The Kelloggs Care Asthma Advocacy : Flu Strain Mutates

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Flu Strain Mutates

Link From Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
"One of the flu strains in the vaccination this year has mutated; this has been trouble in the past. People need to understand that getting a flu shot is very important – especially for those with asthma – even if all the strains in the vaccination don’t match. The vaccination can reduce the severity of the flu if you contract it. It can also help you avoid hospitalization if you’re in a risky group. Learn more about the flu and various vaccination options atwww.aafa.org/fluwww.aafa.org/flu

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Our Story

I am the mother of 3 children born with Severe Persistent Asthma & Allergies. Medical management of their Asthma was failing in Western Massachusetts as we lived in the Pioneer Valley where asthma triggers were trapped. The poor air quality & the cold winters caused bronchospasm. As an RN, I did not want my children living a life on daily, oral steroids. Our wonderful Pulmonologist, Paul S. Salva MD, PhD, suggested a complete geographical change to a warmer, coastal climate. He explained how living within 5 miles of the ocean could be beneficial so we took a leap of faith and made a drastic, 700 mile move to warmer, Coastal NC where the constant ocean breezes help to sweep away asthma triggers.The move was 8 years ago. Today, their asthma is under good control on lower doses of their daily control medicines. When I tell Dr. Salva how right he was about the move, his humble response has always been, "Even a broken clock is right twice a day."

The relocation has not been a cure, but our quality of life is so much better with those ocean breezes sweeping away asthma triggers. My children discovered talents they never knew they had like playing wind instruments and competing in athletics. Asthma no longer defines them.

Our family is very passionate about our advocacy of asthma as we have been through so much over the last 17 years and have never given up on giving our children the best quality of life possible. I became a certified asthma educator to help other families who struggle with asthma. Our family hosts the annual I Love Lungs Wilmington Walk in honor of World Asthma day in May. Along with raising asthma awareness in our community, we have raised thousands of dollars to benefit the ALA in NC. We participated in a video for the EPA to share our story in support of The Clean Power Plan. On August 3, 2015, we were invited to the White House to stand with President Obama when he announced The Clean Power Plan. It is a moment our family will always treasure. We started this family blog in the hopes of connecting with other asthmatics by sharing our individual perspectives as a Mother & Wife, Husband & Father, Son & Brother, Daughter & Sister.

With Grateful Hearts,

The Kellogg Family:

Laura- Mom

Bobby- Dad

Camryn- Son (17)

Chiara- Daughter (15)

Luca- Son (10)

*The author's advice & opinions are not intended to substitute for a physician's treatment plan.

Testimonials

I have had the pleasure of knowing the Kelloggs for many years and shared with them the difficulties and frustrations of managing asthma. In Walden, Henry David Thoreau very presciently stated “To the sick, doctors wisely recommend a change in air and scenery.” The Kelloggs were at that point as medical management of their childrens’ asthma was failing. I can only applaud and stand in respect of their taking the huge gamble of leaving their extended families and moving to a climate completely different than New England’s on the chance that it would help their childrens’ health. I am very happy that it was the right choice. I and my staff miss them terribly but are very happy that they are living very healthy lives, unencumbered by asthma. Bravo and well done.

Paul S. Salva MD, PhD

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I have been a general pediatrician in private practice for 10 years. I met the Kellogg family soon after their move to North Carolina and have seen them be able to slowly wean medications and increase their activities. I was very impressed that Mrs. Kellogg took the time to write down her family’s story to share with other families that may be facing a similar situation. I think the story will be helpful to other families that may be considering making necessary changes to improve the health of their children. The Kellogg family has definitely made the health of their children a top priority by seeking the best asthma and allergy care and making sure to encourage healthy habits such as daily exercise at the loop. They have become well educated about asthma and allergies and are able to work with their physicians to make informed decisions about their medical care.

Sincerely,

Heather Henderson, MD

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It was my privilege to participate in your kids' care. With so many asthma stories ending with less than happy outcomes, it will be nice to see one with a positive message. Not every family has the financial/social freedom to pick up and move for the sake of their childrens' health. Even if they do have the freedom, not all parents are brave enough to leap into the unknown on the hope that things will be better elsewhere.

Christopher Fortner, MD

The Kellogg's Care Asthma Advocacy Logo

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Flu Strain Mutates

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