Department of Health recognizes May as Asthma Month
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recognizes May as National Asthma Awareness Month and takes the opportunity to educate Floridians regarding diagnosis and treatment programs committed to improving the lives of those diagnosed with asthma.
“Asthma affects the lives of an estimated 2.8 million Floridians, 720,000 of whom are children,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “As a chronic lung disease, asthma is readily manageable.
The Department is working with other statewide partners to make life better for Floridians with asthma.”
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects all age groups, yet can be more severe among children, women, African Americans, and Puerto Ricans. The Florida Asthma Coalition is working to eliminate asthma disparities, improve quality of life, and reduce costs. The Florida Asthma Plan provides action steps, identifies partners, and pinpoints measures of progress and success.
The Florida Asthma Coalition and its partners offer the Asthma Friendly Childcare Recognition program. Centers that earn the recognition are better equipped to support children with asthma.
The online staff training is free and covers topics like offering support to children and families who are dealing with asthma by ensuring children with asthma have an asthma action plan on file and providing asthma educational opportunities for parents.
For information about asthma, please visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/Asthma/index.html or contact your county health department. To view Florida’s Asthma Plan visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/Asthma/flasthmaplan.pdf.
DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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