Moama Community Springs into Action with Asthma & Hayfever Seminar

5 Sept

The Moama Asthma and Hayfever Seminar held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, brought together community members and health professionals for an enlightening discussion about managing asthma and hayfever. Hosted by Moama Village Pharmacy in partnership with the Zoe Kennedy Foundation and Moama Bowling Club, the event aimed to educate attendees on effective management strategies for these conditions.

By offering both personal stories and medical expertise, the seminar helped local residents feel empowered to manage their respiratory health, ensuring they can embrace spring with confidence.

The evening began with Lach Kennedy, father of Zoe Kennedy, sharing the heartfelt story of his daughter’s sudden asthma-related death at just 13 years old. Zoe’s tragic passing underscored the importance of raising awareness and understanding asthma management. Lach’s emotional account moved the audience and emphasized why initiatives like the Zoe Kennedy Foundation are crucial in promoting asthma education.
Dr. Sam Kennedy, Lach’s brother and a Moama GP, was a key figure in the panel discussion. He, along with Respiratory Specialist Dr. Freya Hildebrand, provided in-depth insights into the medical aspects of asthma and hayfever.
They discussed common symptoms, the importance of early diagnosis, and the benefits of an Asthma Action Plan. Dr. Sam Kennedy stressed how small adjustments in care can make a huge difference in controlling symptoms.

One of the highlights of the evening was the personal story shared by David Barker, a member of the community who has battled asthma and hayfever his entire life. Growing up on a farm, David often found himself unable to participate in outdoor activities or sports due to severe allergic reactions. He recalled how much time he spent attached to a nebuliser as a child, missing out on many childhood experiences.
David’s story took an uplifting turn as he spoke about how implementing an Asthma Action Plan has transformed his life. Today he enjoys a more active lifestyle, even taking up waterskiing—an activity that was once unimaginable for him. His story was a testament to how proper management and education can significantly improve the quality of life for asthma patients.
The panel discussion also covered the critical role of pharmacists in asthma care. Sherri Barden, an asthma educator and pharmacist at Moama Village Pharmacy, highlighted the alarming statistic that up to 90% of people use their inhalers incorrectly. She spoke about the importance of regular inhaler technique checks and how community pharmacies like hers are stepping up to provide better support through clinics.
Thunderstorm asthma was another topic that gained significant attention during the seminar. Dr. Freya Hildebrand explained the risks that seasonal changes, particularly in spring, pose for asthma sufferers. She urged attendees to stay prepared by carrying reliever medications and knowing the signs of an asthma emergency. "Anyone with Asthma is at risk of an attack," she said "and for everyone else, particularly if you suffer from hayfever, there's always a first time."

Dr. Freya Hildebrand's participation in the Moama Asthma and Hayfever Seminar was an invaluable addition to the evening. As a highly experienced respiratory specialist, Dr. Hildebrand generously shared her expertise on managing asthma and hayfever. Her insights provided attendees with critical knowledge that would otherwise be hard to access due to the complexity and expense of seeing a specialist.

As the seminar drew to a close, the panelists stressed the importance of ongoing education, yearly reviews of asthma action plans, and the need for heightened awareness during high-risk seasons like spring. The audience left with valuable knowledge on how to better manage asthma and hayfever, armed with practical tips to apply in their daily lives.

In all, the Moama Asthma and Hayfever Seminar was a resounding success, leaving attendees more informed, empowered, and ready to tackle the challenges of asthma head-on. The partnership between Moama Village Pharmacy and the Zoe Kennedy Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope for those living with asthma and hayfever in the community.

Thank you to Radiant Media for capturing photos of the event.