Recognize unsung heroes with respiratory problems

21 September, 2007

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand (Inc)

Time to recognize unsung heroes with respiratory conditions

The upcoming Asthma and Respiratory Awards provide a timely reminder that thousands of New Zealanders with respiratory conditions face real challenges positively, sometimes heroically, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation said today.

Recently, there has been media coverage about a study pointing to reduced prevalence of asthma among 13 and 14 year olds and people wrongly being diagnosed with the condition. The Foundation acknowledges these as valid and important issues.

However, the Foundation says they should not distract people from the fact that many people living with asthma, for example, have to manage serious issues.

It’s not just a matter of reaching for your inhaler. Last week’s tragic death of an Auckland boy after his nebuliser failed to save him from an asthma attack demonstrates this. Further awareness raising about asthma and research into treatments, preventions and a possible cure for respiratory conditions is as necessary as ever.

The Asthma and Respiratory Awards are held every two years to acknowledge and celebrate people with asthma and other respiratory conditions that have a positive attitude and don’t let their condition hold them back.

One in four kiwi children and one in six adults has asthma. It’s estimated more than 800 000 New Zealanders have a respiratory condition.

The Supreme Achievers, a group of eight selected by judges, in 2005 included a six-year-old boy who couldn’t even sit beside other children with dairy food, eggs, nuts or fish in their school lunches, for fear of an extreme reaction that could make him very unwell.

Nominations close soon for the 2007 awards on 28 September, 2007.

The Supreme Achievers will each receive an award from the Governor-General, His Excellency the Hon Anand Satyanand, in person at Government House in late November, 2007. If they live outside Wellington their travel costs and accommodation will be paid for.

“If people want to nominate someone with asthma or another respiratory condition they can just email achievers@asthmafoundation.org.nz including the name of the person they nominate and a contact phone number. They would be invited to Government House too,” says Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Communications Manager, Malcolm Aitken.

ENDS

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