RESPIRATORY CARE VIDEOS | Press Release

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MDA OFFERS NEW VIDEOS ON RESPIRATORY CARE

New Respiratory Care Videos Available from MDA

TUCSON, Ariz., May 12, 2000 - The Muscular Dystrophy Association has produced two new videotapes to help people with neuromuscular diseases and medical professionals better manage breathing problems resulting from the muscle-wasting disorders.

"Breathe Easy: A Respiratory Guide for People With Neuromuscular Diseases" is an authoritative yet easy-to-digest resource to help families understand the importance of monitoring and, when necessary, assisting the respiratory systems of loved ones affected by muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or other neuromuscular diseases. These progressive disorders weaken the diaphragm and other muscles involved in breathing, leading to susceptibility to respiratory infections or acute respiratory failure.

Geared to neuromuscular disease patients and their families, the 28-minute "Breathe Easy" video explains techniques for maintaining respiratory function and equipment options to assist with ventilation. Several physicians and a clinical nurse specialist present the information, which is accompanied by illustrations of each device or technique, and by comments from people with neuromuscular diseases who use them.

"Breathe Easy" is available on loan through any of MDA's 218 offices nationwide. A preview (1:12) of the educational video can be viewed by visiting MDA's Web site at www.mda.org. This site includes a zip code locator for local office information to order the full-length video. "Breathe Easy" can also be ordered through MDA National Headquarters at (1-800)572-1717.

"Almost everyone affected by a neuromuscular disease will experience respiratory distress at some time, and many will ultimately succumb to respiratory failure," said Dr. Leon I. Charash, chairman of the MDA Medical Advisory Committee.

Since patients have many questions and limited time with their medical care providers, Charash said, "'Breathe Easy' is a great primer for informed discussions about ventilation options when they become necessary."

A second video, "Breath of Life," covers much of the same material but with more technical information for physicians, respiratory therapists and other medical professionals. "Skilled respiratory care can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for adults and children with neuromuscular diseases," Charash underscored. "Ongoing medical education is vitally important, because of the variety of proven respiratory care options. That's why MDA produced a special 25-minute video specifically for the healthcare providers assisting people affected by muscle-wasting diseases."

The pharmaceutical company Amgen underwrote the cost of producing the videos. MDA's 16-page brochure "Breathe Easy: Respiratory Care for Children With Muscular Dystrophy" is also available via the MDA Web site, in English or Spanish. MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. Diseases covered include nine forms of muscular dystrophy, ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, myasthenia gravis, Friedreich's ataxia, and other forms of myositis and myopathy. The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

MDA is the first voluntary health agency recognized by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity." For more information about MDA, and/or referrals to its clinics, call (1-800)572-1717.

"Breathe Easy" Preview
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