Breathe easier: Event for asthma awareness planned

    Asthma is one of the most common serious chronic diseases of childhood. It's a leading cause of hospitalization, emergency department visits and school absenteeism. Maine has some of the highest rates of asthma in the country. Currently, 10.7 percent of Maine children have asthma compared to 8.9 percent nationally.
    In response to these alarming statistics, and in an effort to raise public awareness of the risks faced everyday by the more than 6 million American children living with asthma, SAD 29, Healthy Aroostook and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians have partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to commemorate May as Asthma Awareness Month. All across the world, events are being held in May to raise awareness about the problem of asthma, about indoor and outdoor pollutants that trigger asthma and ways to prevent and control asthma episodes.
    The Houlton Area Asthma Awareness Event will be held Tuesday evening, May 19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Southside School. The program will feature a presentation by Dana Jones, Respiratory Therapist with Houlton Regional Hospital. There will also be information on how to sign up for EnviroFlash, a free service provided by Maine DEP and US EPA that sends emails or text messages directly to you about the daily air quality forecast in your local area.
    The event is open to the public. There will be light refreshments and a chance to win a door prize.