Did you know that May was Asthma Awareness Month in the US?  Did you know internationally, May is the month assigned to celebrate Asthma Awareness Day?  Mayor Sam Jones of Mobile, Alabama (USA) not only knows, he took action by signing a Resolution proclaiming May as "Asthma Awareness Month. May is the month to inform that public about the medical aspects of asthma as well as how to prevent asthma and the conditions that can bring on an asthma attack.    Pleas Email Mayor Jones a note of thanks - or better, write a Sound Off or Letter to Editor and send to the Mobile Press Register.

Children's Environmental Protection Community Forums was founded and is hosted by Nancy Swan to bring information like "Asthma Awareness Month" to the attention of the community and to state and community leaders and decision makers. Exposure to poor environmental conditions and hazardous chemicals can result in asthma as well as induce an asthma attack.

Asthma has reached epidemic proportion, according to the US EPA.Despite efforts by the EPA, but little to no changes have been mandated or legislated by states and communities to protect those of us who have life-threatening respiratory conditions like asthma.

Asthma is the leading cause of absentees in school for both children and teachers, causing a reduction in Average Daily Attendance (ADA).   Funding for public schools is based upon ADA, which accounts for a large loss in federal funding for US schools.  Schools who use the EPA free program, Tools for Schools find that not only does it improve student performance, it reduces student absentees and protects children (and their teachers) from environmental and chemical hazards.