In my first post I discussed how e-Health tools can empower Canadians with asthma to improve their health and quality of life by managing their disease more effectively.  In this post I would like to discuss a specific example of a tool that the Asthma Society of Canada is using with success.

We recently launched the AsthmaToday Widget – this is an interactive, virtual tool for people living with asthma and associated allergies to stay informed on important issues and the information they need to plan outdoor activities. It can be downloaded free from our website at www.asthma.ca/widget  to a computer or laptop.

The AsthmaToday widget provides instant access to the local Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) as well as local weather forecasts and relative humidity.  Access to timely environmental and weather information can make a significant difference for people with asthma since high humidity levels and certain weather conditions can trigger an asthma attack or allergies.  Providing this information through a medium that is highly accessible and updated automatically as it is delivered to their desktop will empower people to be actively informed and adjust their asthma management plans accordingly.  I encourage readers of this blog to download the widget, check out its features and then make a point of forwarding the link to someone you know with asthma or with asthma in their immediate family.

To download the Widget, please visit: http://www.asthma.ca/widget/