In an effort to help children with asthma lead healthier lifestyles and be more active in sports, Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), Duquesne University’s Mylan School of Pharmacy, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds professional soccer club and a number of other community partners will hold a unique, free soccer clinic for young people with asthma on Saturday, January 17, 2009 from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Greentree Sportsplex. 

“Although the vast majority of children and young adults with asthma can safely take part in sports activities, a significant number do not because of misconceptions about the risks. As a result, many children with this disease do not get the exercise they need. Our sports clinics are designed to help children and their parents better understand the nature of asthma and the possibility of living a healthy, normal life with it,” said Dr. David Skoner, M.D., Director of AGH’s Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children and adults in the United States affecting an estimated 35 million people. With proper medical care, asthma patients face minimal lifestyle restrictions, Dr. Skoner said.

“Delivering that critical message and instilling confidence in children at an early age that their possibilities in life are not limited by this disease is an essential part of our mission,” said Deborah Gentile, M.D., director of research in AGH’s Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “Our clinic combines this important educational component with the opportunity for children to also have some fun and hone their soccer skills through group and one-to-one instruction by professional soccer players.”

Targeted to children ages 5-16, the AGH Kick for Your Good Health Soccer Camp will offer on-site asthma screenings and asthma management education. Together with representatives of the Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy, Drs. Gentile and Skoner will provide parents with the latest information about asthma medications and how to achieve the most benefit from them.

Free health screenings will also be available at the clinic for parents of participants through Duquesne University’s Spirit of Health Van, a mobile outreach program that offers preventative care and health education to underserved neighborhoods in Southwestern PA.

Other partners in the AGH Soccer Clinic include the American Respiratory Alliance of Western Pennsylvania; the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania and the AGH Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Human Motion Center.

The Greentree SportsPlex is located at 600 Iron City Drive. Those wishing to attend the clinic must register by calling (412) 359-6126. All participants must have asthma and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the duration of the clinic. Free T-shirts and sports bags will be given to all participants