On Air Winter 2014

On Air
Winter July 2014
Celebrating 50 Years!
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Asthma Foundation
WA and we would like to thank all of those who have been
involved with us during that time.
From its initial gathering in 1964 to the present day, the
Foundation is proud of supporting West Australians with asthma
and providing funding in excess of $5 million for respiratory
research.
Our Partners
Principal Partner
Monday 6th July 1964; a meeting of “interested
people” was conducted and they decided to form
the Asthma Foundation of WA in an effort to help
people with asthma. Mrs Judith Barton convened the
meeting.
In 1979, the Asthma Foundation of WA
incorporated its name in the south east
corner of the quadrant of the logo to
establish its identity within the National
brand.
The Asthma Foundation of WA adopted this new
brand in 1997 and two years later relocated from 61
Heytesbury Road, Subiaco to its current address at 36
Ord Street, West Perth.
The adoption of the blue balloon logo in
2010 signified the commencement of a
federated unification of all state Asthma
Foundations across Australia. The
balloon requires air for it to operate as
designed and represents a visual analogy
for healthy lung function.
Major Partners
In this issue:
— Celebrating 50 Years!
— National Volunteer Week
— Tackling Asthma with the Western Force
— Research
— Vitamin D & Asthma
— Technology & Asthma
— Obese Kids at Risk of Asthma
— What’s Happening at AFWA
— Health Services Update
— Members Update
1800 ASTHMA
www.asthmawa.org.au
VICE PATRON: Dr Ken Fitch AM
Asthma Foundation WA
36 Ord Street WEST PERTH WA 6005 | Ph: 08 9289 3600 | ABN 57 057 873 242
www.asthmawa.org.au

Asthma Matters
This July is of great significance in the
Foundation’s history, as we celebrate 50
years of funding respiratory research and
providing support to West Australians with
asthma. We see this as an ideal opportunity
to honour those who have come before us
and contributed to making the Foundation the trusted
and respected organisation it is today. We extend our
sincere thanks to everyone involved with the Foundation
over the past 50 years and look forward to continuing our
work to ease the burden of asthma in WA.
Our Tackling Asthma initiative in partnership with the
Western Force has drawn to a close in its fourth year and,
with thanks to the wonderful support of our 22 Tackling
Asthma partners, over $65,000 has been raised, with the
final amount yet to be finalised. This brings the overall
fundraising total to almost $190,000 since the inception
of the initiative in 2011. We thank the Western Force for
their support of the campaign this year and congratulate
them on what has been the most successful season in
their history.
There have been several developments in respiratory
research recently, including Professor Graham Hall’s
work with young children in relation to exercise-induced
asthma, an update from Rachel Foong’s research into the
effects of Vitamin D deficiency on asthma and Professor
Peter Henry’s ground-breaking computer-based learning
module, which allows students to visualise what happens
to a person’s body when they suffer from asthma. The
Foundation is proud to support these projects and we will
continue to keep you updated on their progress.
With thanks to our Freeway Bike Hike event partner Bupa,
we developed an on-air asthma awareness campaign
with Nova 937. The 6 week campaign succeeded in
raising awareness of both asthma and the work of the
Foundation and we hope that we also managed to expose
several myths about the disease and further educate the
general community about the importance of correct
asthma management.
National Volunteer
Week 2014
Celebrating 25 years, National Volunteer
Week ran from May 12 - May 18 and the
Asthma Foundation WA would like to take
this opportunity to thank each and every
one of our volunteers for the marvellous
work they undertake for the Foundation.
We would like to formally acknowledge
and thank our volunteers who constantly
display a generosity of spirit and readiness
to give back to the community.
We would also like to thank our Board, each
of whom is a volunteer and continually
donates their time and resources in the
governance of our Foundation.
Without the contribution of our
volunteers, we would be unable to provide
and maintain the level of service required
for those West Australians, their carers
and families who are impacted by asthma.
If you are interested in volunteering for the
Asthma Foundation WA, please contact
us on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or
visit our website www.asthmawa.org.au.
I trust you enjoy reading this edition of OnAir.
David Johnson
Chief Executive Officer

