Sign up for Asthma Fun Day

Asthma is a condition that changes lives and in some cases takes lives. The American Lung Association feels that it is important that all asthma sufferers, especially children, understand their personal asthma triggers, and how to best help themselves during an episode.

This is why the American Lung Association has joined forces with the Springfield Marriott Hotel to offer the first ever Asthma Fun Day. This day-long program is being offered for free to the public, for children ages eight to 13 who live with asthma. On Aug. 17, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., children will be entertained with arts and crafts swimming, magic from Ed Popielarczyk, as well as playing asthma games, and learning the key messages from the American Lung Association's Open Airway's program.

Nurses and respiratory therapists will be on site to administer medications, and care for your children if an episode should occur, and American Lung Association staff will be running all of the programs and entertaining the children throughout the day. The Springfield Marriott will be providing a breakfast buffet, along with lunch and a special afternoon treat for all attendees. Space is limited; contact Judy Deane at 737-3506 to request your registration packet today. The deadline to request a registration packet is June 29.

With 128,000 Massachusetts children currently living with asthma, and 12.8 million school days missed nationally from asthma attacks, the information learned during this day of fun and asthma education could help your child learn how to save themselves or a friend with asthma. There will also be a one hour information session for parents, 3:30-4:30 p.m., held by pediatric pulmonologist, Paul Salva, MD, PhD. He can answer your personal questions about your child's asthma, and offer advice on how to make their condition easier for both of you.

For more information, or to request a registration packet, contact Judy Deane at 737-3506 or go to the American Lung Association website at www.lungma.org. Let the American Lung Association and the Springfield Marriott make asthma fun and educational for your child, participate in the first ever Asthma Fun Day.

Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is "Improving life, one breath at a time." For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 800-586-4872 or log on to www.lungusa.org.