ATTN: Fall Asthmatics - Time to Start Your Meds  

"Be Like A Scout, Be Prepared"

Flu Vaccine is Coming Shortly

Keep an Eye for Emails about Clinic Info!   

Its hard to believe that fall is right around the corner.  Hope your back to school shopping is going well! We would like to offer our asthmatic patients a few reminders to help make this fall a healthy one! 

1.  If your child is a Persistent Asthmatic in the Fall (on Daily Medication) ask us about Pneumonia Vaccine (if they have not received it in 4 years)
2. Take a moment to review your child's asthma plan. Pay specific attention to the Green Zone and the date suggested to begin your daily preventative medicine (usually Aug 15th).  Even though the Summer months may have been fine, Fall is the most common season for asthmatics trouble.  
3. Check your medications and make sure they have not expired! Please call for refills if any medications are set to expire soon.
1. Also check your asthma plan to see when your next asthma re-check visit should be.   
4. Make sure you have a copy of our Nighttime Asthma Attack Plan!
1. You should also have oral steroids (either Orapred or Prednisone) on hand.  Give us a call if you are missing them!  
5. Remember ASTHMA'S Early Warning Signs!
1. Nighttime coughing. 
2. Coughing or shortness of breath when walking or running.
1. unless you're already an exercise asthmatic. 
6. In an ATTACK - if you feel the need to call the doctor
1. ALWAYS start by giving:
1. An ALBUTERAL TREATMENT
2. and ORAL STEROIDS 
2. DON'T WAIT FOR DOCTOR TO CALL BACK! 
7. Don't forget to check out Dr. Hartman's Flu Vaccine video!

   Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics: Flu Vaccine 2011