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Asthma
and allergies
strike
one out
of four
Americans.
There
is no
cure for
asthma,
but it
can be
managed
with proper
prevention
and treatment.
It is
alarming
to note
among
children
ages five
to 17,
that asthma
is the
leading
cause
of school
absences
from a
chronic
illness.
It accounts
for an
annual
loss of
more than
14 million
school
days (approximately
eight
days for
each student
with asthma)
and more
hospitalizations
than any
other
childhood
disease.
It is
estimated
that children
with asthma
spend
nearly
eight
million
days per
year restricted
to bed.
RCRMC
is pleased
to be
joining
a program
sponsored
by the
Southern
California
Chapter
of the
Asthma & Allergy
Foundation
of America
(AAFA),
by staffing
a “Breathmobile®”
– an asthma
clinic
on wheels.
The Breathmobile®
will visit
Riverside
County
schools
and County
health
clinics
every
six to
eight
weeks,
providing
asthma
diagnosis,
education
and treatment
for children
with poorly
controlled
asthma.
The Breathmobile®
will be
staffed
with a
nurse
practitioner
and respiratory
therapists.
By working
with the
school
districts
and school
nurses,
RCRMC
will use
a validated
screening
process
to identify
children
with poorly
controlled
asthma
who will
benefit
from this
program.
The Breathmobile®
staff
will help
identify
healthcare
resources
and encourage
families
to follow-up
with routine
care in
a primary
care setting.
Evaluation
studies
have demonstrated
dramatic
improvement
for patients
treated
on the Breathmobile®,
including
fewer emergency
room visits,
improved
pulmonary
function,
decrease
in school
absenteeism,
and improved
quality
of life.
RCRMC is
excited
to be participating
in this
valuable
service
to the community
and helping
our children
breathe
easier!
— 07-0305a |
