August 2, 2007

Act Now to Ensure Pulmonary Rehab for Your Patients
Congressional action on the pulmonary rehabilitation legislation is heating up fast. The House has neglected to include the legislation in its Medicare bill, and now it's up to the Senate to make sure these programs can continue. AARC members who want to ensure their patients have access to these important, life-enhancing programs are urged to contact their Senators today in support of the bill.

Enter the AARC Photo Contest!
We know you're probably spending more time this summer taking great vacation pictures than thinking about the AARC Photo Contest. But if you'll spend a few moments snapping some photos of your patients and co-workers in action, you just might find your picture on the cover of the January 2008 issue of AARC Times ! That's the grand prize in our contest, which also bestows free dues upon renewal to all the monthly winners as well. Check out the link to see how to enter.

AARC Publishes New Edition of Consumer Magazine
The Association's online consumer magazine, Allergy & Asthma Health , is online now and ready to help your patients and their families learn more about their conditions and how to manage them.

Got a COPD Story to Tell? Then AARC Times Wants to Hear from You!
November is COPD Awareness Month, and AARC Times will once again be marking the occasion with “COPD Stories” written by members. If you have a story to tell about a patient (present or past), send it to AARC Times writer Debbie Bunch at debbunch@aol.com . We're looking for stories that are about 500-800 words long and show a strong connection between you and your patient. The deadline for sending stories is August 20, so start writing today!

AARC Member Receives Prestigious Appointment
AARC member Tim Myers will be representing your interests on the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee Pediatrics Subcommittee. Tim was just asked to join this prestigious group, which works to revise resuscitation guidelines and develop life support training programs.

Bill Intended to Help Kids Could Hurt Older People
While legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program is basically a good thing, the AARC has learned the House version of the bill also contains Medicare provisions that would be detrimental for home oxygen patients. Learn more about it and then contact your members of Congress to let them know how and why these provisions would be devastating for many of our most vulnerable patients.

Good Press: AARC Members in the News
AARC members are continuing to get great coverage in their communities. Our latest list includes a therapist who commented on poor air quality, three members cited for their role on their state RC board, an RT talking on TV about a new portable oxygen concentrator, and more.

Comments or questions? Send them to info@aarc.org.