The Value of an Education

Since its beginning, Kansas City Allergy & Asthma Associates has always provided education to schools and their nurses, coaches and teaches. Now more than ever teaching and sharing valuable information in the community setting remains just as important as educating and sharing the latest care techniques to patients, parents and family members. Dr. Wald has been a frequent presenter to local schools and has been instrumental in preparing the guidelines for the use of Epi-pens in the schools. If you're not sure about whether or not you should visit KCAA, please review our document on When to Refer to a Specialist.

KCAA's Educational Guide "Managing Allergic Disease" Now Available To Read and Print from Website

The board certified and specialty trained physicians of KCAA along with their clinical staff have updated their popular "Managing Allergic Disease" booklet and it is now available to view or print from your computer.

The book covers: explaining allergic disease; how to recognize allergies; the evaluation process; treatment; medications; immunotherapy and when allergy injections may be recommended; dust mite and mold control; pollen and animal dander control measures as well as other useful information.

The guide is a must read and handy reference guide for parents and educators. For more information call (913) 491-5501. The book is also available in the offices.

KCAA Physicians Contribute to School Foundations for Specialized Supplies

To help local schools kick off the 2010 new year and better able to meet the needs of students with asthma or food allergies, the physicians of KCAA made contributions to school health services departments.

Speaking for KCAA's five board certified allergy and asthma specialists, DuVonne Campbell, KCAA practice manager said, "We recognized that during these tough economic times that school nurses and their health services departments may need some extra supplies to care for students with asthma and/or food allergies. The physicians wanted to help these students at school and have made a monetary donation to five school foundations for them to purchase Epi-pens, nebulizers, peak flow meters and/or other allergy/asthma – related supplies."

Physicians, Gerald L. Goldstein, M.D.; Scott J. Frankel, M.D.; Jeffrey A. Wald, M.D.; Mark R. Neustrom, D.O.; and Derrick R. Ward, M.D. made contributions to five area public school districts: Lee's Summit, Independence, Shawnee Mission, Blue Valley and Olathe.

Thank you for supporting our community and children!

The local chapter of Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Greater Kansas City Chapter offers a college scholarship. The deadline for the "Berri Mitchell" College Scholarship for 2010 application process has passed. High school seniors can receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college of their choice. Applications and details for the 2011 deadline can be found on line at www.aafakc.org

KCAA: Focusing on Education in the Community

KCAA also supports the local KC-metro chapter of Allergy & Asthma Foundation of A merica in many ways. KCAA provides and presents pertinent information at its annual Family Education Day held in the spring. This spring the 15th Annual Asthma & Allergy Family Education Day will be Sat., March 6th, 2010. For details go to www.aafakc.org or call 816-333-6608. You may also email AAFA-KC at: info@aafakc.org. KCAA physicians support the local chapter with financial, board participation and educational support. Dr. Wald serves on the local and national board and is also actively involved with the local SuperKids Asthma Camp held each summer.

Other activities supported by KCAA involving the community include supporting community, sports and recreational activities, as well as providing screenings for public and private schools and at children's events. Be sure to check out the links and FAQ sections available on this website to other helpful organizations and information.

Need A Speaker for your Child's School, Community Event or other Activity?

Asthma is still a major public health problem in the United States. The disease affects approximately 15 million people, nearly 5 million of whom are under the age of 18. People with asthma experience well over 100 million days of restricted activity annually, and the total annual costs of the disease are estimated at $11.3 billion.

KCAA supports the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program’s mission to address and educate the growing problem of asthma in the U.S. KCAA physicians and staff are dedicated to the goal of enhancing the quality of life for patients with asthma and decrease asthma-related morbidity and mortality. One way to do this is to be available to provide education through presentations to educators, coaches, PTAs/PTOs and school nurses. Our goals along with NAEPP and AAFA are:

• Raise awareness of patients, health professionals and the public that asthma is a serious chronic disease;
• Ensure the recognition of the symptoms of asthma by patients, families, and the public and the appropriate diagnosis by health professionals;
• Ensure the effective control of asthma by encouraging a partnership among patients, physicians, and other health professionals through modern treatment and education programs.

Food Allergies and other allergies are also major health concerns for children and their parents/caregivers and families. KCAA physicians also provide educational content about allergies. Topics range from diagnosis, understanding food allergies, allergy injection therapy, creating and maintaining an allergy action plan and seasonal topics.

Setting up a Presentation is Easy with KCAA

To schedule a presentation for your school's nurses or PTO and any other organization, please contact our administrator, DuVonne Campbell at (913) 491-5501. You may also use the Contact Us page. Please have the date, location and topic you are interested in ready to share with us. This way we may best identify a topic and physician for your group. The attached flyer pdf is also available for you to share with your staff or school about the KCAA's Allergy & Asthma Education for the Classroom Program.