1st Class Medical Partners with American Lung Association to Send Kids with Asthma to Champ Camp with Bowling for Better Breathing

    DENVER, CO, April 03, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The 3rd Annual Bowling for Better Breathing fundraiser took place on Friday, March 29th. The event was a great success and included a bowling party for participants as well as a silent auction. 1st Class Medical, the largest distributor world wide of portable oxygen concentrators, was a proud supporter and sponsor again this year. Gary Nelson, 1st Class Medical's general manager says, "Our goal is to partner with the American Lung Association to send as many kids with asthma to Champ Camp as possible. We think it's an amazing program and are proud to lend our continued support."

Champ Camp was started in 1979 and has impacted more than 3,500 Colorado children. It was created so kids with asthma could have a great time at a summer camp and also learn to better manage their condition. Studies have shown that children who have uncontrolled asthma struggle more in school, both academically and socially. These children often miss school for medical reasons, making it difficult for them to keep up. They also sometimes resist joining in activities, not necessarily because they are having any asthma related symptoms, but because they live in constant fear that they might trigger an asthma attack.

The cost of activities, housing and supplies for each camper is about $1,100. Many of the participants come from lower income families who could not afford this on their own so with the help of fundraisers like this, the cost goes down to less than half that. The maximum tuition per camper is about $485. These events also provide financial scholarships reducing the cost per camper, based on their family's income. The American Lung Association was thrilled with the success of this year's event. Durban Swartz, Program/Development Coordinator from the American Lung Association said, "Our 3rd Annual Bowling for Better Breathing fundraiser doubled in profit this year which will allow us to present more Colorado Children with asthma the life-changing opportunity to spend a week at Champ Camp learning how to manage and control their own asthma and enjoy all the benefits of being a kid! Without the invaluable partnership we have with 1st Class Medical, our event wouldn't have been nearly as successful."

At the beginning of camp nearly 1/3 of campers often say that they didn't join in sports or playground activities for fear of having an asthma attack. At Champ Camp kids identify their personal asthma triggers and learn how to avoid them. If an asthma attack is triggered they are taught techniques to quell them. They are also taught how to properly adhere to a proper medication regimen to control symptoms. This helps them gain confidence which encourages them to more fully engage in school and in social situations. After attending Champ Camp, these same kids reported that they were more likely to participate in fun activities and just play freely and enjoying being a kid.

2013 Champ Camp takes place July 14 - 20 at Glacier View Ranch, Near Boulder Colorado. On the agenda this year in addition to asthma education is rock climbing, canoeing, and a zip line. Kids will participate in these fun activities while learning valuable tools to help control their asthma.

With the advent of new medications and devices such as portable oxygen concentrators, people with respiratory conditions are living fuller and more active lives than ever. Although these medical advancements aid in enhancing their lifestyles, exercise and overall healthy living is the most important contributor to continued good health. Encouraging kids to be active and practice self-care at an early age will help them grow into healthy adults who are better able to live normal lives successfully managing their medical conditions. Please visit www.champcampcolorado.org if you are interested in being involved with Champ Camp. Click here to contact 1st Class Medical about oxygen concentrator machines and accessories.

1st Class Medical is a leader in home and portable oxygen concentrators. For further information, please contact us at 1-800-520-5726

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