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Asthma UK Cymru and Haynes launch health booklet in style of iconic ‘car maintenance’ manuals
Asthma UK Cymru and Haynes launch health booklet in style of iconic ‘car maintenance’ manuals
11 June 2007
To coincide with Men’s Health Week (11-16 June 2007), Asthma UK Cymru and Haynes Publishing have produced an information booklet in the style of the well-known car maintenance manuals, to help ensure that over 125,000 men with asthma in Wales are managing their condition effectively.
Research conducted by Asthma UK Cymru has shown that a massive 79% percent of people with asthma in Wales are not in control of their asthma and could be living with unnecessary symptoms that affect their day-to-day quality of life. On average four people die every day from asthma and it is estimated that as many as 90% of those deaths are avoidable. Improved self-management of the condition could play a significant part in preventing these needless tragedies.
Dot Russell, asthma nurse on the Asthma UK Adviceline says: ‘If you need to use your reliever inhaler more than once a day then your asthma may be poorly controlled and you should see your doctor or asthma nurse for an asthma review as soon as possible.’
Having a written personal asthma action plan is recommended to help people with asthma to manage their condition more effectively. Research has shown that people with asthma who do not have a plan are four times more likely than those with one to have an asthma attack requiring hospital treatment.
Dot continues: ‘Your doctor or asthma nurse, in discussion with you, should complete a written personal asthma action plan. It will contain the information you need to keep control of your asthma, including details about your asthma medicines, how to tell when your symptoms are getting worse and what you should do about it, and emergency information on what to do if you have an asthma attack. Having a plan is one of the most effective ways of controlling your asthma.’
The Asthma UK & Haynes mini manual is one of a series of information booklets available on a broad range of long-term conditions during Men’s Health Week. The booklets have been designed in the style of car maintenance manuals and include information on making better use of NHS services and advice on improving self-care.
To obtain a free copy of the Asthma UK & Haynes mini manual, please call the Asthma UK Supporter & Information Team on 020 7786 5000 or email info@asthma.org.uk. A copy of the manual can also be downloaded from asthma.org.uk.
For independent and confidential advice about asthma, contact the Asthma UK Adviceline on 08457 01 02 03, or email an asthma nurse via our website, at asthma.org.uk/adviceline.
Research conducted by Asthma UK Cymru has shown that a massive 79% percent of people with asthma in Wales are not in control of their asthma and could be living with unnecessary symptoms that affect their day-to-day quality of life. On average four people die every day from asthma and it is estimated that as many as 90% of those deaths are avoidable. Improved self-management of the condition could play a significant part in preventing these needless tragedies.
Dot Russell, asthma nurse on the Asthma UK Adviceline says: ‘If you need to use your reliever inhaler more than once a day then your asthma may be poorly controlled and you should see your doctor or asthma nurse for an asthma review as soon as possible.’
Having a written personal asthma action plan is recommended to help people with asthma to manage their condition more effectively. Research has shown that people with asthma who do not have a plan are four times more likely than those with one to have an asthma attack requiring hospital treatment.
Dot continues: ‘Your doctor or asthma nurse, in discussion with you, should complete a written personal asthma action plan. It will contain the information you need to keep control of your asthma, including details about your asthma medicines, how to tell when your symptoms are getting worse and what you should do about it, and emergency information on what to do if you have an asthma attack. Having a plan is one of the most effective ways of controlling your asthma.’
The Asthma UK & Haynes mini manual is one of a series of information booklets available on a broad range of long-term conditions during Men’s Health Week. The booklets have been designed in the style of car maintenance manuals and include information on making better use of NHS services and advice on improving self-care.
To obtain a free copy of the Asthma UK & Haynes mini manual, please call the Asthma UK Supporter & Information Team on 020 7786 5000 or email info@asthma.org.uk. A copy of the manual can also be downloaded from asthma.org.uk.
For independent and confidential advice about asthma, contact the Asthma UK Adviceline on 08457 01 02 03, or email an asthma nurse via our website, at asthma.org.uk/adviceline.
Notes to editors
1. Men’s Health Week, which is organised by the Men’s Health Forum, will be launched at an event on 11 June at the Sage Centre in Gateshead. More than 1,500 events are also likely to be organised up and down the country, including health awareness days, free check ups for men, conferences and sporting events. For further information, visit menshealthweek.org.uk.
2. For further information, contact the Asthma UK Media Office on 020 7786 4949 or at mediaoffice@asthma.org.uk or the Wales office on 02920 435400.
3. Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma. Asthma UK Cymru is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 260,000 people in Wales whose lives are affected by asthma.
4. For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website asthma.org.uk.
5. Kickasthma.org.uk is Asthma UK’s interactive website for children and young people with asthma. The site offers support and advice and includes an asthma dictionary, problem page, games and a messageboard.
6. For independent and confidential advice on asthma, call the Asthma UK Adviceline, which is staffed by asthma nurse specialists. It is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 08457 01 02 03. Or email an asthma nurse at asthma.org.uk/adviceline.
2. For further information, contact the Asthma UK Media Office on 020 7786 4949 or at mediaoffice@asthma.org.uk or the Wales office on 02920 435400.
3. Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma. Asthma UK Cymru is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 260,000 people in Wales whose lives are affected by asthma.
4. For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website asthma.org.uk.
5. Kickasthma.org.uk is Asthma UK’s interactive website for children and young people with asthma. The site offers support and advice and includes an asthma dictionary, problem page, games and a messageboard.
6. For independent and confidential advice on asthma, call the Asthma UK Adviceline, which is staffed by asthma nurse specialists. It is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 08457 01 02 03. Or email an asthma nurse at asthma.org.uk/adviceline.
