House Resolution 120

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY 2, 2006, AS WORLD ASTHMA DAY.

WHEREAS, asthma has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, affecting about 20 million people; and

WHEREAS, asthma is the leading cause of childhood hospitalizations, long-term illness, and school absenteeism, accounting for more than 14 million missed school days each year; and

WHEREAS, each year two million people are rushed to the emergency room and over 4,000 people die from asthma; and

WHEREAS, asthma is a long-term, inflammatory disease in which the airways of the lungs constrict, causing wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing; and

WHEREAS, exposure to allergens and irritants such as dust mites, mold, cockroaches, pet dander and secondhand smoke can bring on an asthma episode; and

WHEREAS, secondhand smoke worsens children's asthma in up to one million children; and

WHEREAS, there are simple steps people can take to reduce their exposure to environmental asthma; and

WHEREAS, the American Lung Association, the Mississippi Department of Health and the United States Environmental Protection Agency are encouraging Americans to identify and reduce their exposures to environmental triggers in homes and schools, and incorporate environmental controls into their asthma management plans; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to promote the good health of citizens worldwide:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize May 2, 2006, as World Asthma Day.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to advocates of World Asthma Day and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.