World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world.
World Asthma Day 2020 was supposed to mark the launch of a new global campaign — but the world, as you know, has changed. Instead, we are joining GINA in a simple request: hold your breath, just for a moment:
- In support of the 36% of us who regularly struggle to breathe
- In recognition of the fact that only 22% of us have a plan in place
- In the hope that the Lung Health Foundation will reach our goal of zero asthma deaths in Ontario and across Canada
Your World Asthma Day checklist
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Have a plan – and stick to it.
Our Moving the Dial research survey indicates that only 22% of us have an Asthma Action Plan in place, and only 44% know what one is! Download an adult or pediatric plan here – your healthcare provider can help you fill it out (on paper in person, or digitally via social distancing video call !) -
Get ready for allergy season.
Getting outside occasionally for a walk in the fresh air can boost your mood, as long as the pollen doesn’t boost your asthma symptoms! Unfortunately tree pollen’s peaking and grass pollen’s just getting started. These common asthma triggers can cause a flare-up, so reduce your exposure by checking pollen reports at weather.ca and adjusting your outdoor activities accordingly. Stick to your Asthma Action Plan if your symptoms get worse, and don’t forget to social distance. -
Protect your lungs while disinfecting your home, and during routine spring cleaning.
Wheezing definitely won’t spark joy while you tackle tidying up, and protecting your family from the SARS-CoV-2 virus shouldn’t put anyone at risk of an asthma flare up, either. Keep your home well ventilated while using commercial cleaning products, and consider making your own non-toxic products instead. For COVID-19 spread prevention, consult the Public Health Agency of Canada’s list of hard-surface disinfectants to find a suitable product to clean the high traffic surfaces of your home, like door handles, railings, and light switches. Keep your home well ventilated while using any commercial cleaning product. -
Make the most of your check-ups.
Planning a spring physical, either in person or through video chat with your healthcare provider? Arrive prepared. Jot down your questions in advance, bring your current medications or have them ready in front of you, and make sure you address any and all concerns, no matter how minor. Your healthcare provider is here to help! Check-ups are a good time to re-evaluate your Asthma Action Plan too. -
Let us help you stay as healthy as possible!
You might be out of your routine, but now is NOT the time to ration or take a “break” from your prescribed treatment plan – in fact, it’s more important than ever! Keeping yourself out of the hospital is essential, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need quick advice, our Certified Respiratory Educators are standing by. Reach us at 1-888-344-LUNG, or start a live chat session at lunghealth.ca.