Dispelling the misconceptions around asthma, a condition which is often under-diagnosed and undertreated but affects more than 339m people globally, is the theme of this year’s World Asthma Day on May 4.
One of the most common misconceptions is that people with asthma shouldn’t, or can’t, exercise, and we at Medical Accident Group aim to dispel that particular myth by signing up to the Couch to 5k challenge.
Asthma in the UK
Research by Asthma UK has found that the rate of asthma deaths in the UK rose by more than 20% between 2015 and 2020, with an average death rate almost 50% higher than the average rate in the EU. It can be particularly difficult to diagnose in children; 1 in 5 children in the UK wait three or more years for an asthma diagnosis.
However, the National Review of Asthma Deaths has said that two-thirds of asthma deaths were preventable with basic asthma care.
Asthma and exercise
Far from exercise being a no-no for asthma sufferers, it can be very helpful. Regular movement such as walking, gardening or yoga can help to boost lung power, support your immune system, and lift your mood. Along with support from your GP or asthma nurse and effective treatment, exercise can contribute to the prevention of asthma symptoms and improve general wellbeing. If you have severe asthma, Asthma UK has advice to help you get started.
In the spirit of World Asthma Day, Medical Accident Group is launching a ‘Couch to 5K’ challenge to our team to help raise money for the George Coller Memorial Fund in these challenging times. Watch MAG’s Laura Widdowson and her son, Owen’s video below for more details.
The George Coller Memorial Fund
We are happy to be able to support the George Coller Memorial Fund, a Birmingham-based organisation launched in 2000 by Kim Douglas, George Coller’s mother.
George tragically passed away from asthma at the age of three. Ever since, Kim has worked tirelessly to improve healthcare for children with asthma through initiatives that have funded the placement of specialist asthma nurses in local hospitals, sponsored school nurses in taking their asthma diploma, and paid for vital hospital equipment.
Ally Taft, partner with Medical Accident Group, said; “It’s shocking to see how poorly the UK compares to other countries when it comes to asthma care.
“The emotional and practical impact of living with asthma, or caring for a child with asthma, can be overwhelming. By improving access to knowledgeable healthcare professionals and effective equipment, Kim and the George Coller Memorial Fund are helping to ease that burden – and we couldn’t be happier to support them in doing so.”
