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CHC marks Respiratory Care Week
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Posted on Oct 26 2004
Free screenings for chronic lung problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema are currently available at the Commonwealth Health Center as part of the Department of Public Health’s effort in promoting lung health awareness.
The screenings, plus other activities, are being done in observance of National Respiratory Care Week from Oct. 24 to 30.
According to respiratory therapist Mark Richardson, the DPH has set up a booth at the Emergency Room waiting area for screening and distribution of educational materials on chronic lung diseases, asthma, proper ways of using inhalers, and tips on ways to quit smoking.
Richardson said the distributions and screening began yesterday and will continue until Friday, Oct. 29 between 10-11am and 2-3pm.
“We do small amounts of testing, or screening, and if it turns out that something is not normal, then we refer the [individual] to a physician for follow up,” he said in an interview yesterday.
The DPH respiratory care is currently staffed with seven respiratory therapists, all of whom are registered and hold additional credentialing for Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Neonatal Resuscitation Program.
“The mission of the respiratory therapists of the CNMI is to bring home the message that good lung health is the kind of thing that you don’t notice until it’s gone,” said Maureen Sebangiol, manager of respiratory care. “Most people take breathing for granted [but] for thousands of residents of the CNMI who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment.”
Sebangiol said respiratory therapists work to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders, ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed, to elders who lungs are diseased.
