respiratory Health Team can also provide asthma education to schools, workplaces and other community groups, so even if you don’t have the respiratory condition, you can help those who do by getting more people to learn more about it and what to do in an asthma emergency. You can find out more about this on our website or by calling our team on (08) 9289 3600.
We have many big dreams of things we want to achieve at Asthma WA in 2022. It is because of the support and trust we have from our funders, donors, partners and community that we are filled with so much hope and inspiration. Over the coming months, we look forward to sharing our exciting updates with you.
For now, we hope you enjoy reading this newsletter that has tips on returning to school, insights on vaping, information on pulmonary rehabilitation and much more.
Wishing you all the very best in health and happiness,
Donna Rendell
Chief Executive Officer
Asthma WA
P.S. If you’d like to speak to our Respiratory Health Team about your asthma and/or COPD or book in for a FREE consultation for your annual device technique check, give our office a call on (08) 9289 3600.
Vaping trend, not so trendy
The use of e-cigarettes (vaping) has increased in popularity over the last few years, and as more research is undertaken, the more we are learning about the potentially hazardous impacts this growing trend is having on our health – particularly our younger generations.
We asked our Respiratory Scientist, Charlene, to tell us more about vaping and what recent studies are telling us about the social and medical consequences of this trend. There are some startling insights worth reading!
COVID-Ready Kits
In anticipation of the WA borders reopening, we have been receiving a number of enquiries from people seeking tips on creating a COVID-Ready Kit for people with asthma and/or COPD. Perhaps you’ve also wondered the same?
For community members with respiratory conditions, it is important that they take their prescribed medications according to their health professional’s advice and guidance. It is a good idea to have one or two prescriptions on hand, in case you are not able to see your health professional immediately if you become unwell.
We do not encourage purchasing over the counter respiratory medicines such as Ventolin for those without an asthma/COPD diagnosis, however if you have a script, it is good to have a spare medication available.
If any respiratory symptoms arise, we advise following your Asthma or COPD Action Plan, and always seeking medical advice as soon as possible so you can get back on track sooner.
Visit our website for other advice and recommendation for COVID-Ready Kits along with other useful COVID-19 resources.
Back to school
School goes back next week, meaning new teachers, new lessons, and new routines! At the start of each new school year, there is often an increase in children being hospitalised due to their asthma. There are a number of reasons for this such as exposure to new germs and viruses, inconsistent use of medications while on holidays and even increased stress – just to name a few examples.
Whether you have a child with asthma or you work in a school, we have a number of tips to help you prepare for a safer start to the term.
Asthma education is a must
Throughout the year we’re joined by interns helping us in a range of projects, as they gain some experience in an office and non-profit environment. It’s important that all members of our team understand what asthma is and what we do at Asthma WA, which is why new team members complete an Asthma Education session with one of our Respiratory Health Team.
We asked our most recent intern Nicholas to share his experience of an education session with Respiratory Health Educator, Kate.
Your voice matters
If you are someone who has asthma, COPD or another respiratory condition, cares for someone with asthma such as a parent, partner, family member or friend then we need your help!
Join our Consumer Advisory e-Network and help guide the development of our services and resources by sharing your opinions and experiences.
Members will be contacted by email, with the flexibility to respond as much or as little as they like.
Interested? Simply complete the short questionnaire below to help us understand more about you.
Keeping active with COPD
Keeping active is an important part of managing COPD and other lung conditions, but what is really meant by ‘keeping active’? Dr John Blakey and Respiratory Physiotherapist, Sarah Hug from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital explain what this means and share tips on how to increase your physical activity.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program that supports people with COPD and other lung conditions to exercise safely. It can play an important role in improving a person’s breathlessness and overall wellbeing as they build confidence and fitness. Check out our short videos on what to expect and how to access a suitable service.
Annual Report
2020-21
Asthma WA supports more than 4,000 people each year across Western Australia to better understand their asthma and COPD, making a significant difference to their quality of life and reducing the possibility of a life-threatening emergency. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us to improve the lives of vulnerable Western Australians.
In case you’ve missed it, take a look at our 2020-21 Annual Report. It’s a great snapshot of the work we do and our plans moving forward.
Meet Bianca
It’s fun getting to know our different team members, so what better way to welcome our newest recruit than by putting her through a quick Q&A session? Bianca joined our team just a couple of weeks ago as a Respiratory Health Educator. We were keen to get to know her better, so we quizzed her on how she came to be at Asthma WA.
We, of course, also asked her to share something about herself and it turns out we have a fan of board games among us! Read her answers and take a look at which games she recommends – they all look like a lot of fun!
Exclusive to Asthma WA, our Asthma Action Kit is an essential addition to your emergency kit. Complete with two cardboard disposable spacers, asthma first aid instructions and reliever use log all in a durable, washable and low static pouch, this is a must-have for every first aid kit.
Spacer bags are also available* - a handy little bag that can hold your asthma medication and equipment in one convenient place.
The Asthma Action Kit is only $24. Order online today or call us on (08) 9289 3600 to order over the phone.
*Asthma Action Kit - bag only is $12
Monthly Giving
All of Asthma WA’s services are provided free of charge, which would not be possible without the ongoing support of our generous donors and funders. From $5 to $25 a month, every dollar helps, plus spreading your donation across the year, has less impact on your finances, and less administration with one simple receipt provided at the end of the financial year.
Become a monthly giver today – it’s easy to set up - and you will be helping Western Australians breathe better, now and in the future.
McCusker Charitable Foundation for supporting our Clinical Nurse Educator role throughout 2022
Minara for funding support of our forthcoming Northern Goldfields Respiratory Health project
Channel 7 Telethon Trust and Stan Perron Charitable Foundation for supporting the Paediatric Respiratory Hub
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Respiratory Department for their for their collaboration and support with developing important online resources
Monday 31 January – School resumes
Tuesday 1 February – Chinese New Year
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 February – Busselton Jetty Swim
Saturday 26 February - South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
Sunday 6 March – Clean Up Australia Day
Monday 7 March – Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 8 March – International Women’s Day
Saturday 19 March – Channel 7 Port to Pub
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