Download Free Patient Education Materials Make an Appointment Ask a Question Find a Doctor There are a number of written materials to support patient education at National Jewish Health. They include Understanding Booklets, Med Facts, Test Facts, Medication handouts and more. Some of these materials are also available in Spanish. You are welcome to download some of these materials in pdf form. To search for another topic, enter a keyword into the space provided, or select from the topics in the drop-down menu below. COVID-19 Patient Education Materials Learn more about COVID-19 and how it affects specific health conditions in these printable patient education materials. Download COVID-19 Materials Type of Document Filter All Med Facts Test Facts Understanding Booklets Spanish Keyword Search: Caring for a Nosebleed Caring for a Nosebleed When you get a nosebleed (epistaxis), the blood vessels in the nose break, causing blood to come out of one or both nostrils. There are many possible causes of nosebleeds. Print PDF Print PDF Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease. It mostly affects babies who are born too early. About 40 percent of babies born at or below 28 weeks gestation (normal is 40 weeks) develop BPD. Babies with this condition need oxygen or assisted ventilation (help breathing). Print PDF Print PDF Cleaning Your CPAP Equipment Cleaning Your CPAP Equipment CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is used to treat sleep apnea. It provides pressure to your airway by a machine that blows air. Print PDF Print PDF Cleaning of Portable Humidifiers and Vaporizers at Home Cleaning of Portable Humidifiers and Vaporizers at Home Use of a humidifier or vaporizer can increase dust mite and mold growth. Learn more. Print PDF Print PDF Using The Acapella Choice® (Green) Using The Acapella Choice® (Green) People with some lung conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, mycobacterial disease and bronchiectasis often produce a large amount of mucus. Print PDF Print PDF Nasal Wash Technique Nasal Wash Technique Many people with asthma or other lung problems also have nasal and sinus symptoms. Drainage from your nose and sinuses can make asthma worse, especially at night. A salt water nasal wash, or nasal irrigation, can help reduce this. Print PDF Print PDF Alopecia & Cancer Alopecia & Cancer Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause hair loss (alopecia). Chemotherapy and radiation therapy target rapidly target growing cells, including cancer cells and hair follicles. Print PDF Print PDF Diarrhea & Cancer Diarrhea & Cancer Diarrhea and constipation are experienced commonly by people with cancer. When you have diarrhea, you may have unformed, watery, or liquid bowel movements. Print PDF Print PDF Fatigue and Cancer Fatigue and Cancer Fatigue is the most common symptom experienced by people with cancer who are receiving cancer treatment. You may feel tired at certain times of day, tired all the time, or too tired to participate in activities of daily living and self-care. You may be tired from your cancer, tired from the effects of treatment or both. Print PDF Print PDF Insomnia or Difficulty Sleeping & Cancer Insomnia or Difficulty Sleeping & Cancer Insomnia and other sleep/wake disturbances are experienced commonly by people with cancer. Some people have trouble falling asleep. Other people wake up during the night and are unable to go back to sleep. Problems sleeping are caused by anxiety, medications, cancer symptoms, and the effects of cancer treatment. Print PDF Print PDF Dyspnea & Lung Cancer Dyspnea & Lung Cancer Dyspnea, or being short of breath, experiencing “air hunger,” or having difficulty catching your breath, is a subjective symptom. There are no tools that can measure your sense of breathlessness. You may feel short of breath even though the pulse oximeter may read 93%. The important thing is to treat this symptom until you are comfortable and feel as if you are no longer short of breath. Print PDF Print PDF Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Nausea can be one of the most upsetting side effects of cancer treatment. Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, or chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), is a side effect common to many chemotherapy medications. You will be prescribed medications to help relieve CINV. There are also ways to help relieve CINV without using medications. Print PDF Print PDF Mucositis or Mouth Sores Mucositis or Mouth Sores Mouth sores (mucositis) can be caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These cancer treatments target rapidly dividing cancer cells. The treatments can affect other rapidly dividing cells, such as those in your mucous membranes that line your mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and anus. You may notice discomfort anywhere along your GI tract. Print PDF Print PDF I’ve Got Cancer – Why Quit Smoking? I’ve Got Cancer – Why Quit Smoking? You have a cancer diagnosis. Why stop smoking now? Print PDF Print PDF Cancer & Constipation or Difficulty Moving Your Bowels Cancer & Constipation or Difficulty Moving Your Bowels Constipation and diarrhea are often experienced by people with cancer. When you are constipated, you may have fewer bowel movements than what is normal for you. Your bowel movements may be hard or dry, and more difficult to pass. When your platelet counts are low (thrombocytopenia), constipation may increase your risk of rectal bleeding. You may notice blood in the toilet after you move your bowels. Print PDF Print PDF Cytopenias or Low Blood Cell Counts Cytopenias or Low Blood Cell Counts Low blood cell counts (cytopenias) can be caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These cancer treatments target rapidly dividing cancer cells. The treatments can also affect other rapidly dividing cells, such as those in your bone marrow. You may experience low white blood cell count (neutropenia), low red blood cell count (anemia) or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). A blood test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC) checks your levels of each blood cell type. Print PDF Print PDF Use Your Voice for Clean Hands Use Your Voice for Clean Hands As a patient in a health care setting, you are at risk of getting an infection while you are being treated for something else. Patients and their loved ones can play a role in asking and reminding health care providers to wash their hands. Your hands can spread germs too, so protect yourself by washing your hands often. Hand-washing is one of the most important ways to prevent infections. Print PDF Print PDF Pleural Effusion Pleural Effusion Pleural effusion is often referred to as “fluid in the lungs” or “water on the lungs.” It is a buildup of excess pleural fluid in the chest cavity and the outside of the lungs. Print PDF Print PDF Diastolic Dysfunction of the Heart Diastolic Dysfunction of the Heart Diastolic dysfunction of the left or right ventricle of the heart (main pumping chambers) occurs when the ventricle becomes stiff or relaxes slowly or incompletely. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and results in problems with filling the ventricles with an adequate amount of blood or causing increased back pressure. This usually occurs before there are problems with the pumping function. Print PDF Print PDF Como Reconocer las Señales De Asma Como Reconocer las Señales De Asma Es una buena idea saber que le sucede a usted cuando su asma comienza a empeorarse. De esta manera, puede comenzar su tratamiento enseguida para evitar empeorarse. Print PDF Print PDF ¿Qué hay de nuevo con los inhaladores de dosis con medida? El propulsor del HFA ¿Qué hay de nuevo con los inhaladores de dosis con medida? El propulsor del HFA Los inhaladores de dosis con medida (MDI) fueron desarrollados en los años 50. Los propulsores usados en el MDI hasta hace poco contenían CFC (clorofluocarbonos). Ud. puede ver cuando reemplaza su MDI que un propulsor diferente es usado en el inhalador. Esto es un HFA Hidrofluoralcano Print PDF Print PDF Alergias al Moho Alergias al Moho La tendencia a las alergias puede ser hereditaria. Si usted tiene tendencia a las alergias y está en contacto con ciertas cosas (alérgenos) en su medio ambiente, puede ser que desarrolle alergias a algunas de esas cosas. Ejemplos de síntomas de alergias incluyen picor en los ojos, nariz que gotea, síntomas de asma, eccema y erupciones en la piel. El tiempo de una reacción puede ser inmediato y retardado. Se pueden recomendar estudios de la piel para identificar sus alergias. Print PDF Print PDF Alergias al Polen Alergias al Polen Alergias, o reacciones a cosas que no hacen reaccionar a otras personas, pueden ser hereditarias. Usted puede ser alérgico a cosas dentro o fuera de su casa. Print PDF Print PDF Asma Provocada por el Ejercicio Asma Provocada por el Ejercicio El ejercicio es una de las causas más comunes que hace