School:
Most of our local school districts are returning for the new school year. Many, but not all, have started with online education. It is hard to make any specific recommendations about how to handle the school year without taking a full consideration all the different health and family dynamics for any one person with cystic fibrosis. We do know from very limited data that people with cystic fibrosis have a higher risk of hospitalization secondary to COVID-19. There is increasing evidence of children spreading the virus in communities where children have returned to school have led to an uptick in pediatric cases. If you have questions or concerns about how returning to school might affect the health of you, a family member or would simply like to discuss best ways to keep you and your family safe please reach out to the center for an appointment either in person or via telehealth.
Newborn Screening Website:
One of the things that came up at our first patient and family advisory board meeting was the need for more information on our website about newborn screening for CF. In response to this I have made a new page that has some information about newborn screening and CF in general. The link is below. This is a wonderful example of how feedback from the people with CF and their families can help us make a better experience for those who come to our center. If you are interested in joining our patient and family advisory board, please let Jaime know.
https://cysticfibrosis.msu.edu/index.php/newborn-screening
Podcast:
As some of you may know, I record podcasts for the American Thoracic Society. I recently recorded a podcast about CF exacerbations with an overview of some of the data and best practices. I will include the link below. Some of you may be interested in listening so I thought I would post it here.
CF Fighters:
As many of you know, CF Fighters is a non-profit organization composed of volunteers dedicated to raising awareness and helping Michigan CF patients and families who need our assistance. They have provided, and continue to provide, wonderful resources and support for both out CF center and all the patients and families who we care for. If anyone is interested in giving to a truly wonderful causes the link is below. They also have fundraisers and raffles from time to time so check back frequently at their site, so you don’t miss out on an opportunity to win some really cool stuff.
https://www.cffighters.org/donate.html
Ryan Thomas, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Director, MSU Cystic Fibrosis Center
Department of Pediatrics and Human Development
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine