FRAZER, Pa. — Teva Respiratory has partnered with Apolo Anton Ohno and Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) to launch EIB All Stars – a national campaign and contest to raise awareness of a common, but little-known condition called exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). EIB is a temporary narrowing of the airways during or after exercise that can make it difficult to breathe.( )Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, trouble getting a deep breath, wheezing or noisy breathing, coughing, and decreased exercise endurance. Diagnosed with EIB more than ten years ago, Ohno is speaking publicly for the first time about the impact of EIB on his short-track speed skating career and invites others to share their EIB experiences by entering the EIB All Stars contest at www.EIBAllStars.com.
“Early in my career, I had difficulty breathing during workouts and my performance on the ice suffered,” said Ohno, who was first diagnosed with EIB in 2000 as he prepared to compete in Salt Lake City before an international audience. “It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with EIB and received the proper treatment that I was able to reach my peak performance. I hope that by bringing my experience to the forefront, I can encourage others with EIB to seek out a diagnosis and treatment strategy so that they too can pursue their dreams.”
EIB stories can be submitted at www.EIBAllStars.com. The contest is open to United States citizens residing in the contiguous 48 states, or District of Columbia, who are ages 18 years or older. Contest entrants must have been diagnosed with EIB or be submitting on behalf of a family member diagnosed with EIB. Entries may be submitted now through February 18, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
The finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and their stories will be posted to the campaign website. The public can then vote online for the most inspirational story. The finalist receiving the most votes will win a trip for two to Los Angeles for a getaway weekend that includes dinner with Ohno.
EIB All Stars is presented in partnership with AANMA, a national nonprofit patient advocacy organization and leader in EIB education.
“We are thrilled to be part of a campaign and contest that celebrates the men and women who have not let EIB hinder their activities, whether that’s running a 5k, making the basketball team or keeping up with their kids on the playground,” said Nancy Sander, president and founder of AANMA, “It is our hope that Apolo’s inspiring example will motivate people experiencing EIB to see their healthcare professional for an evaluation and diagnosis, so they may continue to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle despite having EIB.”
For more information about EIB All Stars and full contest rules and regulations, please visit www.EIBAllStars.com.
SOURCE: Teva Respiratory
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