que el asma se empeore. Para algunas personas, el ejercicio puede ser la única causa que el asma se empeore. Con el tratamiento apropiado, el ejercicio no debe ser un problema para la mayoría de las personas. ¡Algunos corredores Olímpicos también tienen Asma! Print PDF Print PDF Sinusitis (Español) Sinusitis (Español) Los senos paranasales forman parte del sistema respiratorio. Adultos y adolescentes, tienen cuatro grupos de cavidades óseas alrededor de la nariz. Niños muy pequeños tienen pequeños pasajes en lugar de senos paranasales completamente formados. Estos tienen más tendencia a contraer sinusitis debido a que los pasajes paranasales se obstruyen más fácilmente. Para funcionar bien, los senos paranasales necesitan el drenaje adecuado para que la mucosidad pueda salir y, un sistema inmunológico que funcione para combatir las infecciones. Print PDF Print PDF Uso del Nebulizador con Mascarilla Uso del Nebulizador con Mascarilla Los medicamentos pueden ser administrados en diferentes maneras. Una de las maneras más comunes para administrar medicamentos para el asma es con un nebulizador. Hay varios tipos de nebulizadores que se pueden usar para administrar diferentes medicamentos. Print PDF Print PDF Hemoglobina A1c Hemoglobina A1c La Prueba de la Hemoglobina A1c indica al doctor y al paciente el nivel promedio de azúcar en la sangre durante los últimos 3 meses. Print PDF Print PDF Consejos para la prevención de caídas Consejos para la prevención de caídas Todos podemos caernos, aunque las caídas con lesiones son más comunes en las personas mayores. Diversos factores aumentan el riesgo de una caída. Print PDF Print PDF Diabetes y azúcar en sangre (glucemia) baja, o hipoglucemia Diabetes y azúcar en sangre (glucemia) baja, o hipoglucemia El nivel bajo de azúcar en sangre es la concentración por debajo de 70. ¡Es importante evitar el nivel bajo de azúcar en sangre! Los términos “azúcar en sangre” y “glucemia” significan lo mismo A la baja también se la conoce como "hipoglucemia". Print PDF Print PDF Control de la diabetes para evitar las complicaciones Control de la diabetes para evitar las complicaciones Cuide sus pies para evitar las amputaciones de dedos, pies y piernas. Las personas con diabetes tienen un mayor riesgo de úlceras e infecciones del pie que pueden dar lugar a amputaciones. Print PDF Print PDF High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Hypertension is also called high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 85 million people in the United States have high blood pressure. Hypertension and heart disease are common health problems around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that sodium in processed food plays a role in hypertension. Print PDF Print PDF Como Identificar las Causas del Asma Como Identificar las Causas del Asma El asma se puede empeorar por causas diversas. Los pulmones de las personas con asma son diferentes aunque éstas se sientan bien. Las causas del asma hacen que las personas con asma se sientan peor de lo normal. Es importante conocer éstas causas, para no enfermarse tanto. Print PDF Print PDF Noninvasive Ventilator Use for Neuromuscular Weakness: A Guide to Noninvasive Ventilator (NIV) Noninvasive Ventilator Use for Neuromuscular Weakness: A Guide to Noninvasive Ventilator (NIV) This guide will help you address the most common challenges associated with noninvasive ventilator (NIV) therapy and improve comfort with your treatment. Print PDF Print PDF Techniques to Bring Up Mucus, Manual Chest Physiotherapy for Infants and Children Techniques to Bring Up Mucus, Manual Chest Physiotherapy for Infants and Children Infants and children with some lung conditions (bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, cystic fibrosis and other conditions) often produce a large amount of mucus. If the mucus is allowed to collect in the airways, breathing may become difficult, and infection may occur. Airway clearance measures, including chest physiotherapy, help clear the mucus. Chest percussion with huff or deep coughing can help clear the mucus in the lungs. Huff and deep coughing are described in more detail below. Print PDF Print PDF Allergy Puddle Skin Testing Allergy Puddle Skin Testing Your provider has recommended allergy puddle skin testing to help identify possible allergens (what you may have an allergic to). These are specific instructions to prepare for puddle skin testing. Please call your provider ahead of time if you have questions