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Back to School
Basics |
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Excepted from Fresh AAir™ a publication of the Asthma &
Allergy Foundation of America Returning to the classroom
with asthma and allergies requires planning. The beginning of
the school year is stressful for most healthy children and their
parents. But if your child has asthma or allergies, the
anticipation of the coming school year becomes just a bit more
nerve-racking. It does not have to be that way. With some
preparation and organization, you and your kids can have a
problem-free year.
Triggers inside and outside the classroom are everywhere. Rugs
or carpeting can collect dirt, dust mites, and chalk dust. Furry
animals in kindergarten class are cute but problematic. Rigorous
sports may exert your student. Then there are bees on the
playground, freshly mowed grass, trees and weeds outside a
classroom, and chemical odors used for cleaning the building and
treating the lawn. For children with food allergies, the
cafeteria presents a problem, so do the bag lunches friends
bring to school and the treats sent by other parents. Mold can
grow in gym lockers and shower stalls, as well as in the
classrooms themselves. Any of these allergens and irritants can
send a child with allergies or asthma into a full-blown
reaction.
You cannot be in control of everything children will be
exposed to at school. But there are several basic steps you can
take before the bell rings to ensure their health.
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- Be sure your child’s medical information is complete,
up-to-date, and in a form that is easily understandable by
the school staff.
- Hand in a Student Asthma Action Card, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/images/actioncard.pdf
which lists daily medications, symptoms, and emergency
plans. Emphasize the fact that staff members should not wait
to contact a parent before taking emergency steps. Make sure
the physical education teacher or coach has a copy.
- Attach your child’s picture to the Asthma Action Card.
- Ask your doctor for a letter you can present to the
school indicating which allergies and irritants can cause
problems for your child
- Your child’s name and the dosage should be attached to
every medication.
- Set up appointments to meet with the school nurse, your
child’s teacher, including the physical education teacher,
and even the principal at a time when the schools staff are
not too busy.
- If your child has food allergies, you will want to speak
to the cafeteria staff about food choices or special
accommodations. You should be clear and concise about the
seriousness of the allergy, what your child is allergic to,
and what can be done to ensure safety. It may help the staff
if a picture of your child is posted in the kitchen.
- Speak to your own children about their responsibility to
take medications or not take food from other kids. Even at
an early age, it is critical that your children begin to
identify symptoms and learn to ask for help.
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The information provided is for reference only and should not
substitute for professional medical care.
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