CHP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Publishes Scholarly Paper on Teen Asthma Management

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Community Health Programs nurse practitioner has published a scholarly paper focused on a modern approach to caring for adolescents and children with asthma.

Gina Nickels-Nelson who practices at CHP Berkshire Pediatrics in Pittsfield, has authored "Adolescent Ownership of Asthma Health: A Concept Analysis," which is now published in Wiley Nursing Forum, an academic nursing journal. Nickels-Nelson is a candidate for a doctor of nursing practice degree at the University of Texas at Tyler.

Her paper focuses on the concept of teaching patients "ownership" of their asthma, a chronic medical condition that impairs breathing and requires the use of inhalers for treatment. In addition to its health impacts, asthma can adversely impacts school attendance, participation in sports and other activities. 

Patient "ownership" of health conditions is a newer concept in care and is readily applicable to a variety of chronic health conditions. Nickels-Nelson is already successfully using this new technique in her work with patients at CHP Berkshire Pediatrics.

"Gina has successfully found a way to partner with her pediatric and adolescent patients who suffer from asthma, by using simple techniques to improve breathing, school attendance, sports performances and participation in activities they enjoy," said Dr. Everett Lamm, medical director of CHP.


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Dalton Select Board Argues Over Sidewalk Article

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — A heated discussion concerning sidewalks during Monday night's Select Board meeting resulted in the acting chair calling a recess to cool the situation. 
 
The debate stemmed from the two articles on the town meeting warrant for May 6 at 7 p.m. at Wahconah Regional High School. 
 
One proposes purchasing a sidewalk paver for $64,000 so sidewalks can be paved or repaired for less money, but they will use asphalt rather than concrete. The other would amend the town's bylaws to mandate the use of concrete for all future sidewalks. 
 
The article on concrete sidewalks was added to the warrant through a citizen petition led by resident Todd Logan. 
 
The board was determining whether to recommend the article when member John Boyle took the conversation in a new direction by addressing how the petition was brought about. 
 
"I just have a comment about this whole procedure. I'm very disappointed in the fact that you [Logan] have been working, lobbying various groups and implementing this plan and filed this petition six weeks ago. You never had any respect for the Select Board and …" Boyle said. 
 
Before Boyle could finish his statement, which was directed to Logan, who was in the audience, Chair Joe Diver called point of order via Zoom. 
 
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