LEWISTON — “Asthma: Enough to Take Your Breath Away” will be the topic of a Central Maine Medical Center Accenting Your Health presentation on Monday, Oct. 19 and again on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Patricia Smith, a registered respiratory therapist and nationally certified asthma educator at CMMC, will explain what asthma is and why it occurs. She will discuss how the disease is diagnosed, methods of treating and managing it and what can be done to prevent it.

Free pulmonary function testing will be offered 30 minutes before and after each of Smith’s presentation. Twenty-four million Americans suffer from asthma and Maine has the highest prevalence of this disease in the country.

There is no cost for attending the presentation. Both presentations will be offered in the Chairmen’s Rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building, adjacent to CMMC. The Oct. 19 program will begin at 1:30 p.m. and conclude about 2:30 p.m. Pulmonary function testing will be offered from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 to 3 p.m.

The Oct. 29 presentation will commence at 6 p.m. and wrap up about 7 p.m. Testing will be offered from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

Those interested in attending either of the programs are urged to register in advance by calling 795-8448 or e-mailing prevention@cmhc.org. Interpreter services are available upon advance request.