“World Asthma Day is a great reminder to Territorians that it’s time for an annual review from their GP and to take control of their asthma.”
Date: 04 May 2009
Senator Trish Crossin said this years theme, "You can control your Asthma", sends a strong message to asthmatics in the Northern Territory to make sure their asthma action plan is in place.
"Asthma is a very serious disease that is often overlooked because it is such a common disease and because people don't understand its significance. Increasing people's awareness of the need for an action plan will decrease the incidences of the disease."
"Having a written asthma action plan helps you take control of managing and treating your asthma and that can lessen the affect it has on people's lives."
The severity of this disease is great but as it is so common, people tend to overlook its importance. It often goes undiagnosed and untreated. The World Health Organisation estimates that if action is not taken, deaths from asthma will increase almost 20% in the next ten years.
Over 2 million Australians have a diagnosis of asthma, including 14%-16% of children and 10%-12% of adults. Indigenous Australians are one and a half times more likely to have asthma.
Recognising the burden of asthma in the community, the Australian Government established asthma as a national health priority area in 1999. One of the biggest hurdles for treating asthma is the lack of awareness of its severity in the community. By having World Asthma Day we are highlighting its seriousness and hopefully spreading awareness within the community.
"World Asthma Day is a great reminder to Territorians that it's time for an annual review from their GP and to take control of their asthma."