January 12, 2012

“Fun with 65” Contest Gets Underway!
In last week’s News Now we told you about a new contest in the works to help everyone celebrate the AARC’s 65th anniversary on April 15. The rules have now been set (and there are just two easy ones to follow!), so click on the link to learn more about it and then start planning your entry today. Prizes include some great gift certificates to the AARC Store!

Alpha-1 Course Available Now
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency causes many cases of COPD and now you can learn more about this genetic disorder in a new online course titled “Emerging Roles for the Respiratory Therapist in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.” Register now at early bird rates for AARC members–just $15 through March–and take advantage of this opportunity to become the Alpha-1 expert in your facility. Attendees who pass a post test will earn three CRCEs.

Dr. Fred Helmholz Passes Away at Age 100
The AARC was saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Fred Helmholz earlier this week. Dr. Helmholz passed away on Saturday, just days after celebrating his 100th birthday with friends, family, and colleagues in Rochester, MN. Read our article, and then use our comment function to share your own memories of this legendary physician in our profession.

AARC Professor’s Rounds 2012 Series–EARLY BIRD PRICING until 1/31/2012
Plan your in-service training for 2012 now with the new AARC Professor’s Rounds continuing education series. The series offers eight lectures centered on patient safety and the role of the respiratory therapist. And there’s a Bonus 9th Program on Tobacco Cessation included at no charge with all orders for the complete series of eight topics. Approved for one CRCE per topic, per participant. Order the complete series before January 31, 2012 and save!

Webcasts Set for Jan., Feb.
We have three great Webcasts coming up over the next few weeks:

• Advanced Modes of Mechanical Ventilation, presented by Rich Branson, MSc, RRT, FAARC, on Jan. 18.
• Reducing Hospital Readmissions: Evidence and Conjecture, presented by Cheryl Hoerr, MBA/HCM, RRT, CPFT, FAARC, on Feb. 8.
• Pediatric Non Invasive Ventilation, presented by Tom Cahill, BHS, RRT-NPS, on Feb. 22.

You can register for the mechanical ventilation program now, and registration for the other two will open up soon. All three programs will earn you one FREE CRCE for attending the live session.

Raise Radon Awareness this Month
Radon is a deadly gas that causes many cases of lung cancer every year, and is the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. The EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month and is asking RTs to reach out to their patients and their communities to get the word out about the need for people to test their homes for this gas and take measures to eliminate it if it is found.

Comments or questions? Want to opt out of future emails? Let us know.