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Media release

New weapon to help fight against asthma

Community asthma educators have a new tool to help people better understand their asthma. The PHARMAC-developed resource is a patient-oriented flip-chart which asthma educators will be able to use face-to- face with individuals or in small group situations. It has been developed in conjunction with the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand, Tu Kotahi (the Maori Asthma Society) and the Porirua Asthma Service, and has been launched at the Community Respiratory Educators Workshop. PHARMAC Medical Director Dr Peter Moodie says the new resource has already received positive feedback from Maori asthma educators at their national hui last month. “This reinforced our opinion that this was something that would fill a gap in asthma educators’ toolkits,” Dr Moodie says. “Having pictures and word prompts in a resource like this helps to reinforce the verbal messages that people get from their asthma educator. And the fact that the resource includes the latest evidence-based information means that a consistent message will be delivered to New Zealanders with asthma.” Asthma is a major health issue in New Zealand, with a higher incidence among Maori and Pacific people. The resource has been designed with flexibility in mind, so that educators can use it in any language. The flip-chart is included in a “kit” which also includes other resources to help asthma educators to inform people about their asthma. The resource includes sections on • • • • Understanding symptoms Recognising `triggers’ Using the available treatments Steps people can take to control their asthma

Dr Moodie says the size and content of the resource means it will be able to be used anywhere asthma educators go -- health clinics, marae, churches, and in people’s homes. “Understanding asthma brings people a step closer to controlling it, rather than having asthma controlling them,” Dr Moodie adds. ENDS For more information call (021) 863-342.