Tag: asthma

RHHD Encourages People Experiencing Asthma Symptoms to Seek Care

September 22, 2025

Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Encourages People Experiencing Asthma Symptoms to Seek Care
Asthma Peak Week is the third week in September

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage anyone experiencing asthma or asthma-like symptoms, including chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling, or trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, to talk to a healthcare provider about their symptoms. This is especially important during Asthma Peak Week, the third week in September, to help reduce the risk of severe symptoms.

People with asthma and allergies are exposed to several triggers in September. Ragweed, the most common fall pollen allergy, is highest in September in the U.S. Mold counts go up as leaves collect outside. Children return to school and may catch respiratory infections.

For 2025, Richmond ranked number 16 on the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America list of Asthma Capitals. The Richmond metropolitan area also ranked number eight on the list of most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies.

“While Richmond’s ranking of number 16 on the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America’s list of Asthma Capitals shows some progress from last year, it remains one of the most challenging cities to live in for asthma sufferers,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Child Health Advisor Becca Bruhl. “Asthma Peak Week reminds us to raise awareness of asthma and take meaningful steps to support those affected by this very common chronic condition.”

Here are some steps you can take to help manage asthma in September:

Reach out to a primary care or other physician to receive diagnosis and treatment if you are experiencing the symptoms of asthma. You can get help connecting to a primary care physician, regardless of insurance status, by visiting rhhd.gov/connect-pc.

Make sure your child’s school nurse has a copy of their asthma action plan. Parents can find more information at RHHD’s school health hub, rhhd.gov/school-health-hub.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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RHHD Encourages Community Members to Have an Asthma Action Plan

May 1, 2025

Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Encourages Community Members to Have an Asthma Action Plan
May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourages community members with asthma to talk to their doctor about keeping an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan. A child’s up-to-date Asthma Action Plan should be shared with their caregivers and summer camp staff. Individuals with asthma or asthma-like symptoms, including chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling, and/or trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, should talk to a physician. May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

“One of the most useful steps families can take to promote asthma health is to make sure you have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan to share with caregivers and school, or summer camp staff,” says Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Childhood Health Coordinator Becca Bruhl. “An asthma action plan gives kids, caregivers, and school staff a step-by-step guide to manage symptoms, avoid triggers, and know exactly what to do in an emergency. It’s a vital tool for keeping children healthy, active, and in school.”

Richmond is considered an Asthma Capital according to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. The Richmond region also ranks 8th on the list of most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies.

Here are some steps community members can take to help manage asthma for themselves and their families during the summer months.

  • Make an appointment with your doctor and your child’s doctor over the summer.
  • Follow your Asthma Action Plan to keep asthma under control.
  • Manage your home’s indoor air quality.
  • Wear a mask in crowded places, wash hands properly, and stay away from sick people.
  • Make sure you and your family get rest, adequate sleep and hydration, and eat healthy food.
  • Make a plan to get updated vaccines for fall respiratory infections such as flu and COVID-19 when they become available.

RHHD encourages residents experiencing the symptoms of asthma to reach out to a primary care or other physician to receive diagnosis and treatment. Community members can get help connecting to a primary care physician, regardless of insurance status, by visiting rhhd.gov/connect-pc.

RHHD encourages residents with school-aged children to make sure their child’s school nurse and summer camp staff have a copy of their Asthma Action Plan. Parents can find more information at RHHD’s school health hub, rhhd.gov/school-health-hub.

Follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and Facebook for more Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month content. For more health and safety information, visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

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RHHD Highlights Asthma Peak Week 

September 18, 2024
Media Contact:  Bryan Hooten, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Highlights Asthma Peak Week

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourages individuals with asthma or asthma-like symptoms, including chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling, and/or trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, to talk to a physician to minimize the effects of Asthma Peak Week, the third week in September.

People with asthma and allergies are exposed to several triggers in September. Ragweed, the most common fall pollen allergy, is highest in September in the United States. Mold counts go up as leaves collect outside. Children return to school and may catch respiratory infections.

The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America recently named Richmond the #12 Asthma Capital in the U.S. based on asthma prevalence, emergency department visits, and deaths.

“While Richmond’s ranking of number 12 on the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America’s list shows some progress from last year, it remains one of the most challenging cities to live in for asthma sufferers,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Child Health Advisor, Becca Bruhl. “Asthma Peak Week reminds us to raise awareness of asthma and take steps to support those affected by this very common chronic disease.”

Here are some steps people can take to help manage their asthma in September:

  • Follow your Asthma Action Plan to keep your asthma under control.
  • Get vaccines for respiratory infections such as influenza (the flu) and COVID-19.
  • Manage your allergies and your indoor air quality.
  • Wear a mask in crowded places, wash your hands properly, and stay away from sick people.
  • Get rest, adequate sleep and hydration, and eat healthy food.

RHHD encourages residents experiencing the symptoms of asthma to reach out to a primary care or other physician to receive diagnosis and treatment. Residents can get help connecting to a primary care physician, regardless of insurance status, by visiting rhhd.gov/connect-pc. RHHD encourages residents with school-aged children to make sure their child’s school nurse has a copy of their asthma action plan. Parents can find more information at RHHD’s school health hub, rhhd.gov/school-health-hub.

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