By Staff
NILES – According to the Asthma Initiative of Michigan (AIM), more than a half million people in Michigan have asthma.
In order to help area residents learn ways to treat and control asthma symptoms, the Southwest Michigan Asthma Coalition and Lakeland HealthCare are offering a free community asthma awareness presentation on Wednesday, May 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room at Lakeland Community Hospital, 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Niles.
"Managing asthma needs to be a partnership between home, school, and the healthcare provider," said Erin Salvagione, RN, and coordinator of the coalition. "Asthma can't be cured, but it can be controlled. Our goal is for people with asthma to learn how they can lead a healthy, active life."
During the month of May, healthcare organizations across the country will honor Allergy and Asthma Awareness month. Allergies and asthma are among America's most common and expensive health problems.
Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and 17 million have asthma, which is the most common pediatric disease and the greatest cause of missed school days. For Berrien County, the total cost of asthma is $6,749,000 per year (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America).
This event is sponsored by the Margaret Beckley Upton Center for Health Enhancement. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544. Visit AIM's www.getasthmahelp.org website for general information on managing asthma.