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Allergies, Asthma and Influenza
The presence as well as clinical presentation of these problems can overlap and cause confusion. In a seminar titled "Allergies? Asthma? Flu? Know What To Do" held recently at GBMC, Dr. Alvin Sanico and Howard County Health Officer Dr. Peter Beilenson discussed the similarities, differences, and connections between these prevalent problems. Attendees learned how to recognize, respond to, and reduce the risks related to these conditions. While most people affected by flu could simply stay home to recover and avoid infecting others, thousands have been hospitalized because of severe and even fatal complications. Recent findings in the US and in the UK both show that among patients hospitalized for swine flu-related problems, majority have an underlying medical condition, the most common of which is asthma. Patients with asthma need to have an updated Asthma Action Plan, and should get both the seasonal flu shot as well as swine flu shot instead of the inhaled Flumist vaccine. Important information for patients and parents of asthmatics can be found at this link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The H1N1 flu vaccine is currently available in ASAP@GBMC for our patients with asthma. A list of flu shot clinics near you can be found at the this link to the American Lung Association.


Advancing Asthma Awareness
To help coaches and others involved in youth sports reduce, recognize and respond to asthma attacks among athletes, a seminar titled "Winning with Asthma" was held at the GBMC Conference Center as part of the Asthma Awareness Month. Doug Smith of the sponsor GBMC Foundation gave the welcome remarks. Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh gave an inspiring talk about athletes who do not allow asthma to get in the way of achieving their goals. Baltimore Ravens head athletic trainer Bill Tessendorf gave an informative presentation on how coaches and trainers can help asthmatic athletes perform to the best of their abilities.Dr. Alvin Sanico gave an educational talk about the prevalence and pathophysiology of asthma and the various steps to address this problem. Baltimore Ravens player Haruki Nakamura shared his compelling story about how he grew up with asthma yet was able to compete in various sports and eventually get to play in the NFL. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America director Susan Sweitzer presented the above speakers a plaque of appreciation for volunteering their time and effort in this endeavor. Attendees received a Certificate of Participation with the signature of Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. Coaches involved in any youth sport who were not able to attend can go online to get information about the Coach's Asthma Clipboard Program.