INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS & COACHES

Children spend most of their time at school, in childcare, or in afterschool and out-of-school time sports and activities. Many of these children suffer from asthma, including about 1 in 15 student athletes.[1] Although physical activity can sometimes trigger an attack, it can also improve breathing and lead to fewer attacks in people with well-controlled asthma.

There are several things that schools, childcare facilities, and coaches can do to ensure the health and safety of students with asthma:

  • Make sure you identify students with asthma;
  • Make sure you can identify the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack or worsening asthma;
  • Keep a copy of students’ Asthma Action Plans
  • Check the daily air quality;
  • Check out the Asthma Clipboard Program. The program is a 30-minute online education program that focuses on:

    • How to identify students experiencing worsening asthma or an asthma attack;
    • What medications are used and when to use them;
    • Ways to prevent exercise-induced asthma; and
    • Steps to take when athletes are experiencing worsening asthma or asthma attacks.
  • For health questions related to your student’s school, please contact the Public Health Nurse in your area.

Sources

[1] CDC Healthy Schools. (2020, May 19). Promoting Healthy Behaviors. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/healthybehaviors.html