REACH YOUR SPORTING PEAK WITH ASTHMA

"Asthma shouldn't be a hurdle in sport and exercise" was the message to
parents and children today (Monday, 30th April) from the Asthma Society of
Ireland (ASI), at the launch of the "Reach Your Peak with Asthma" campaign.

Speaking on the "Reach Your Peak" DVD, Munster and Ireland rugby player
Ronan O'Gara, who has asthma, said: "The more sport you play the healthier
you become, which in the long run I think benefits your asthma".
Coinciding with World Asthma Day (May 1st), the aim of the campaign is to
encourage young people with asthma to participate fully in sport and
exercise and to provide them, their parents, teachers and coaches with the
necessary knowledge so that they can participate meaningfully and safely in
sporting activities.

As part of the campaign an information pack about asthma and sport, will be
distributed to primary and post primary schools and sporting bodies
nationwide, providing information and advice on how best to manage asthma
during physical activity. 

Included in the pack is an information leaflet entitled "Top Tips on
Exercising with Asthma" (see editors' notes), as well as an inspirational
DVD featuring both young people with asthma who successfully participate in
sport, alongside some of Ireland's renowned sporting heroes, including Irish
sports internationals, John O'Shea, Ronan O'Gara, and Kilkenny Hurler Martin Comerford - who also have asthma.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Jean Holohan, CEO, Asthma Society of Ireland said: "As many as 1 in 5 children have asthma and understandably many parents are nervous of them participating in sport. Young people with asthma and their parents may often feel that their condition forces them to sit on the sidelines or restrict physical activity thus they can miss out on the benefits of exercise. "

"The majority of young people with asthma should be able to partake in sport
once their asthma is well managed", according to Dr. Pat Manning,
Chairperson of the Medical Advisory Board of the Asthma Society of Ireland.
"Asthma symptom control can be achieved for most people with asthma. The
need to use your reliever (blue) inhaler for symptom control more than twice
per week may indicate poor asthma control.  If this is the case you should
have your asthma reviewed with your GP and implement a personal asthma
management plan.

The good news is that when asthma is properly treated, and the necessary
pre-training steps are undertaken, a normal sports life can become a
reality." "Whatever your chosen sport, asthma shouldn't hold you back", John O'Shea, Manchester United player and Ireland international - who also features on the DVD. Sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme Ireland (Human Health) Ltd and The Colin McKeon Memorial Fund.

The Asthma Society of Ireland materials highlight the importance of
controlled management of asthma and emphasize the importance of
understanding the main triggers, which could stimulate an asthma attack
while exercising.  They highlight the need for sports coaches, PE teachers,
team-mates to know who on their team has asthma and be prepared if a team member has an asthma attack.

Specific recommendations include:
1.  Be in control - take your asthma medications, especially the preventer
medications, correctly and regularly
2.  Have regular reviews with your doctor/nurse and have a personal written
asthma plan
3.  Make sure your coach/instructor/teacher knows that you have asthma
4.  Always warm up before exercise (15-20 mins) and warm down after exercise
5.  Carry your reliever (blue) inhaler and an asthma attack at all times

The information pack will be available through schools and sporting bodies
or by contacting the Asthma Society of Ireland at 01 878 8511 or
www.asthmasociety.ie