[Download] "Asthma Education in the Classroom." by VAHPERD Journal ~ eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Asthma Education in the Classroom.
- Author : VAHPERD Journal
- Release Date : January 22, 2006
- Genre: Education,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 171 KB
Description
Asthma is an increasing problem in this country affecting approximately one out of every 11 children. This chronic breathing problem is now the leading cause for school absences. More than 17 million people in the US have been diagnosed with Asthma. Asthma affects more than 4.8 million US children, making it the most common serious and chronic disease among children. Asthma accounts for 10 million absences from school each year and causes nearly 3 million lost workdays for people over 18. Asthma cases and asthma deaths are on the rise and quality of life for people with asthma and the people who care for them is declining (Juniper, Guyatt, Feeny, Ferrie, Briffith & Townsend, 1996). Suffering produced by this disease, however, can be decreased or avoided if the disease is properly controlled and managed (NHLBI, 2005). With proper education and support from family, friends, and schools, children with asthma can lead full and active lives. Children need to have an active role in self-management of their disease. In order to accomplish this, proper education at a level that children can understand, is necessary. They must understand what asthma is, what "triggers" their asthma attacks, and must learn about the medications that they take to control their asthma and know when and how to use them (Tinkelman & Schwartz, 2004). The most effective asthma management program is an integrated one that involves health care providers, teachers, school staff, parents, children with asthma and other students. A number of studies show improved clinical outcomes resulting from integrated programs (Swartz, 1999; Richardson, 2003). In general, lung function increased, peak flow increased, and the number of days with restricted activities decreased as did number of absences from schools. Children's activity level increased, both daytime and nighttime symptoms decreased, and parents and caregivers missed fewer days of work. In addition, measures of feelings of self-efficacy improved and the number of emergency room visits decreased (Richardson, 2003; Tinkelman & Schwartz, 2004).