THERE IS, and always has been, a widespread belief in Fate, or Destiny, that is, in an eternal and inscrutable Power which apportions definite ends to both individuals and nations. This belief has arisen from long observation of the facts of life. Men are conscious that there are certain occurrences which they cannot control, and are powerless to avert. Birth and death, for instance, are inevitable, and many of the incidents of life appear equally inevitable.
Recognizing that entering college students are the primary market for new credit card holders, credit card companies swoop down every fall on American college campuses looking for freshmen or “fresh meat.” In a “carnival atmosphere” of blaring music and free food, the credit card companies set up tables spread with glossy promotional brochures and loaded with free t-shirts, frisbees, and other gifts to lure students into applying for credit cards. Company representatives do not talk about the interest rates or fees associated with the cards. Presumably, that information is contained in the brochures. Instead, the credit card vendors emphasize the free items and an easy way to buy clothes and books or pay for spring break vacations. Credit card companies have been accused of using excessive marketing tactics and using student organizations as on-campus solicitors to pressure other students into signing up for credit cards.
College students are offered credit at unprecedented levels. Entering college students are bombarded with an average of eight credit card offers during their first week of college. Nearly half of all students receive credit card applications on a daily or weekly basis, and most receive applications at least a few times per month. The majority of students obtain their first credit card in college, and by graduation, over half have multiple cards.
“Asthma is a disorder of the airways characterized by paroxysmal or persistent symptoms (dyspnea, chest tightness, wheeze and cough), with variable airflow limitation [and] airway hyperresponsiveness to a variety of stimuli. Airway inflammation (including mast cells and eosinophils) or its consequences is important in the pathogenesis and persistence of asthma. This provides a strong argument for the recommendation that the management of asthma should focus on the reduction of this inflammatory state through environmental control measures and the early use of disease-modifying agents, rather than symptomatic therapy alone.” (Canadian Asthma Consensus Conference, 1996).
Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting Canadians. It places a heavy burden on the nation’s health care expenditures, reduces productivity, and seriously affects the quality of life for individuals with asthma and their families. This report summarizes the definition, prevalence and impact of asthma, and includes a review of both the scope for prevention and control, and existing activities in Canada. It is based on current literature reviews, reports, health data, and surveys.
