Memphis Moves from 5th to 6th Worst On New National List of Asthma Capitals

The American Lung Association applauds city's improvement, but calls for more support of asthma research and community education.

MEMPHIS, TN (04/07/2009)(readMedia)-- Things are looking up-at least a little- for asthmatics in Memphis. After singing the blues last year as America's 5th worst city for asthma, Memphis has earned the #6 spot on the 2009 list of asthma capitals.

The city's ranking on this year's asthma capitals report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation's (AAAF) is based on lingering issues with poor air quality and high poverty rates, which tend to worsen asthma problems and limit access to health care and asthma medications.

With two other Tennessee cities making the list of 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.

Leyla Wallgren, coordinator for the upcoming Memphis Asthma Walk, says the 2009 report of asthma capitals should be a clear call for action. "We need the community to come together to raise awareness about asthma and raise funds for the kinds of community education, advocacy and research we know can make Memphis a healthier place to live and breathe," said Wallgren.

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

Other TN cities making this year's top 10 worst places to live with asthma were Chattanooga (#4), 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 come out and walk to fight asthma," said Wallgren. "By forming a team, and getting your family, friends and co-workers to come out and walk, you are making a step towards the fight for clean air."

The Memphis Asthma Walk will take place Saturday, May 9th at Shelby Farms Park. Check-in begins at 8:00a.m. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Walkers will be able to meet others in the community, climb a rock wall, explore exhibitor booths, enjoy free refreshments, hear great music, and much more.

For more information on how to sign up or make a general donation to fight asthma, go to www.asthmawalk.org and click the link for TN.

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.

# # #