Fireworks Safety
June 30, 2008 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
It is that time of year again. Following are some tips on how to have a safe 4th of July courtesy of Doernbecher Children’s Safety Center
More than 10,000 fireworks related injuries occur each year in the United States, most of them around the 4th of July. Read more
HFA Asthma inhalers
June 18, 2008 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
Metered dose inhalers (MDI’s) are being changed from a CFC propellant (old ones) to the newer HFA propellant. HFA inhalers are different from CFC inhalers:
HFA inhalers have a finer mist (smaller particles). You will probably feel and taste less of the medicine. The smaller particles are easier to inhale and can move better and deeper into your airways, (compared to CFC).
Cleaning the inhaler: (to be done once a week)
The medication is more sticky - and can clog the exit hole. Read and follow cleaning instructions on the insert with your HFA inhaler.
Take the metal canister out of the plastic case
# Wash the plastic case, running warm water through the case (top to bottom)
# Shake off excess water.
# Air dry.
# Put the plastic case and metal canister back together after completely dry.
NEVER IMMERSE THE METAL CANISTER IN WATER!
Priming the inhaler: (spraying into room- away from your face)
Priming is important to ensure accurate dosing: should be done before using a new inhaler. This varies with the different brands of albuterol. Also, if Ventolin© brand is dropped, it will need priming again.
ProAir HFA© (albuterol)
- Before first dose: 3 sprays to clear opening
- After 2 weeks of no use: repeat 3 sprays
Proventil HFA© (albuterol)
- Before first dose: 4 sprays to clear opening
- After 2 weeks of no use: 4 sprays
Ventolin HFA© (albuterol)
- Before first dose: 4 sprays to clear opening
- After 2 weeks of no use: 4 sprays
- When dropped: 4 sprays again to clear
- After washing: 1 spray
Further Information
What does science say about parenting?
June 16, 2008 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
Turns out there has been a lot of research on effective parenting. Many tips in the following linked article I have heard before but there is a lot of new information here. All of us parents want to do the right thing but most often we parent in the style we ourselves were raised with. Often it works, but just as often it does not.
Check out this excellent article from U.S. News - Good Parents, Bad Results
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