[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 63 (Monday, May 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH MAY 1, 2012

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                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Asthma 
Awareness Month. Nearly 26 million Americans, including more than 7 
million children are affected by asthma. I am encouraging Americans to 
fight against asthma by learning more about the disease and how it 
affects families and their communities.
  As part of Asthma Awareness Month, there are many public and private 
organizations working hand and hand to honor those who are taking on 
the challenge of fighting this chronic respiratory disease. The U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, is honoring exceptional health 
plans, health care providers and communities in action for their 
efforts to improve the lives of people with asthma in underserved 
communities across the country.
  There are many triggers during the spring season making it 
particularly difficult for asthma patients. The annual economic cost of 
asthma, including direct medical costs from hospital stays and indirect 
costs such as lost school and work days, amount to approximately $56 
billion. The EPA is working hard to clean the air we breathe and reduce 
the environmental causes of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. We 
can ease this financial burden on Americans by supporting the EPA and 
legislation such as the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, DERA.
  Maintaining an active lifestyle is important in staying healthy and 
if symptoms are properly managed Americans who suffer from asthma can 
stay active. Here are some simple steps: learn your triggers and avoid 
them in your home and neighborhood. With a doctor's help, you can 
create an asthma action plan to help you effectively manage your asthma 
and reduce exposure to triggers. Taking the appropriate medications and 
avoiding your triggers. Check local air quality conditions at 
airnow.gov and make informed decisions about participating in outdoor 
activities. In addition a downloadable Air Quality Index mobile app is 
available for smart phones.
  Mr. Speaker, this month, it is important to support the nearly 26 
million Americans who suffer from asthma. I am encouraging Americans to 
educate themselves on the chronic respiratory disease, asthma.

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