October 13, 2006

Interested in Asthma? Join the AARC's New Asthma Roundtable!
AARC members with a special interest in asthma now have a new way to connect to their colleagues around the country. The Association has just formed an Asthma Disease Management Roundtable where clinicians can exchange ideas and information via a dedicated e-mail list.

AARC Offers Media Support for RC Week Events
Is your state society or RT department hosting a special event for the general public during RC Week? If so, let the AARC know about it now and we’ll make sure it’s included on our RC Week media website. Not sure what kind of event to host? The Association suggests an “MDI/DPI Check Up” where people can bring in their inhalers and have RTs assess their technique and offer practical advice on getting the most out of these medications. You can find a great resource MDIs/DPIs on www.yourlunghealth.org.

Have Fun On Video
We're looking for your fun videos to use in several upcoming AARC projects. You produce some Man on the Street interviews and Patient Testimonials and we might use them. This is a great project for students or during RC Week. Read about what we're looking for and get your videos in by Nov. 10.

 Vote Now in the 2007 AARC Elections
Have you voted yet in the 2007 Elections? If not, head over to the voting site, read up on the candidates, and make your voice heard. Online voting makes casting your ballot a breeze, but don’t delay – voting ends October 23.

Journal Study on COPD Circulated to the Press
A new study in the October issue of Respiratory Care is making the case for greater use of spirometry among people with COPD. Researchers who compared the use of echocardiograms to diagnosis congestive heart failure (CHF) with the use of spirometry to diagnose COPD note significantly greater use of the CHF diagnostic test compared to the COPD diagnostic test. The AARC believes these findings will be of interest to many in the general public and has issued a new press release to spread the word.

Make Plans Now to Share Your RC Week Activities with the AARC!
Regardless of the type of activities you have planned for RC Week, the AARC wants to know all about them, and we’re hoping you’ll all share by sending in brief descriptions of your celebrations AND photos of your events. So make sure you have your camera handy as you go through the week, then send your best shots and a short description of your activities to: debbunch@aol.com. You just might find your group featured on the AARC website -- or even in the January issue of AARC Times!

AARC Represents RTs at Health Professions Network Meeting
The AARC was once again front and center at the fall meeting of the Health Professions Network, where discussions centered around patient safety.

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