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We know it can be overwhelming to learn that your child has a condition that may increase their risk of developing certain diseases. But there are things you can do to mitigate that risk for your Alpha child. Involving them in health decisions in an age-appropriate way, educating yourself about Alpha-1, and finding out what…
AlphaNet REACH participant Jenna Russom may be early in her career, but she’s already making an impact in the Alpha-1 and genetics world. From growing up by the beach in Florida to working in an Alpha-1 research lab during college, Jenna’s personal experience with Alpha-1 has shaped her path in powerful ways. Now a graduate…
Through the use of an inhaler, certain medications can be directly administered to the lungs. An inhaler is a small, handheld device used to deliver medication directly to the lungs. Types of inhaler devices include pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs or pMDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and soft mist inhalers. Metered dose inhalers (MDIs or…
The Big Fat Reference Guide is a comprehensive guide to all things Alpha-1 including genetic information, treatment options, and lifestyle recommendations. Read on to learn about the origin of this document and find out what changes have been made since its last major update. What is the Big Fat Reference Guide? AlphaNet created the…
The reasons for maintaining good oral hygiene are much more than cosmetic. While at one time it was believed that the worst outcome of gum disease was tooth loss, studies have shown that oral health affects the entire body. Bacteria that are present in the mouth, particularly from decaying teeth or infected gums, can easily…
For millions of Americans, summer means packing up the car or heading to the airport for a long-awaited summer vacation. Whether you’ll be traveling by plane, train, or automobile, we have travel tips and tricks for you. Read on below to find great travel advice specifically for Alphas taken directly from our own Big Fat…
Whether you’re just getting started on your fitness journey or looking to optimize your current routine, understanding some exercise fundamentals can help you get the most out of our workouts, track your progress, and ultimately, feel your best. Each individual exercise program should consist of three components: stretching for flexibility, strength training, and cardiopulmonary exercise.
While incorporating healthy eating habits into your daily life can lead to positive changes, exercise is also a key component to overall improved health. According to the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG), “Routine exercise can help control blood sugar levels, increase muscle strength and endurance, promote improved joint function, boost the immune system to fight…
Getting sufficient good quality sleep is extremely important for maintaining a healthy mind and body. Over time, getting too little sleep or repeatedly experiencing poor quality sleep can negatively affect your health in a number of ways. Besides leaving you feeling tired and groggy during the day, sleep deprivation can put you at risk for…
We all experience grief at some point in our lives. What triggers these feelings can be different for everyone — it could be the loss of a job, a divorce, the passing of a loved one, or even the discovery of a health condition like Alpha-1. The pain and loss we feel can sometimes seem…
My name is Beth Wiswell and I’d like to introduce myself as your AlphaNet Coordinator. My Alpha-1 journey started when I received a phone call from my youngest brother, who had been suffering with multiple respiratory infections. He called to say that he had taken a blood test which diagnosed him with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency—ZZ!
Everyone has trouble sleeping sometimes. Usually when you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you notice it. You may also stop breathing in your sleep, without even noticing that it’s happening. In fact, virtually everyone has episodes during the night when they stop breathing. Whether these episodes are normal—as opposed to a significant health…
