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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1998-05-20, Page 18PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1998. Executive The district WI executive was elected at the annual meeting, held at Bluevale Hall, May 12. In back, from left: Secretary-Treasurer Ruth Bauer, First Vice-President Kathy Bridge and Program Co-ordinator, Isabelle Hislop. In front, from left: President Sharon Agla, Tweedsmuir Curator Leone Foerter, Public Relations Officer Eleanore Grainger and Second Vice-President Margaret McMahon. Some myths about asthma Openflouse 40th Wedding nnirersary The family of BILL and MURIEL COULTES invite you to an OPEN HOUSE at their home 32 John St., Belgrave Sunday, May 31, 1998 2 - 4 p.m. Best Wishes Only. Bluevale; secretary-treasurer, Mrs. Orval Bauer, Brussels; public relations, Mrs. Alvin Grainger, Gorrie; Tweedsmuir curator, Mrs. Lyle Foerter, RR 2, Clifford; program co-ordinator, Mrs. George Hislop, RR 2, Wroxeter; resolutions, Jean Wilson, Listowel; financial examiners, Mrs. Brenda Pcrrie, RR 3, Brussels, Ms Lois Schneider, Brussels. Happy 40th alnnirersary Jim & Joan Chalmers Love Christine, Dwight, Darryl, Michael & families WI hosts workshops The myths of asthma are common, creating an enormous gap between perception and reality. This has contributed to false understandings about asthma and a general lack of knowledge. With this in mind, it is always a good idea to periodically wipe the slate clean and set the record straight. Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects 1.2 million adults and as many as 20 per cent of children in Canada. The condition, which is aggravated by a variety of "triggers" causes inflammation and constriction of the airways, leaving the victim struggling for breath. It is estimated that asthma is responsible for the deaths of more than 500 Canadians every year. Although there is no cure for asthma, medication and acknowledging the severity of the symptoms play an important role in contr,Illing the condition. Who Does Asthma Affect? Anyone can be affected by asthma at any age. Having a family history of allergies or asthma, as well as a personal history of breathing complications may also indicate a person's likelihood for developing the condition. Asthma "Triggers" There are several asthma "triggers" such as emotional stress, a lung infection or food additives, that may cause irritation and inflammation in an asthmatic's airway. Allergies can trigger asthmatic reactions in up to 70 per cent of asthmatic children and young adults and 40 per cent of asthmatic people over 30. Other triggers, such as over-sensitivity to certain substances (such as air pollution or dust) or situations (such as stress, panic or over- excitement) may also cause symp- toms. The warning symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. During an attack, the body Recently, Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) Executive Assistant Lynn Ruigrok announced that Women's Institute members across Ontario have donated $15,000 to the OFA Rural Relief Fund and to the United Way to assist the victims of the 1998 ice storm in Eastern Ontario. The funds will be used to help the agricultural responds to the triggers by releasing different active chemicals. Some of the chemicals released are called leukotrienes, which then attach to cells in the airway and cause the following airway changes: • muscles around the airway go into spasm, • airway becomes clogged with mucus, and • airway lining swells and becomes more inflamed. Myth and Reality MYTH: Asthmatics only have to use medication during an attack. REALITY: False. All treatment should be properly taken as instructed by a physician. It is important for most asthmatics to take two types of medications. One is called a "reliever" which works by relaxing the muscles that tighten around the airways during an attack. The other is called a "con- troller" which works by preventing or reducing the swelling in the lining of the airways and reducing the mucus. Treatment options should be discussed with a physician. MYTH: Asthma treatments are so advanced that there is no further need for research. REALITY: False. The latest advance in asthma treatment in more than 20 years is the recent discovery of leukotriene receptor antagonists. The medication works by blocking the body's reaction to asthma triggers and preventing the opportunity for inflammation in the airway. Currently under develop- ment, the treatment has proven to be extremely well-tolerated in clinical trials. MYTH: Children will outgrow asthma. REALITY: Each child is affected differently depending on the severity of the asthma. In some cases, asthma may go into remission as the child grows older, however there are no guarantees community in particular. Currently, WI members in Eastern Ontario are preparing an emergency plan "Are You Prepared in Case of Disaster?" It will cover topics such as drinking water tips, what to have prepared in advance and other helpful tips for emergency planning. They are using their persona] experiences to help others in similar situations. Continued from page 2 Lucy Hcsse of Brussels, reported the following workshops would be held in the fall: paper piece quilting, fabric lampshade facelift, Christmas angels, pop bottle elves and paper twist angels. Branch will inform members of times and places. Board Director Mann installed the new officers for 1998-99. They are: past president, Mrs. Orval Bauer, Brussels; president, Mrs. Richard Agla, Fordwich; First Vice-President, Mrs. Jim Bridge, Brussels; Second Vice-President, Mrs. James McMahon, RR 2, Busy time at BPS Continued froth page 3 and on improving their writing and editing skills. In gym they are continuing to practise really hard for track and field day which will be taking place on May 19. WOW! TALK ABOUT BUSY! By Heather Elliott Grade 6/7 has sure been busy this month and they still are! They are now completing an independent study project in science. Mrs. Gross allowed each student to choose a scientific topic of their choice to research and present to the class. Both classes haye learned how to use Hyperstudio, a computer program, for a book report that is due in June. They are also going to learn how to use WordPerfect and Microsoft Works to create charts and graphs for a math assignment and a Canadian Studies project. Grade 6 is publishing and illustrating books. Grade 7 is making a creative writing booklet which consists of a poem, and examples of narrative, expository, and descripliNt pieces of writing. The class, is also pumping up for __track and field day. They recently attended the production of Charlotte's Web at the Blyth Festival Theatre. Charlotte's Web was a production put together by some very talented people, said Dane Comiel, Grade 6/7. "Excellent performance. It was performed by some very talented people," said Meagan Campbell, Grade 6 /7 . "It was great," said Justin Peters, Grade 6/7. that the remission will be permanent or that entirely new symptoms will not appear. MYTH: People with asthma should not exercise. REALITY: Exercise is great for almost everyone, including asthmatics. Exercise strengthens the heart and muscles, can improve lung capacity and can relieve stress. What is important for asthmatics to remember is that a proper warm-up and cool-down, as well as use of medication prior to the activity should be part of the exercise routine. Asthmatics should try to exercise indoors in the colder months because inhaling very cold air could trigger an attack. Always check with a doctor before starting an exercise program. Understanding the realities of asthma empowers asthmatics to manage their condition with ease and comfort. You owe it to yourself — make a decision to confine the myths to storybooks and open a new page on reality. For more information on asthma and new treatment options, talk to your family doctor. WIs give to rural relief fund On a dare Joyce Stephens, front, of Clinton gets a little help into Blyth by her 'coach' Mary Marsh, also of Clinton. The pair walked the 17 km trek from Clinton last Thursday essentially to prove a point. It seems that a year ago, Russell Cook told Joyce that there was no way the day would come that she could walk to Blyth from Clinton. With some training and encouragement from Mary she did just that, on her 50th birthday, and got breakfast from Russell upon her arrival. Matt Townsend, son of George & Ruth Townsend & Aimee Talbot, daughter of Russell & Cheryl Talbot announce their forthcoming marriage on Saturday, May 23, 1998 at Northside United Church, Seaforth. Open reception to follow at Seaforth Community Centre.