Asthma Educator Course - Preparatory Course for the National Asthma Educator Certification Board Examination. Set for March 1-2, 2007 in San Diego.

This is an intensive 2-day course designed to teach and promote optimal diagnosis, treatment and management of asthma following the most recent guidelines of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). 12.5 CMEs and 13 CHES credits WILL BE AVAILABLE. Click here for the Registration form.

The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF) has released "Environmental Management of Pediatric Asthma: Guidelines for Health Care Providers". The guidelines are designed to help pediatric primary care providers advise families about environmental interventions to help reduce or eliminate triggers for children diagnosed with asthma. This best practice resource is filled with practical strategies for integrating environmental management of asthma into health professional's curriculum and clinical practice. These guidelines can be used in conjunction with clinical and pharmacological components, as part of a child's comprehensive asthma management plan. The guidelines are built on current best practices and include competencies for management of environmental asthma triggers in pediatric care; a quick, user-friendly environmental history form; intervention guidelines for specific environmental triggers; patient flyers that are perforated for easy duplication; and references. The guidelines are supplemented by an online list of resources with Web links. Click this link to view the asthma guidelines http://www.neetf.org/Health/asthmaguidelines.htm.

San Diego Pulmonary Society - Health care practitioners who have an interest in pulmonary medicine are invited to join the San Diego Pulmonary Society, administered by the American Lung Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties. Meetings are held 3 or 4 times per year and usually consist of an informational lecture and dinner. CME credits are provided. Membership is open to all health care practitioners. Annual membership dues are charged, however, non-members are also welcome to attend meetings.

• Join the San Diego Pulmonary Society.

• Information about the meeting topics

If you have questions or comments about the Pulmonary Society, please contact Keith Johnson at 619-297-3901 or keith@lungsandiego.org.

Tuberculosis Resources - TB-specific information for practitioners.

Research - Information is available on local research supported by the American Lung Association and how to apply for research funds.

Programs for patients - The Association sponsors several programs and services for people with lung disease. You are encouraged to print out and share information with your patients and/or request brochures or flyers on the following programs:

• SCAMP Camp -- for kids with asthma ages 8 through 13
• Open Airways for Schools - for kids with asthma in grades 3 through 5
• Better Breathers Clubs for adults with chronic lung disease

Materials for patients - The Association carries many patient education brochures, booklets, posters and videos in the following areas: asthma, COPD, clean air/environment, tobacco use/ETS, tuberculosis, and miscellaneous lung disease topics. You may request lists of materials or ordering information. Be sure to specify topics of interest.

OTHER RESOURCES

American Thoracic Society - The American Thoracic Society (ATS) publishes statements and position papers on many aspects of pulmonary medicine and critical care.

ATS also maintains a listing of CME events.

California Thoracic Society - CTS addresses some topics not covered by ATS statements and also publishes patient education literature.

Registration for Email Updates - To be notified of new resources, events and initiatives of interest to the respiratory care community, please fill out our User Registry

LINKS FOR PRACTITIONERS