From Danville Regional Health
System
Better Health Magazine Archives
| |
From Danville Regional Health
System
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Asthma causes more lost school days than any other chronic illness. However, it can almost always be controlled with proper treatment and education. To teach children, parents and teachers about asthma, Danville Regional Health System is supporting an educational program called "By teaching children how to manage asthma, we may be able to reduce days missed from school or work and prevent unnecessary hospital visits," said George Cooper, Manager of Outpatient Testing at Danville Regional Medical Center and a driving force behind bringing the program to Danville.  Through a curriculum developed by the American Lung Association, Open Airways For Schools teaches 8-11 year olds how to detect the warning signs of asthma. Teachers at four elementary schools in Danville have volunteered to participate by teaching the curriculum in their classrooms. Through an interactive approach using group discussion, stories and games, the program empowers students to manage asthma with the help of parents, teachers, school nurses and physicians. "The teacher may give students certain scenarios, asking them 'What would you have done?'" said Cooper. "They also learn how to eliminate things in their environment that may trigger an attack. The key is that they'll also take this information home to their parents."
Studies have shown that cases of childhood asthma are on the rise - which can have a negative effect on a child's ability to perform in school and participate in sports. "With awareness and basic care, asthmatic episodes can be controlled and even prevented," said Adams. "Children need to know they can lead a normal life, which has been proven by many Olympic athletes who have successfully managed the disease."
|
To supplement the curriculum, Anita Adams, R.C.P. and Managerof Respiratory Therapy at Danville Regional Medical Center, brings anti-smoking education to the classrooms. "We do lots of hands-on activities," she said. "For example, we bring in equipment to measure how much air they can blow out. If they can see how their lungs work they'll understand asthma better."