Open Airways To Celebrate World Asthma Day
World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma to improve awareness and care around the world.
“This year our theme in Bermuda is ‘Love your Lungs’ – Stay active with asthma – exercise is for everyone,” Open Airways said.
“Open Airways will be at The City Hall from 11.30am to 2pm on Tuesday May 1st. Thanks to our kind sponsor Zurich Bermuda.
“Asthma nurses will be there to help people to manage their asthma. [Please bring your inhalers with you]. The Goal is Control and no one should suffer with asthma.
“Physiotherapists will be there to distribute and demonstrate how to use spacer devices to ensure the medications reach the airways effectively.
“Free pillows will be given to anyone who comes for asthma education [while supplies last]. Free microfiber cloths will also be given to encourage people to stop using chemicals in their homes to clean and freshen the air.
“People with asthma have sensitive airways, they react to:-
- Allergens such as dust-mites, mildew, mold, pollen, animal dander etc.
- Irritants such as cigarette smoke, diesel fumes, perfume, household cleaning chemicals, Air-freshers etc.
- The weather – high humidity, cold air, thunderstorms etc.
- Infection – colds and flu viruses.
“It is impossible to avoid all your asthma triggers therefore daily preventer medications are essential. They take up to 2 weeks to be effective – you must take these every day to keep your asthma away.
“Medications are changing all the time – the very best inhalers are combination inhalers, which relax the muscles around the airways and control the inflammation in the airways. They are easy to use and are safe and effective for anyone over the age of 6 years.
“Anyone with asthma using the blue reliever inhaler such as Ventolin, more than twice a week is actually making their asthma worse! See an asthma nurse – Let us help you control your asthma – contact Open Airways 232 0264 or nurse@openairways.com or lizboden@logic.bm
“The Good News…Asthma admissions to hospital are down by 76%. The Bad News…5 people a day visit Emergency for asthma…every visit tells us asthma management has failed.
“There are approximately 8000 people with asthma in Bermuda. 1 in 5 school children and 1 in 10 adults. [USA has 1 in 10 children – UK 1 in 11 with asthma]
A spokesperson added, “As a fundraiser this year we are asking people to come to our event and then walk .20K around the City Hall…just 330 steps! Free T shirt and bumper sticker.
“We ask for a fee / donation of $20 to mark our 20th anniversary Helping Bermuda to Breathe and helping us to continue for another 20 years!
“Register online at ptix.bm or at the start of the walk.
“If anyone can’t come to the City Hall and would like to make a donation to Open Airways please go to ptix.bm”
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