In this episode, we focus on AAFA’s Health Equity Advancement and Leadership (HEAL) program, and outreach efforts in Alabama to address asthma disparities that exist in rural communities with Dr. Ellen Buckner and Dr. Linda Gibson-Young. We discuss what health equity and health disparities are, steps to address these issues and improve asthma outcomes, and how people can connect with the HEAL program.

Resources:

• Health Equity: aafa.org/healthequityAsthma Facts and Figures: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-facts/
• Asthma Triggers: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/Healthier Homes Checklist: https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/healthier-home-indoor-air-quality/
• Asthma-Friendly Home Checklist: https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-2-asthma-triggers-home-checklist.pdf
• AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies:  https://aafa.org/join
• Black Women’s Asthma Alliance, private Facebook group for Black women who live with asthma or are caregivers to people with asthma: https://aafa.org/joinbwaa
• Alabama Asthma Ambassadors: https://alabamaasthmaambassadors.org

Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Genentech, Sanofi, and Regeneron. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

In this episode, we discuss managing asthma and allergies during pregnancy with Dr. Jennifer Namazy. We discuss whyit’s important, tips to manage these conditions during pregnancy, asthma medicine safety during pregnancy, and resources available for patients, caregivers, and health professionals.

Resources:

• Asthma During Pregnancy: https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/asthma-during-pregnancy/
• Breathe 4 Baby: Supporting Asthma Health During Pregnancy and Lactation: https://aafa.org/programs/collaborations/breathe-for-baby-asthma-during-pregnancy/
• Pregnancy and Lactation Asthma Action Plan: https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pregnancy-and-lactation-asthma-action-plan.pdf
• Healthier Homes Checklist: https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/healthier-home-indoor-air-quality/
• Asthma-Friendly Home Checklist: https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-2-asthma-triggers-home-checklist.pdf
• Allergy Information: https://aafa.org/allergies/
• AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies:  https://aafa.org/join

Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthmaand Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Genetech. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

In this episode, we talk about asthma management and control with Dr. William Anderson and Dr. Matthew Greenhawt. We discuss:

• What asthma is
• How to manage it
• Current inhaled treatment options
• Differences between quick relief medicines and controller medicines

Resources:

• Asthma Symptoms: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-symptoms/
• Asthma Treatment: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/
• How to Correctly Use Your Asthma Devices (PDF): https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-4-how-to-properly-use-your-asthma-devices.pdf
• Take Control of Your Asthma (YouTube playlist): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLBy23tjd-IXLcHspZiiV7G4QIX4wisK
• Asthma Action Plan: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/asthma-treatment-action-plan/
• Asthma Prevention: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-prevention/
• AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies:  https://aafa.org/join

Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from AstraZeneca. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

In this episode, Tamara Hubbard discusses mental health support and resources available to empower families managing food allergies. She discusses the social, mental, and relational impacts of food allergies on parents and children, as well as strategies to help families overcome these challenges.
Tamara is a licensed clinical professional counselor and family therapist.

Related resources:

• Mental Health Care Is Important for People Affected by Food Allergies (blog): https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/mental-health-care-food-allergies
• Managing Food Allergies at School: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/planning-for-school/
• AAFA’s Online Support Community for Parents Managing Food Allergies: https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/join
• Get Support: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/get-involved/get-support/

Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Genentech. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

Dr. Matthew Greenhawt, leading expert on food allergies, explains a recent study about a significant drop in peanut allergy diagnoses. The study covered by the media and got viral attention. But the reporting on the study is not entirely correct. The study notes that the drop in peanut allergy rates coincided with changes to feeding guidelines that now recommend early introduction of allergenic foods. However, there is not enough evidence the newer guidelines are the sole cause of the reduced peanut allergy rates. Dr. Greenhawt explains the evolution of feeding guidelines (including the 2015 LEAP study) which shifted recommendations to introduce allergenic foods between 4-6 months of age. Early introduction helps reduce risk, but the risk is not zero. Some kids will still develop allergies. Food allergies are complicated and there are many factors that contribute to whether someone has a food allergy.

