Tagged With "minority health"
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AAFA Unveils New Respiratory-Focused Patient Education Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Partners with AHIP’s Coalition for Medicare Choices to Create New Respiratory-Focused Patient Education Resources Landover, M.D. June 6, 2016: Today, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA) unveiled new resources created in collaboration with America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC). Throughout May, which was Asthma and Allergy Awareness month, AAFA worked with the CMC’s Medicare Advantage...
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AAFA Urges Inclusion of Patient Voice in Analysis of Costly New Asthma Drugs
Biologics are a new class of drugs that fight disease at the source . Instead of attacking symptoms, these drugs target diseases like asthma at a molecular level. These newer types of drugs are more expensive than older medicines. That is prompting public discussion on how to pay for them. The cost of caring for patients with the most severe forms of asthma represents a majority of asthma healthcare spending. In addition, asthma is a leading cause of missed time from work and school. Last...
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Act Now to Help Protect National Asthma Control Program
Congress just cleared its final fiscal year 2018 spending bill. The bill included $29 million for the National Asthma Control Program (NACP). This program is run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This important action reverses the president's proposed cut of nearly $4 million to the program. And it actually gives a slight increase to the NACP above what the program got in the 2017 fiscal year.
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Act Now to Help Save Health Care Protections for Those With Asthma and Allergies
On Sept. 13, 2017, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced a new bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA includes protections for those with pre-existing conditions. Their goal is to vote on the repeal before Sept. 30, 2017.
This bill, commonly called the Graham-Cassidy bill, could cause millions of Americans to lose health insurance. If passed, health insurance could become unaffordable for people with chronic conditions and low incomes.
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Action Needed to Protect Medicaid Coverage for Allergy Testing in Kentucky
Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services have proposed several cuts to Medicaid benefits including one that affects allergy sufferers. One of the changes proposed is to remove coverage for allergy testing for people on Medicaid. Allergy testing is an important part of diagnosing an allergy. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is accepting public comments about the proposed changes. AAFA encourages constituents to contact Commissioner Stephen Miller...
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Advances in Asthma and Allergies in 2019
These are just a few things we were able to do this year for the asthma and allergy community because of you. But there is more for us to do to significantly reduce the burden of these diseases on people with asthma and allergies. And we can with your help.
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Aerospan Inhaler for Daily Asthma Maintenance Is Being Discontinued
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Mylan is discontinuing Aerospan® (80 mcg). Aerospan is a corticosteroid inhaler used for daily asthma maintenance. Mylan notified the FDA on Jan. 26, 2018.
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Aetna Decides FeNO Testing Is Medically Necessary for Its Members With Asthma
Circassia Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on respiratory disease, is pleased to announce that Aetna, one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, has updated its Exhaled Breath Tests Clinical Policy to include the measurement of exhaled nitric oxide as “medically necessary” for the evaluation of asthma and for monitoring the response to long-term control therapy.
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Air Cleaners: What You Need to Know
For many people, the health risks posed by indoor air quality can often be significantly higher than outdoor air. Animal dander, pollen, mold, dust mites and fumes released by cooking, burning fuel or cleaning products can all negatively impact your indoor air. One way you can improve your indoor air quality is with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® air cleaner. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for an air cleaner.
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Air Pollution Harms the Health of 4 in 10 Americans
AAFA is proud to be a partner of the “Year of Air Pollution & Health.” Led by the American Lung Association, this campaign teaches the public about air pollution, climate change and health.
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Air Quality Around the World
April 29 – May 3 is Air Quality Awareness Week , sponsored by the NOAA National Weather Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Forest Service, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This year’s theme is “Check the AQI & Get Outside” to encourage everyone to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) regularly. Today’s focus is “Air Quality Around the World.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 91% of the world breathes polluted...
