THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
Minister for Health
MEDIA RELEASE
21 March 2013
ATTACK ASTHMA WITH INSIDE INFO
Get to really know your asthma inside out.
That’s the message today for the two million plus Australians with asthma as the National
Asthma Council Australia launches a new series of information papers for people with
asthma, their carers and doctors.
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said most Australians know someone affected by asthma.
“Asthma is extremely common and can be devastating,” Minister Plibersek said. “We can’t
cure it, but we can help people better control the disease. By understanding your asthma
and staying up to date with the latest management advice, you can reduce its severity and
avoid unnecessary flare ups.
“Australia is a world-leader in asthma education, research and treatment. We were the first
country to have national treatment guidelines and have funded resources to educate health
professionals and help sufferers live with the disease.
“I congratulate the National Asthma Council Australia on continuing this tradition, and I urge
anyone with asthma to take advantage of the resources.”
National Asthma Council Australia Chair, Dr Noela Whitby, agrees that knowledge is the
secret weapon in the attack against asthma.
“It is surprising how many patients don’t understand their asthma triggers, don’t adhere to
their prescribed medication regimen or prefer to rely on potentially dangerous myths and old
wives’ remedies to treat their condition.
“For example, some health supplements such as royal jelly can actually trigger fatal asthma
attacks in some people with asthma, while new evidence shows that caffeine may have a
beneficial impact.
“People need to be able to access the scientific facts from a credible source and that is the
sole purpose of the National Asthma Council Australia’s growing information library which is
available at www.NationalAsthma.org.au ”
The three new brochures launched today will help asthma sufferers to manage allergies, get
the facts on alternative medicines and complementary therapies and help parents to
understand wheezing in little children.
“The more you learn and understand about asthma the more control you will have over your
own health and those you care for,” Dr Whitby said.
Media enquiries:
Paul Perry 0427 249 435 (Minister’s Office)
Kelly Ward 0407 860 834 (National Asthma Council Australia)