Isle lung group gets
grant to help children
The American Lung Association of Hawaii has received $15,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help children manage their asthma.
Hawaii has about 106,000 residents with asthma, with about 33,000 under age 15, according to the Hawaii Health 2001 Survey.
Asthma disrupts school routines more than any other chronic condition, according to a survey by the National Association of School Nurses.
"Open Airways for Schools" will teach asthma management skills to more than 550 children from 8 to 11 years old in 50 schools across the state.
Louise Hill, project manager for the EPA Pacific South- east Region's Indoor Environments Program, said the program "teaches children with asthma that they can lead an enjoyable, active and healthy life."
She said it teaches children "to prevent and recognize asthma symptoms, take necessary asthma management steps and feel more confident about taking care of their asthma on a daily basis."
The EPA has created a national program to raise public awareness and help reduce children's exposure to environmental asthma triggers.
Suggestions to help the public and schools manage asthma episodes are available on the Web site: www.epa.gov/iaq.
For more information on "Open Airways for Schools" call Kathlyn Wong of the American Lung Association of Hawaii at 537-5966, ext. 309.
