Column: Ewles On Asthma, Awareness & More
[Column written by Mary Ewles]
The average person breathes 12-20 times every minute, more than 25,000 times a day. That’s over 670 million breaths in an average lifetime. For most, it’s automatic, invisible, effortless. But for thousands of people in Bermuda living with asthma, COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, like emphysema and chronic bronchitis] or other chronic respiratory conditions, breathing can become a daily struggle. For some, the simple rhythm and joy of breathing freely does not come naturally. It affects how they sleep, work, learn, and live. A walk across the room can feel like a marathon. A playground or classroom can seem a risk zone.
At Open Airways, we believe that no one should have to struggle to breathe. For over 30 years, we’ve worked to ensure that everyone in Bermuda, regardless of age or income, can manage their condition and breathe freely. We believe that through education and empowering people to manage their asthma and COPD, lives can be improved – and even saved.
We know what works. Since the launch of our island-wide asthma education efforts, hospital admissions for asthma have dropped by an overwhelming 80%. Visits to the emergency room for asthma have also dropped considerably. But despite this progress, asthma remains one of the top reasons people end up in the emergency department, with an average of 4 patients every day. That’s why we remain committed to our mission – through education, we are Helping Bermuda Breathe.
Here’s how we’re making a difference:
Educating Patients
Last year, we offered over 200 free, personalised consultations to people living with asthma and COPD. These sessions help individuals learn how to manage symptoms, use inhalers properly, and avoid environmental triggers. As a result, patients are living healthier, more fulfilling lives. One friend of a patient shared, “After a year of seeing [her friend] depressed, anxious, and withdrawn, following a single consultation with the Open Airways nurse, he was like a new man.”
Partnering with Health Professionals
We train doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists to align with the latest international guidelines for asthma and COPD care. In 2024 alone, more than 120 healthcare workers took part in our workshops – many told us they now feel better equipped to support their patients with respiratory conditions.
By training healthcare professionals in best practice care for asthma and COPD, the capacity for more individuals to be helped increases dramatically.
Reaching Children Where They Learn
By teaching children how to manage their asthma from an early age, Open Airways helps lay the foundation for healthier adulthood and lifelong habits.
In partnership with the Department of Health, the Ministry of Education and BHB’s Asthma Education Centre, we work to identify children with asthma and help those most in need of support. In early 2025, we distributed over 600 pillow vouchers. With a third of the day spent sleeping – simple changes like replacing pillows can make a big difference in reducing exposure to asthma triggers like dust mites and mould.
Raising Awareness Across the Island
We regularly meet with churches, workplaces and community groups to increase understanding and compassion around asthma and COPD. By raising public awareness, we help organisations create safer, more inclusive spaces for people with respiratory conditions.
Making Medication and Equipment Accessible
No amount of education can replace access to proper equipment and treatments. Recognising this, last year Open Airways provided over 700 free spacer devices to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of asthma and COPD medications. Through our Medication Assistance Program, we ensured that nearly 100 vulnerable individuals received free personalised consultations, and most importantly, could obtain their vital daily medication that otherwise might have been out of reach financially.
When breathing is compromised, the body and mind suffer. It can lead to fatigue, anxiety, poor concentration, and a higher risk of illness. Many people also experience social isolation, emotional stress and mental health issues because of this. Breathing issues affect more than just health – they impact learning, working, and living. That’s why our work focuses on practical solutions and real-life impact for children, seniors, and everyone in between.
Anyone can join us in Helping Bermuda Breathe!
Spread the word about our services! Donate financially to our work in Bermuda! If your child has asthma, make sure to register them every year on the Bermuda Student Asthma Registry! Most Importantly – if you have asthma or COPD and it is impacting your life and preventing you from doing normal activities and sports etc. – reach out to Open Airways for help and education – you can Learn More and Breathe Better!
For further information, contact: Mary@openairways.com, 331-3274 or visit our website: www.openairways.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
- Mary Ewles, Executive Director, Open Airways
