The Sept. 17 Columbian Life cover story, “Those with asthma know shortness of breath is a serious issue,” was correct in its title that asthma sufferers already know what they are dealing with, but offered no new relevant information to the public besides noting that asthma rates are on the rise. A giant cover picture of an albuterol inhaler and a brief rundown of what asthma is and how it is typically managed fell short in teaching us how to “Live Well,” as the Monday edition of the Life section implies.
The story states that, “Asthma rates grew by 4.3 million from 2001 to 2009, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Surely both current asthma sufferers and the millions more who stand to develop it or to raise children with asthma would be better served by expanding reporting that asks necessary questions about what it is in our environment that is leading to this rise. Or we could hope that a “Live Well” section would seek to teach us something new or suggest alternative therapies rather than regurgitating the same old information and tired pain management tips.
Kaisa McCrow
Vancouver
