Asthma and Allergy Foundation Launches New Local Day-Care Provider Training Program to Help Make Child Care Safer, Healthier for Children with Asthma and Allergies.Business/News Editors & Health/Medical/Education Writers LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 24, 2000 To help children with asthma and allergies breathe easier, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for and controlling asthma, food allergies, nasal allergies and other allergic diseases. AAFA's mission is also to educate the public about these diseases. , Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, Chapter launched a new program today that teaches area child-care providers how to make their day-care centers and homes safer and healthier for children with asthma and allergies. The first program was held yesterday at the University of Southern California's School for Early Childhood Education. Asthma has reached epidemic proportions -- a 160 percent increase in the last 20 years -- in children under age five in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . An estimated 210,000 children in the Greater Los Angeles area The Greater Los Angeles Area, or the Southland, is the agglomeration of urbanized area around the city of Los Angeles, California, United States. There are two "official" definitions—the Los Angeles metropolitan area consisting only of the Los Angeles and Orange suffer from this chronic respiratory disease Noun 1. respiratory disease - a disease affecting the respiratory system respiratory disorder, respiratory illness adult respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS, wet lung, white lung - acute lung injury characterized by coughing and rales; inflammation of the . This unique educational program for child-care providers, co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), independent agency of the U.S. government, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1970 to reduce and control air and water pollution, noise pollution, and radiation and to ensure the safe handling and , is part of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's aggressive campaign to give caregivers the resources they need to help these children live full, active lives. "We want to help raise the standard of care for these children," said Francene Lifson, executive director of AAFA's Southern California Chapter. "Day-care providers can help by becoming aware of how to reduce common asthma and allergy triggers, learning to recognize the symptoms of an asthma or allergy attack and knowing how to properly use the medications and medical devices needed by children with asthma and allergies." Asthma is the most common chronic illness among children. If not controlled, it also leads to sleepless sleep·less adj. 1. a. Marked by a lack of sleep: a sleepless night. b. Unable to sleep. 2. nights, limitations on exercise and activity, absenteeism from school, hospitalizations and missed work time by their parents. However, if a child with asthma and allergies receives a proper diagnosis as well as a good treatment plan, and caregivers help a child take medications properly and reduce exposure to environmental triggers An environmental trigger is a factor caused (or aided) by the environment. An example of an environmental trigger would be a component of a human's drinking water which holds the possibility of activating (triggering) a change in a person's body. , the complications from asthma can be controlled and a child's quality of life greatly improved. "It is imperative that we implement community-based educational programs to help caregivers of children with asthma and allergies have the knowledge and resources they need to keep these kids out of the emergency room and in the classroom," said Lifson. "This program will help us greatly improve the care many of these children receive. It also will help these day-care providers feel more confident about managing the special needs of these children." For more information about the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Southern California Chapter's child-care program, call 800/624-0044. |
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