In this episode, we talk about the latest research and guidelines for treating anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction. Drs. Matthew Greenhawt and Katherine Anagnostou explain:

• Symptoms of allergic reactions and what anaphylaxis means

• Why using epinephrine is important
• Why guidelines have evolved
• The research behind the first validated anaphylaxis action plan
• Details about how the plan provides a decision tree to help people decide course of action and provide prompt treatment of anaphylaxis.

Resources:

• Allergy Action Plan for the Treatment of Anaphylaxis (for Food, Drug, Stinging Insect, or Latex Allergy): https://aafa.org/allergyplan
• A Major Advancement in Allergy Care: New Anaphylaxis Definition and Guidance (blog): https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/a-major-advancement-in-allergy-care-new-anaphylaxis-definition-and-guidance
• School Planning Resources for Parents: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/planning-for-school/school-planning-resources-for-parents/
• Resources for School & Care Centers: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/planning-for-school/resources-for-school-care-centers/[MC1] [MC2] 
• Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) Online Support Community: https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/join

Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from ARS Pharmaceuticals and the AmericanCollege of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors or the employers of Dr. Anagnostou.

In this episode, we talk about managing allergies during the summer. Dr. Jeffrey Demain discusses common allergens seen during the summer such as stinging insects and pollen, and how people can protect themselves if they have bee allergy, ant allergy, or grass allergy.

Resources:

- AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: https://aafa.org/join

- Bee Sting Allergies: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/insect-allergy/bee-wasp-hornet-yellow-jacket/
- Fire Ant Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/insect-allergy/fire-ant-allergy/
- Grass Pollen Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pollen-allergy/grass-pollen-allergy/
- Allergens and Allergic Asthma: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/allergic-asthma/
- Asthma Prevention: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-prevention/
- Allergy Prevention: https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/
- Healthier Home Checklist: https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/healthier-home-indoor-air-quality/

Dr. Demain is the Founder, of the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Center of Alaska; Clinical Professor, at the University of Washington School of Medicine; Adjunct Professor, at the University of Alaska; and the Founder, of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Alaska Chapter. He is a member of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation ofAmerica’s Medical Scientific Council.

Disclosure:This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

In this episode, Naomi Seiler, JD talks about health policies and how they affect people’s access to affordable care and treatments for asthma and allergies. May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. This year’s theme is Make Asthma and Allergy Treatments Accessible for All.

Resources:

- Advocacy Action Center: aafa.org/advocacy

- Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Information and Activities: aafa.org/awareness

- AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: aafa.org/join

- AAFA’s Online Support Community for Parents Managing Food Allergies: kidswithfoodallergies.org/join

- Subscribe to AAFA’s Breathe Newsletter: aafa.org/subscribe

- Drug Assistance Programs: aafa.org/drugassistance

- What You Need to Know About the $35 Price Cap on Asthma Inhalers (blog): community.aafa.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-35-price-cap-on-asthma-inhalers

- What to Do If You Can't Afford Your Asthma Medicines (blog): community.aafa.org/blog/what-to-do-if-you-can-t-afford-your-asthma-medicines

- What to Do If You Can't Afford Epinephrine (blog):community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/what-to-do-if-you-cant-afford-epinephrine-auto-injectors

Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part bysupport from Amgen and Genentech. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors or of The George Washington University.

In this episode, Kathleen M. Buchheit, MD explains what nasal polyps are, why people with asthma or allergies have a greater chance of developing them, as well as treatment and management options currently available.

Resources:

- Nasal Polyps: aafa.org/nps

- A Guide to Nasal Polyps (PDF): aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/guide-to-managing-nasal-polyps.pdf

- Life with Nasal Polyps Report: aafa.org/nasalpolypslife

- AAFA’s Online Support Community: aafa.org/join

Disclosure: This episode was produced independently by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Amgen, Sanofi, and Regeneron. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsor.

In this episode, Jenna Riemenschneider, AAFA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Policy, and Hannah Jaffee, AAFA’s Director of Research talk about allergies and our AllergyCapitals report. This report analyzes data from across the United States and ranks the 100 largest cities where it is challenging to live with allergies. The episode also highlights the impacts of climate change, tips to manage allergies, and steps communities can take to improve the quality of life for people with pollen allergies.

Resources:

- Allergy Capitals Report: allergycapitals.org

- Pollen Allergy: aafa.org/pollen

- Advocacy: aafa.org/advocacy

- AAFA Online Support Community: aafa.org/join