Apolo Anton Ohno, Most Decorated American Winter Athlete, Joins National Campaign To Raise Awareness Of Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (EIB)

FRAZER, Pa., Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

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"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.

About Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (EIB)
Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is a temporary narrowing of the airways during or after exercise that can make it difficult to breathe. EIB is a treatable condition that may be triggered by breathing in air that is cooler and drier than the air in your lungs. Common symptoms of EIB include shortness of breath, chest tightness, trouble getting a deep breath, wheezing or noisy breathing, coughing, and decreased exercise endurance.  An individual with EIB can experience one or more of these symptoms during or immediately following physical activity. EIB can impact exercise performance and people with EIB may become discouraged, frustrated or embarrassed and reduce or eliminate physical activity from their lifestyle. While the symptoms are similar, EIB is different from asthma. EIB symptoms are temporary and triggered only by aerobic activity, while asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the large and small airways. Overall, it is estimated that EIB affects about 80-90 percent of children and adults with asthma, and an estimated over 30 million people in the United States. 

About Apolo Anton Ohno
Apolo Anton Ohno is the most decorated American winter athlete of all-time. He was the youngest-ever U.S. short-track speed skating National Champion at the age of 14 and went on to become a 12-time National Champion.  He is the top American in the sport and the face of the short-track speed skating globally.  He is one of only four Americans to have won three medals in a single winter international games. Since making history on the ice in Vancouver in 2010, Ohno has transitioned his athleticism to competing in and winning one of America's most watched reality shows, ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," with his then partner, Julianne Hough. Their performances during Season 4 of the hit reality show remain some of the most talked about performances in the show's long-standing history, earning him the opportunity to compete in the first "All-Star Cast" of "Dancing with the Stars" in the fall of 2012. Ohno finished in the Top 5 in 2012 of "Dancing with the Stars – All Stars." His speaking skills have earned him notoriety in broadcasting, most recently as a reporter for NBC during the summer of 2012 in London. A professional speaker and The New York Times best-selling author of the book, "Zero Regrets," Ohno travels the globe delivering his "Zero Regrets" presentation and philosophy towards all aspects of life – to audiences around the world.

About Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics
Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending needless death and suffering due to asthma, allergies and related conditions. AANMA specializes in sharing family-friendly, medically accurate information through its award-winning publications Allergy & Asthma Today magazine and The MA Report newsletter, its website at www.aanma.org and numerous community outreach programs. Follow AANMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AANMA and Twitter at http://twitter.com/AANMA.

About Teva Respiratory
Teva Respiratory is the U.S.-based respiratory subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA). Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., headquartered in Israel, is a leading global pharmaceutical company and the world's largest generic drug maker.  Teva has a global product portfolio of more than 850 medicines and a direct presence in approximately 60 countries. The company is committed to increasing access to high quality healthcare by developing, manufacturing and marketing generic products; innovative and specialty pharmaceuticals; and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

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