17 September 2010
More than 30,000 people across the Loddon-Mallee region have asthma, yet many don’t even know they have the condition. Others know they have asthma but don’t know how to properly manage the condition, or what can be done to minimise its impact on their lives.
Each year around 400 Australians die from asthma. Most are elderly people and tragically, many of these deaths are avoidable.
These are the messages The Asthma Foundation of Victoria will be delivering to community groups, schools and pre-schools during a four day tour of the Loddon-Mallee region from October 11th to the 14th.
The Foundation will hold free community education sessions in Cohuna, Echuca, Mildura, Nyah West and Ouyen, as well as visit local pre-schools and schools.
Anyone across the region is welcome to attend the education sessions.
The Foundation’s Community Support Program Co-ordinator, Ms Rachel Mulqueeney, said one in nine children and one in 10 adults, or more than 600,000 Victorians, have asthma.
“It is essential that anyone with asthma, and their careers, understand what triggers the condition, what to do in an emergency and the importance of having a written asthma action plan.”
For details on The Foundation’s free sessions across the region, or to arrange an interview with Ms Mulqueeney, contact her on 0400 323 043.
Media liaison: James Nevein, Communications Manager
Asthma Foundation of Victoria Phone: (03) 9326 7088 Email: jnevein@asthma.org.au