EDITOR: I was honored to be asked to give the introductory remarks at the Asthma Coalition's press conference on Oct. 22. Unfortunately, I was called away to Sacramento and unable to attend but sent my opening remarks to be read in my absence. I write this letter because I'm very concerned that asthma is a major public health problem that just isn't getting the attention it should. I was shocked to learn there were 102 deaths due to asthma in Sonoma County between 1990 and 2000 with the average age of the victim being 20 years old; that asthma is the leading cause of school absences; and it disproportionately impacts low-income and ethnic minorities.
The truth is, no one should be dying from asthma. Asthma is a disease that can be ``controlled.'' I believe public awareness is key in fighting this disease. I encourage all of us to be mindful of this serious public health issue and realize that asthma is not a minor illness that kids will easily grow out of. It's actually on the rise. We must recognize the serious threat asthma poses to our young people and do everything we can to stop this deadly disease.
PATTY BERG
Assembly member, 1st District