Tackling Asthma with the
Western Force
Tackling Asthma with the support of the Western Force in 2014 is set to become the most successful
year since its inception in 2011. So far we have raised a staggering $65,000, which will go a long way to
improving the lives of those West Australians living with the burden of asthma.
This unique fundraising initiative has been supported by the 22 fantastic companies below who have each
committed to donate $2 for every tackle that the Western Force make during the 2014 Super 15 Rugby
season.
Each Monday we distribute the Tackling Asthma Update to all of our supporting partners which included a
wrap up of the game, the ever growing tally board and a “Partner in Profile” which focuses on a different
Tackling Asthma Partner each week.
While the number of tackles that are laid each game varies between 50 and 150, the combined tally by
season end will be up around the 2,000 mark. The Force have also managed to secure five consecutive
home victories and 8 club wins on their home ground nib Stadium aka the “Force Field”. Both are recordbreaking
statistics for the club making this season their most successful yet.
The Asthma Foundation WA ambassador, Kieran Longbottom has played a starring role throughout the
season as the Force’s all important prop while personally being responsible for a large portion of those
tackles himself, thanks Kieran! We wish you all the best in your new challenge playing in the UK.
We would like to acknowledge and thank the 2014 supporters of the Tackling Asthma campaign, these
successes wouldn’t be possible without you! If you would like to become a Tackling Asthma Partner in the
2015 season, please contact us on 9289 3600.
#BELONG
#TacklingAsthma
Tackling Asthma Partners

Research
Professor Graham Hall, Chairman of the Asthma Foundation WA
Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee, is currently trying to
modify two existing tests for exercise-induced asthma to be suited
to young children between the ages of four and six.
There are currently two tests which involve children with suspected
asthma. The first is an exercise test, usually running on a treadmill
or bike, followed by a lung function test. The second test measures
the participant’s lung function while inhaling mannitol.
Professor Graham Hall stated that the problem with these tests was
that they weren’t suited to younger children. As a result, a new
exercise test has been developed.
The children chase a “dragon” — one of the researchers wearing
a dragon tail — and rescue the “dragon eggs”. In addition, the lung function test is modified to make it easier for
young children to perform.
The research is testing children aged four to seven years with known or suspected asthma as well as healthy children.
They undergo the two tests on separate days. The aim is to determine if both tests are useful and if one is more
sensitive than the other in detecting exercise-induced asthma in preschoolers.
“If asthma is well managed, there is no reason they can’t play whatever sport they want to do, participate in PE at
school, go out and run around with their friends,” Professor Hall said. “What we don’t want them to do is opt out
of sport.”
Vitamin D & Asthma
Technology & Asthma
Rachel Foong was awarded one of the Foundation’s
2014 PhD Scholarship Top Up for investigating the
effects of vitamin D deficiency on airway remodeling
in asthma and to further determine if vitamin D can
contribute to the prevention of asthma symptoms
In a recent project report, Foong demonstrated that
vitamin D deficiency leads to increased airway smooth
muscle and airway hyperresponsiveness in female
vitamin D-deficient mice. These reults were also
published in a research report earlier this year.
More recently, she determined that the timing of
vitamin D deficiency is important as female mice that
were vitamin D-deficient in utero had increased airway
smooth muscle and airway hyperresponsiveness. While
in male mice, postnatal vitamin D deficiency caused
impaired lung function.
Currently Foong is carrying out real-time studies to
validate genes that were found to be differentially
expressed in vitamin D-deficient and HDM treated
mice. Some of the genes include genes associated
with neutrophilic inflammation, airway remodelling in
asthma and embryonic development.
These studies currently have an expected date of
completion of 28th September 2014.
Professor Peter Henry, an Asthma
Foundation WA Medical and
Scientific Advisory Committee
member, has developed a computerbased
learning module that allows
pharmacology students at the
University of WA to see why a
person with asthma suffers from
breathlessness and how it can be treated.
“In an age where there is a copious amount of data
available, visualising and manipulating data is crucial
to mathematical and conceptual understanding,”
said Professor Peter Henry.
In one component of the asthma module, students
can manipulate a simulated patient’s airways to mimic
the muscle contractions, mucus secretion and airway
wall inflammation that occurs in people with asthma
upon exposure to triggers such as pollens.
Then they can introduce different types of drugs used
in the relief or prevention of asthma and observe their
effects on the factors that cause airway narrowing.
Working with the team at Next Learning to develop
this technology has allowed complex concepts to
be displayed visually to students. This is a great step
forward not only for the university but for the field of
medicine.

