Spontaneity: A Realized "Barrier" to Exercise with AsthmaWhile I am aware that it is because of asthma that I got “into” (read: semi-interested in) any sort of physical activity at all, asthma does really hinder the whole...reactions3comments
A Culture of Health, Where Everyone is IncludedI have been doing a lot of thinking about all the players that are involved in healthcare. There are so many opinions, "experts", people that are involved (patients), caregivers, researchers...reactionscomments
To Sleep Perchance to DreamSo in my last piece I broached the subject that sleep may have a positive effect on asthma. If the theories are correct then ‘all’ I have to do is...reactionscomments
History of Asthma (Part 3): Nebulizers and InhalersIt's pretty impressive how far asthma medications have come since ancient times. I spoke of many ancient remedies and treatments in part 1 and part 2 of this series and...reactions3comments
Asthma GadgetsIt's no secret that we live in an age where people like gadgets, the kind that are both electrical and non electrical. I'm sure many of you would agree with...reactions2comments
The Empty Inhaler Strikes AgainI take four inhalers, and only one of them actually has a dose counter on it—and after all, research and experience indicate this may not even help much. What’s ridiculous...reactionscomments
It's Not About AsthmaHe wraps his recently-three-year-old fingers around the blue tag of my medical ID bracelet. Plays with my bracelet chain for a moment while smiling at something, while standing in front...reactionscomments
When friends have your back before you realize it!As asthma comes in all kinds of different forms, sometimes, I forget that some of my friends with asthma actually have asthma, until I think back on conversations. I keep...reactionscomments
Let's Talk Pulse OximetryWe have all seen them - either the sticker or clip on your finger attached to the vitals machine. The elusive pulse oximeter. There are also small portable ones that...reactions33comments
Where Was That Pamphlet Five Years Ago?I recently came across a pamphlet on advocating for yourself and involving patient and family advisers in your decision making and care. I could have seriously have used that pamphlet five years...reactionscomments
Losing My Voice to AsthmaSo asthma never fails to surprise me. The latest “fun” with asthma is that I now lose my voice when I have a severe asthma attack or when I get...reactions25comments
History of Asthma (Part One): In The BeginningThe earliest recorded instance of respiratory distress was from china in 2600 BC. It was characterized as "noisy breathing" which could be what we know as wheezing today. There are...reactionscomments
Community Views: Where Do You Keep Your Inhaler When You’re Out and About?We all know inhalers play a significant role in asthma treatment. The importance of carrying your asthma inhaler at all times cannot be overstated. Your inhaler is probably one of...reactions33comments
Alarm Fatigue: Patient EditionOn our second last Asthma Pals session this Spring, one of the kiddos asked about how to get better at remembering to take her puffers everyday. My suggestion was to pair...reactionscomments
Post-Secondary and Asthma: Asthma and Allergy Friendly AccommodationsI never really thought of my asthma as a disability when it came to my time in university. It’s not that asthma didn’t cause me trouble a time or two...reactions2comments
Past Its Prime, Medication Expiry Dates, Inhaler Inventory and HousekeepingLike most patients, there are a few items in my medicine cabinet that I have been saving for a zombie apocalypse or that failed but that I just don't seem...reactions4comments
Asthma Subgroups: Asthma/COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS)Researchers now understand that about 11% of asthmatics also have COPD, and 10-50% of COPDers over the age of 50 also have asthma. When this happens it is generally diagnosed...reactionscomments
The Effects of Coffee on AsthmaI rarely ever drank coffee until I was 40. Then, for some inexplicable reason, I became a coffee fiend, drinking 6-7 cups of coffee every day. Then I quit cold...reactions21comments
Finding Your People (for Kids): Asthma PalsIn May and June, I was a part of the Asthma Society of Canada’s initial launch of an asthma peer support program for kids called Asthma Pals. Asthma Pals, is...reactionscomments
Dark and Twisty Severe AsthmaI am generally a pretty positive person. Especially, when it comes to health stuff. I usually take the good, the bad, and the ugly and deal with what is coming...reactions19comments