World Asthma Day is May 3 - and kicks off National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

March 30, 2011 - Join the national effort to raise awareness and increase public knowledge of asthma and allergy management by participating in World Asthma Day and National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2007 5.6 million children ages 5 - 17 reported to have asthma alone, and asthma accounted for up to 12.3 million missed school days in 2003. Asthma can be managed well with proper care, but it can be disruptive and even fatal without treatment. Many people don’t realize how common asthma is or how best to manage it. These events mark a great time to expand asthma knowledge in your community!  

On May 3^th, people around the world will hold events to heighten awareness of asthma. Visit the World Asthma Day site for a list of scheduled activities and activity suggestions. Throughout the month of May, communities nationwide will celebrate National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, sponsored by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Check out the Asthma Awareness Month Event Planning Kit  on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website to access a variety of tools and ideas for activities.