Twenty-five children, ages 8 to 14, participated in a fun-filled day at the second annual Asthma Basketball Camp held at the Stokes Athletics Center on Saturday, October 4. “The day was a great success with a lot of fun for the kids,” said Dr. Bill Hanlon, associate professor of physical therapy and camp coordinator. Boys and girls learned basketball fundamentals from the SFU men’s and women’s basketball teams and attended sessions on how to cope with asthma, the importance of taking asthma medications, and how, with the right treatment, to participate in physical exercise and competitive sports on a par with other children not affected by breathing disorders. The children and their parents received education about asthma from pediatric asthma expert Dr. David Skoner in an hour-long “Ask the Doctor” session. Lung capacities were assessed via spirometry testing by Dr. Debbie Gentile, asthma specialist at Allegheny General Hospital (and SFU alumna), along with her research assistant, Nicole Banner, and a group of professional physical therapy students. Dr. Hanlon reported, “This test gives physicians a clearer picture of whether the asthma is under good control.” Jennie Sheetz, Clinical Director of the Medical Spa and Wellness Center of the St. Joseph Institute, introduced the campers and their parents to holistic and complementary approaches to asthma treatment. Physical therapy students were involved in teaching breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to the children and served as event ambassadors for the day. The camp closed with prizes and give-aways! Each child received a backpack and t-shirt to commemorate the day. Special thanks to the basketball coaches for providing basketballs for each child and the iPods that were awarded to two lucky campers. The Asthma Basketball Camp was sponsored by the DiSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness, Allegheny General Hospital, the SFU School of Health Sciences, the SFU Department of Physical Therapy, the SFU men’s and women’s basketball teams, and the St. Joseph Institute. The DiSepio Institute extends its gratitude to everyone who helped make this day special for the children, especially Dr. Bill Hanlon, Dr. Pete Skoner, Rob Young, Dr. Pat Fitzgerald, Heather Kindel, Bob Krimmel, Coaches Don Friday, Rob Krimmel, Abe Badmus, Susan Fruchtl, Chrystal Horton and Tiffany Selhorst, the professional-phase physical therapy students and members of the men’s and women’s basketball teams. See WJAC-TV "Success By 6" feature.   |   
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