Obese Kids at Risk of Asthma
A United Kingdom asthma research study published early this month in PLOS Medicine concluded that a higher BMI
(Body Mass Index) increased the risk of asthma in mid-childhood.
The study utilised both genetic information and observational data to look at 4,835 children with asthma by the age
of seven-and-a-half enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting 2.3million Australians, and one in nine children. In WA alone there
are 250,000 people affected with asthma.
Australia is ranked 25th in the world for obesity and whilst the correlation to poor health outcomes in cardio vascular
(heart/stroke) health and type 2 diabetes is well known, the links between asthma and obesity has not received the
same degree of funding or attention.
The negative impact of being overweight on health and wellbeing is well known, however little research has been
done on the correlation between asthma and childhood BMI until now.
Asthma Foundation WA (AFWA) and Asthma Australia is encouraging parents of children or young people with
asthma to read the findings of this particular study as it clearly demonstrates obesity is an important marker of
asthma.
“A cure for asthma is a long way off but this large study highlights preventative health strategies such maintaining
a healthy BMI is a marker to be considered by parents and health professionals in treating asthma and potentially
preventing the onset of such. Managing a child’s weight in the early childhood years is an important health message
for parents of children with asthma” said Dr Simon Bowler, Asthma Australia’s Medical Spokesperson.
In line with the 2014 Australian Asthma Handbook , AFWA and Asthma Australia strongly recommends children
maintain an active lifestyle and advise parents to provide opportunities for children to participate in sport and
recreation and not allow asthma to limit such activities.
Asthma Australia encourages exercise for children with asthma, appropriate to the level of asthma severity and
asthma control. It may be walking, swimming, or more competitive sports but parents and children are encouraged
to try healthy recreation and physical options and monitor asthma symptoms accordingly to find the right balance.
Parents wanting further information on managing asthma should call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or visit
asthmawa.org.au
Our Supporters:
The Asthma Foundation WA acknowledges the support of the following:
Stan Perron Charitable
Foundation

What’s Happening at AFWA
Busting Asthma Myths
‘Busting Asthma Myths’ was a campaign designed to get
people that are affected by asthma, either themselves or a
family member to take action and learn how to manage the
disease so that they can live a happier life.
There is a lot of complacency about asthma and a lot
of myths such as “I will grow out of asthma, You can
catch asthma from someone else, You can’t exercise if
you have asthma, When someone is having an asthma
attack they should lie down.”
Funded by a very supportive team at Bupa, the campaign
involved 160 commercials over 6 weeks on Nova 93.7, four
Cassanova crosses to high traffic locations to play the Busting
Asthma Myths game to win tickets to the Western Force and online game where listeners had the chance to win a
VIP box at the rugby.
Volunteer at the Annual Street Appeal!
We heard from some of the parents of asthmatics
who sat up and took action by making an
appointment with their GP to instigate an Asthma
Management plan.
Thank you to both Bupa for their support and
the Western Force who kindly donated the very
desirable prizes of match tickets and VIP style
private box hospitality to watch the Western Force
in action. A special thanks to Marcelly from Nova
who co-ordinated the advertising campaign, web
and street promotion.
National Asthma Week 2014 (1-7 September) is fast approaching and we would love to have your support!
We are now taking expressions of interests for volunteers at our upcoming Street Appeal on Friday 5th September.
If you would like to fundraise on behalf of the Asthma Foundation WA during National Asthma Week, we would
love to hear from you!
If you would like to take part in the festivities on the day, or for more information on volunteering and fundraising,
please contact Jacqui Swift on 9289 3670 or jacqui.swift@asthmawa.org.au
Bust out in Blue
Thanks to some of our Asthma Friendly Schools and Child Care
Centres for helping to raise awareness for World Asthma Day
by participating in Bust out in Blue Free Dress Day. In total 27
schools and child care centres participated raising over $2,500 for
the Foundation’s training and education programs. Asthma is the
leading cause of emergency hospital admissions amongst children
and participating in events such as Bust out in Blue is an excellent first
step in helping to ease the burden of asthma on the West Australian
community.

