(StatePoint) Asthma is a lifelong, chronic lung disease. However, for the 27.8 million people impacted in the United States, proper disease management can help them lead active lives.
To ensure that adults with asthma and the parents of children with asthma have the support they need to best manage their disease and emotional wellbeing, the American Lung Association is now offering a new comprehensive suite of programs. Focused on helping those with asthma improve their quality of life and maintain an active lifestyle with the disease, the free initiative includes three main components:
Support: As a part of the program, people can connect with Lung Health Navigators — registered nurses, respiratory therapists, certified asthma educators and certified tobacco treatment specialists, who provide free, personalized support, guidance and resources. Lung Health Navigators meet with people one-on-one to answer questions about asthma techniques, provide educational resources, help them navigate insurance challenges, link them with support group connections and much more. These sessions are unlimited, and can happen over the phone, via live online chat, or with video calls when it works best for the participant’s schedule.
Education: Participants get access to the proven Breathe Well, Live Well course, which is the Lung Association’s premier asthma self-management program for adults and for parents of children with asthma. The evidence-based curriculum teaches participants how to take control of their asthma, and is based on national best practices for asthma care. Breathe Well, Live Well is the only program available nationwide that has shown to result in less severe asthma, fewer respiratory problems, and a better ability to stick to treatment plans. Participation includes the Breathe Well, Live Well Asthma Education workbook, available in digital or hard copy format in five languages.
Community: Community is critical for families living with asthma, so the program includes complimentary membership in the Patient & Caregiver Network, which provides free resources, education, and access to emerging research like clinical trials. In addition, people who sign up for the Asthma Lung Health Navigator program will receive a free air cleaner to help improve their indoor air quality (limited time only and while supplies last).
