Lung Health Seminar to Help Hunter Breathe Easy

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter locals with concerns about their lung health will have the chance to have their questions heard at a community seminar this evening.

The Hunter Medical Research Institute's Breathe Easy seminar is offering talks on how to manage asthma  in the age of COVID-19 and the potential for future research in the area.

There'll also be a Q&A session after the talks.

Professor Vanessa McDonald, a research leader in HMRI's VIVA Program, says natural disasters like bushfires and thunderstorms are making regional Australia a bit of an asthma hotspot. 

"Disasters have significantly affected people with asthma," Prof McDonald said. "For example, a few years ago there was the thunderstorm event in Melbourne, followed by bushfires and then COVID-19."

"We know that a lot of people in the community who have asthma might not necessarily be doing all the right things to manage their asthma most effectively." 

Prof McDonald says it's important sufferers stay one step ahead of the disease.

"These things are not going to stop," Prof McDonald said. "Bushfires will occur again."

"We really need to be prepared about what the best approach to take is when these events occur, particularly on the lives of people with chronic diseases including lung diseases and cardiovascular disease."

The seminar, running 6pm to 7pm this evening, is available online or face-to-face by registering at https://hmri.org.au/breathe-easy-asthma-and-lung-health-community-seminar-person-registration.

Time for Spring Cleaning: Asthma Council

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

It's National Asthma Week, and Hunter residents are being encouraged to improve their environment to lessen the risk of attacks.

Asthma triggers are heightened in Spring, with older and unrenovated homes more likely to be carrying dust and mould, posing a danger to sufferers.

Program Manager of Sensitive Choice at the National Asthma Council, Adele Taylor, says there are a few simple steps you can take to make your home safer.

"One of the best things you can do is make sure you're cleaning your home regularly, that way you're avoiding dust mites settling into the property," she explained.

"Vacuuming at least once or twice a week is ideal," Ms Taylor continued, "especially in carpeted rooms and particularly if you've got young children."

There are currently 2.5 million Australians living with Asthma, and the condition affects 10% of children, representing the leading cause of emergency room visits.

Meanwhile, one in three people suffer from allergies.

Additional measures like washing bed linen in water hotter than 55 degrees and covering mattresses with dust-mite resistant protectors can also help lessen triggers.

When cleaning, use a damp cloth over a feather duster which can merely stir up particles into the air.

For more information on how to Asthma-proof your house, head to the Sensitive Choice website.