With COVID-19 still an issue in many parts of the country, MOBLZ wants to recognize those health workers who help take care of patients with this (and other) respiratory disease. Respiratory Care Week is October 25 - 31, 2020. This week honors those who serve as respiratory therapists and was started by a proclamation of President Ronald Reagan in 1982.

Respiratory therapists (RTs) are certified medical professionals who treat problems with lungs or breathing issues. They’re not doctors, but they work closely with doctors to diagnose and monitor these conditions. RTs help patients handle issues related to many of the following:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome. This is a very serious condition that can happen after an injury or illness like COVID-19.    
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)   
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Spinal muscular dystrophy
• Emergency-related issues such as auto accidents or other trauma that may prevent you from breathing on your own
• Premature babies with under-developed lungs
• Sleep apnea

Take a few minutes with MOBLZ to thank those individuals who work in this life-saving field for their service.