CHP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Publishes Scholarly Paper on Teen Asthma Management

02:15PM / Monday, February 25, 2019Print Story | Email Story

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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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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