Can it really be time to head back to school?
Preparing for another successful school year by supporting the management of your child’s asthma and anyone who interacts with him or her is at the top of your ‘must do’ list.
Who should be on that list? Maybe a few people you hadn’t considered or maybe you have but aren’t sure where to begin?
Start with the school nurse, teachers, the school bus driver and anyone who’s on the “need to know” list set by the school nurse and you. Establishing a good network of care will help to insure your child’s safety as well as encourage him or her to participate in all aspects of the new school year.
The whole process is much easier if roles and responsibilities can be defined for everyone.
You and your child should complete an Asthma Action Profile together to verify what you do and don’t know about your child’s asthma. It is important your child be included in establishing a current asthma record because you won’t always be there when they need help. Visit www.breathepa.org or call 800-220-1990 and request an Asthma Action Profile. Make a copy of the one-page Asthma Record for the school nurse.
Next, meet with your physician, so your child and you can discuss and create an Asthma Action Plan. This plan should cover medications used both at home and at school. It should also include the purpose, and dosage of the medication, and what to do if your child has an asthma attack at school. Remember to provide current contact information and provide the needed medication for the school nurse office.
Meet with your school nurse and discuss what information should be shared with teachers and school bus driver. Your school nurse can determine the best way to share this information.
Making sure that everyone is on the same page will help support your efforts in keeping your child healthy, in school and ready to learn. For additional information or to find out how you can bring an asthma program to your school, contact Jeannie Simms at 800-220-1990.