Hi folks,

Did you know that as a writer, part of essential marketing is to give away free copies, in the hope that they will generate more sales? To date, I've given away around 80 in total. For those of you who have been given a free copy of either of my books, can I ask a huge favour? Would you mind putting a review on my Amazon page? I would be very grateful.
If you don't have an Amazon account, you will need to set one up before you add a review. You can make yourself non-identifiable too, so be as honest as possible :-)
To add a review, go to the link below and click on the book title of your choice, then click on 'customer reviews', then click on the box, 'write a customer review'.
Once again, thanks so much. I really appreciate it.
To access my author page, click on the top left tab of this post, as above, 'Cath's books on Amazon'
Thank you so much for your time and interest.

love Cath

Autumnal Asthma Symptoms and the Seasonal Flu Vaccine.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asthma-Essential-Guide-Catherine-Short/dp/1861441630/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474489750&sr=8-1&keywords=catherine+short+need2know

Hi Folks,

I trust you are all well? I thought it would be a good time to post some more useful information about my favourite subject, asthma. Did you know that the autumn months can be a very difficult time for asthmatics?
It's true. This time of year can be a very troublesome time due to the changes in temperature and the  effect of moulds and mildews. Rotting plants and leaves can be a factor too! Also, remember to check your bathroom for mould. This can trigger asthma symptoms.

Also, viral infections such as influenza can aggravate asthmatics, sometimes causing dangerously unstable symptoms. For this reason, all asthmatics are entitled to a flu jab each winter. If you fall into any of  the usual 'at risk groups', you can arrange a free flu vaccine through your G.P surgery. The 'at risk groups' are those people who have asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, chronic respiratory disease, those who are immunosuppressed, the very obese, those who have had a stroke and any stage of pregnancy.

Most G.P surgeries in Britain will have received their flu vaccines by now. The vaccine is very safe and protects you against the top 4 flu viruses considered by the World Health Organisation, to be a threat in the Northern Hemisphere. The flu viruses change every winter, so a new vaccine is needed each winter.

Here are some facts about the flu vaccine;

• It is a safe vaccine.
• It is a killed vaccine, therefore cannot give you flu.
• Once immunised, it can take up to three weeks for you to become protected.
• It is important to have the vaccine as soon as possible to build up immunity before flu strikes.
• For children under the age of 18, they can have the nasal flu spray, rather than an injection.
• It is safe during any stage of pregnancy.
• You can get mild side effects which should settle within 24-48 hours

The more common side effects include;

• A mild fever
• Mild discomfort and/or swelling at the injection site
• generalised aches

The flu vaccine is not given to anyone who has a fever, or who has an egg allergy.

If you are interested in being protected, contact your doctors surgery for information.  I've had flu once, six years ago. I was off work for two weeks. During the second week of illness, my asthma became very unstable, so I have the vaccine each year, as soon as I can. I certainly don't want to go through that again!

Take care,

Cathx

Hi folks,
I hope you are all enjoying this lovely sunshine? I especially hope that the summer pollens are not causing too much hay fever and asthma symptoms for those of you with these debilitating conditions?
I'm so pleased to share my news with you. My book, Asthma- the Essential Guide has now got a lovely new cover. I hope you like the new design?
If you would like to win a copy, please leave a comment on my blog. The winner will be drawn on May 31st.
Good luck. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asthma-Essential-Guide-Catherine-Short/dp/1861441630/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1463136220&sr=1-1&keywords=asthma+the+essential+guide+catherine+short

Hi folks,
At last my new book cover is ready. I hope you like it?
I've been excitedly awaiting this for weeks. My new books are on their way to me in the post.
Once I've received them, I'll be offering a free copy on my new facebook page, Catherine Short Health Writer. To win a copy, all you need to do is like and share for a chance to win. Good luck!

Hi folks,

Hope you have all made the best of the weather this Easter? Hasn't it been total rubbish?

It's hard to imagine that summer is just around the corner. Dodging puddles of hailstones is bad enough but for those with asthma, now is the time when many people start with a return of their symptoms!

At this time of year, many sufferers are triggered by the early spring pollens. Did you know that the tree pollens start as early as the end of February? 

Do you know how to recognise when your asthma is losing control? No? Then let me remind you.

The common signs that your asthma is poorly controlled are:-

• Waking in the night coughing, wheezing or short of breath
• A falling peak flow reading
• Needing to use your reliever inhaler more than usual and it's effect not lasting as long
• Waking earlier than usual due to coughing, tight chest or wheezing

You are having an asthma attack if:-

• Your reliever inhaler does not relieve your symptoms
• You are too breathless to talk, eat or sleep
• Your symptoms of cough, wheeze, breathlessness or tight chest are out of control

If you are worried about your asthma, don't delay. Contact your G.P. practice and ask for an urgent appointment with your G.P. or asthma nurse. You need to stress that your asthma is out of control, otherwise likely you will be offered a routine appointment, Also, make sure you are aware how to contact your local 'Out of Hours' services. Your practice will be able to advise you.

You can find more information including what asthma actually is, how it affects all age groups, what the common triggers are and how to manage an asthma attack and much more in my book, 'Asthma- the Essential Guide' with Need2Know Books. Click on the top left tab to access my Amazon page.

Most importantly, take care and enjoy the lovely summer weather which we are surely going to get this year! 

Cathx