ASTHMA SCREENING AT NUMC ON THURSDAY MAY 7TH 10 AM TO 2PM AUDITORIUM

April 29, 2009
Contact:  Shelley Lotenberg
(516) 572-6055
shelley@numc.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MAY IS “ASTHMA SCREENING MONTH” AT THE
NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Thursday May 7, 2009 — 10 AM — 2 PM — Auditorium

 The Allergy Immunology Division at the Nassau University Medical Center, directed by Rose Marie Young, MD, Director of Pediatric Allergy Immunology, will host an Asthma Screening Program during May is “Asthma Screening Month” at the Nassau University Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, New York, on Thursday May 7, 2009, from 10 to 2 in the Auditorium.  Adults and children who experience breathing problems, such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, can find out if asthma is taking their breath away.

“Undiagnosed or under-treated asthma not only diminishes a person’s life quality, it also can cause serious long-term damage to the lungs, especially in children,” said Rosemarie Young, MD, “Anyone who experiences breathing problems should attend the screenings to find out if they are at risk for the disease.”
 
Symptoms of asthma include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath and an asthma attack often is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust and animal dander, certain drugs and food additives, viral respiratory infections and physical exertion.
                        

“Today, we know more than ever about asthma and we have the tools to treat the symptoms and control the disease,” Rosemarie Young, MD, said.  “The screening program has helped thousands take control of their disease with proper diagnosis and treatment.”    
Area allergists will be volunteering their time to conduct the free asthma-screening program.  Participants will be asked to complete a quick questionnaire and take a spirometry test.  Information on asthma will be provided.  Those who already know they have asthma can talk with a specialist about their disease and efforts to keep symptoms under control
 
For more information about the asthma fair, please call 516-572-6177.