Sure, we all know education is important, but who has the time or money? You do. Online campus learning is a way to maximize your time and efforts, and grow new talents you know you have but haven't been able to utilize yet. Look into online college for yourself. It's fun, requires the discipline that comes naturally to an RT, and could lead to that next promotion or even a new job altogether.

In my opinion, if you want to do something that is exciting, fun, and meaningful, look into going back to school. It's hard work and often not convenient, but it's an ego boost and a great way to better yourself, for both you and your patients.

My best,
Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C

The way this works is simple. Congress will pass one bill a year dealing with health care. S343 and HR1077 will not stand on their own because of this rule, so it's being attached to the health care reform bill.

The AARC is simply asking this: Write your politicians and tell them you'd like them to support these measures. If you have patients and physicians who may be so inclined, invite them to write their politicians, too. The goal is that all 435 congressional districts support us on this. You can look on the AARC website and use the "Capital Connections" to find your politicians, or write me to find them for you.

Even though it's not the exact bill I would like, I support these measures and the AARC. It's a start, and if we never get started, then we'll never be the profession we all wish for. Do your part today. Get in touch with the AARC. It would even be a good time to join if you're not already a member. Support them on this one. If you have no luck there, let me know and I'll try to help you with information.

My best to all,
Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C

Everyone realizes that cold weather is bad for people with lung diseases, but the warm weather should not be ignored. Warm weather invites air that is too stuffy to breathe, dehydration, and more work for those who need supplemental oxygen to get around.

In my opinion, it's up to us to spread the word. Remind your patients. Remind your friends. Remind your patients' friends. Tell everyone you know and everyone you see that warm weather can easily land you in a hospital bed. The dangers from the sun, the hot winds, and the temperature are seen every day in the emergency department.

Remind them to drink plenty of fluids, consume carbohydrates, and shade themselves when possible. Stay indoors, if that's an option, when the temperature tops 85 degrees. Mow and get fuel for the car before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. when the sun's rays are not directly on you.

Take care of yourselves and your patients. While sun tans are cool, overdoing it can lead to sunburn or worse. Be careful, have a great summer, and teach your patients what they need to know about warm weather hazards.

Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C, RCP

It's finally summer! The motorcycle has been polished, the rose bush on the back porch is blooming, and conferences are happening all over the country. Get out, enjoy the scenery, and attend a meeting.

I try to incorporate conferences into vacations. It's a good time to unwind, do something different, stay involved, look at things in a fresh light, and go to parts of the country you may not normally travel to. I'm headed to New Orleans for the annual AAE conference. Last year's meeting in San Francisco was fun, and I have to imagine New Orleans being great, too: walking down Bourbon Street, seeing the French Quarter, maybe even taking in a fan boat ride among the alligators. If nothing else, there should be some great jazz to listen to.

After New Orleans, it's off to the 69th annual Sturgis bike rally. It's a nice ride to South Dakota and a great way to unwind from a serious conference and do something totally fun and schedule-free. My alter ego is to take off the scrubs or suit and don my leather chaps and helmet and ride into the wind. My job is serious enough; I need to relax at times and riding the bike 2,000 miles is a great getaway. If I had planned better, I would hit the AARC conference in Florida right before, but alas, there's always next year.

Get out and go to a conference. Meet some new people. Get a new perspective. Hear some other ideas about the state of respiratory care. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy the sights and sounds of someplace new. Hit the highways of this great land and see where they take you. You've worked hard all year. Spend some time rewarding yourself and have some fun!

All my best,
Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C, RCP

First, the good news. I got to see a lot of people along the way, was allowed to speak at several different venues about asthma, and generally had a good time while doing the walk. The weather was great, the people travelling the highways were kind and courteous, often honking or flashing their lights as they went by, and the local law enforcement kept on eye on me as I passed through their jurisdictions.

Now, the bad news. I didn't raise as much money as I had hoped. I had my sights set on $3,000. I will find out tomorrow for sure, but I think we did a little better than half of that. Also, there are a couple of dogs, one on Highway 24 and the other on Highway 13, who have my number. Their growling and barking let me know if I ever passed their way again, I'd be missing a hunk out of my leg.

