WINTER, 2020
FRESH AIR A Newsletter for Breathe PA’s Supporters and Friends
Winter is upon us, and the coronavirus pandemic con-
As we head into the holidays, other respiratory ailments,
tinues to impact our community. It has changed the
such as the common cold and influenza, will be on the
way we school our children, work, and maintain social
rise. Now is the time to remain vigilant to protect your
relationships. As a lung health organization, we remain
health. It is important that you do everything within your
concerned about the spread of COVID-19 and are com-
power to keep your lung disease under control. Take your
mitted to providing resources that support slowing the
medication as prescribed, clean your equipment often,
spread. It is critical that individuals continue to practice
avoid irritants that make your breathing worse, and talk
strategies that are effective in reducing the spread of
to your doctor about immunizations that are appropriate
disease: hand washing, social distancing, high-touch
for you. If your lung disease becomes harder to control,
surface cleaning and disinfecting, and mask wearing.
contact your doctor. Don’t wait to seek medical attention.
None of these approaches are 100% effective, but when
The winter months often intensify feelings of isolation and
implemented together, they greatly reduce your risk of
loneliness, and the symptoms of anxiety that go with it. It’s
contracting coronavirus. If you’re exposed, contact your
important that in addition to controlling your lung disease,
doctor to get tested and separate from others for the
you take care of your mental health also. Pennsylvania’s
CDC recommended quarantine period. Visit the CDC and
Support and Referral Helpline, at (855) 284-2494, connects
PA Department of Health websites for the latest infor-
Pennsylvanians with mental and emotional support and
mation about coronavirus.
to local resources. Other resources are available at www.pa.gov/guides/mental-health/. Take care of yourself, and stay informed to breathe better and live healthier.
Our new website has been launched! Visit www.breathepa.org to see upcoming virtual events.
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