Airwaves & Airways

In this final episode of our Lung on Fire mini-series, we'll be diving into the 3rd pillar of Lungs on Fire which focuses on decision making related to wildfire smoke. Dr. Stephanie Harvard is leading this research pillar alongside Dr. Nick Bansback and Dr. Pat Camp. Tune in as Dr. Harvard talks more about how this qualitative study component of the project will help to identify values amongst communities, help to fill in informational and resource gaps, and inform clinical, public health, and community wildfire smoke messaging that can be used by organization, clinicians, and communities.

Welcome to episode 2 of our Airwaves & Airways special summer series, where we're diving into Lungs on Fire, a 5-year grant funded by CIHR that is looking into the long-term health effects of wildfire smoke across 3 research pillars. The project includes leading researchers in the field of wildfire smoke who will collaborate across experimental, epidemiological, and social science. In this episode, we chat about the 2nd research pillar, which focuses on socioeconomic factors that lead to the development of lung disease, to do this, the research team will be analyzing the characteristics of people and how it affects risk of lung disease. Dr. Emily Brigham discusses her ongoing work with Dr. Michael Brauer as they work to identify characteristics that can contribute to disproportionately affected populations in order to develop solutions and improve health equity.

As wildfires grow more intense and frequent in British Columbia, some of the best and brightest minds in lung health research in British Columbia have come together to collaborate on ‘Lungs On Fire’. This 5-year, 2 million dollar grant funded by CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) will further investigate the long-term health effects of wildfire smoke and how wildfire smoke exposure can impact individuals differently across 3 research pillars. The research produced through Lungs On Fire will focus on exploring wildfire smoke exposures, measuring the impacts of air pollution on lung disease (asthma and COPD), identifying lung cancer risk from pollution among non-smokers, and evaluating and catering health messages for the public. Over the summer, Airwaves & Airways will be featuring an episode focused on each of the 3 research pillars as we pull the curtain back on the research process and dive into this exciting new investigation that will shine a new light on the health impacts of wildfire smoke. This episode focuses on the experimental lab methods and administrative health data analysis pillar of the project. To learn more, we chat with Dr. Christopher Carlsten, and Dr. Stephanie Cleland about their work including the barriers, design, and hypotheses of their studies. Referenced links: Be sure to check out the Lungs On Fire 2025 Speaker Series featuring 4 different speakers discussing wildfire smoke and its impacts! Available on Legacy for Airway Health’s YouTube channel: Lungs On Fire Speaker Series 1: What Should Be the Goals of Public Health Guidance? Sign up to view future presentations by emailing Dr. Stephanie Harvard at [email protected]

In this month's episode we chat about firefighting and lung health and explore the respiratory risks associated with increased exposure to smoke, and how firefighters can keep themselves protected while on the job. As we head into wildfire season, many communities are bracing for smoky conditions as the fires are becoming more frequent and intense every year. Wildfires produce significant amounts of smoke, and our firefighters are the first responders to tackle these dangerous conditions. So, when your duty requires you to expose yourself to dangerous chemicals and particulates, how do you mitigate risk, and how can firefighters stay prepared and stay safe while on the job? To learn more, we are joined by Tom DeSorcy, Retired Fire Chief from Hope, BC, and BC Lung’s Board Chair, and Brian Hutchinson, the Superintendent of Provincial Operations – Fire Services with the BC Wildfire Service, and the former Fire Chief of the District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services. Referenced links: National Fire Protection Association Standard –NFPA 1981 - https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1981-standard-development/1981 Register for Climb the Wall 2026 - https://secure3.convio.net/bclung/site/TR?fr_id=1150&pg=entry

Tuberculosis, also known as “TB” is a disease caused by bacteria that usually attacks the lungs. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains one of the top infectious disease killers worldwide. World TB Day is March 24th and commemorates the day that Dr. Robert Koch shared his discovery of the bacterium that causes TB, leading to advancements in diagnosing and treating TB. It is a day to remember the immense devastation that TB has had and continues to have worldwide, including Canada. In honour of World TB Day, we chat with Dr. Jay Johnston, the Evaluation Lead for Provincial TB Services at the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the former Head of Respiratory Medicine Division at Vancouver General Hospital. Tune in to learn more about the history of TB, barriers to preventing TB, and emerging research in eradicating this disease. Referenced links: Dr. Johnston is the President of the North American region of the International Union against TB and Lung Diseases (The Union). The Annual TB Conference was held in Vancouver this year from Feb 26 – March 1. You can view the conference presentations at bclung.ca/nar. For more information about TB and you can visit the World Health Organization’s website: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis For information on how to support and advocate you can visit stoptb.org. Visit the BC CDC’s website for info on TB testing and tuberculosis clinics in the lower mainland: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis