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Albuterol Inhaler Shortage Due to COVID-19 Could Impact People With Asthma
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is sharing this message from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)for people with asthma about a shortage of albuterol metered dose inhalers
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Alert: FDA Requests Removal of All Ranitidine Products (Zantac) From the Market
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it is requesting manufacturers withdraw all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine drugs from the market immediately. This is the latest step in an ongoing investigation of a contaminant known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine medications (commonly known by the brand name Zantac). The agency has determined that the impurity in some ranitidine products increases over time and when stored at higher than room temperature
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An Important Voice for People with Asthma and Allergies
Patients should have access to new, life-saving and life-enhancing treatments for asthma and allergies. We are proud to announce: AAFA’s CEO, Dr. Cary Sennett, will be advocating on your behalf to state insurance commissioners. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is the professional association for the regulators within each U.S. state and territory who establish and monitor the standards for healthcare insurance programs. They chose Dr. Sennett to represent the...
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AAFA’s Ask the Allergist: Can Asthma Develop Suddenly?
Q: Is it common for asthma to develop very suddenly? I am a 30-year-old, Caucasian female and I have had intermittent shortness of breath for 11 months, but have had everyday attacks for the past 3 months. My allergist and pulmonologist are having a hard time managing my asthma.
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Ask the Allergist: Does Eczema Affect Allergy Testing?
I have eczema and seasonal allergies. My doctor wants to do a skin test to see if I should get allergy shots. Can I get allergy shots if I have eczema? Does eczema affect the accuracy of allergy skin test results?
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Ask Your Senators to Approve Increased Funding for the National Asthma Control Program
Happy 20th Birthday to the National Asthma Control Program (NACP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)! We are thrilled to see that our advocacy efforts are paying off. We applaud the House Appropriations Committee for approving the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2020 today to increase to program funding to $34 million. We hope the Senate will do the same.
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Asthma and Allergy Caucus to FDA: Take Action to Prevent Albuterol Shortages
Congressmen Eliot L. Engel (D-NY) and Fred Upton (R-MI), Co-Chairs of the Asthma and Allergy Caucus, joined by Congressmen TJ Cox (D-CA) and Peter King (R-NY), Members of Caucus, led 57 Members of the House on a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about shortages of albuterol inhalers, which are critical to effective asthma management.
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Announces Free Online Course for Asthma Patients
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) with support provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created and launched the Asthma Symptoms, Treatment, Health Management and Activities™ (ASTHMA) Care for Adults program to help patients manage asthma and improve their health. The program covers a full range of topics someone with asthma needs to know.
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Appoints Kenneth Mendez as CEO
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has appointed Kenneth Mendez as its president and chief executive officer, effective January 22, 2018. Mendez has built his career in senior leadership by successfully growing the reach of numerous non-profit organizations, a track record he now brings to AAFA in support of its mission to improve the health and quality of life for more than 60 million Americans with asthma and allergies.
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Elects Dr. Richard Murray as New Board Chair
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) announces the election of Dr. Richard K. Murray, MD, FACP, as the new board chair. Dr. Murray has served as a leader on AAFA’s board of directors since 2016.
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Responds to Premature ICER Review of New Peanut Allergy Treatments
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) addresses concerns regarding the Final Evidence Report assessing the clinical effectiveness and value of treatments for peanut allergy released by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) on July 10, 2019. ICER’s report may cause concern for the allergy community that the findings will restrict access to new treatments for peanut allergy.
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Asthma and Allergy Research Review January-March 2017
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America will recap some of the top research about allergies and asthma every three months. Here is a look at studies reported between January and March. Read about how treating homes for cockroaches can improve children's asthma, a possible link between insomnia and developing asthma, the safety of allergy immunotherapy and more.
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Asthma and Allergy To-Do List Before School Ends for Summer Break
Around the U.S., the school year is almost over! If you have a child with asthma or allergies, add these to your end-of-year to-do list.
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Asthma Drug Shortages During COVID-19: A Letter From AAFA’s President and CEO
Because of the COVID-19 (new coronavirus) pandemic, we are facing a challenging and unprecedented time. COVID-19 is a respiratory infection, and the nearly 25 million Americans with asthma are at high risk for complications from the virus. As the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, this has the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) deeply concerned for your health and well-being.
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Attack Asthma Run Raises Awareness and Money for Asthma
Nearly 25 million Americans have asthma. This includes more than 400 students at San Leandro High School in California. When Jan Othen, a health and physical education teacher, learned how many students at her school have asthma and she heard about several asthma-related deaths, she decided she had to do something to help raise awareness.
