Create a plan, enter into a $100 drawing
Asthma is usually controlled by avoiding triggers, using quick-relief inhalants to stop attacks, and taking daily long-term medication to reduce the likelihood of future attacks. A way to coordinate this care is to have a written plan that you can share with health care providers, schools, coaches and others. The form was developed by the Minnesota Dept. of Health, in conjunction with health care providers. If you complete one and send in the verification form, you will be entered for a bimonthly drawing for a $100 gift card.
If you're like 20 million other Americans, you or your loved one struggles with asthma. But there are things you can do to improve your care, like creating an "asthma action plan" with your doctor, staying on your medication and comparing your clinic to others.
To complete a plan:
- Print out the asthma action plan form (PDF) and the Asthma plan verification form (PDF)
- Fax the two forms to your doctor’s office.
- Call your doctor’s office, tell them about the plan, and ask if completing the plan would be right for you.
- If you doctor feels a plan would be appropriate, have him or her complete it and make you a copy.
- Have your doctor sign the verification form and fax it to the number listed on the form so that you will be entered in the bimonthly drawing for a $100 gift card.
Compare asthma providers
Clinics vary in how well they treat asthma. Minnesota Community Measurement collects and shares information about cost and quality with consumers. Compare your provider to others and consider changing if you are unsatisfied with your care.
Visit the Minnesota Community Measurement official Web site.
Prepare for your next doctor's appointment
Before your next medical visit, make a list of your symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing or tightness in your chest. Note how often you experience these symptoms, how long they last, and what you do (if anything) to ease your symptoms. Also note how often your asthma symptoms disturb your sleep.
Next, jot down any questions you have about your asthma or its treatment. For help preparing questions, see:
Create goals
In preparing for your doctor’s visit, consider creating personal asthma goals. For example, you may want to:
- Decrease the frequency and severity of your asthma symptoms
- Participate in sports, exercise or other physical activities without worrying about your asthma
- Get through the day without needing quick-relief asthma medication
- Sleep through the night
- Avoid taking time off from work, school or other activities due to asthma
Medica's health coaches can help with creating goals. Call 1-866-905-7430 (M-F, 7a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Learn more about Medica's health coaching program.
Control your triggers
Many different things can trigger an asthma attack, so it is important to recognize what yours are and work to reduce the likelihood of them causing an attack. Some common triggers can be controlled if you:
For more tips, also see:
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