You've Got the Questions...We've Got the Answers

• Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed during times of an asthma attack, either as an asthmatic, family member or caregiver?
• Are you confused by the information you receive from the media about asthma?
• Do you often feel rushed when you are in the doctor's office and are unsure of what questions to ask?
• Would you like to learn more about asthma?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a "Family Asthma Program" is for you.

Come learn how to prevent severe asthma episodes, how to control infection, allergens, unnecessary emotional upsets, environmental irritants, and information about medications. Talk with a physician and respiratory therapists who can answer your questions and "clear the air" about asthma.

Family Asthma Programs are held in various locations throughout the year, and offer asthma education, along with other age-appropriate activities. Medical professionals spend time with parents and caregivers of children with asthma, helping them to better understand asthma and its management. The children with asthma spend time separately from the adults and learn about their condition, how to keep themselves healthy, and how to cope with asthma at school, home and play.

The overall goals for our "Family Asthma Programs" are:

• to improve families' understanding of asthma and methods of treatment
• to develop the confidence and skills necessary for families to manage asthma successfully
• to improve the emotional adjustments of families coping with asthma
• to improve children's breathing control
• to reduce the frequency and severity of asthmatic attacks.

The American Lung Association of Iowa offers these programs throughout the year. These programs are sponsored along with local hospitals, health departments, and pharmaceutical companies.

For more information call 1/800-LUNG-USA or 217/787-5864.