RIYADH, 2 May 2008 — The Kingdom will launch an awareness campaign on asthma beginning on Monday. The Saudi Pharmaceutical Society is sponsoring the event (SPS) in association with the relevant governmental bodies.
“This year we are organizing a six-day program in popular malls, such as Granada, Al-Faislaiah and the Kingdom, to reach out to as many people as possible with the health message,” said Khalid Al-Fawzan, deputy head of SPS.
“Local celebrities, including popular soccer stars like Saad Al-Harithy, will meet people at these malls to distribute pamphlets, brochures that carry the message for the prevention and treatment of the disease,” Al-Fawzan said.
He added that the SPS had sought the assistance of former society members to organize the event in an effective manner.
More and more people suffer from asthma and other allergic reactions, which are linked to nutrient and water deficiencies, insufficient activity and oxygen intake, certain foods, suppressed immunity and stress as well as environmental toxins, drugs and food additives.
“Asthma is not a life-threatening disease, but it is debilitating and a hindrance to normal life. It inflicts financial burdens on sufferers, exposes them to long-term medication and subjects them to hospitalization and school and work absenteeism,” Al-Fawzan said.
During the week, the Health Ministry will organize a series of lectures among the staff and patients of three leading hospitals in the capital.
Asthma attacks cause bronchial tube contractions resulting in restrictive breathing that makes sufferers gasp for air. Asthma treatment starts with allergy tests to exclude allergens in food and chemical substances.
“Hospitals in the Kingdom are geared to treat asthma patients who are brought in for emergency treatment,” said Al-Fawzan.
