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The American Lung Associaton recently posted new videos to its asthma YouTube channel. The channel now has eight how-to videos for asthma inhalers, using a spacer, and using a peak flow meter. A video on how to teach a child to belly breathe for relaxation has also been added.

The American Lung Association Asthma Basics teaches how to identify the characteristics of asthma, learn how to recognize and manage triggers, understand the value of an asthma action plan, and recognize and respond accordingly to a breathing emergency. The module includes six how-to videos that teach the proper usage of asthma medications and devices.

This FREE online learning opportunity is targeted to adults with asthma, caregivers, asthma professionals, and anyone that would like to learn more about asthma management.

To register for the online module, contact onlinelearning@lung.org.

Many studies have shown consistent associations between evident indoor dampness or mold and respiratory or allergic health effects, but causal links remain unclear. Findings on measured microbiologic factors have received little review. We conducted an updated, comprehensive review on these topics. The review indicated that evident dampness or mold had consistent positive associations with multiple allergic and respiratory effects. Measured microbiologic agents in dust had limited suggestive associations, including both positive and negative associations for some agents. Thus, prevention and remediation of indoor dampness and mold are likely to reduce health risks, but current evidence does not support measuring specific indoor microbiologic factors to guide health-protective actions.