Sep 14, 2007 11:00 pm US/Central
New Strategy In Schools Help Control Asthma
by Maya Nishikawa
(WCCO)
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The program has reduced hospitalizations by more than half and emergency room visits by more than 10 percent. And fewer sick days, means more time in class.
CBS
One in 15 kids in Minnesota has asthma, and going back to school usually means a spike in asthma attacks. Costs related to asthma top $16 billion each year. A pilot program in the Twin Cities is trying to change all of that.
Davon is just four-years-old, but he knows what to do if his asthma attacks. He's been instructed to tell his teacher when he's having trouble breathing. The nurse at his school, Cityview Performing Arts Magnet, has testing equipment and his medication at her office.
Davon is one of the 8,000 students in Minneapolis and St. Paul schools who have asthma. Since 2001, the districts have been part of the Controlling Asthma in American Cities Project.
"It's allowed us to have a standard way of approaching all students with asthma," said the program's manager Mary Heiman.
The program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and has helped bring schools, doctors, and families together for coordinated care and prevention. An asthma resource nurse in Minneapolis helps the individual school site nurses get the latest in training in asthma care. The program has helped Davon's mother understand his asthma.
"Now I'm educated. I know what to do about his asthma, things he should stay away from and identify some of his allergens," said Ami Lazo, Davon's mother.
Davon and other kids in Minneapolis and St. Paul schools have asthma action plans and medication at school. The nurse at Cityview has a cabinet full of asthma kits. Each kit contains a child's asthma medication in case of emergency or if they need it before exercise at school.
The program has reduced hospitalizations by more than half and emergency room visits by more than 10 percent. And fewer sick days, means more time in class.
"I feel a lot better, after talking with the school nurse I feel confident he's in capable hands." said Lazo.
Since the program began in St. Paul schools, attendance for students with asthma was an average of two days higher. The Controlling Asthma in American Cities project is funded through 2008.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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