⚕️A Safer Path Forward: Cannabis Harm Reduction🌿

Just days after our 30^th Annual Respiratory Health Symposium, we are pleased to announce the launch of our Cannabis Harm Reduction Resources for health professionals. After months of collaboration with doctors, medical students, and the New Brunswick Medical Society, NB Lung is launching an online portal dedicated to reducing the harm associated with smoking cannabis.

Since 2018 when recreational cannabis use was legalized in Canada, self-reported use of cannabis in New Brunswick has increased from 15% to 20%, the largest increase of any province. This means more New Brunswickers are smoking cannabis than ever before.

We know that smoking is the most harmful way to use cannabis, and so we have developed resources to encourage New Brunwsickers to talk to their doctors about their cannabis use, and resources for doctors to guide their patients towards less harmful means of consumption.

Smoke is smoke: Lungs don’t know the difference.

Inhaling smoke, whether from cannabis or any other source, exposes the lungs to harmful toxins and irritants that can have negative health effects on the whole body. We invite you to explore our Cannabis Harm Reduction Resources website, and if you use cannabis, to speak with your healthcare provider about your cannabis use.

🍂Staying Safe Together: Navigating COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza🎃

Respiratory virus season has arrived, and this year with the COVID-19, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and Influenza, our collective efforts to stay safe are more critical than ever. Here are some essential steps to protect yourself and our community:

💉Vaccination Is Key:

Ensure you and your eligible family members have received all recommended vaccinations. Vaccination is a potent defense against severe illness and helps reduce the spread of these viruses. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are expected to be available later this month, and are free for all New Brunswickers. An RSV vaccination for seniors will also be available this fall. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine which vaccinations are right for you.

🧼Practice Good Hand Hygiene:

Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used to disinfect your hands when soap and water are not available.

😷Wear a Mask:

Wearing a mask or respirator, especially in crowded indoor spaces, is an effective way to reduce the risk of coming into contact with, or spreading, respiratory viruses.

🏠Stay Home When Sick:

If you or anyone in your household experiences symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please stay home. NB Lung has COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits available to anyone who drops by our office at 2-132 Main Street, Fredericton.

As a community, we can protect ourselves and support those who may be more vulnerable. By following these guidelines, we can continue to keep our community safe and healthy during these challenging times.

💝Doubling the Joy of Giving: Combining Christmas Seals and Holiday Cards🎄

As the holiday season approaches, we're excited to share some changes to our annual fundraising efforts. This year, NB Lung has decided to merge our beloved Christmas Seals and Holiday Cards campaigns into one consolidated package. While this change is driven by our commitment to cost-efficiency, we also recognize the generosity of many who traditionally donate to both campaigns.

If you have traditionally donated to both Christmas Seals and Holiday Cards, this year offers a unique opportunity to double the joy of giving. By combining your usual contributions into a single donation, you can make an even more significant impact on the lives of those in need.

Your generous support enables us to provide vital services, fund critical research, and advocate for lung health in our community. Whether it's providing essential medical equipment or offering educational programs, every dollar counts.

Look out for the combined Christmas Seals and Holiday Cards package in your mailbox soon. Inside, you'll find the heartwarming designs you've come to expect from NB Lung. You can contribute by following the instructions provided in the package or by visiting our website.

We're incredibly grateful for your continued support. Your dedication to our cause empowers us to work tirelessly to improve lung health and provide hope to those in need

🔬Unlocking the Mystery of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities: Webinars and Workshops🧪

NB Lung and the Environmental Health Association of Quebec (EHAQ) are excited to announce a series of webinars and workshops aimed at raising awareness about Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). These events promise to shed light on the challenges faced by those living with MCS, the scientific advancements in the field, and the legal aspects surrounding this often-misunderstood condition.

We invite you to participate in these informative events to learn, connect with others, and become better equipped to address the issues surrounding Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. Whether you are personally affected by MCS, a healthcare professional, or simply interested in expanding your knowledge, these webinars and workshops offer valuable insights and resources.

• October 11 - 6:30PM - NB Legal aspects of MCS: It’s time to catch up to the science. Register here.

• October 19 - 6:30PM - From Environmental Exposures to Disability : It’s time to catch up to the science. Register here.

• October 23 - 6:30PM - Take back your power: Workshop for people experiencing MCS, their families, friends, and allies, in the Maritimes. Register here.

🫶Support Needed: CPAP Donations🫁

We believe that every breath matters, and we are committed to improving the lives of individuals with respiratory challenges. One of the essential programs we offer is the Sleep Apnea Support Program, which provides CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines to those in need. These devices can be life-changing for people suffering from sleep apnea, enabling them to enjoy better sleep, improved quality of life, and enhanced overall health.

The Gift of a Good Night's Sleep

Sleep apnea is a common and often undiagnosed condition that can have severe health consequences. CPAP machines are a cornerstone of treatment, helping individuals maintain uninterrupted breathing during sleep.

If you have a CPAP machine that you no longer need or use, please consider donating it to NB Lung. Your contribution can make a tremendous difference in someone's life.

Donating your CPAP machine is simple. Please contact our team at to arrange a donation. We will guide you through the process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure that your contribution directly benefits a New Brunswicker in need.