UAS UMR Cares – May: Asthma and COPD

Breathe easier by taking action to protect yourself from respiratory viruses. With allergens in the air and changing weather conditions, this time of year can be difficult if you live with chronic respiratory conditions. 

For those with chronic conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is important to do your best to avoid catching respiratory illnesses as they can worsen your symptoms and lead to further complications. The flu, pneumonia, COVID-19 and even the common cold can cause symptom flare-ups and make breathing difficult. Infections can trigger intense asthma attacks and require hospitalizations, while for those with COPD, respiratory illnesses can accelerate your disease and reduce your overall quality of life.

Certain preventive measures can be taken to help you stay healthy. Getting vaccinated annually, leading a healthy lifestyle (that means no cigarettes!), keeping your hands and regularly touched surfaces clean, investing in air purifiers, wearing masks outdoors and medication adherence are some ways to reduce your chances of infection. You may also take advantage of the following university-provided benefits to help you remain healthy, happy and virus-free no matter the season:

• In-network specialist: Use your medical benefits to visit a specialist. An allergist or pulmonologist can help manage your chronic condition, identify triggers and provide you with specialized treatment plans. Health coaches and disease-management programs are also offered with your medical coverage.
• UMR’s Live Well Reward$ Wellness Program: For employees enrolled in the wellness program, getting your annual vaccines, participating in ongoing condition care or completing tobacco/nicotine cessation coaching enables you to earn points and redeem cash prizes.
• Mental health programs: Living with a chronic condition can be heavy on the heart and the mind. The university offers many mental health resources, including an employee assistance program (EAP) and telehealth services, so you can talk to someone candidly and confidentially about what you’re going through.
• Sick leave: We can’t avoid getting sick, no matter how hard we try. For the days when you need to rest, recover or seek medical treatment, take advantage of your sick leave benefit so you can focus on getting better.

For more information on your benefits, visit uasys.edu/benefits.