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| Dear AAFA Supporter,
We hope you continue to enjoy our seasonal e-newsletter, full of useful information to help you learn about, and better control your asthma and allergies.
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A Sneeze and Wheeze-Free School Year?
The new school year means new clothes, new classes, new teachers – and the same old misery due to sneezing and wheezing for children with allergies or asthma. From the class hamster to dust mites residing in carpet to germs from cold and flu viruses, asthma and allergy triggers lurk throughout the classroom.
It’s not surprising, then, that back-to-school season is associated with a 46 percent increase in asthma-related emergency department visits by grade school children. And allergies and asthma account for more than 14 million school day absences. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says seeing an allergist can keep kids in the classroom. Studies show patients treated by allergists for asthma have better symptom control, including less wheezing and fewer absences, at lower costs.
If your child is sneezing, wheezing and itching at school, see an allergist to find relief. For more information, find an allergist or take a self-relief test visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
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Three Cheers for Foundation’s Annual Walk for AAFA
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| Claudia |
The Bogan Family lost their beloved 10 year old daughter, Claudia Rose, to asthma in 2008. As a way to ensure Claudia’s life is remembered and celebrated, they created the Claudia Rose Asthma Foundation to support AAFA, providing a lasting legacy in her memory. The Bogan Family recently hosted the 3rd Annual Claudia Rose Foundation Walk raising funds for AAFA. The walk was a great success thanks to the family and a group of dedicated volunteers, walkers, and generous donors.
AAFA would like to express heartfelt thanks to the Bogan Family for their commitment to helping improve the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies through education, advocacy and research. With the help of dedicated families like this, we continue our efforts to save lives. Hosting a walk is a great way to support AAFA’s mission. To start your own fundraiser for AAFA visit www.firstgiving.com/aafanational or contact info@aafa.org.
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Preventing a Dangerous Disease
Are you at risk for pneumococcal disease? If you’re an adult with asthma, the answer is yes. While anyone can get pneumococcal disease, adults with asthma are more likely to and are at higher risk for serious illness and complications. That’s why health officials recommend pneumococcal vaccination for all adults with asthma. Unfortunately, many people with asthma don’t know they should be vaccinated.
William Schaffner, MD, president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases joins AAFA to share important information about pneumococcal disease and prevention. “Pneumococcal disease can cause serious respiratory infections, including pneumonia, as well as other potentially deadly illnesses. Vaccination is a safe, effective way for adults with asthma to reduce their risk.” You can learn more here .
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| AAFA Announces First Paint Certified as asthma & allergy friendly™
“We are very excited about the scientific achievement Valspar has made with this paint,” says Mike Tringale, vice president of External Affairs at AAFA. “Families with asthma and allergies have had limited options up until now,” says Tringale, “but this new certified paint is much more suitable for families that want to reduce indoor irritants, like VOCs, without compromising on color choices or a premium quality finish.”
The innovative technology of Valspar Plus reduces airborne irritants during painting, greatly improving the painting process for those with respiratory sensitivities. The paint has zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can trigger people impacted by asthma and allergies. Valspar Plus has no lingering odor and once applied, dries to an antimicrobial finish that is mold and mildew resistant. It is available at Lowes stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.aafa.org/certified .
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| Control Your Asthma. Take the PACT!
Asthma PACT (Personal Assessment and Control Tool) is a free web-based program for asthma patients of all ages designed to improve asthma control. Parents of young children complete a survey for their child that takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes, and adults and teens complete a similar survey. If you are interrupted while completing the survey, you can save your responses and return within 72 hours to complete it.
At the end of the survey, participants are instructed to review and print their personalized report and share it with their healthcare provider at their next asthma office visit. The report contains current educational information and practical strategies tailored to their unique survey responses to promote adherence to their prescribed asthma treatment plan.
Reviewing the report online provides links to additional resources, including educational videos. Participants are also encouraged to return in 3 to 6 months to retake the survey to measure their progress. AAFA offers a free reminder email if an email address is provided. For more information, visit www.AsthmaPACT.org .
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Subscribe to the NEW Allergic Living Magazine Today!
An indispensable resource on allergies and asthma  is now available in the United States. Allergic Living magazine unveiled its big, brand new U.S. edition this Spring. AAFA is excited to be collaborating closely with Allergic Living, acting as a key editorial resource to their senior health journalists. Allergic Living’s second U.S. issue – Summer 2011 – is available now, and of great interest to friends of AAFA.
AAFA has arranged for our supporters to get the best subscription deal Allergic Living offers: $19.99 for two years. Click here to subscribe!
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Help Find a Cure with Your Mobile Phone
AAFA knows how time consuming it can be to write out and mail checks to your favorite charity. That’s why we now have the option to receive donations by text. It’s so easy to donate $10 to our research program – simply text “AAFA” to 20222 today!
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Join Our Free Online Support Community
AAFA invites you to our online support community which connects patients, families, friends and caregivers for support and inspiration. Become a part of AAFA’s online community to share ideas, tips, stories and begin discussions about asthma, allergies and food allergies with other patients and parents.
AAFA’s support community is powered by Inspire, which connects patients, families, friends, caregivers and health professionals for health and wellness support. Inspire works with AAFA and other trusted health partners to build safe and secure health and wellness groups. Together, AAFA and Inspire believe no one should have to go it alone, we all need a safe place to talk, and we can help one another. Become a part of AAFA’s online community today! Click here and sign-up for free. |
| Nationwide Asthma Screenings
AAFA is a co-sponsor with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in conducting free asthma screenings at more than 300 locations across the country. Click here or call 1.800.7.ASTHMA for more information. |
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Please contact Angel Waldron for more information about any of the articles above.
Breathe™ is funded in part by a grant from
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