Texas Department Of Health Respiratory Care

Fires sparking respiratory problems

• Stay inside.

• Avoid physical exertion.

• Close windows and doors.

• Set air conditioning units to recirculate with the fresh air intake closed.

• Avoid the worst indoor air with cigarette smoke, burning candles, sprays, frying or aerosol. Discouraged the use of vacuum cleaners, which can raise dust.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Consider leaving the area until the smoke clears.

• See a doctor if symptoms worsen. Symptoms may include coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, chest pain or itchy eyes.

Source: Texas Department ofState Health Services

San Antonio new non-smoking ordinance may have cleared the air a little, but a whole new set of circumstances may have smoked more difficult for some to breathe in these days - courtesy of all forest fires. With the rain chances slim to none in the forecast, the risk of fire remains high, and health officials urge people to take precautions.

Monitoring stations of air quality across the city show that levels of fine particles in the air from sources such as smoke or vehicle exhaust, remained at generally acceptable levels, with some peaks in the short term.

"At least in San Antonio, levels have not really been extremely high," said Tommy Camden, environmental health services director at Metropolitan Health District.

But even moderate levels can cause problems for people with heart or lung problems like asthma or emphysema, the very young, the elderly and pregnant women. And it did not help that scorching temperatures kicked to levels of ground level ozone, triggering alerts sporadic air quality health in recent days.

"We see more people with respiratory problems due to poor air quality on the whole," said Leni Kirkman, spokeswoman for the University Health System.

And while it is difficult to attribute symptoms to a culprit, doctors - and patients - have their suspicions.

Respiratory Therapy Program pumps ... - South Texas College News

Just a few years ago the health care industry in the Rio Grande Valley has had to hire Respiratory Therapists other states to come to work in hospitals and area clinics. But now, the program South Texas College Respiratory Therapy provides therapists Home Grown to meet the needs of the community health care.

Before the existence of the STC program of the RTA, the closest students could attend Valley program was in Brownsville, Laredo and Corpus Christi. And since the program FSA in 2009, it has successfully completed three classes and produced 54 graduates in three years.

"It's beneficial program (FSA) for students because the program is effective and efficient, and has met the standards," said STC Respiratory Program Interim President Gabriel Peña. "Our students have also become better students rounded with our program. "

After three years of dot their "I" and crossing their "T", the STC program respiratory therapy received an initial five-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

"We are fully accredited and now we must maintain this level of excellence we have built since the program began in 2009," said Peña. "We must ensure that we work by the directives, which is exactly what we have to get this accreditation today. "

The recent accreditation review conducted by the CoARC recognized the program's compliance with accreditation standards set nationally, according to Executive Director Thomas R. CoARC Smalling.

STC program of the RTA has a rigorous selection process that includes a 3.0 GPA to be maintained by students in all courses transfer CTS courses and prerequisites. Prospective students must also participate in the deliberation sessions and pass a required background check and drug screening.

For more information on the STC Program of the respiratory therapy call 956-872-3102 or visit www.southtexascollege.edu / nah.

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