May is Asthma Awareness Month and throughout the month, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Aberdeen's Development Trust and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation are on a mission to raise awareness of asthma and rally support for staff and students who live with the condition.
During the first part of the month, an information point, complete with inflatable lungs was displayed at the entrance to the SDRL. This will then take up temporary residence in the Polwarth main reception area from 10 to 17 May.
Staff and students looking for advice on asthma are advised to contact the Asthma and Allergy Foundation Health Promotion Team at ‘info@asthmaandallergy.org.uk’
Organised by University Rector and Chief Executive of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, Liza Boffen-Yordanov, Director of Advancement at the University, and the University of Aberdeen’s Development Trust, the exhibition is an opportunity to learn about asthma and how to support those who suffer from it.
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike explains: “Despite being a very life-threatening and life-limiting condition asthma as a condition is often overlooked, with very low public awareness of its severity.
“In Scotland, there are three hundred and sixty-eight thousand asthma sufferers and currently Scotland has the highest number of asthma deaths in the UK even though we have fewer asthma sufferers and free prescriptions. As many as 90 percent of deaths from asthma are preventable, and 75 percent of hospital admissions for asthma are avoidable.
“The key is effective treatment and education, which awareness plays a key part.
“As Rector, I know that the University of Aberdeen does not only educate our future generation, but they also care about the wellbeing of their students. That is why they have teamed up with Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Scotland’s only dedicated asthma charity to raise awareness of asthma this May. The University has provided training to staff to provide practical support to staff and students with asthma, ensuring students continue to learn and thrive whether they have a long-term condition or not.
“The reason I stayed connected to the University after I graduated in 2009, and returned as Rector is because of the support I received from the University during my study. As an international student with very challenging health needs (brittle asthma), staff members went beyond their day job in ensuring I received the much-needed support.
“I am delighted and proud that the University is grasping this great initiative to further support staff and students with asthma. It is a big day for me as an asthma sufferer.