June 17, 2004 – A free Asthma Camp for youngsters ages 7 to 15 with respiratory problems will be held July 19 to 30 at the Ricardo Richards Elementary School on St. Croix, hosted by the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center.
Children will participate in games, field trips, storytelling, crafts and swimming, in addition to learning from respiratory experts about asthma and diet for asthmatics. Experts who are scheduled include: respiratory therapists Helen Shirley and Andre Johnson, Dr. Richard Gibbs, dietician Joanna White and other Luis Hospital staff members.
According to the National Center for Environmental Health of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma is one of the nation's most common and costly diseases which affects between 14 and 15 million Americans, including almost five million children, a release said. Projected related costs have been estimated to total $14 to $15 billion. Environmental interventions, in combination with medical management, can significantly reduce the burden of asthma. Managing asthma requires a long-term, multifaceted approach including patient education, behavior changes, avoidance of asthma triggers, pharmacologic therapy and frequent medical follow-up.
For additional information call the Luis Hospital's respiratory division at 778-6311, Ext. 2182 or 2681.
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