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2010
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New
book "Wheezing wolf and three little pigs" launched
for young children with asthma
To coincide with the return to school
of thousands of children from all over Ireland, an educational
book about asthma entitled The Wheezing Wolf
and The Three little Pigs was launched.
An adaptation of the original fairytale, it tells the
story of a young wolf named Wilbur who has asthma. Suitable
for children aged 6-8 years, the book provides essential
information to make children feel comfortable about having
asthma whilst highlighting the necessary steps to achieve
asthma control.
Wheezing Wolf Book launched
At least 20% of all Irish children
have asthma and they lose on average 10 days from school
per annum. The importance of being aware of and avoiding
asthma 'triggers' such as pollen, house dust mites and
cigarette smoke which may cause asthma, as well as taking
their medicine as part of a controlled asthma management
plan are key messages in the book. Some children's asthma
is triggered by exercise but, with proper management,
children with asthma can have fun and enjoy exercise.
Wheezing Wolf launch
Rugby commentator and children’s books
author Brent Pope offered his time to write this book.
Speaking at the launch he said "I am happy to be
a part of this project as I know what it is like to have
childhood asthma. It can be very distressing for parents
and children. Through the book we hope that children
will learn about asthma; why it happens and what they
can do to prevent it."
The book, which was supported
by an educational grant from Merck Sharp & Dohme
Ireland, looks at the importance of avoiding asthma triggers
such as pollen, house dust mites and cigarette smoke
which may cause asthma. The importance of taking medication
as part of management plans is also another key message
in the book.
Brent Pope At Wheezing Wolf launch
"Speaking on the importance
of being in control of your asthma, Dr Peter Greally,
Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at Tallaght
Hospital said "Nowadays, there are many
more treatment options available for children of all
ages with asthma which ensure they can lead normal and
active lives. If children will not or cannot take inhaled
treatments there are now oral non- steroidal controller
medications available. Control of asthma is key and it
is vital that children use their preventer medicine as
part of their daily asthma management plan. In fact,
according to the latest revision of asthma guidelines,
if your child's day-to-day asthma is well controlled,
they should not need to use their reliever inhaler more than twice a week"
Copies of the "Wheezing Wolf
and the Three Little Pigs" are available from your
pharmacy and the the Asthma Society of Ireland have
a limited number available.
For more information about
asthma, please contact the Asthma Society of Ireland's
helpline on 1850 44 54 64.
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