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Babies With A Dog in the Home May Have a Lower Risk of Asthma and Eczema
Two studies being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting show there may be even more reason to love your dog.
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Black Children Six Times More Likely to Die of Asthma
There is no cure for asthma, but with the proper diagnosis, medication and an asthma management plan, symptoms can be controlled. When not properly controlled asthma can be deadly. A study being presented at the 2017 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting called “Where Do Children with Asthma Die? A National Perspective from 2003 to 2014” seeks to address where and which demographics of children are dying because of asthma in the United States.
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Breathe Easier: Improving Indoor Air Quality in Your Living Room
Your indoor air can actually be worse than outdoor air. This is because your indoor air is made up of the outdoor air that comes in your home, plus allergens, scents and chemicals in the home.
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Building and Remodeling When You Have Asthma and Allergies: Paint, Flooring and Insulation
Before you start a home building or renovation project, consider how the products you use or install may impact the overall health of your home. During construction, a lot of dust is generated and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be released. It’s important to consider choosing materials that emit fewer gases or other asthma triggers.
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Can You Prevent Allergies by Sucking on Your Baby’s Pacifier to Clean It?
If the thought of sucking your baby’s pacifier to clean it and then popping it in your baby’s mouth grosses you out, think again. New research being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting suggests a link between parental sucking on a pacifier and a lower allergic response among young children.
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Children Who Do Not Have Access to Fresh Fruits and Veggies Have Higher Rates of Asthma
Living in a food desert – an urban area where it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food – means you’re at increased risk to have asthma. Children who were studied who did not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables had higher rates of asthma than children who did have access.
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Clean Air, Sharp Minds Act Aims to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Schools to Improve Student Health and Learning
On Feb. 27, 2020, Senator Cory Booker and Representative Katherine Clark introduced the Clean Air, Sharp Minds Act. The proposed act would give schools a three-year grant to help them improve indoor air quality (IAQ) . The grant would allow schools in high pollution areas or that pose a severe health and safety threat to install commercial air filters. This program would be managed by the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These grants aim to: Improve the...
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Clean Economy Act Would Benefit Millions of People With Asthma and Allergies by Addressing Climate Crisis
U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, was joined by 32 Senators in introducing legislation that would put the United States on a path to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050.
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Climate Change and Your Health
Extreme weather, wildfires and coastal flooding are some of the visible impacts of climate change happening today. But did you know that climate change can also affect your allergies and allergic asthma?
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Climate Change Takes a Toll on Asthma and Allergy Health
Climate change is a major issue for environmental health as well as public health. Warming temperatures contribute to longer and more severe pollen seasons. That makes respiratory diseases worse. So this week, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America joins nearly 20 other organizations in signing a statement called “A Declaration on Climate Change and Health.” The letter is being released at the start of National Public Health Week. It is also World Allergy Week, a week created by the...
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Congress Introduces Bill to Protect Students with Asthma
Congress is taking steps to improve how schools across the country manage asthma. The federal bill is called the School-Based Asthma Management Programs Act (HR 4662). The bill encourages states to improve asthma care in schools. Schools that adopt improved asthma management programs and policies would have a better chance of receiving federal grant money for asthma programs. Representatives Phil Roe (R-TN) and Steny Hoyer (D-MD) are the sponsors of the bill. The bill calls for: stocking...
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COVID-19 and Its Impact on People With Asthma and Allergies: A Global Health Crisis
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has been fighting to save lives for nearly 70 years. With your support, we provide education, conduct patient-centered research and advocate for protections for our community. Our experience and strong community ties allowed us to take prompt action on the COVID-19 crisis . Thanks to your generous support, we are leading the fight against COVID-19 for people with asthma and allergies. But we need your help to continue to provide COVID-19...
