Health Matters
May 2017 Newsletter
For many, the diagnosis of a chronic illness can be isolating, even with support from family and friends. Some people still feel that no one can relate to what they are going through unless they have experienced the same diagnosis. In their desperation, there is somewhere they can turn to for this kind of support. The funds for this support comes from donor contributions given to Community Health Charities of Nebraska during annual workplace campaigns. Our member charities can connect people with support groups where they can learn more about their diagnosis and talk to others who are experiencing similar problems. 
Medical Research Update
Cystic fibrosis is a genetically inherited disease where the body creates thick, sticky mucus that clogs airways, causing difficulty in breathing, chronic infection and inflammation. Eventually, this takes a toll on the body’s organs. A new treatment by Coburn Pharmaceuticals, called Anabasum, successfully decreased chronic inflammation in the study of 85 patients with CF. The trial resulted in a 75% reduction in inflammation in the patients on the highest dose. Even better, there were no serious safety issues or side effects. The hope is that reducing inflammation will slow the progression of the disease. Donations to CFF through CHC-NE help support research worldwide through our health charities. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics, Inc. ("CFFT"), the non-profit drug discovery and development affiliate of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, donated $5 million dollars for this study.
Story of Caring

Meet one of our Board members!

Chris is an active and intelligent young man and, at 25 years, he definitely doesn’t look like someone who would have arthritis. Two years ago, he started experiencing pain he knew was not normal. He went to the doctor and after several MRIs, he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. He is thankful to be very healthy apart from his arthritis pain, although he has had to limit some of his activities and hobbies, like playing flag football.
Wellness Challenge
How many breaths do you take in a day? It depends on your age and activity level. Children tend to have more rapid breathing rates. For example, newborn babies often breathe 30-60 times per minute. Toddlers might breathe 20-30 times per minute. Older children and adults, when resting, usually breathe about 12-20 times per minute. Over the course of a day, that adds up to 17,000-30,000 breaths per day — or more!

Those average breathing rates are for when you're at rest. When you exercise — or even walk around the house or school — your breathing rate goes up. It's quite possible you might breathe 50,000 times or more per day if you're active.
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Test Yourself
Do you really know what cystic fibrosis is? Learn more here.
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Health Tip
Here are some ways to reduce air pollution and keep the air cleaner. 
- Choose a cleaner commute — carpool, use public transportation or bike or walk when possible. If you drive, be sure your tires are properly inflated and follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery. 
- Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible. 
- Conserve electricity. Consider setting your thermostat a little higher in the summer and lower in winter. Participate in local energy conservation programs. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home or office equipment. 
- Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste.
Featured Recipe
Use vegetables from your garden in this recipe for Garden Veggie Linguine with Cilantro Pesto.
It's Easy to Support CHC-NE!

It's easy to support the health charities you care about! 

  • Participate in a workplace giving campaign in Omaha, Lincoln or Greater Nebraska. If your workplace doesn't currently support a campaign, contact us to see how to start one.
  • Use this AmazonSmile link when shopping to support Community Health Charities of Nebraska with your purchases.
  • Make a donation through our web site and give the gift of health! We appreciate your support!
  • Remember CHC-NE in your planned giving.
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