The archive

We all know sleep is important, but lots of us don’t realise that our lung health and quality of sleep are linked. Since it’s World Sleep Day, it’s the perfect time to think about switching up your sleep routine, if you feel you need to. In this blog, Pam, Respiratory Nurse Specialist Co-Lead at Asthma + Lung UK, shares some tips about getting your sleep schedule under control.

Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation have been part of lung health history for a long time! In this blog, Sophie from our Media team walks you through a short history of lung health and how our brands have made an impact.

On the 21st of February the Prime Minister is expected to outline a ‘Plan for Living with COVID-19’. As part of this, it has been reported that an announcement may be made about ending various measures that have been used to control the spread of COVID-19. Lottie from our policy team talks you through what we think needs to happen now.

There have been some really exciting moments so far this year. From some fantastic developments in research, the launch of our sister charity the British Lung Foundations’ new mindfulness support group, and the Hope Half Hour walking challenge, Nicola, from our digital team, takes you through what we’ve achieved together so far this year.

We're so proud of all our hope half hour heroes, together you raised over £40,000! Here Nicki tells us why she took part and what she enjoyed about the new year walking challenge.

Asthma has a disproportionate effect on women. Globally, the incidence of asthma, the frequency of asthma attacks and asthma mortality rates are higher in women than men. In the most recent analysis of asthma deaths in the UK, 70% of deaths were in women. Dr Yarunnessa Khan, who works in our Research and Innovation team, explains why we want to change this.

Female researchers will always be at the forefront of asthma research. Over the years, we've shared their stories and their pioneering research. Today, we look back at some of our favourites.

Are inhalers bad for the environment? The answer is not so straightforward. Our in-house GP, Dr Andy, talks us through all you need to know about greener inhalers.

Our in-house GP, Dr Andy, tells us about some of the main issues he’s been seeing in his clinic recently, and some top tips for improving your lung health as we move into spring.

It’s estimated that more than a million people in the UK are living with long-term symptoms following a COVID-19 infection, and many struggle to access the specialist support they need to manage their health. The British Lung Foundation has collaborated with a coalition of 15 charities, to create an online assessment tool that helps people identify their symptoms and access support services. Our Project Lead Amanda Watson, who led on the development of the new tool, tells us more about our it.

Sarah Woolnough, CEO of Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, explains why the new chief executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, should be tackling lung disease as a priority.

Adele, BLF Group Support Officer shares how the first virtual event for support group members went.

In Dr Andy’s latest blog, he talks about how lung health and mental health go hand in hand, and why it’s important to pay attention to them both.

Pam Parry is BLF’s Respiratory Nurse Specialist Co-Lead and talks to us about the importance of sleep and shares top tips to help you sleep.

The Environment Act will determine how we look after our environment over the coming decades. Our Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Rob Day, sets out what the Act means for tackling air pollution and how you can get involved to ensure the government delivers cleaner air.

Austin Orr, our Policy and Public Affairs Officer in Northern Ireland writes about the upcoming ban on smoking in private cars with children which is an important step towards a legacy of better lung health in Northern Ireland.

Gareth Brown, Scotland’s Policy and Public Affairs Officer for Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, writes about the clean air milestones in 2021 and why the Scottish Parliament should take on board the calls from a coalition of charities, academics and researchers to look at progress on tackling air pollution in Scotland.

Dana, 67, from Shropshire was so shocked and moved when he heard that a little boy in his town had died from an asthma attack that he was inspired to start fundraising for Asthma UK – 11 years later, he’s one of our star supporters’ having raised over £40,000.

Laura’s daughter Erin had her first asthma attack at six months old. In this blog, she tells Erin’s story. She also talks about the fantastic fundraising which she has done for Asthma UK by taking part in the London Classics, where she’s raised over £10,000!

Greater Manchester is one of the most polluted regions of the UK. Air pollution across the region accounts for at least 1,200 premature deaths every year and is likely to be contributing to the extremely high prevalence of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Our Policy & Public Affairs Officer, Rob Day, tells us more.

The New Year is a time for change and new beginnings, so why not resolve to manage your asthma better this January? Caroline, Respiratory Nurse Specialist Co-lead for our Helpline, tells us how we can do this.

We’ve seen research discoveries, our campaigners have worked harder than ever and together we’ve made our voices heard in various ways this year. Nicola, from our digital team, takes you through our top achievements in 2021.

We’ve pulled together some of our most popular blogs from this year, for you to discover or revisit over the festive break. So sit back and relax whilst reading through these stories from 2021!

Laura’s daughter Erin had her first asthma attack at six months old. In this blog, she tells Erin’s story. She also talks about the fantastic fundraising which she has done for Asthma UK by taking part in the London Classics, where she’s raised over £10,000!

In 2020, Geoff’s wife Joan passed away from COPD. This year, he took part in an incredible skydive to help fundraise for the British Lung Foundation, in memory of Joan. In this blog he tells us Joan’s story, and about his skydiving experience!

Roger completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon for BLF this year, here he tells us his connection to Asthma UK and The British Lung Foundation, and why he decided to fundraise for BLF at this heavy metal run!

Yasmeen, 25, has severe asthma and gets her flu jab every year. She tells us why it’s important to her to get it every autumn.