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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1997 THE GEORGETOWN GEMINI 11 Gasping for air: Living with asthma Have you had pains in your chest while exercising that felt like some- one was squeezing your lungs? What about gasping frantically for air af- ter you've climbed stairs? These types of situations are reality for more than one million Canadians suffering from asthma. About one in 10 adults has this incurable disease. In children, asthma is more prevalent. It it esti- mated that up to 15 per cent of Canadian children will develop the disease. What causes an asthma attack? Asthma is a chronic disease that occurs when the lung's bronchial tubes become inflamed. The tubes become blocked by mucus and dis- carded cells, which obstruct the "in and out" air-flow of the lungs. The result is tightness in the chest and breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing and gagging. Asthmatics are described as hav- ing "twitchy airways." This means that the bronchial tubes are extra- sensitive and become swollen or inflamed very quickly when exposed to a variety of triggers. Not all asthmatics react to the same irritants. Some will be affected more severely than others. Triggers may include pollen, dust mites, ani- mal hair, and smoke. It is important for each asthmatic to identify the specific irritants that cause their episodes and find ways to limit ex- posure to those particular things. Why is it important to learn about asthma? Every year approximately 500 Canadians die as a result of uncon- trolled asthma. Physicians believe that the majority of these deaths could be prevented with proper management of the disease. In the past few years there have been improvements in asthma man- agement. Health professionals have acquired a better understanding of the illness and what causes an asthma attack. However, many existing medications are still associated with side effects and are difficult to use. New research also hopes to help change this situation with the intro- duction of new, effective, safe and easy-to-use medications. What do asthma sufferers want? The ultimate goal ofan asthmatic is to achieve freedom from symp- toms, to live without restrictions and to be able to undertake any type of physical activity. For more infor- mation on asthma, support groups or new treatment options, talk to your physician. FREE 1-WEEK TRIAL MEMBERSHIP AT 'WORK THAT BODY' CORRECTION The expiry date for the "Work That Body" membership coupon in the Dec. 31 edition of this newspaper should read ARY 15, 1997. Please 771 for details. Georgetown he Th Library, corner of CREATING CONFIDENT SMILES SINCE 1982 SEW, TOWN OF HALTON HILLS SQwNO, = cP Si 'a - E CLINI Y SENIORS' CENTRES "JY DENT U R C N C Recreation Centre Are you 55 years or over? Seniors Centre 18 CHURCH ST. D : > Alexa D. FCAD. Oo you want to stay active and healthy' = > sonal Sreniee, BDeeee. bey re Do you enjoy participating in recreational and social programs with other people? Then check out the fun-filled activities and special events TANG MARS Ram uc" & Market Sts. - NEW COMPLETE & PARTIAL DENTURES - RELINES - SAME DAY - EMERGENCY REPAIRS - IMPLANT DENTURES - QUALITY SERVICES GUARANTEED - NO REFERRAL NEEDED; SIMPLY CALL OUR OFFICE DIRECT at our Centres!! Acton Seniors' Centre Georgetown Seniors' Centre Located at Acton Arena Indoor Mall 30 Park Avenue, Acton 318 Guelph Street, Georgetown 853-5951 877-6444 Drop by either Centre during our regular hours Monday to Friday . from 9 am - 4 pm! GEORGETOWN AND DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 1 Princess Anne Dr., Georgetown * 873-0111 Clinical Services: * 24-hour Emergency Services * In-patient and Same Day Surgery * Medical and Surgical Programs * Paediatrics * Obstetrics * Intensive Care Unit * Chronic Care and Retirement Home * Physiotherapy, Occupational and Speech Therapy * Laboratory, Radiology, Ultrasound and Mammography All donations may be directed to the Georgetown and District Memorial Hospital Foundation. PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HOSPITAL Bring In The New Year Right!! -- Get Firm And Tight -- Lose Those Inches -- Look Great This Year!! Enjoy a one week FREE trial membership! The Fitness Factory 80 Mill St. (905) 702-1348 A : gp 8 eo ee OL Et q or QA Terms & Conditions: B i 1. Persons must be minimum i <v® FOR ty 18 years of age. a a S } 2. This coupon may notbe a & v used in conjunction with any # ;: GU e other offers. i vo : 3. Offer not opento current @ Eo z WTB members. Bow oO Bg Please, one coupon only Es = per person. g ay > This coupon expires on ~ T Eee January 15, 1997. 8 232 Guelph Street, Georgetown, Ontario L7G 4B1 Call: 905 - 877 - 0771 Me ee