"Asthma Blow Out!" 

MEDIA ADVISORY

What:              The North East ISD Department for Safe and Healthy Schools will host an “Asthma Blow Out!” Health Fair to educate the community about the effects and control of asthma. The “Asthma Blow Out!” will focus on asthma education, control and four components – awareness, medication, environment and education.

Who:               More than 1500 participants from the MacArthur High School cluster community including nurses, PE teachers, parents and students; and vendors. Physicians will also attend and teach educational sessions: Dr. Ted Freeman, (10 Commandments of Asthma session); Dr. Victor Estrada, (Asthma Triggers session); pediatric pulmonologist: Dr. Kelly Smith, (Medications session); and Dr. Lee Kirchner, (Exercise with Asthma session).

When:             March 31, 2009, dinner: 5-6:15 p.m.; Parent Educational Sessions: 6-8 p.m. (Sessions are 20 minutes each and begin every 25 minutes. Student Sessions will also be offered - six 10 minute hands on, fun sessions to educate elementary students about asthma.)

Where:            Cafeteria, library and C wing, MacArthur High School, 2923 Bitters Rd. Media will need to ask accompanying parents for permission to film, photograph or interview students.

Why:               The fair is free and an opportunity for parents and student’s families to learn about asthma, its triggers, symptoms and control treatments. The health fair is part of NEISD’s wellness initiative to provide a healthy environment throughout the district. There are more than 6,000 NEISD students diagnosed with asthma, and asthma is the most common reason for student absenteeism nationwide.  The 2007 Asthma and Allergy Foundation Report on U.S. Asthma Capitals named San Antonio as the eleventh most challenging metropolitan area to live with asthma (out of 100 metropolitan areas in the U.S.). The “Asthma Blow Out!” events have been recognized and awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Visuals:           Asthma Educators will offer demonstrations on the usage of inhalers, and MacArthur cluster nurses and PE teachers will offer fun, hands-on activities for students to learn about their asthma, triggers, medication and symptoms. Physicians will teach educational sessions, and vendor booths will be set up with free information.

View this online at www.neisd.net/ComRel/MediaCenter.html.

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About NEISD:

North East ISD has close to 70 schools and magnet programs with a fall 2008 enrollment of more than 63,000 students. NEISD employs more than 10,000 people. It is the second largest public school district in the San Antonio area and the ninth largest in the state. NEISD has 19 Exemplary schools, the most in Bexar County, and is a Recognized district. More information about NEISD can be found at www.neisd.net.