Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Lt. Governor Judge Encourages Iowans To Participate In 2007 Asthma Walk
Announces Gift for Children With Asthma
(Des Moines) – Lt. Governor Patty Judge today encouraged Iowans to join with the American Lung Association during the 2007 Asthma Walk in September.
“Asthma is a disease that we rarely hear about,” said Lt. Governor Judge. “But in reality, asthma is much more wide-spread than what we might be led to believe. Here in Iowa, 200,000 people live with it everyday, and untreated asthma accounts for more than 45,000 emergency room visits each year. We must raise awareness of this important issue, and that is why I am happy to partner with the American Lung Association and encourage every Iowan to participate in the 2007 Asthma Walk.”
During the event, the Lt. Governor announced a gift of books and educational resources to be given to children suffering from asthma in an effort to help them manage their disease and raise awareness to this illness. Included in these items was a book about safely visiting the zoo. In an effort to help children who have attended the Asthma Adventure Camp utilize the lessons they have learned, the gift also included passes to the Blank Park Zoo for them and their families.
“I am proud today to announce that my office is donating books and other educational items to this important cause,” said the Lt. Governor. “Items like an asthma action plan and asthma wallet card that will help families and sufferers of asthma to have a better plan to manage their asthma. Through these steps, we will teach children with asthma how to lead happier, fuller lives, and give them a greater opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The “Blow the Whistle on Asthma” Walk will take place on Saturday, September 8th at Jordan Creek Town Center. Registration opens at 8:00 AM with the walk beginning at 9:00 AM. Proceeds from the Asthma Walk will be used to support the American Lung Association’s current educational programs: Asthma Adventure Camp and Asthma 101. The Asthma Walk will also provide additional funding for the American Lung Association’s Asthma Clinical Research Centers, a network of 19 medical centers across the country, including one in Illinois, dedicated to finding better treatments, determining the cause of asthma and finding a cure for this increasingly deadly disease.
For more information on the Asthma Walk or to RSVP for the kick-off event, please call 515.309.9507 or register online at www.lungia.org.