Training
We are now offering four modules in 10392NAT Course in Emergency Asthma Management
Asthma in the Child Care Setting Asthma in Schools
Asthma in Sport
Asthma in the Workplace
HLTAID004 Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting
We are excited to bring the unit and care setting to our scope. We have commenced booking for this
course.
Asthma Educators Course
The upcoming Asthma Educators Course, Monday 4th - Wednesday 7th August, provides health
professionals with an in-depth understanding of asthma and client care. Enabling the learner to implement
and conduct asthma programs in the workplace and community.
For bookings please contact the training team on 9289 3624 or 9289 3671.
Health Services
CSP
Winter is here. Is your asthma under control? Do
you need to speak to one of our friendly asthma
educators? We have educators placed throughout
the metropolitan area to make it easier for you.
West Perth, Midland, Armadale, Joondalup and
Rockingham. Are you a community group that
would like to have a free one hour education session
delivered at your premises? If the answer is yes to
any of these questions please don’t hesitate to call
Asthma Foundation WA on 1800 ASTHMA and ask
to speak to an educator today. We discuss all things
asthma from signs and symptoms to triggers and
first aid.
ACAP
Asthma Foundation WA now deliver teacher,
parent and student sessions in all schools in WA.
If you have a child with asthma and would like
a sessions to held at your child’s school please
contact the foundation on 1800 ASTHMA and ask
to speak to an educator.
Rural Trips
Our Asthma Educators have continued their travels across our marvellous state to deliver more asthma education
and training. In the last few months they visited both Geraldton and Albany.
Our trip to Geraldton in April was a resounding success which saw asthma education delievered across three days
to over 100 people! During one community talk, the Asthma Educators uncovered a misunderstanding that saw
one lady using her turbuhaler incorrectly, thereby only half the prescribed dose. After showing her how to use her
medication correctly, we followed up with her a few weeks later and were happy to hear that her asthma had
improved.
Less than a month later, we made our way down to Albany. Since the success of our last
visit in February, locals were keen to have us back and we didn’t disappoint. A total of 69
participants attended the 4 Health Professionals sessions run across two days. Thank you
to Astra Zeneca for both sponsoring and supporting the Asthma Foundation WA on these
rural trips.
Coming up is a trip up north to Karratha in late July (28-31) with several sessions already booked with child care
centres, schools, pharmacies, inmates at Roebourne Prison and local first aiders and life
savers.
These rural trips wouldn’t be possible without the support from our principal partner,
Newmont Asia Pacific. If you would like to request a visit to your local area, contact us on
1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or email ask@asthmawa.org.au

Members Update
The Asthma Foundation WA would like to welcome our new members
to the ‘Asthma Army’:
I wish to make a tax deductible donation to Asthma Foundation WA $
I wish to become a member of the Asthma Foundation WA $
I enclose a cheque/money order payable to Asthma Foundation WA $
Please debit my credit card Mastercard Visa
Card Number
Cardholder’s name
as it appears on the card
Signature
Kathryn Ryding
Sarah McKenna
Lisa Thomas
Lynette Thomson
Taryn Schuster
Gordana Stolp
Lilith Whitfield
Regina Lan
Michelle Weall
Kylie-Anne Ranson
Helena Blackley
Gerald Lee
Gerry Moran
Paul Burke
Robyn Britton
Imran Kapadia
Hannelie Dargie
Amanda Green
Bree Maher
Grace Darby
Dawn Rudduck
Marshall Grosse
Peter Bloor
Assunta (Sue) Palermo
Raelene Charlwood
Peter Bergroth
Maureen Wise
Julia Ann Lynch
Sara Coleman
Lynette Pretorius
Brett Tooker
Pamela Davies
Bradley Herbert
Katherine Sephton
Lisa Dean
Garret Walsh
John Faull
Marion Shand
Anita Siciliano
Darrilyn Dawson
Myra Estojero
Sign Up Today
& You Could Win!
Thank you to those who have renewed their membership this year. We
are thankful for your on-going support of the Asthma Foundation WA.
And a Become special congratulations a member today to at Lilith the Bupa who won Bike Hike a $100 for Mosmans Asthma
voucher and for you renewing could win before a $100 30 June dinner 2014. voucher We hope from Mosmans! you enjoy your
meal on us!
Principal Partner
$100 Dinner Voucher
If you would like to become a member of the Asthma Foundation WA,
contact us on 9289 3600 or email membership@asthmawa.org.au.
Can you help?
I would like to make a donation
Expiry Date
/
Candy Stripe Public Relations is one
of the newest partners of the Asthma
Foundation WA. Naomi Quinlivan,
director of Candy Stripe PR, provides
support to the Foundation to raise its
profile in the West Australian media.
For the past fifteen years, Naomi has
worked in marketing/PR in property,
health, hospitality, and consumer and
not for profit sectors, leading to a broad
understanding of the business needs and
emerging trends of the WA
marketplace.
The business was named after an activity
that Naomi Quinlivan undertook whilst
on maternity leave and beyond, which
was volunteering once a week for a few
hours in the Labour Ward of St John of
God Hospital Subiaco.
“In the United States, a hospital volunteer
is nicknamed a candy striper. This name
is derived from the red-and-white striped
jumpers that female volunteers traditionally
wore, which resembled
stick candy.”
Naomi currently resides
in Cottesloe with her
husband Paul and their
three children.
Asthma Foundation WA Privacy Policy: Asthma Foundation WA (AFWA) is
committed to the protection of private information. A full copy of the AFWA
Privacy Policy is available online at asthmawa.org.au or by calling 08 9289
3600.
**Disclaimer: The material in ‘OnAir’ must not be reproduced in any form
without express permission from the Editor. Whilst all reasonable efforts have
been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, no responsibility can be
taken for error or omission.
Please detach and return to:
Asthma Foundation WA
PO Box 864, WEST PERTH WA 6872
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I have asthma
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Asthma Foundation WA
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