March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Asthma awareness session planned in Bangor

Recognition of May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, through educating the public about asthma and other breathing problems, is now a 12-year-tradition in the Greater Bangor area, thanks to the voluntary efforts of local medical personnel.

Bangor allergist Dr. Paul Shapero will be host to this area’s annual Asthma and Emphysema Awareness Night from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Abraham Lincoln School on Forest Avenue in Bangor.

“This is for anyone who wants to come for education and breathing testing,” Shapero said. “We just want people to walk in. We’d love to have them come.”

The evening is intended to “teach and to answer all questions about respiratory asthma and emphysema and COPD, which stand for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” Shapero said. COPD is found most often in people who smoke.

Individuals who “want to improve their understanding and control of their breathing problems could probably learn something here,” he said.

Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, a pharmacutical company, is sponsoring the event and donating materials.

“It’s a national event,” Shapero said of the free sessions, which are being conducted “at about 200 sites across the country throughout the month of May.”

Shapero will be joined in helping you learn about breathing problems by a variety of willing volunteers including Pam Young, L.P.N.; Kelly Webb, C.M.A.; nutritionist Katherine Musgrave, R.N.; asthma educator Jan Thompson, R.N.; school nurse Bridget Larson, R.N.; Ken Huhn, head of the respiratory department at St. Joseph Hopspital; psychologist Dr. Bruce Freedberg; respiratory study-coordinator Karen Benjamin, R.N.; YWCA of Bangor-Brewer workout room coordinator Chris Norton; and Adam Fournier, the YWCA’s Asthma Camp director.

The Asthma Camp, by the way, for children ages 7-15, is July 12-16 and Shapero said people can register now for the camp by calling the YWCA at 941-2808.

On behalf of the volunteers, Shapero extends an invitation to everyone in our circulation area to take advantage of this event, which is free and open to the public. If you require more information, you can call Shapero at 947-8658.

We remind you that, according to a front-page article in the Bangor Daily News in April 1998, studies show asthma rates in Maine are high and, in some parts of Maine, significantly higher than the national average.

We hope those who are concerned with this very important health issue take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about it.

Another wonderful opportunity for children and parents to learn all they can about receiving free care for orthopedic problems is being offered by Anah Temple Shrine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at six sites in our area.

We thank Anah Divan Norris Nickerson of East Holden for providing us with information on these clinics, which are open to children under the age of 18 with orthopedic problems and who, regardless of financial ability, could take advantage of the treatment provided at one of the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children throughout North America.

The screenings next Saturday will be held in Aroostook County at the Aroostook Orthopedic Association, 172 Academy St., Presque Isle; in Waldo County at the Waldo County Shrine Club on Northport Avenue, Belfast; and in Penobscot County at Anah Temple, 586 Main St., Bangor.

Screening clinics will also be held at the same time in Washington County at The McBride Building at Down East Community Hospital in Machias; in Piscataquis County at the office of Dr. Richard Sweet, 45 Dwelley St., Dover-Foxcroft; and in Washington County at the Calais Regional Hospital.

Nickerson reminds parents that they need to bring with them any applicable documents, including their child’s birth certificate and immunization records; adoption papers, custody or guardianship orders; and a divorce decree.

It is very important to undersand that financial status is not

a criteria in determining whether a child is eligible for free treatment of an orthopedic problem, so do not hesitate to take advantage of these screenings.

If anyone has questions about the clinics, they can be answered by calling the Anah Temple Shrine Office in Bangor at 942-2254.

With American military personnel serving at home and abroad, especially with NATO forces in Europe as war rages in Kosovo, we should all be aware that Armed Forces Day is Saturday, and honor those who serve their country.

The American Legion has created a special card for sending a thank-you message to members of our military.

If you visit the American Legion’s Web site at www.legion.org and click on the link from the front page, fill in the e-mail information, select the appropriate branch-of-service song, type your message and click on send, the card will be on its way, free of charge.

If you have questions about this special thank-you “card,” contact Joe March, Lee Harris or Steve Thomas at (317) 630-1253 or e-mail them at pr@legion.org.

You might want to make your appointment now for a “re-do” during Total Look’s Cut-A-Thon from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at the salon, 98 North Main St. in Brewer.

Carolyn Ferguson tells us seven stylists and two makeup consultants will donate proceeds from their cuts, styles and Merle Norman Cosmetic makeovers to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Maine Race for the Cure, held annually in Bangor.

“The Total Look staff have special concern for cancer patients,” Ferguson wrote. “We relate to many who are clients of our salon or may come in to purchase a wig.

“Some family members have been stricken by this dreaded disease. Our own Bonnie Fish is a survivor of breast cancer. For this we are thankful.”

Besides becoming a “new you” for a most worthy cause, hot dogs, rolls, and a drink will be served for donations.

What better reason to get a fresh look, at Total Look, than to help raise funds for breast cancer research?

Call Total Look today at 989-7513 to make your appointment.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.


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