Chattanooga Ranks 4th Worst On New National List of Asthma Capitals

American Lung Association says ranking points to need for more support of lung health research, education and community awareness.

CHATTANOOGA, TN (04/07/2009)(readMedia)-- While famous for its scenic mountain vistas and charm, Chattanooga's poor air quality and high use of certain asthma medications have helped the city claim the #4 spot on the 2009 list of asthma capitals nationwide.

With two other cities also making the list of the top 10 worst places to live with asthma, the American Lung Association says Tennessee needs to step up efforts to fight this serious and sometimes deadly lung disease. Two upcoming programs offer the community a way to get more involved in the fight against asthma and other lung disease.

Chattanooga's well known annual Women of Distinction Luncheon will take place Tuesday, May 5th at the Convention Center. Tickets are still available for this event that will honor noted health care leader Vicky Gregg.

The 2009 Chattanooga Asthma Walk will take place Saturday, May 30th at Coolidge Park. Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m. The walk will start at 9:30. Walkers will be able to meet others in the community, explore exhibitor booths, enjoy free refreshments, hear great music, and much more.

Olivia Weiss, the Asthma Walk's coordinator, says Chattanooga's ranking in the Asthma and Allergy Foundation's (AAAF) 2009 report of asthma capitals should be a clear call for action. "We need the community to come together to raise funds for the community education, advocacy and research we know can make Chattanooga a healthier place to live and breathe," said Weiss.

The AAFA's annual Asthma Capitals report is a research project to call attention to the asthma epidemic and to advocate for changes in each city to improve the quality of life for people with asthma. Rankings are based on analysis of 12 factors in three groups:

  • Prevalence Factors - morbidity and mortality statistics
  • Risk Factors - air quality, pollen, "100% smoke-free" laws, poverty and more
  • Medical Factors - medication usage and access to specialists.

Chattanooga rose from the 16th spot on 2008's list to 4th worst this year. Other TN cities making this year's top 10 worst places to live with asthma were Memphis (#6), and Knoxville (#7). A full report of the rankings for all 100 cities on the 2009 list can be found on-line at www.asthmacapitals.com.

"We hope this report will encourage people to support the fight for air by attending the lunch or coming out to walk," said Weiss. "By forming a team, and getting your family, friends and co-workers to come out and walk, every step you take will help someone breathe easier."

For more information on Women of Distinction tickets or how to sign up or make a general donation for the Asthma Walk, go to alatn.org, or call 1-800-LUNG-USA.

About Asthma

Asthma is a condition characterized by inflammation of airways in the lungs resulting in chronic wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. Asthma affects more than 22 million Americans, including more than 500,000 children and adults in Tennessee alone. Asthma is the leading cause of missed school days due to chronic illness. It is also a major cause of emergency room visits and in-patient hospital stays. The American Lung Association estimates asthma cost the U.S. over $19 billion a year in direct health costs, lost work time and lost productivity.

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