I Want to Stop Smoking: What Resources Are Available to Me, How Do I Do It, Are There Any Medications?
If you’re looking to quit smoking, there are many resources available to help you, and the desire to quit is a huge step in the right direction. Telephone helplines are offered by the American Cancer Society at 866-QUIT-4-LIFE (866-784-8454) around the clock 24/7 and the American Lung Association at 800-LUNGUSA (800-586-4872). The American Lung Association also offers a “Freedom From Smoking” support program, which can be accessed online. Ask your healthcare provider
Inhalers: What Are They, How Do I Use Them, Why Do I Need One?
Inhalers – also known as bronchodilators – are medications breathed through the mouth and into the lungs in order to help clear airways. For example, an asthma attack swells and narrows the airways, making it difficult to breathe and triggering symptoms like coughing and wheezing. An inhaler relaxes these tightened muscles surrounding the airway. Air then moves in and out with greater ease, and the person is able to breathe
New Asthma Treatments: What Are Biologics?
Biologics are genetically-engineered medications made from the cells of living organisms and modified to target antibodies, inflammatory molecules, or cell receptors naturally occurring in humans. They target these molecules in order to suppress the inflammation which may trigger allergic diseases, such as asthma. A unique facet of biologics is their ability to target one specific molecule associated with the disease. This makes biologics a very precise therapy. If your asthma symptoms
Do I Need An Annual COVID-19 Vaccine?
Click here to download a video greeting from Dr. Mike! COVID-19 stands poised to persist as a chronic presence in the coming years. Another uptick of mild cases in late May affirmed that the disease is still a part of our lives. Newer therapeutics offer the ability to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 to avoid hospitalization and death among the unvaccinated. If an annual vaccine is the recommendation handed down by