Be an asthma hero!
We’re looking for 150 adults with asthma who live in rural areas of the Midwest to help us map where asthma attacks occur. That means: If you live anywhere from OH, IN, IA, WI, MN, WI, IL, KS, MO, NE, ND to SD, you can volunteer.
So, if you use an inhaler to manage your asthma symptoms, and have access to a computer, a cell phone and the internet, please step forward.
We’re depending on you. Help us advance our understanding of asthma and how we can better control it.
Easy to participate
There is no travel required – We handle everything through the mail, phone and online – and no special visits.
Participation is free. There are no costs to you, your health insurer or your employer, for participating in the study.
In fact, you’ll earn a $25 gift certificate to Walgreens or Target for participating.
Put your asthma to work
If you take part in this study you will attach a small device – called the Spiroscout – to your rescue inhaler. This device will track the time and location where you use the inhaler. It automatically stores and sends this information electronically when the device is connected to a computer.
You, your doctor, and public health scientists will be able to see: (1) when and how often you have symptoms, and (2) where you develop symptoms that require you to use your inhaler.
We think that this information will help all of us better understand what kinds of exposures may be triggering asthma symptoms among rural residents. Get in touch with us to volunteer.
The problem of rural asthma
By volunteering, you will help public health scientists learn about patterns of asthma among rural residents. This is an important topic about which surprisingly little is known.
In fact, until recently, most people assumed that asthma was only a problem in the cities and suburbs. Finally, research by a team at the CDC last year showed that asthma was affecting just as many people in rural areas as in urban ones.
With this study we want to shine a light on the underestimated problem of rural asthma and learn from your experience. We also want to see whether providing you with more information about your asthma helps you and your physician improve your asthma control. Take part if you can.
Help spread the word
Whether or not you participate, you can still help us succeed. Please help us get the word out. Let your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers know about the project.
Here are some ways you can help:
1. Download a flier to post in your workplace and around your community. If you’d like, we’re happy to mail you a bunch. Just let us know.
2. Share the project with your friends on Facebook or other social networks.
3. Tell your health care provider about the project and ask them to post a flier in their waiting room. Better yet, ask them to help spread the word.
4. Ask your pharmacist to post a flier and distribute information to people picking up inhalers.
About the study
The Midwest Rural Asthma Study is being carried out by Reciprocal Sciences, a Madison, WI-based health research company, with the support of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Read more about us...
What people are saying
It helps me think about what the triggers are that cause my asthma to act up at that particular timeShannon S. - Participant
This will help physicians understand more what type of symptoms their patients are having, so they can appropriately classify their severity and assess their control on subsequent visits.N. Jain - Physician
Asthma is not well understood. For each patient there's a set of triggers that might exacerbate their asthma. The device provides the time and location that the inhaler is used, allowing researchers to better understand why it's used each time.S. Magzamen - Scientist
