Breathe California of Los Angeles County will hold its first asthma symposium May 5 in conjunction with the recognition of World Asthma Day. The two-hour event will be held at the California Science Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include lunch.
The theme is “Healthy Eating, Healthy Breathing: Childhood Obesity and its Links to Asthma,” and the keynote speaker is Dr. Scott Takahashi, chair of the Asthma Coalition of Los Angeles. Other speakers include Hovik Kasamanyan of A World Fit for Kids; Heather Hayes of Let’s Move! Nation, and Frank Taborello of Hunger Action LA. They will talk about the causes, solutions and treatment for asthma. They will also particularly focus on the links between obesity and asthma.
According to data gathered in Los Angeles County, the prevalence of obesity in school-aged children increased from 18.9 percent in 1999 to 23 percent in 2008. Researchers also found that among youth with asthma, being overweight or obese was associated with more frequent visits to the doctor or emergency department. Additionally, overweight youngsters with asthma used more inhaled and oral corticosteroid medicine compared to healthy-weight youth. Other studies have suggested a link between these medications and type 2 diabetes. Research found that children with poorly controlled asthma are more likely to visit the emergency room, be hospitalized and/or miss school. This resulted in 1.2 million absences which equated to missed school and reduced school funding.
The research also noted that many of the young people with asthma also had unhealthy dietary behaviors. During the seven days prior to the survey, 14 percent did not eat breakfast; 17 percent did not drink milk; 8 percent did not eat vegetables; 5 percent did not eat fruit or drink 100 percent fruit juices; and 5 percent drank a can, bottle or glass of soda three or more times per day. Additionally, 15 percent did not participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on at least one day; 34 percent watched television three or more hours per day on an average school day; and 37 percent used computers three or more hours daily on an average school day.
Finally, the research noted that in addition to obesity, poverty is another connecting factor. Researchers also found that of the more than 600,000 Californians who experienced daily or weekly symptoms that could signal uncontrolled asthma, a significant proportion (39.1 percent) earn less than 200 percent of the federal government’s poverty standard.
The symposium is open to the public, and the cost is $35 per person to pay for the lunch. A limited number of scholarships are available by registering at breathla.org.
The California Science Center is located at 700 Exposition Park Drive, across the street from USC.