On this episode of Airwaves & Airways we're chatting about patient engagement! Patient engagement involves building a collaborative relationship between patients, caregivers, researchers, and decision makers. There are many benefits to having patients and their caregivers involved throughout the research process. This practice is becoming increasing integrated into research as it allows patients to contribute firsthand experiences, identify gaps in healthcare, and confirm that research and studies are relevant and valuable to help improve care. One organization making great strides with patient engagement is Legacy for Airway Health, who has developed a Community Partner Committee, comprised of around 14 individuals from diverse backgrounds affected by COPD or asthma. So, to chat about patient-oriented research, we are joined by Dr. Stephanie Harvard (researcher) and Tony Lanier (patient partner) to learn more about this innovative research process. If you’d like to learn more about patient engagement and patient-oriented research, you can visit Legacy for Airway Health’s website at legacyairwayhealth.ca. Additional resources: Patient and Citizen Engagement in Research: https://sporevidencealliance.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/6.-SPOREA-COVIDEND_Patient-and-Citizen-Engagement-Tips.pdf Difference between patient partner and patient participant: What is POR? | Patient-Oriented Research Repository (ubc.ca) Tips for being a patient partner (Page 1): Patient Engagement - Teams (healthresearchbc.ca) Tips for research teams (Page 2): Patient Engagement - Teams (healthresearchbc.ca) Interested in learning about what frequently used health research terms mean? Try using: CIHR Jargon Buster: https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/48952.html

Airwaves & Airways is back with the 1st episode for 2025! For National Non-Smoking Week, we're talking about QuitNow! To support British Columbians in going smoke and vape free, the government of British Columbia has funded QuitNow, a free program to quit or reduce nicotine, which is delivered by BC Lung Foundation. Sheila Matano, Director of Health Promotion and Tobacco Interventions for QuitNow, discusses common obstacles, strategies, and support addressed through the program to demonstrate how QuitNow is designed to support everyone in their quit journey! To learn more about QuitNow and how to get started on your quit journey, visit quitnow.ca. You can also call the help line by dialing 1-877-455-2233.

Do you want to protect you and your loved ones this fall? Fall respiratory season is upon us – a time of increased respiratory illness. In episode 6 of Airwaves & Airways, we chat with Ajit Johal, who is a clinical assistant professor for the University of British Columbia Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Program and is the Clinical Director at Immunize.io. Ajit is a community pharmacist focused on vaccinations and since 2012 has been providing clinical education and immunizations within Vancouver. Join us as we talk about respiratory season, risk factors, and all things vaccinations so you can be up to date on what to expect this fall. If you’re looking to learn more about vaccinations and what to expect as we head into respiratory season, be sure to check this episode out! Referenced links: To learn more about recommended vaccines for your age/medical condition: https://immunizebc.ca/adults/recommended-vaccines Information on extra protection options: https://immunizebc.ca/adults/recommended-vaccines#Extra%20protection Book an appointment for COVID-19 and/or Influenza: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register Immunize.io for vaccine FAQs, options, and updates - https://immunize.io/ To find an immunization clinic, schedules, and records - https://immunizebc.ca/ BC Lung's resources on immunizations and infections - https://bclung.ca/lung-health/immunization-infections/ GSK Arexvy now has 3 seasons of protection: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/gsk-rsv-vaccine-data-suggest-protection-across-3-seasons

Episode 5 of Airwaves & Airways is intended for health care providers who wish to learn more about which vaccines are currently available for patients and how to talk about vaccines with patients. To explore these topics, we are joined by Ajit Johal, who is a clinical assistant professor for the University of British Columbia Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Program and is the Clinical Director at Immunize.io. Ajit is a community pharmacist focused on vaccinations and since 2012 has been providing clinical education and immunizations within Vancouver. So if you’re a pharmacist, doctor, health educator, or any other type of health care provider, be sure to listen as we dive into how best to support our community this fall. To access further evidence-based resources on vaccinations you can visit immunize.io. They have a Vaccine Centre of Excellence which includes free vaccine education resources: https://vaccinecenterofexcellence.com/. References: The burden of Pneumococcal and Influenza disease on activities of Daily Living (ADL)’s - Quinton LJ, Walkey AJ, Mizgerd JP. Integrative Physiology of Pneumonia. Physiol Rev. 2018;98(3):1417-1464. Gonzalo PL, et al. The impact of influenza on functional decline. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2012 July ; 60(7): 1260–1267. Impact of RSV on Independent living after hospitalization - Goldman CR, Sieling WD, Alba LR, Silverio Francisco RA, Vargas CY, Barrett AE, Phillips M, Finelli L, Saiman L. Severe Clinical Outcomes Among Adults Hospitalized With Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections, New York City, 2017-2019. Public Health Rep. 2022 Sep-Oct;137(5):929-935. doi: 10.1177/00333549211041545. Epub 2021 Sep 6. PMID: 34487436; PMCID: PMC9379840. Clinical Frailty Score Guide for clinicians - http://thehub.utoronto.ca/family/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/E_Clinical-Frailty-Scale-June_2016.pdf Impact of COPD Exacerbations on patient quality of life - John R. Hurst, Neil Skolnik, Gerald J. Hansen, Antonio Anzueto, Gavin C. Donaldson, Mark T. Dransfield, Precil Varghese, Understanding the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations on patient health and quality of life,European Journal of Internal Medicine, Volume 73, 2020,Pages 1-6,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2019.12.014. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0953620519304431) Updated Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (NACI statement) - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/vaccines-immunization/national-advisory-committee-immunization-statement-seasonal-influenza-vaccine-2024-2025.html Updated Fall COVID-19 Vaccine (NACI Statement) - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/vaccines-immunization/national-advisory-committee-immunization-guidance-covid-19-vaccines-fall-2024.html Pneumoccocal Conjugate 20 vaccine for adults at risk (NACI statement) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/public-health-level-recommendations-use-pneumococcal-vaccines-adults-including-use-15-valent-20-valent-conjugate-vaccines.html RSV vaccine for Older Adults (NACI statement) - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/vaccines-immunization/national-advisory-committee-immunization-summary-statement-prevention-rsv-disease-older-adults.html TDAP every 10 years (Immunize BC) - https://immunizebc.ca/vaccines/tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis-Tdap GSK Arexvy now has 3 seasons of protection: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/gsk-rsv-vaccine-data-suggest-protection-across-3-seasons

