Healthy Air Walk 2008

If you saw my post about our recent trip to Disneyland, you also saw that we had to make a pit stop at First Aid to give Ashley a breathing treatment. Ashley and Madeline have asthma. Asthma runs in our families- both sides. I think we are lucky in that the girls asthma at this point is aggravated by illness and not activity! It is very rare that we have breathing issues from over-activity, however when a cold hits our house- we go on red alert! (Our other issue is air quality and with the current fires in Southern CA- we are on alert as well!)
We have had to make a few trips to the ER with asthma related issues. Since the last visit (March 2007) we have seen an allergist, had the girls tested, and have a medical plan of attack in place with the onset of a cold. (Emily at this point has no signs of asthma or allergies).

My sister and dad also have asthma- both have theirs controlled by medication and education. I remember very well though the trips my mom would make with Sara to the ER with her asthma (of which she says if she'd had a nebulizer at home like we do- many of those trips could have been avoided!). I also remember too vividly the morning my dad was taken by ambulance because of a severe asthma attack. We were moments from losing him and I'm so grateful for the medical team that helped save him. My dad was told he could never have an attack like that again- it was scary and life changing.

My sister, dad and I are proudly walking in the Orange County Healthy Air Walk on October 19th. This originated as the Asthma walk, but the organizers have branched out and are tackling the larger issue of healthy air and lung diseases to bring in more sponsors and awareness. Healthy air is important to everyone, not just those that suffer from asthma!

Did you know that Californians breathe some of the unhealthiest air in the nation and that air pollution can cause or worsen lung disease? I am getting involved with the American Lung Association because I am committed to improving air quality and to getting us closer to a world free from lung diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

My family has been touched by all of these diseases- I've lost ALL my grandparents to some form of lung disease.

Healthy Air Walks bring together people who want to fight lung disease by cleaning the air we breathe. Every step we take now toward improving air quality gets us closer to a world free from lung diseases.

Top 10 Ways to Support Healthy Air
1. Support that American Lung Association by participating in the Healthy Air Walk
2. Join the American Lung Association Action Network to influence your elected officials to enact policies that support healthy air
3. Use less energy by insulating your home, choosing energy efficient appliances, switching to compact flourescent bulbs, and using a power strip for electronic devices
4. Avoid wood burning, especially on bad air nights
5. Switch to cleaner-fueled vehicles, like natural gas and hybrid electric-gasoline
6. Maintain your vehicle properly and keep your tires inflated
7. Don't top off the tank when refueling and fill up the gas tank after dark when the sun won't turn the gasoline vapors into ozone, a contributor to global warming and lung health problems
8. Take public transportation, carpool, ride a bicycle or walk
9. Use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment rather than gas-powered versions
10. Wash your clothes with cold water

For more information about ways you can help, visit
http://www.lungusa.org/

Finally, if you would like to make a donation to the walk- please follow THIS LINK or click on the Healthy Air Walk logo to be taken to my personal page. Your donation is tax deductable and will go towards helping to make our world a better place!

If anything else- your thoughts for us on Sunday are greatly appreciated! Thank you so much to all who have donated already!