Public Challenged To Help Asthma Charity

Government spokesman in the Upper House for Health, Senator Crystal Caesar has challenged the public to help out Open Airways, the charity improving the health of those affected by asthma and other breathing difficulties.

Senator Caesar was speaking at lunch time today [May 1] on the steps of City Hall as Open Airways launched the local celebration of World Asthma Day.

Addressing those gathered, Senator Caesar said, “I would first of all like to thank Open Airways, for inviting me here today. Open Airways is the Asthma Charity that is “Helping Bermuda to Breathe.

“World Asthma Day is as fitting a time as any to recognize the incredible work done throughout the year by Open Airways since its founding in 1997. A lot has changed in two decades. For one thing, hospital admissions for asthma have been reduced by a staggering 76%.

“Bermuda’s first qualified asthma educator, Liz Boden, began offering asthma education to people with asthma in 1994, finding a large, unmet need for help in managing breathing issues across the island. It led to the formation of the charity three years later.

Sen. Caesar with Open Airways founder Liz Boden and Director of Education Tracy Nash

“Once Open Airways realized the substantial need for training in specialized respiratory care for Bermuda’s health care professionals, they began filling that need. Out of that came the creation of the Hospital Asthma Education Centre.

“Open Airways also facilitates specialist care for those with emphysema and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases [COPD] and provides oxygen concentrators for those in need. They are an advocate and lobbyist for air quality control, to help stem the rise in asthma.

“I can only scratch the surface of the work provided by this group over the last 20 years – indeed, scratch the surface in explaining all the work they do throughout any given year.

“On average, five people may be treated for asthma each day in the Emergency room. In Bermuda, one-in-10 adults – and one-in-five children – suffer from asthma.

“Open Airways works together with the Department of Health, the King Edward Memorial Hospital Asthma Centre and the network of healthcare professionals throughout the island – many of whom take advantage of the professional workshops and other asthma educational opportunities facilitated by the charity.

“As we join with the many around the world who are also observing World Asthma Day 2018, I invite you to determine how you may be able to help this worthy cause.

“This is a group not just concerned with asthma, but with all breathing issues. And their education agenda is extensive – for those directly and indirectly affected.

“In recent years, those efforts have been led by Tracy Nash, Open Airways Director of Education. Find out what you can learn about asthma, COPD and other breathing issues at their website.

“And if you feel you have something to contribute to a worthy cause, talk to Tracy directly. Asthma – a treatable condition – is actually the number one reason people visit the emergency.

“There are some 8,000 people in the island whose lives are affected by asthma and other long term breathing problems. Open Airways have been busy helping.

“What can you do?”

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