OCR Text |
Show Asthmatics Can Lead Normal Life With Modern Program Aid You're jogging around your block and suddenly you have a severe breathing attack and become unable to speak. This is a situation many people face each day of their lives. They have asthma and many asthmatics are afraid to lead a normal life. The Utah Lung Association sponsors a series of classes which have proven to help people with breathing problems cope with their handicap and lead a more active life. Dr. Franklin Brough, director of the Utah Lung Association, said "the program is still in the pioneering and demonstationn stages." Dr. Brough hopes the program will be expanded in the future so everyone in the State of Utah suffering from asthma, ephysema, tuberculosis or any other acute respiratory disease can benefit. The results from the program have been better than expected. An example is the case of a young man living in Central Utah. As a sophomore in high school, this student tried out for the wrestling team. He was never able to finish a match during the year because the excitement and stress of wrestling caused his asthma to flare up leaving him totally breathless. He had become a very discouraged young man. The following summer he took the Utah Lung Association i classes to learn breathing skills and body relaxation techniques. His junior year on the wrestling team was like a dream come true. He won every match in high school competition and went on to state competition where he won all but the final match. By using the breathing techniques during his wrestling matches, he was able to cope with his handicap and excel in wrestling. Dr. Brough said, "the program needs to be expanded to help other people with a similar disease but the main problem facing the program is the lack of funds. This is why we are hoping for a successful Christmas Seals Campaign." i, |