Phillies Fans to Get Free Asthma Screenings at Teva Respiratory Asthma Awareness Night on Thursday, May 19

PHILADELPHIA, May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Phillies and Teva Respiratory are teaming up to raise awareness of asthma, which continues to be a widespread issue in the city of Philadelphia.

For the second year in a row, Teva Respiratory is hosting Phillies Asthma Awareness Night in partnership with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) on Thursday, May 19 at Citizens Bank Park, before and during the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game against the Colorado Rockies.

As part of the event, free asthma screenings will be available for all fans at the First Base, Third Base and Left Field Gate entrances. Screenings will take place once the ballpark gates open until the 7th inning.

Adults and children who may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing can stop by any location to be screened by a local healthcare professional and find out if they are at risk for asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB).

For more information, please visit the following websites: www.EIBActive.com, www.TevaRespiratory.com, www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

About Asthma and Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm

Asthma affects an estimated 25 million people in the United States and is the most common chronic disease in childhood, affecting an estimated 7 million children and 17 million adults. Each year in the U.S., asthma causes approximately 500,000 hospitalizations, 134 million days of restricted activity and 4,000 deaths. Approximately 80-90 percent of people with asthma also have exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) which affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States. In fact, the number one trigger for asthma is exercise.  EIB symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, unusual fatigue or trouble getting a deep breath during or shortly after exercise. These symptoms can have a significant impact on participation in exercise and in some instances, may be the reason children and adults avoid exercise or being active altogether. EIB may also be a sign of uncontrolled asthma and patients are encouraged to speak with their physicians should any one or all of the aforementioned symptoms occur during physical exertion. In general, lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and trouble sleeping.

About Teva Respiratory

Teva Respiratory is the U.S.-based respiratory subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq: 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 1,450 molecules and a direct presence in 60 countries.  The company is committed to increasing access to high-quality healthcare by developing, manufacturing and marketing generic products, innovative and specialty pharmaceuticals, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients. For more information, www.tevarespiratory.com

SOURCE Philadelphia Phillies