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2023 Asthma Capitals Report
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released the 2023 Asthma Capitals™ report to raise awareness about the spike in asthma-related attacks and hospital stays that occurs every September. The third week of September—Asthma Peak Week—often is the worst. Increases occur because of exposure to the following triggers:
- Higher ragweed pollen
- Higher mold counts
- The beginning of cold and flu season
- Poor indoor air quality in schools
- Wildfire-related air pollution
- Extreme weather events
The report recognizes that where people live significantly affects their health. Of the top 100 metropolitan areas in the continental United States that are ranked in the report, Allentown, Pennsylvania, has been identified as the most challenging city to live in with asthma. The 2022 most challenging city, Detroit, Michigan, is ranked fifth most challenging in 2023.
The report describes how asthma outcomes are influenced by major risk factors, as well as racial and ethnic disparities. Because no “one size fits all” policy solution exists, AAFA supports a “health in all policies” approach. The decisions made in all sectors affect the health issues that the asthma community faces. The AAFA team hopes the report inspires action. Your voice is critical to help build awareness in your community and educate your elected officials who can lead change.
To learn more about the three key health outcomes used for the rankings, AAFA’s “health in all policies” approach, how you can advocate for people with asthma, and more, please visit Asthma Capitals.
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EMPOWER: Using Music to Teach and Inspire Healthy Behaviors
Using music to teach and inspire healthy behaviors, Hip Hop Public Health, the globally award-winning nonprofit, has joined forces with the National Environmental Education Foundation to create a dynamic educational multimedia collection called EMPOWER. Comprising eight original songs and animated videos, EMPOWER aims to inspire young people with asthma to take charge of their health with evidence-based self‑management skills.
At its core, EMPOWER embodies an acronym of the key components critical to living with and managing asthma:
- Environment: Understanding its role in asthma triggers.
- Medication: The importance of regular and correct usage.
- Plan: Crafting a strategy to manage and mitigate symptoms.
- Open communication: Building bridges with health care professionals and loved ones.
- Well-being: Prioritizing holistic health, both mental and physical.
- Extinguish: The need to eliminate cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
- Resilience: Cultivating the strength to face challenges head-on.
Visit EMPOWER to view the posters and videos currently available.
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