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CVS Sinus Relief Nasal Mist Recalled Due to Contamination
Holly Hill, FL, Product Quest Manufacturing (“Product Quest”) is voluntarily recalling Lot# 173089J of CVS Health 12 Hour Sinus Relief Nasal Mist, a clear, colorless liquid, to the consumer level. The product was found to have had microbiological contamination identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Dr. Philip Norman: An AAFA Tribute to an Allergy Legend
If you’ve ever benefited from immunotherapy (allergy shots, SLIT or oral immunotherapy), you can thank Dr. Philip Sidney Norman. Dr. Norman put allergy research on the map. He is known as the “father of modern immunotherapy for allergic disease” and even coined the term “allergen immunotherapy.” As an allergist and researcher for more than 50 years, he published 237 research papers and more than 100 book chapters and reviews. And for many decades, he was an important part of AAFA.
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Dupilumab Shows Benefit for Those With Severe Asthma During Clinical Trial
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Sanofi today announced that the Phase 3 investigational study evaluating dupilumab in adults and adolescents with severe, steroid-dependent asthma met its primary endpoint and key secondary endpoints.
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Dupixent® Shows Positive Results in Phase 3 of Trial for Ages 6 to 11 With Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Sanofi today announced that a pivotal Phase 3 trial evaluating Dupixent® (dupilumab) to treat severe atopic dermatitis in children aged 6 to 11 years met its primary and secondary endpoints. Dupixent is the first and only biologic to show positive results in this pediatric atopic dermatitis population.
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Early Exposure to Pet and Pest Allergens Could Reduce Asthma Risk
More than 8 percent of children in the U.S. currently have asthma. Did you know early exposure to some allergens may reduce a child’s asthma risk?
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Easy Ways to Raise Awareness About Asthma and Allergies
Help us raise awareness about asthma and allergies during May, National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month . About 25 million people in the U.S. have asthma. And around 32 million Americans have food allergies. Asthma alone causes 1.8 million emergency department visits each year. And severe allergic reactions cause 30,000 emergency department visits. With the right education and treatment, we can help people manage asthma and allergies to reduce medical emergencies. The Asthma and Allergy...
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Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act Would Expand Efforts to Improve Care for People With Asthma
Representatives Eliot L. Engel (D-NY-16), Fred Upton (R-MI-06), Pete King (R-NY-02) and TJ Cox (D-CA-21), all members of the House Asthma and Allergy Caucus, have introduced legislation to honor Elijah E. Cummings’ long-time advocacy for those living with asthma. The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act would expand federal, state, and local efforts to improve care for individuals with asthma.
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Eliminate Allergy and Asthma Triggers From Schools to Support National Healthy Schools Day
Asthma is the main reason why children miss school. In fact, children in the U.S. miss about 13.8 million school days each year due to asthma. Missing school can affect many children's grades and well-being. Controlling asthma triggers at home can help reduce asthma symptoms. But what about at school? If kids are exposed to triggers at school, managing asthma at home will be a losing battle. Children are the most affected by air pollution and poor indoor air quality. The Asthma and Allergy...
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EPA Works to Reduce Air Pollution in 32 States by Improving Older School Buses
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded more than $8.7 million to replace or retrofit 452 older diesel school buses. The funds are going to 141 school bus fleets in 32 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new and retrofitted buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to health problems such as asthma and lung damage.
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Family Keeps Memory of 13-Year-Old Sports Star Alive Through Asthma Awareness Efforts
Tiffany Phu loved sports and spent most of her time outdoors. So it was fitting that on a balmy May night, her older sister Michelle confidently threw out the first pitch at a Philadelphia Phillies game. Michelle advocates for asthma awareness in memory of her sister Tiffany. “Tiffany enjoyed playing all types of sports,” notes Michelle. Tiffany died from asthma two years earlier, in May 2014, after running track at her Texas school. The eighth grader was just 13. The sudden and tragic loss...
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Family Removed from Plane After Boy’s Allergic Reaction to Dog
Be kind. Be nice.
That is the message that a father with terminal cancer gives when he and his family are removed from a plane after his young son has an allergic reaction to a dog.
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FDA Approves a New Treatment Option for Those With Severe Asthma
AstraZeneca and its global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune, today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Fasenra (benralizumab) for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients with severe asthma aged 12 years and older, and with an eosinophilic phenotype.