All in all, I think it was a success. I'd love it if you shared what you did for asthma month. Write in and tell us about it. Tell us what you'd do differently next time. I learned a lot. I assure you next year will be bigger and better than this year. With so much asthma in my county, I have several asthmatics depending on people just like you and me to help them out.

-Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C, RCP

Now that the weather is really heating up, it's time for charity organizations to start holding their money-raising events. I would encourage all of you to join in. Local charities are a fun, informational way to do a little networking and get your name or your group's name "out there."

Relay for Life, the American Heart Association, and a host of other groups hold fundraisers every year. These can range from races to carnivals to dances. Find out what's happening in your neck of the woods and join in. No one cares if you dance like you have six left feet (like me)! It's for charity, and they're just happy you're there.

Another great thing about charity work is that it can help you find out what's going on in your own community with all the different populations. Doing charity work often leads to conversations about what local groups are doing what, which could open windows of opportunity for you to step in and showcase your profound expertise in a number of areas.

It also may open your eyes to opportunities to help your own community, to get your hospital involved, or to have knowledge of things going on around you. It's easy to get so wrapped up in work that you forget there are other things going on.

In my opinion, use the spring and summer to recharge your batteries and join in on the fun. You'll meet new people, make new friends, forge new relationships, and become more involved. You'll have the chance to show off a bit for all those who don't know (yet) what a great RT does and perhaps even inspire someone to be like you. Even if you can't participate, please consider donating to these causes that help so many people.

My best regards to all,
Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C, RCP
"Walkin' for Wheezers"

What started the fight? Smoking. Specifically, smoking on campus. Last month, three brave asthmatic students went before the school board to ask them to make all Lexington school campuses smoke-free. The board politely listened to the kids, accepted the handouts they had spent numerous hours preparing, and dismissed the idea as if it never existed.

No matter which side of the smoking in public places debate you're on, I hope you know that smoking is bad for you. I'm sure you do. It doesn't matter if you're exposed to it first-, second- or third-hand, it's just not good for you. Knowing this, it struck me as odd a dedicated and otherwise rational and progressive school board wouldn't immediately pass the necessary resolution for smoke-free campuses in this great city.

The fight has just begun! I told one of the students who spoke that this is only the first quarter of the Super Bowl. I promised that any influence I have as a respiratory therapist and asthma educator would be used to get the schools to become smoke free.

In my opinion, this is a fight worth fighting. This fight is about children, the habits we treat and encourage, and the dangers we're willing to expose them to. It is the responsibility of every therapist to aid those fighting this same fight across the country.

If you're just a therapist because of the pay and benefits, you won't care enough to try to fight beside me. That's fine.

If you're passionate, professional, ethical and are actually interested in doing everything you can to help people, which I think covers most of you, your call to duty has been sounded. Find out what your schools do. Attend meetings and events to see where the health and education of our future, our children, is headed. You may be shocked at what you find out.

Starting the fight for right!
Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C, RCP

I recently attended a local school board meeting. They're considering a smoking ban on all school campuses. Now, for most of you reading this, that seems like a no-brainer. Me, too!

A few students with asthma brought this issue before the board. They came well-prepared. They expressed how the smoking outside the school doors made it difficult for them to breathe and often resulted in them having to either go to the nurse's office for treatment or go home and miss the rest of the school day.

The board decided to discuss it and vote later!

In my opinion, we need to get involved in our communities. After the meeting, I found the newspaper reporter covering the event. I told him that as the area's asthma educator, I was appalled the board even had to consider the ban. I said that having to consider doing an item on the agenda that would get rid of something making kids sick was just dumb.

Whether it was because they smoke themselves or some other reason, it was unbelievable to me they even had to think about it. This is why we, as RTs, need to offer our advice and maybe, just maybe, even force a couple issues. Even those we trust to do everything they can to educate our children can't promise to keep them safe, so we have to.

What's your community up to?

--Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C

The dull days of grey winter have finally given way to the cool, crisp sunshine of spring. The rain comes in sheets to fill basements everywhere. Between storms, the air is filled with the sweet smell of trees and plants whose seeds and pollen ride the wind currents to be deposited somewhere far, far away, like a kid's nose! Yes, it's asthma season.

RTs deal with asthma all year long, but now we have a greater opportunity to do something positive in our communities. May is Asthma Month, May 4 is Asthma Educator's Day and May 5 is World Asthma Day.

Visit Web sites of reputable organizations to find out what's going on and how you can help. For example, educate young parents at health department meetings, partner with school nurses to prevent asthma attacks or do something really crazy like me.

From May 1-3, I will walk 90 miles, making three trips across Lafayette County , Missouri , to raise asthma awareness. I'm trying to raise enough money to buy a spacer for every asthmatic child in one of my county's schools. It's my hope that giving them the proper equipment will help them stay in school, lower the amount of sick days and help school nurses take better care of their asthmatic students.

Sound crazy? Yeah, it probably is. Painful? Duh! Worth it? Oh, yes. Many of these kids could never do this on their own, but I can. So, for them, my "Walkin' for Wheezers" weekend will take place. I hope to draw a lot of attention to the disease as well as help children with asthma go to school, play, run, jump and be a "kid" instead of a statistic.

If you'd like more specific information, e-mail me and I'll fill you in! If you have events you're doing, send me a message and I'll put it in this blog.

--Jim Thacker, CRT, RCP, AE-C

In my opinion, respiratory care is just like that. We're here to treat and advise. Sometimes, advice is all we can offer. We've all been in a position where it just didn't take. Keep doing it! Keep advising. Keep speaking in public. Keep doing what you do, because health care needs you and so do your patients.

There is no other expert better than you. Doctors, nurses and patients need your help. I haven't given up on my co-workers. Next year's Kick Butts Day will be bigger and better than this year. Don't give up on your project either. It gets better, I promise.

Take care,
Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C

Patients are never quite sure what to expect with a therapist. Generally, we're moody, even grouchy. We've been disrespected by every other service in the hospital at some point. Despite giving "timed" medicine, we constantly fight with OT and PT for patient time to the point where they will stop our treatments midway if we don't stay with our patients to defend ourselves. No one wants to hang out with an RT. We're crude. We don't see the world through rose-colored glasses. We watch people die. We have a strange sense of humor. We love sputum!

In my opinion, real therapists spend time with patients and their families. They know who's in the room with the patient, what the patient likes, what he or she needs, and what other medical and personal problems they have that may impact their treatments.

They have a sense about the nurses and doctors. They know which ones to work with and which ones to avoid. They understand who knows what and who may need help with different procedures. They get which doctors need to be led by the hand and which ones will not be led at all.

That's where the outstanding, real, if you will, RTs come in. They know these things and do them without raising a stink. You hear about it in report. You may think it's idle chat, but it's not. A wise therapist sends up red flags about problems you're going to have during your shift. These people are the heroes of respiratory care. They keep us valid. They make us pertinent. They ensure everyone in the hospital knows that respiratory is a force to be reckoned with.

Be that RT, and never, ever let a patient wonder if the therapist is for real.

Happy Spring!
-Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C

In a nutshell, the AARC wants RTs to receive recognition for what we do, much in the same way other professionals with advanced degrees in health care are recognized. I still do not agree in full with the fact that some experienced CRTs are not "highly qualified," but I understand we have to start somewhere. These bills are a good place.

AARC representatives recently went to Capitol Hill to seek passage of these landmark bills that may open up respiratory therapy to being a credible profession. Please read up on it and get active. The AARC has information on their Web site, or you can write me and I'll send you some.

In past blogs, I have not advised support of these bills. The reason: No one from the AARC or the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care could ever answer my questions about them. However, Cheryl West from the AARC finally e-mailed me and answered my questions in an informative, polite message.

