It's hard for families to volunteer for clinical research trials in asthma. It means added time and attention tracking the smallest changes of a frustrating and life-threatening disease.
By participating in these important trials, however, parents and children not only help themselves, they also further our knowledge of new treatments for the entire asthma community.
There are many benefits to participating in clinical trials, including personalized attention from a team of specialists.
But there is also added benefit in the knowledge of doing something good for fellow patients with asthma, since asthmatics, particularly children, need help.
Pediatric Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disorder, affecting nearly 6.7 million children in the United States. That's roughly one out of every 10 children.
Pediatric Asthma - either inadequately controlled or undiagnosed - is a leading cause of missed school and missed participation in healthy activities like sports.
We are near the top in per capita emergency room visits for children's asthma in the state.
Too often, children in our community need intensive care to treat asthma attacks that could have been avoided. Without a dedicated pediatrician, children with asthma may go undiagnosed, leaving them at risk for severe asthma attacks and families unaware and unable to control the disease.
Just as patient families volunteer themselves for clinical trials to help, we can also donate our time and experience to make an impact on the Jacksonville community.
We as providers and citizens can also promote the importance of primary care for all children and the importance of detecting asthma symptoms.
At Nemours, we have one of the leading pediatric asthma research teams in the country.
Our group finds it imperative to act locally by supporting events like the American Lung Association's recent Night Air Affair, the recent GreenWalk at the University of North Florida and their Climb Jacksonville event in February.
New Nemours clinical studies are available to pediatric asthma sufferers, as well as educational programs.
It will take all of us - patients, families, providers and everyday citizens - to combat this growing problem and make Jacksonville an easier place to breathe.
So go ahead, do something good for others.
Join us.
P.S. Boost your over-all health by eating lots of Vitamin C and Vitamin D rich foods and fruits.
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