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Grey Nuns Hospital

by Asthma Canada

Latest Posts

  • Asthma Canada Partners with Sun Life to Advance Personalized Asthma Care in Canada
    In News & Updates, Uncategorized
  • Pollen SeasonBreathing Easy This Pollen Season
    In News & Updates
  • Wildfire Season AdviceWILDFIRES: 98% of People in Canada Living with Asthma Say Poor Air Quality Worsens Their Health
    In News & Updates
  • World Asthma Day: Mother of 14-Year-Old Lost to Asthma Calls for Greater Awareness
    In News & Updates
  • Asthma Awareness Month 2025
    In News & Updates

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Dallas Lockhart, a 20-year-old student from Toront Dallas Lockhart, a 20-year-old student from Toronto, Ontario, has lived with asthma since childhood. “At nine, I began experiencing shortness of breath and chest tightness, especially during physical activity.” At first, her parents didn’t grasp the severity of her symptoms. But as they worsened, she was diagnosed with asthma. In the early years, Dallas relied heavily on both controller and reliever medications—what her parents called her "dinner and dessert." She often faced name-calling and felt discouraged. “When you’re the slowest person in the race, it gets a little bit defeating at times.” But Dallas refused to let asthma hold her back. Determined to prove herself, she continued to play volleyball, basketball, and soccer—activities that not only helped improve her fitness but also strengthened her lung capacity. She credits her confidence to a strong support system: “My parents were my number one supporters, my gym teacher always understood my condition, and my sister was my inspiration.” In 2020, after years without symptoms, a cold and sinus infection triggered an unexpected asthma attack. Without updated prescriptions, Dallas had no medication on hand. She was rushed to a clinic to be treated. “This made me open my eyes—just because I don’t have symptoms doesn’t mean my asthma is gone.” Since then, Dallas has taken charge of her asthma, keeping her medication up to date and identifying her triggers: dust, pet fur, smoke, and unfamiliar environments. Today, she not only manages her own asthma but also empowers the children in her care who live with it, reminding them: “Just because you have asthma doesn’t mean you’re limited. You can do anything—and you have me as a support system.” Dallas’s story reminds us on the importance of lung conditioning, never underestimating asthma, and always keeping your emergency medication close.
Wildfire smoke poses a serious health risk to ever Wildfire smoke poses a serious health risk to everyone in Canada - especially those with conditions like asthma. If you have #asthma, it’s essential to take precautions to protect your health. A huge thank you to Pauline Chan and CTV News for speaking with Asthma Canada Patient Advocate, Christine Moffatt (and her cat Aussie) and President & CEO, Jeffrey Beach to help us share this vital and potentially life-saving message. Our top tips for staying safe during wildfire season: 1. Stay informed: Keep track of local air quality updates and wildfire information from reliable sources. 2. Have an updated Asthma Action Plan: Your plan should outline steps to take in case of worsening asthma symptoms or emergencies. 3. Limit outdoor activities: Stay indoors as much as possible. Avoid physical exertion and exercise outdoors during peak pollution periods. If going outside is necessary: - Wearing a well-fitted N95 respirator mask can offer some protection against smoke particles. These can be purchased in certain pharmacies and online. - Keep your reliever (usually blue) inhaler with you at all times in case asthma symptoms arise. - When driving, keep your windows and vents closed and only use air conditioning in the “recirculate” setting. 4. Use air purifiers and filters in your home: Use high-efficiency air purifiers (HEPA) and keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke infiltration. If using an air conditioner, choose the recirculation setting so outside air will not be transferred inside. Avoid activities that contribute to indoor air pollution, such as smoking or using strong chemicals. 5. Take your medications as prescribed: Make sure you have necessary medications and supplies readily available and follow your prescribed asthma medication regimen, including both preventive and rescue medications. If necessary, consult your healthcare provider to adjust your medication plan during episodes of poor air quality. 6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your airways hydrated. This can help reduce symptoms and keep mucus thin, making it easier to cough up if necessary. #wildfires #wildfireseason
As #wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality As #wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality across Canada, it’s crucial for people living with #asthma to take extra precautions to stay safe. Our top tips for staying safe during wildfire season: 1. Stay informed: Keep track of local air quality updates and wildfire information from reliable sources like Environment Canada, the Weather Network and the Government of Canada. 2. Have an updated Asthma Action Plan: Your plan should outline steps to take in case of worsening asthma symptoms or emergencies. Download your plan now. 3. Limit outdoor activities: Stay indoors as much as possible. Avoid physical exertion and exercise outdoors during peak pollution periods. If going outside is necessary: Wearing a well-fitted N95 respirator mask can offer some protection against smoke particles. These can be purchased in certain pharmacies and online. Keep your reliever (usually blue) inhaler with you at all times in case asthma symptoms arise. When driving, keep your windows and vents closed and only use air conditioning in the “recirculate” setting. 4. Use air purifiers and filters in your home: Use high-efficiency air purifiers (HEPA) and keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke infiltration. If using an air conditioner, choose the recirculation setting so outside air will not be transferred inside. Avoid activities that contribute to indoor air pollution, such as smoking or using strong chemicals. 5. Take your medications as prescribed: Make sure you have necessary medications and supplies readily available and follow your prescribed asthma medication regimen, including both preventive and rescue medications. If necessary, consult your healthcare provider to adjust your medication plan during episodes of poor air quality. 6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your airways hydrated. This can help reduce symptoms and keep mucus thin, making it easier to cough up if necessary. A big thank you to Global News Toronto for speaking with Asthma Canada President & CEO Jeff Beach and helping us share this important message with the public. #wildfireseason
Josée Michaud, from Quebec’s Laurentides region Josée Michaud, from Quebec’s Laurentides region, has lived a life profoundly shaped by asthma—living with the condition herself and losing two brothers to it. “My older brothers and I all had asthma—pretty severe cases. I was about seven when I began missing a lot of school. I had to repeat second grade because of it. I remember one time when all three of us—my brothers and I—were in the hospital together. My mother even slept there with us.” Tragedy struck Josée’s family for the first time in 2002. “Eric, my eldest brother, had very bad asthma. At home, we had a nebulizer, and he was on a lot of medications to manage his condition. He was the kind of person who would wait until the very end to ask for help. Even when he was very sick, he would say, ‘No, don’t call emergency. I’ll be fine. I’ll take my puffer.’ But one day, he just collapsed. He was in the ICU for a month, on a ventilator. He didn’t wake up. We had to stop treatment. He died at 26 from a severe asthma attack.” Tragedy struck again when her younger brother, Luke, also lost his life to asthma. “Luke had severe bronchopulmonary issues caused by asthma and collapsed suddenly. We weren’t able to save him. He was just 14.” In recent years, although Josée's own asthma is mostly well managed, she finds spring especially difficult. “My asthma was well controlled for many years. But for the last two springs, it’s been bad. I’ve had to use my puffers more often. Winter is usually great for me, but spring allergies have made the last two years difficult. When the trees start blooming, I have to take allergy pills, and my asthma flares up.” Josée has worked as a nurse for many years and wants to help raise awareness of the dangers of asthma. “In the ICU, I saw patients experiencing all levels of asthma attacks, and it was frightening. Asthma has always been part of my life, and I want to help others recognize the symptoms and get help early—before it becomes too severe.”
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