September is a month of excitement for many, however, the transition of back to school comes risks for children living with asthma. The “September Spike”, is a serious increase in asthma attacks that can occur among children when they return to the classroom. In this month's episode of Airwaves & Airways, we chatted with Sharon Ramsey , who is a Certified Asthma Educator at the Burnaby Pediatric Asthma Clinic. Tune in to learn more about the September Spike and how to support children with asthma this fall. Referenced links: bclung.ca/childhoodasthma : resources including handouts, infographics, and asthma action plans. On this page you can also find info about BC Lung’s asthma education camps, and a list of pediatric asthma clinics across BC. asthma.ca/get-help/resources/ : toolkits, action plans, and other resources. asthma.ca/what-we-do/helpline/ : Asthma & allergy helpline info from Asthma Canada bclung.ca/Lung Health Condition/childhood-asthma/asthma-action-plans-for-children/ : Asthma action plans for children Childhood Asthma: A Guide for Families and Caregivers :Childhood Asthma a Guide for Families & Caregivers video

In episode 3 of Airwaves & Airways, we dive into how extreme heat events can affect our lungs. In BC, we've seen more frequent and intense wildfire smoke and extreme heat events. With these events projected to continue into the future, we want to learn more about how we can best protect ourselves and support those living with a lung condition during times of extreme heat. To explore the intersection of heat and respiratory health, we chatted with Dr. Emily Brigham, who is a practicing respirologist at Vancouver General Hospital. Tune in to learn more about extreme heat, what symptoms to look out for and steps you can take to be prepared ahead of an event, along with many other helpful resources. Referenced links: State of the air report: https://bclung.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/State-of-the-Air-2023.pdf Wildfire Smoke & Extreme Heat Action Plan: https://centreforlunghealth.ca/wildfire-smoke-and-extreme-heat-action-plan/ Resources to help protect yourself during wildfire season: Bclung.ca/wildfire Be prepared for extreme heat events: Bclung.ca/heatpreparedness Upcoming webinar info: September 23, at 10-11:30am (Wildfire Smoke and Lung Health – Knowns and Unknowns and Future Direction, hosted by Dr. Stephanie Cleland. Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_74sq85WgSkCwwU6yzjWulw)

For episode 2 of BC Lung's podcast, Airwaves & Airways, we had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol about the BREATHE project, a community-based initiative that teaches community members and leaders how to build DIY air cleaners to improve their indoor air quality. 'BREATHE' stands for 'Building Resilience to Emerging Airborne Threats and Heat Events' and is a project co-hosted by Simon Fraser University's Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS) and the BC Lung Foundation. Along with a team of SFU students, Anne-Marie has been bringing the BREATHE project across British Columbia by hosting workshops to build DIY air cleaners and providing education about wildfire smoke to vulnerable individuals such as low-income seniors and people with existing lung conditions. Tune into this month's episode to learn more about the BREATHE project, the importance of indoor air quality, strategies to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, and more! Visit bclung.ca/diyaircleaners for more info about the BREATHE project including a step-by-step guide on how to build your own air cleaner at home.

In the very first episode of Airwaves & Airways, we are speaking with Christopher Lam, President & CEO at BC Lung about a game-changing policy that BC Lung is proposing to help keep children in BC safe. It’s called Smoke Free Generation, and we’re pretty excited about the prospect that this could really work in our province. Tune in to learn more about Smoke-Free Generation and how it could create a healthier future.