Newark, NJ--Each
year more than five million children seek medical care from their
primary care providers for asthma related symptoms. Asthma
accounts for roughly 484,000 hospitalizations and 200,000 hospitalizations. Children
tend to experience increased asthma symptoms with the change of
seasons. Asthma causes airway inflammation and constriction
of the bronchioles. If not properly managed the lasting result
is airway remodeling which is irreversible and has life long implications. While
there is no cure for asthma it can be controlled.
According to the latest National Institutes of Health (NIH) Asthma
Guidelines (2007), asthma education is essential to successful
self-management of the disease. Health education programs can reduce
morbidity and decrease costs associated with pediatric asthma.
Experts recommend that asthma education begin at the time of diagnosis
and be reinforced at each subsequent visit.
Felesia Bowen DNS(c), APN, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology,
is a doctoral student at Columbia University School of Nursing,
and she is conducting her doctoral research on pediatric asthma
(Health Outcomes of Asthma Education) at Children’s Hospital
of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. The study is
for children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. Since
February, 2009 children have been meeting in small groups on Saturday
mornings to learn about asthma in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
The study is open to all qualified participants. Participation
is free! Perhaps your little one has missed
school or is having more asthma symptoms. Involvement in
this study is a great way for him or her to learn about asthma
and how to recognize and prevent symptoms. If you would
like to learn more about the study or recommend someone for participation,
contact Felesia Bowen DNS(c), APN, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology
973-926-4273.
Date: March 30, 2009
CONTACT: Beth Salamon, Public Relations, (973) 322-4926
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