World Asthma Day 2012-You can control your asthma!

Who knew?  Today is Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) .  East Los Angeles Community College is an annual event organized by the Stanislaus County Asthma Coalition to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. When I first read about Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), I thought, how cute.  Then I read on and thought, how powerful.  This year’s theme is “You Can Control Your Asthma”.  In the spirit of Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), below are a few fabulous links to support controlling asthma here in the US!
Worldwide, from Florida to Pakistan, countries are standing together and re-committing to reducing the prevalence of asthma, the morbidity and mortality!  Open Airways for Schools–a free self management program for children with asthma that is taught right in their schools  from the American Lung Associationof standing together with Stanislaus County Asthma Coalition as they renewed their own commitment to improving the quality of life with Asthma.  In addition to organizations from all over the world making statements, there are events taking place dedicated to educating and supporting the theme of “You Can Control Your Asthma”.
Look at what is happening around the globe today…
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• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is offering free peak flow meter testing and is handing out asthma education materials
• American Lung Associationis offering several activities ranging from workshops for health care providers to Public Service Announcements in local movie theaters (I am impressed by the movie PSA idea I must admit)
• In Saudi Arabia KAsthma Overview: what is asthma what causes asthma, diagnosis, treatment and prevention–from the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of American is providing workshops for health care professionals and asthma information at a local mall.
• In Nigeria, the Breathe Well Live Well-an asthma management program for adults from the American Lung Associationis providing an asthma walk-in clinic  along with the launch of a National Asthma Patient Database
• In Vietnam, the Open Airways for Schools–a free self management program for children with asthma that is taught right in their schools  from the American Lung Association is offering continuing education to health care professions and a screening clinic that spans several months.

[/unordered_list] In my self-centered world of managing my children’s asthma I seemed to have forgotten that we’re part of entire planet full of folks with asthma, basically 230 million people worldwide.  Our asthma tribe is quite large and we’re not the only ones working towards making life better with Asthma! Even though I am openly and freely biased and believe the American Lung Association and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America  are truly two of the  leading organizations dedicated to improving lung health and clean air here in the US, I’m humbled by so many international organizations fighting the good fight too.
Now here is my part, from lovely Reno, Nevada:
You Can Control Your Asthma…by visiting these sites!
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• American Lung Association
• Asthma Overview: what is asthma what causes asthma, diagnosis, treatment and prevention–from the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of American
• Breathe Well Live Well-an asthma management program for adults from the American Lung Association
• Download this booklet from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, “National Asthma Control Initiative: Keeping Airways Open – Take Action: Stop Asthma Today! What You Can Do, NOW”

[/unordered_list] I am very proud to be an Open Airways for Schools–a free self management program for children with asthma that is taught right in their schools  from the American Lung Association.  This program directly improves the lives of children with asthma by empowering students at their schools via six workshops that teach the children how to manage their asthma,  avoid asthma attacks,  understand the difference between rescue and maintenance medications, the proper usage of a peak flow meter and we even role play how to speak to an adult about your asthma!  I’m biased, but I have seen first hand the impact this program has and there is nothing more satisfying as when I see my former students in public carrying their inhalers and sharing stories of asthma attacks that were controlled!!

It feels great to be part of a world-wide movement and commitment to improving lives with asthma.

Happy World Asthma Day!-Caroline

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