World Asthma Day 2010

May 4, 2010 marks the 13th annual World Asthma Day (WAD). This year’s theme is ‘You Can Control Your Asthma’.

Asthma sufferers all over the UK are at risk of hospitalisation due to poorly controlled asthma. Today, 5.4 million people in the UK are currently being treated for the condition. Of these, 1.1 million are children.

What is World Asthma Day?

World Asthma Day is organised by the Global Institute for Asthma (GINA). It is aimed at asthma sufferers, parents, the general public, and healthcare professionals. Countries all over the world will be joining in to raise awareness of asthma. GINA is also launching a campaign to reduce hospital admissions for asthma by 50% in the next five years.

Bedfont Scientific and Wythenshawe Hospital come together for World Asthma Day

In the UK, a special event will take place at the Medicines Evaluation Unit (MEU) at Wythenshawe Hospital. The event is open to everyone. Access is via the Outpatients Entrance between 11am and 3pm on May 4, 2010. Visitors will be offered free information and expert advice about controlling asthma. Stop smoking advice and free asthma screening will also be available. Bedfont is pleased to confirm that we will provide NObreath® monitors for on-the-spot testing at the event.

Further asthma breakthroughs on the horizon

Dave Singh, Medical Director of the MEU, said: “We have medical treatments that work very well for the majority of people who suffer with asthma, and I can see further breakthroughs on the horizon in the next few years. Education remains an important part of treating asthma, and I am pleased that WAD provides an opportunity for the MEU to help raise awareness and offer education about asthma.”

The MEU is supported by Asthma UK, the British Lung Foundation, the Greater Manchester Comprehensive Local Research Network the North West Lung Centre Charity and the hospital’s Smoking Cessation Team.

Bedfont goes the extra mile for Asthma UK

A team of Bedfont employees will undertake the National Three Peaks Challenge on June 5, 2010 to raise money for Asthma UK. The tough challenge involves climbing the UK’s three highest mountains within just 24 hours. You can support the Bedfont team by making a donation at www.JustGiving.com/BedfontScientificLtd3peakschallenge.

For further information, contact Bedfont on 01622 851122 or email ask@bedfont.com