New Mexico is notorious for its windy springtime days, which lead to increases in sniffles and sneezes, hay fever and other asthma and allergy-related ailments.
At 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Laboratory workers can learn more about asthma and allergy and the factors that contribute to its severity at a talk in the Otowi Building Cafeteria siderooms at Technical Area 3.
The free talk is sponsored by the Laboratory's health promotion program and Blue Cross Blue Shield New Mexico, said Jessica Kisiel, the Lab's Positive Health Directions program coordinator in Occupational Medicine (HSR-2). It is open to all Laboratory workers.
Dr. James Sussman of Asthma and Allergy Associates of New Mexico also will talk about medications and lifestyle modifications that can help individuals control asthma and allergy.
After the talk, training classes will be held in the use of a peak flow meter. Attendance at one of the 30-minute training sessions is required in order to obtain a peak flow meter. The number of peak flow meters is limited and will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis.
A peak flow meter measures the amount of air that can be pushed out of the lungs in one "fast blast." The meters are used to monitor asthma and assist with adjustments to medication.
For more information, go to http://int.lanl.gov/worklife/health/index.shtml#allergy online.
-- Steve Sandoval