regarding additional testing. Print PDF Print PDF Adult Patient Education Classes Adult Patient Education Classes Patient education classes are an important part of your experience at National Jewish Health. The classes will give you and your family the information and tools to manage your disease. Print PDF Print PDF Pediatric Patient Education Classes Pediatric Patient Education Classes Patient education classes are an important part of your experience at National Jewish Health. The classes will give you and your family the information and tools to manage your disease. Print PDF Print PDF COVID-19 FAQs COVID-19 FAQs View frequently asked questions about COVID-19. Print PDF Print PDF Tips to Protect Yourself from COVID-19 Tips to Protect Yourself from COVID-19 The 2019 Coronavirus, or COVID-19 virus, is an infectious disease similar to the cold. It travels in droplets when you cough and sneeze, and in other body fluids. Personal hygiene is the best prevention. Print PDF Print PDF Tips for Telehealth Appointments Tips for Telehealth Appointments More information on how to prepare for and get the most out of a telehealth appointment. Print PDF Print PDF Household Cleaning and Disinfecting for COVID-19 Household Cleaning and Disinfecting for COVID-19 Did you know that you need to wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry for someone who is or was ill? Here’s what you need to know. Print PDF Print PDF Self-Care for COVID-19 Self-Care for COVID-19 If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or think you might have it, here’s how to care for yourself and family members. Print PDF Print PDF Social Distancing, Self-Isolation and Self-Quarantine Social Distancing, Self-Isolation and Self-Quarantine Social distancing is a public health tactic used to slow down the spread of a contagious disease. When a person coughs or sneezes, a spray of small liquid droplets goes into the air. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets and any virus the droplets may contain. Social distancing is being careful about what you are exposed to and who you are around. Print PDF Print PDF Hand Sanitizer FAQs Hand Sanitizer FAQs Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can reduce the number of germs on the hands, but they do not eliminate all types of germs. Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing germs such as Cryptosporidium norovirus and Clostridium difficile. Print PDF Print PDF Who Needs a Facemask and Why? Who Needs a Facemask and Why? When you have symptoms of cold, flu, COVID-19 or other infections, wear a facemask to protect others, including health care providers, from catching your illness. Print PDF Print PDF Myths & Facts: 2019 Coronavirus Myths & Facts: 2019 Coronavirus Learn the truth about widespread myths and facts related to the 2019 Coronavirus (also known as 2019-nCoV). Print PDF Print PDF COVID-19 & Cancer COVID-19 & Cancer For patients with cancer, taking precautionary steps to avoid illnesses should be a habit. Patients with cancer have lowered immune systems due to treatment or to the cancer itself, so contracting COVID-19 or other illnesses can be dangerous. It is more important than ever before for those with and without cancer to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading illnesses because of the COVID-19 virus. Print PDF Print PDF COVID-19 & Diabetes COVID-19 & Diabetes Living with diabetes has its challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic can cause worry and stress. It’s important to note that being diabetic does not increase your risk of contracting COVID-19. Diabetics do, however, have a harder time fighting off infections like the viral infection caused by COVID-19 if your diabetes is not well-managed. Print PDF Print PDF COVID-19 & Your Lungs COVID-19 & Your Lungs COVID-19 can affect the upper respiratory system (nose, sinuses and throat) with flu-like symptoms, the lower respiratory system (airways and lungs) by causing cough with or without mucous and difficulty breathing. When COVID-19 is severe it can bring on pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Print PDF Print PDF COVID-19 & COPD COVID-19 & COPD As a COPD patient, you take daily steps to maintain your health and lung function. The COVID-19 pandemic can cause concern and stress about your ability to stay healthy because you are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Print PDF Print PDF |< < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > >|