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Sunday
March 30
12:30-4p.m. |
Take a trip to the Family Air Fair on Sunday, March 30, 12:30-4
p.m. Fun, gifts and learning are on the schedule and it's free.
"The Family Air Fair is for those with respiratory problems
of any kind and their families," says Janet Milkovich, one
of the organizers of the fair. "There really is something for
every member of the family."
There are many highlights to the fair. A session on the use of equipment
includes a free peak flow meter and spacer. (A $60 dollar value,
quantities are limited.) There are educational sessions on respiratory
therapy, sinusitis and asthma.
"The Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute
of Health agree there is an asthma epidemic," says Henry Kanarek,
MD, presenter of The ABCs of Asthma. "More people than ever
before have asthma and many people who have it aren't aware of it.
You might think of someone wheezing and turning blue as someone
with asthma, but it could be the guy who jogs past your house every
day and gets bronchitis a few times a year or coughs a lot in the
cold."
Dr. Kanarek says once the diagnosis is made and proper treatment
begins, people with asthma are not limited in their activities.
"With the right treatment, a person who has been suffering
can lead a normal life and that guy may still be jogging in 15 years."
Untreated asthma can lead to chronic emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Fair attendees will hear from Jene Popper. She has asthma but is
a very successful triathlete. "Jene brings a message of hope,
encouragement and reality to us," says Milkovich. "She
shows us what you can do in spite of having asthma."
Milkovich says the fair is a great family event. In addition to
the educational sessions, children can meet Charlie the Chipmunk
from the Environmental Protection Agency, attend story time or watch
a video while mom and dad get a chair massage, take a yoga class
or walk through the booth exhibits.
"And kids will probably think we're saving the best for last,"
says Milkovich. "We have Lysaght and Lynn Chihuahua Magicians
scheduled to wrap things up. Lots of magicians use rabbits or birds-this
family has magic dogs!"
For more information, call Janet Milkovich at 816-943-2564.
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