BREATHE LA Held Its First Annual Asthma Symposium on World Asthma Day

Los Angeles, CA, May 08, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Breathe California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) held its first Asthma Symposium on World Asthma Day - May 5, 2015. This two-hour luncheon, co-hosted by the Asthma Coalition of Los Angeles County, took place at the California Science Center in Exposition Park.

The theme was “Healthy Eating, Healthy Breathing: Childhood Obesity and its Links to Asthma.” Lolita Lopez emceed the event while guest speakers informed an audience filled with community leaders, healthcare professionals, asthma sufferers, and BREATHE LA supporters. Hovik Kasamanyan of A World Fit for Kids spoke on getting children active and healthy food choices; Heather Hayes of Let’s Move! Nation, exhibited obesity trends and discussed ways to combat those trends; and Frank Tamborello of Hunger Action LA talked about access to food choices and advocating for healthy food in low-income communities. The Chair of the Asthma Coalition of Los Angeles County, Dr. Scott Takahashi, was the keynote speaker. He gave a demonstration of the newest ways for youth to fight asthma symptoms, while speaking about treatments and healthy eating habits. The purpose of this event was to create awareness about asthma and inform the community of the challenges and resolution of the disease. A study by the California Department of Public Health, Asthma in California: A Surveillance Report concluded that, “Children with poorly controlled asthma are more likely to visit the emergency room, be hospitalized and/or miss school. Last year roughly 129,000 (52%) children with asthma missed some school or day care due to symptoms, causing approximately 1.2 million absences that resulted in missed learning opportunities and reduced school funding.” Due to frightening statistics like this, BREATHE LA saw it fit to hold an event for the community during Asthma Awareness Month, on World Asthma Day.

Since 1903, BREATHE LA's mission has been dedicated to clean air and preventing lung and other air pollution related diseases by partnering with youth, advocating public policy, supporting lung health research, and educating the public. BREATHE LA emphasizes focus as an independent lung health organization to address Los Angeles County’s specific air quality and health needs. As pediatric asthma rates increased nationwide, the organization also places greater emphasis on asthma education programs, while continuing to pursue clean air initiatives. BREATHE LA works to advance primary and secondary lung disease prevention and interventions, fight for tougher tobacco legislation as well as advocate for clean air policies and practices. www.breathela.org.