May is National Awareness Month

May is National Awareness Month

Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)declares May to  be "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month." It's a peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and a perfect time to educate your patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases.  Each year, AAFA asks the President of the United States to officially designate May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness month. We make it easy for you to join in the activities by inviting you to use AAFA materials and tools to bring healthy messages to work, school and home. Get an  Awareness Month Planning Kit from the EPA. Spring Allergy Capital Rankings for 2011 There is no place safe from allergies in America, and some cities are more problematic than others. The Allergy Capitals is an annual research project of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to identify "the 100 most challenging places to live with allergies" in the spring and fall seasons. This year Knoxville, TN, is the #1 city for the second year in a row. Visit www.AllergyCapitals.com to see where over 100 cities are on the list this year. Asthma Capital Rankings for 2011 No city is free from asthma triggers, and some cities are more challenging places to live than others. This year, Richmond, VA, has been named the top "Asthma Capital" in our annual ranking of "the 100 most challenging places to live with asthma." Visit www.AsthmaCapitals.com to see where over 100 cities are on the list this year. "Swine" Flu Resources The "flu" is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can lead to death in severe cases. "Avian" and "swine" flu are examples of different strains of the flu virus. For people with asthma, guarding against the flu is important every year because your lung function can be compromised if you catch the flu, making your asthma symptoms even worse. Stay informed about the flu all year long by clicking on the links below. Flu Info and Resources Is it a Flu/Cold or Allergies? Flu Shot Finder If you would like information on how you can host an event in your area, contact us at info@aafa.org or 1-800-7-ASTHMA.