Asthma Society of Canada
Encyclopedia
The Asthma Society of Canada (ASC) is a non profit charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and health for people living with asthma
and associated allergies through education and research. The vision of the ASC is to empower every child and adult with asthma in Canada to live an active and symptom-free life. The ASC represents over 3 million Canadians living with asthma, and also provides resources for people suffering from allergy
and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD).
and AllerGen, the ASC has developed a self-guided E-learning
module for asthma at http://takingcontrolofyourasthma.ca. The ASC provides a toll-free phone line for access to Certified Asthma Educators, and the ASC distributes information at community centres, health fairs and other public events.
NAPA developed the Asthma Patient Bill of Rights, and participates in advocacy campaigns that affect Canadians with asthma.
certification program, which tests and certifies household products on a pass/fail basis for allergen reduction. Team Asthma is a brand which promotes asthma awareness and healthy lifestyles through participation in running races, triathlons, and other athletic competitions. Anyone with a connection to asthma is encouraged to join Team Asthma and wear the clothing during competitions.
The ASC runs the Asthma Ambassadors program, which allows interested Canadians an opportunity to volunteer spreading asthma information in their communities. This is done through peer-to-peer support, providing education packages to their friends, and placing them in visible community locations.
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
and associated allergies through education and research. The vision of the ASC is to empower every child and adult with asthma in Canada to live an active and symptom-free life. The ASC represents over 3 million Canadians living with asthma, and also provides resources for people suffering from allergy
Allergy
An Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid...
and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , also known as chronic obstructive lung disease , chronic obstructive airway disease , chronic airflow limitation and chronic obstructive respiratory disease , is the co-occurrence of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a pair of commonly co-existing diseases...
(COPD).
Asthma Information
The ASC maintains five websites for asthma education, http://www.asthma.ca, http://www.asthmakids.ca, http://www.airsquare.ca, http://www.asthmameds.ca, and http://www.4seasonsofasthma.ca. In partnership with McMaster UniversityMcMaster University
McMaster University is a public research university whose main campus is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The main campus is located on of land in the residential neighbourhood of Westdale, adjacent to Hamilton's Royal Botanical Gardens...
and AllerGen, the ASC has developed a self-guided E-learning
E-learning
E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The information and communication systems, whether networked learning or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process...
module for asthma at http://takingcontrolofyourasthma.ca. The ASC provides a toll-free phone line for access to Certified Asthma Educators, and the ASC distributes information at community centres, health fairs and other public events.
National Asthma Patient Alliance
The National Asthma Patient Alliance (NAPA) was founded in 2008 in Hamilton, Ontario. It is directed by a group of patient volunteers representing each province and territory in Canada. The goals of NAPA are to increase patient awareness about how to achieve optimal asthma control, address communication and advocacy needs of asthma patients, and build a network of patient volunteers dedicated to improving asthma care and education.NAPA developed the Asthma Patient Bill of Rights, and participates in advocacy campaigns that affect Canadians with asthma.
Other Programs
The ASC is the official Canadian partner of the Asthma and Allergy FriendlyAsthma and Allergy Friendly
Asthma & Allergy Friendly is a registered certification mark operated by Allergy Standards Limited in association with not-for-profit asthma and/or allergy organizations, labeling products which have been put through and have passed standardised testing....
certification program, which tests and certifies household products on a pass/fail basis for allergen reduction. Team Asthma is a brand which promotes asthma awareness and healthy lifestyles through participation in running races, triathlons, and other athletic competitions. Anyone with a connection to asthma is encouraged to join Team Asthma and wear the clothing during competitions.
The ASC runs the Asthma Ambassadors program, which allows interested Canadians an opportunity to volunteer spreading asthma information in their communities. This is done through peer-to-peer support, providing education packages to their friends, and placing them in visible community locations.