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Breathe Easy Series

Breathe easy - 3rd in a series At school By OC FamilyPublished: March, 2006

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Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases among children. In the United States, an estimated 5 million children have suffered an asthma  attack in the past 12 months, and many others have undiagnosed asthma.  Depending on the severity of your child’s asthma, he or she may experience  airway obstruction, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, severe shortness  of breath and low blood oxygen. You have the right to ensure that your child is safe at school. The better  you, your child and school staff understand asthma and its treatment, the  better you will be able to control it. With proper treatment and support,  children with asthma can lead full and active lives. The American Lung Association believes that schools should adopt policies  for the management of asthma such as:  1) the enforcement of a smoke-free environment for all school activities;    2) access to health services including identification of students with  asthma, a written asthma management plan, appropriate medical equipment,  and the support of an adult to monitor the administration of medication;    3) an asthma medication plan that allows safe, reliable, and prompt access  to medications;  4) a schoolwide asthma emergency plan;  5) staff development  for all school personnel regarding asthma management and asthma-related  policies and procedures; and  6) the development of a healthy school environment  that respects the abilities and needs of each asthmatic student. The American Lung Association supports the implementation of asthma education in schools due to asthma’s prevalence as a chronic childhood disease. The highly acclaimed and research-based “Open Airways for Schools” program” utilizes  group discussion, stories, games and role play to help students take part  in the program. Topics covered include basic information about asthma,  recognizing and managing asthma symptoms, and more. Each lesson includes  materials for the children to take home to their parents, and curriculum  materials are available in English and Spanish. If you would like more information about bringing the OAS program to your  child’s school, please contact the American Lung Association of Orange  County at 714. 835.5864, Ext. 105.

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