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                          Studies Public Relations Research
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                          Happenings Campus
                          News Applause

 


MUSC celebrates National Respiratory Care Week


National Respiratory Care Week, an annual event that recognizes the work of respiratory therapists and the importance of lung health, is set for Oct. 23-29.

People who are lucky enough to take breathing for granted may have never even heard of a respiratory therapist (RT). But for those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions, RTs are key to breathing easier. National Respiratory Care Week is a great time for everyone to learn more about these vital health care professionals.

Tim Myers, AARC president, said that respiratory therapists work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care settings and doctor's offices to assist physicians in caring for their patients with pulmonary problems. "You'll find us managing ventilators in the ICU, performing the pulmonary function tests that are used to diagnose lung disease, and delivering respiratory care throughout hospitals and in the emergency department."

RTs also spend time educating chronic lung disease patients about their conditions and the medications used to treat them so they will be better able to stay at home and out of the hospital. They work in pulmonary rehabilitation programs to help people regain some of their lost functioning. The field is full of great job opportunities as well, said Myers.
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics says employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow at a much faster pace than the average for all occupations, increasing by 21 percent between 2008 and 2018," he said. Entry into the profession requires a degree from a two year college program, although many RTs also hold bachelor's degrees or above.

Join us in our Fight For Air Oct. 29 at the 2011 Fight For Air Walk/Run Event at Folly Beach. Make an impact in honor of the more than 35 million Americans who suffer from lung disease. The number three killer and the number one cancer killer in the United States, lung disease is responsible for a staggering one in six deaths. Join us in our mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease by participating in the Fight For Air Run/Walk on Oct. 29. Visit our Wellness Wednesday booth or check out www.fightforairrunwalk.org for more information.

Employee Wellness Events
Farmers market: Fresh fruits and vegetables are available from local farmers from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday in the Horseshoe and in the grassy area next to Ashley River Tower behind Charleston Memorial Hospital.

Contact Susan Johnson at johnsusa@musc.edu to become involved in employee wellness at MUSC. Events, speakers, classes, or any other ideas are welcome. Find us on Facebook. Like our page and keep up with all the wellness events at MUSC.

 


 

Friday, Oct. 28, 2011


The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.