Help our Achievers puff out their chests!

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand (Inc.)

Media Release 07 September 2005

Help our Achievers puff out their chests!

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation is on the hunt to identify positive people with respiratory disease in your community. The countdown is on with only three weeks until nominations close on 30 September.

More than 800,000 New Zealanders have respiratory disease - taking medication daily, waking with coughing, and living with the possibility of an attack at any time.

If someone you know is affected by asthma, COPD or another respiratory disease, please acknowledge their struggles. Let them know you admire the way they lead a fulfilling life, despite the extra challenges they face - nominate them for an Asthma and Respiratory Achievers' Award.

Every nominee receives a certificate and six Supreme Achievers will receive their certificates at a special ceremony at Government House in Wellington in November.

Special Maori categories are also being offered to raise awareness to the fact that asthma is more common in Maori adults and often more severe in Maori children.

Jane Patterson, Executive Director of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, talks about the need to identify more positive role models with respiratory disease.

"It is so important to acknowledge people that manage their illness well. Far too many New Zealanders limit their activities because of their illness, rather than taking control of their disease and living a life which is wholly satisfying to them."

For nomination forms, please contact your regional Asthma Society or the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation on 04-499-4592 or at arf@asthmanz.co.nz. Nomination forms can also be downloaded from the Foundation's website www.asthmanz.co.nz.

ENDS

* Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Logo

* Achievers' Awards Brochure (including nomination form)

* Nomination Form for insertion in editorial

* Contact list of affiliated asthma societies throughout New Zealand

Background information

* One in four New Zealand children has asthma.

* Asthma is the most common cause of child hospital admissions.

* COPD is the 4th most common cause of death in New Zealand.

* It is estimated that respiratory conditions cost New Zealand over $1 billion per year in direct and indirect costs.

* Rates of asthma and COPD are expected to rise over the next two decades.

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of NZ (Inc.) is a non-governmental charitable organisation that provides education, information, advocacy and research on asthma and other respiratory conditions.

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