Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

`A' Is For Asthma

The American Lung Association and popular Sesame Street characters Rosita and Luis, along with Dani, a special Muppet with asthma, have launched 'Sesame Street A Is for Asthma.' The program is a nationwide, bilingual childhood asthma awareness project being test piloted in Little Rock schools this coming school year.

Designed by Children's Television Workshop (CTW) and the American Lung Association, and made possible by a $1.5 million grant from Prudential Foundation, the program's goal is to build public awareness of childhood asthma in pre-schoolers three to six years of age and to provide support to families and health and child-care providers assisting these young children.

Asthma is the most common chronic illness among children, currently affecting more than 44,000 children in Arkansas alone. Furthermore, African-American and Latino children are disproportionately affected. Air pollution, cigarette smoke, furry or feathered animals, cockroaches, dust, mold, mildew and exercise are all potential asthma triggers.

"Educating young children and their families about the symptoms of childhood asthma could very well save the lives of many children. The Sesame Street A Is for Asthma project enhances our pediatric asthma focus, because it reaches out to preschool age children," says Teresa Conner, program director for the American Lung Association of Arkansas.

The Prudential Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, makes grants to non-profit organizations focusing on three important categories of need Ready to Learn, Ready to Work, Ready to Live to help individuals and communities build the skills they need to be more productive and self-sufficient.

The American Lung Association has been fighting lung disease for more than 90 years. With the generous support of the public and the help of volunteers, there have been many advances against lung disease. However, the work is not finished.

The association continues to strive to make breathing easier for everyone. Along with its medical section, the American Thoracic Society, they provide programs of education, community service, advocacy and research. The American Lung Association's activities are supported by donations to Christmas Seals and other voluntary contributions.

For more information on the Sesame Street A Is for Asthma program, lung health, American Lung Association of Arkansas programs or to volunteer, call 1-800-586-4872.