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Advancing Asthma Awareness
As part of Asthma Awareness Month, a seminar titled "Winning with Asthma" for coaches and others involved in youth sports was held at the GBMC Conference Center on May 6, 2009. Doug Smith of the sponsor GBMC Foundation gave the welcome remarks. Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh gave an inspiring talk about athletes who do not allow asthma to get in the way of achieving their goals. Baltimore Ravens head athletic trainer Bill Tessendorf gave an informative presentation on how coaches and trainers can help asthmatic athletes perform to the best of their abilities. Dr. Alvin Sanico gave an educational talk about the prevalence and pathophysiology of asthma and the various steps to address this problem. Baltimore Ravens player Haruki Nakamura shared his compelling story about how he grew up with asthma yet was able to compete in various sports and eventually get to play in the NFL. Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America director Susan Sweitzer presented the above speakers a plaque of appreciation for volunteering their time and effort in this endeavor. Attendees received a Certificate of Participation with the signature of Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. Coaches involved in any youth sport who were not able to attend can go online to get information about the Coach's Asthma Clipboard Program.