I still feel a little uncertain about the language of the bill, but I also realize it's not a permanent fix, nor is it being written as one. It's a foot in the door. It's an attempt to get RTs a little credit for what we do. It's the first in what I hope are many more bills that will expand the realm of respiratory therapy. I urge you to write your politicians today in support of HR 1077 and S 343.

-Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C

Here's another scenario to consider. Let's say your granddaughter is visiting. Even if you stop smoking a couple days before her arrival, some particles remain in the carpeting, on the walls, on the furniture, etc. As she crawls around, she's exposed to all of it. While exploring the world on all fours, she stirs up the particles in the carpeting. She puts the throw pillows, covered with smoke particles, in her mouth. She falls asleep in the overstuffed recliner, lying right on top of the smoke particles put there two days earlier. Get my drift?

The third-hand smoke theory shows that asthmatics aren't safe in the homes of smokers. Even when parents who smoke think they're doing the right thing by stepping outside to light up, it's not enough. The smoke will cling to their clothes, hair, fingers, etc., and they will bring it back inside with them to contaminate others. While better than blowing the smoke in their child's face, it isn't the solution.

In my opinion, this country needs to get serious about smoking hazards and doing something about them. March 25 is "Kick Butts Day" in the U.S. I hope you'll take this opportunity to raise awareness in your neck of the woods about the dangers of smoking and institute some programs to help those who want to quit.

Please join me in fighting tobacco use everywhere. If you have activities planned, let me know and I'll put a shout-out on here for you.

Kicking butts on March 25 to eliminate first-, second- and third-hand smoke,
Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C

Ruyan has developed an electronic cigarette, or E-Cig, that produces a nicotine-infused mist that gets absorbed directly into the lungs. There's no smoke, although there's enough mist to apparently make it appear to be smoke that comes out. Since no smoke is involved, there's no second-hand smoke. The company says that since the danger of smoking is in the actual smoke, this is a safe alternative for those trying to quit or for those who want to smoke but cannot because of smoking bans.

The World Health Organization issued a statement in September saying no evidence exists that e-cigarettes are any safer than regular cigarettes. In fact, since it looks like a real cigarette, it could even lure more and younger smokers to use! The FDA hasn't reviewed them for consumption in America, but that doesn't stop people from selling them.

The price of these things is high. While a pack of regular smokes run about $4, E-Cigs are sold in kits containing cartridges of flavored nicotine and chargers for the lithium batteries used to power the atomizer. These kits run anywhere from $60 to $240 each. The other thing is that it's nicotine sucked directly into the lungs. How healthy can that be? Additionally, the nicotine level of an average cigarette is about 10 mg, while the E-Cigs go as high as 16 mg per smoke.

In my opinion, we need to stop this before it starts. The Chinese smoke some 2 trillion cigarettes a year, bringing in about $61 billion in revenue for the government. Some may look at this as a way to quit smoking, some as a way to induce younger people to start, and still others as a way to avoid smoking bans.

I look at it as another way to put a harmful chemical in your body. I'm not convinced that applying nicotine directly to lung tissue is a good idea. Any way you slice it, it's dangerous and needs to be outlawed before it ever reaches "Main Street, America." Many of us have dealt with the difficulties in smoking cessation. This is not the answer. Keep an eye on E-Cigs. It may be something you have to start asking your patients in the emergency department about. Only the future will tell the effects of this dangerous new trend.

-Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C

Here's the thing I don't understand about the stimulus package. At first, we were going to get a pretty decent check. Americans could be trusted to spend wisely, catch up on bills or use the money to live on between jobs, right? Apparently not.

Instead, it looks like I may receive a $400 tax credit divided into the rest of this year's paychecks. That's only around $13 per week. You've got to be kidding me!

In my opinion, the best way to spend that meager sum is to buy stamps, envelopes, paper and a new pen. Then, I could start mailing all the crackpot politicians that somehow imagine this is a good idea and tell them how extremely dumb I think they are. It won't do much for the economy, but it'll sure make me feel better.

What about you? I'd love to hear some ideas on how you'll be spending your extra cash.

-Jim Thacker, CRT, AE-C