The Asthma Society of Canada and Walmart Canada Strengthen Partnership to Target Uncontrolled and Undiagnosed Asthma
TORONTO, April 30, 2012 /CNW/ - On the occasion of World Asthma Day 2012, the Asthma Society of Canada (ASC) is pleased to announce its partnership with Walmart Canada to better inform Canadians about the dangers of uncontrolled asthma. As a serious chronic respiratory disease that affects 1 in 10 Canadians, asthma is a leading cause of unnecessary hospital visits and preventable deaths, especially in children. The ASC encourages Canadians living with asthma and those who suspect they may have undiagnosed asthma to learn more about potential triggers and management by visiting their local Walmart pharmacies on May 1st.
"World Asthma Day is just one day in the year, but those living with asthma, especially children and their parents, face a tough battle every single day." said ASC President & CEO Rob Oliphant. "It is tragic that this year approximately 500 Canadians will die due to undiagnosed and unmanaged asthma, when at least 80% of asthma deaths are preventable. This is an issue that needs awareness and a national strategy to ensure that we put an end to suffering and stop asthma deaths immediately."
Asthma is the leading cause of emergency room visits in Canada for school-aged children and is one of the most common causes of school and work absenteeism - in fact, Canada has the 5th highest rate of asthma in the world, with almost 3 million Canadian suffering from the disease. According to estimates from the World Health Organization, approximately 150 million people worldwide are affected by asthma and more than 180,000 deaths are due to asthma each year. The ASC encourages all Canadians to become informed about asthma and allergies by visiting a local Walmart Pharmacy or contacting the ASC at www.asthma.ca, [email protected] and by calling the ASC Support Line at 1-866-787-4050.
World Asthma Day Photo and Interview Opportunities
Walmart Canada will distribute asthma information in 279 stores nation-wide this week. Select locations will offer in-store consultations where Canadians can speak with a pharmacist and learn more about asthma, allergies and management options. Today, media are invited to the following locations for interview and photo opportunities with a pharmacists and asthma spokesperson (or patient, or person with asthma):
Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Time: 10am - 1pm (local time)
- Surrey, British Columbia (Walmart - 12451 88th Avenue)
- Markham, Ontario (Walmart - 5000 Highway #7, Unit Y006A)
- Toronto, Ontario (Walmart - 5995 Steeles Avenue East)
- Regina, Saskatchewan (Walmart - 3939 Rochdale Boulevard)
Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Time: 12pm - 2pm (local time)
- Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (Walmart - 90 Lamont Terrace)
To schedule an interview or for further information, please contact:
Noah Farber
Director of Communications and Government Relations
Asthma Society of Canada
(416) 787-4050 ext. 100
[email protected]
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