Did you know that May is Asthma Awareness Month? HealthNet’s Pulmonary Disease Management Educator, Dan Wilson, helps patients make treatment plans to deal with their Asthma so they can live a normal life.

A few Asthma Factoids according to the Marion County Public Health Department:

• 9.5% of Indiana children age 0-10, and 11.8% of 11-17 year olds currently have asthma.
• Nearly 12% of adults living in Marion County have asthma.
• Asthma incidence has been increasing in the U.S. at more than 4% per year since the 1980’s.
• A family history of asthma or allergy increases asthma risk in childhood by 90%.
• Boys are at greater risk of asthma than girls.
• Maternal pre-natal smoking and a child’s exposure to environmental tobacco smoke are risk factors for asthma incidence in children.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease of the airway passages in the lungs. The airway passages become swollen and the muscles on the outside of the airways get tight and this makes it difficult to breathe. Common symptoms include coughing with mucus, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Someone with asthma may have “flare-ups” caused by triggers such as tobacco smoke, allergies or catching a cold. Asthma typically develops in early childhood however asthma can develop later in life too.

Are There Different Types and Levels of Asthma?

Yes, the most common type of asthma is Allergic Asthma. Someone who is allergic to furry pets or has seasonal allergies can have asthma symptoms when exposed to these things. Another type of asthma is Non-Allergic Asthma. This type of asthma is caused by inhaling irritants such as chemicals, fumes, or combustion of biofuels like wood or coal.

The mildest level of asthma is Intermittent Asthma which only appears occasionally. Then there are three persistent levels of asthma; Mild, Moderate, and Severe. These levels are more serious and require daily medication to control symptoms.

Is There a Cure For Asthma?

No, but asthma can be treated and controlled effectively by following a treatment plan using prescribed inhaled medications daily as directed by your health care provider.

Is Asthma Contagious?

No. Asthma is passed on through genes like if your parents or grandparents had asthma. However research also shows people can develop asthma if they live in an area of high air pollution, or work or live in an environment with poor air quality.  Mothers who smoke tobacco during pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop asthma.

Can Someone With Asthma Have a Normal and Active Life?

Yes. Many professional athletes have asthma and perform at a high level because they take asthma seriously and follow the recommendations of their health care provider. Talk with your health care provider about your asthma. Together you and your provider can design a treatment plan that can control your asthma from being a problem.

Need help dealing with your Asthma? Call a HealthNet location near you or visit www.indyhealthnet.org! 

Pam was the first patient to visit the new Barrington Health & Dental Center on Monday.

On Monday, we celebrated the opening of our newest site, HealthNet Barrington Health & Dental Center, on the near southeast side of Indy. With 26,000 square feet across two floors and 43 brand new exam rooms, the building will ultimately become the medical home for more than 9,000 people inIndianapolis who seek high quality, primary health care.

The old Barrington Health Center outgrew its space nearly five years ago, in response to community need. Thanks to $5.1 million in federal stimulus funding, the new facility, built right next door, quadruples the health center’s former size and capacity.

Pam was the first patient to walk in on Monday. She’s been coming to the old Barrington Health Center for over 15 years. In fact, three generations of her family have made it their “health care home.”

“Barrington has been a big help to me and my family. They have been doing a great job here,” Pam said with a smile.

As she stopped by for a routine check-up, Pam was pleased to experience first hand the center’s new services, more exam rooms, better parking,  and inviting atmosphere – along with the same great medical providers and staff she’s come to trust over the years. “This is really exciting for our community,” she said.

Wiley, a 72-year-old retiree, echoed Pam’s comments. On Monday he was the health center’s very first dental patient. The expansion brought the opportunity to add a state-of-the-art, six-operatory dental center – a first for this community.

Wiley came in because he lost his lower dentures and has been making do without them – for more than a year. They’re expensive to replace, he said, and finding affordable options has been a challenge.

Wiley isn’t alone. Last year the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that 33 percent of people surveyed skipped dental care or dental checkups because they couldn’t afford them. Approximately 108 million Americans lack dental insurance, more than twice as many as lack medical insurance. Roughly 10,000 people in Marion County are without access to dental care, with cost being the primary factor.

Many people avoid the dentist’s office out of fear, but some don’t go because they can’t afford it.

Now more than ever, health centers are a critical source of affordable oral health services to those with the highest burden of disease and unmet need.

On Monday, Wiley visited HealthNet’s fifth and newest dental center to see about finally getting some new teeth. Although he lives alone, Wiley loves to cook. But there’s only so much you can do to make a meal nutritious and appetizing when everything you eat has to be soft. “There are so many things I just can’t eat right now,” he said.

Wiley is already looking forward to savoring his first meal once his new teeth are ready. He plans to chow down on a steak – or meat of any kind! – a salad – and fresh, Indiana corn on the cob.

Bon appétit, Wiley! We’re glad to be in the neighborhood to help.

Learn more about the new HealthNet Barrington Health & Dental Center!

Click here to see photos from our grand opening celebration for staff!

BRAND NEW Barrington is a 26,000 square foot building that isn’t just allowing us to expand in size but in quality, efficiency and range  of care.

The night was filled with memories of old Barrington, goals for the future and a re-commitment to serving the Barrington neighborhood on the southeast side of Indianapolis.

Click here to scroll through pictures from that night!