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~w~* ~ ( 1~ -~dron~ Weekly Time~, Wednesday, Mai-ch ~8, i ~97 Breathe easy: dealing with yourchds asthma Happenings.. CLARINGTON OLDER ADULT PROGRAM The Clarngton Older Aduit Program on Tuesday, April lst includes line dancing at 9 a.m. and cards at 10. At 10:15 we'll 'Stitch and Chat', sharing ideas and solving problems. Square dancing starts at 1 p.m. Lunch at noon and local transportation for a nominal fee can be arranged when requested in advance by Monday noon. Programs are held at the Lions Community Centre, 26 Beech Ave., Bowmanville. Phone Community Care at 623-2261. 6th ANNUAL UXBRIDGE MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL Siloamn Orchards, Uxbridge & Goodwood Lions Clubs and the "2nd Ice Pad Committee present the 6th Annual Uxbridge Maple Syrup Festival March 29th and 3th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Saturday Festivities include: Lions Pancake Tent, Guided Tours, Jesse Garrett Live Country Music, Ronald McDonald, Children's Scavenger Hunt, and a Log Sawing Competition. On Sunday the 9th festivities include: Lions Pancake Tent, Guided Tours, Puffy the Clown children's enter- tainment, Pancake Eatîng Contest, Giant Easter Egg Hunt, Uxbridge Legion Pipe Band & Enster Service, and Charity Auction. Admission is $4 Adufts, $2.50 Children & Seniors, $12 Family. Siloam Orchards, 7300 3rd Concession, Uxbridge. Caîl 852-9418 for more information. EASTER PANCAKE BREAKFAST The HI-C of Trinîty United Church, Bowmanville will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Easter Sunciay morning, March 3th, from 8 to 10 a.m. AIl are welcome to corne out and enjoy a tasty breakfast of pancakes and sausages prepared by the youth of Trinity United Church. The price is "pay what you can" with a suggested donation of $4 for adults, $2 for children under 12 and for aIl children under age 6 no donation. Caîl Steven Kay 699997-1501 for more information. Art Gallery of Northumberland 2th ANNUAL REGIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION March 23 to April 27. Our annual exhibition showcasing the work of artists in the Northumberland region. Selections are made on the basis of quality, technîcal expertise, thoroughness of execution and creativity. This is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with what estab- lished artist:s in the County have been working on over the past year and to investigate the work o 'f artists who may be exhibiting for the f irst time. Opening reception will be Sunday, March 23 from 2 to 4. BE MENOPOSITIVE Public Information Seminar A unique and entertaîning indepth look at menopause with a focus on quality of life and self-esteem. Be Menopos ,itive will be presented by husband and wif e team-- Dr. Larry Komer, Obstetrician!- Gynaecologist wiIl be speaking on the physiological aspects of menopause and his wife- Joan Komer, President> of Peak Performance Institute wilI be speaking on the psychological aspects of menopause. This will take place Tuesday, April 8th at 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Holiday Inn, Oshawa. Admission $5/person will be donated toaa local women's shelter. For more .information cali Stephanie Batcules at (416> 586-0180 ext. 263. o c) A non-curable disease, asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting chiidren. Chiid- hood asthma can be a hered- itary disorder and is usually associated with allergies. The disease affects between 10 and 15 per cent of Canadian children. Any chiid who has fre- quent coughing or respîrato- ry infections, coughs after running or crying, wheez- ing, recurrent night cough, chest tightness and short- ness of breath shouid be evaiuated for asthmna. Childhood, asthma attacks are usually triggered by some conditions or stim- ulus. Common triggers of asthma are exercise, viruses, weather and allergies such as house dust, feathers, ani- mais and pollen. Chiidren, especially those in school, must under- stand the seriousness of their asthma. However, anxiety during an attack shouid be controlled as much as possible. Any formn of panic can produce rapid breathing or hyperventila- tion, which will further worsen the attack. Caring for your child If your child is diagnosed with asthma there will be some necessary adjustmnents in your family life. First of aIl, determine your chiid's triggers. If nec- essary, remove the stuffed toys from their room, instal an electronic filter and air conditioning, take smoking outside, avoid owning pets, use synthetic piilows and, where possible, keep carpet- ing to a minimum. Exercise can trigger an attack in a high percentage of children with asthma. But, with proper use of medication, most children can participate in physîcal activities. Common excep- tions include prolonïged run- ning and activities during the cold weather or in aller- gy season. Swimming is the least asthma-provoking exercise. Important information Asthma management does flot end in your home. t is important to meet with your chiid's daycare provider, teacher or coach and ensure that they are sen- sitive to the severity of your child's asthma. Provide caregivers with a sufficient supply of medica- tion, a list of your child's triggers and a iist of emer- gency phone numbers. Supply them with a plan outlining necessary daiiy and emergency procedures and teach themn how to look for and deal with an acute asthma attack. Treatment options Medîcations to control asthma in chiidren are non- addictive. The amount, fre- quency and duration of medications depend on the severity of your child's asth- ma. Bronchodîlators relax the muscles that tighten around the tubes of the iungs pro- viding relief during an asth- ma episode. A bronchodila- tor should flot be used more often than prescribed, I DON'T CAPE... il 15 sp SPPING0.. 1T15 50*. 1 csi beause patients may reiy too heavily on the immediate symptom relief. In the event that it faits to control an asthma attack cati a doc- tor or emergency room immediately. Anti-inflammatories are a preventive medicine that works to ýreduce the sweiiing in the iining of the airways and helps reduce mucus. These medicines, when taken as prescribed, help prevent asthma episodes before they start and control the underlying' disease. Both treatments are available in different forms, including sprays, pis, pow- ders, liquids and shots. Leukotreine receptor antagonists, a new class of medication under develop- ment, are the first asthma treatment breakthrough in a decade. An effective alter- native to today's standard therapies, the treatment is extremely well toierated and will. significantly improve the quaiity of lite for asthmatic Canadian cbildren. Speak to your doctor about your child' 's asthma and do flot hesitate to ask questions about anything that is not compieteiy clear. Read ail availabie materials and learn to avoid asthma triggers. It is extremely important that y ou and your chid fully understand the dis- ease. Proper asthma man- agement includes avoiding allergens, correctly using asthma medications, and continuai asthma education.