The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Schools of Nursing and Pharmacy along with the Southwestern Illinois College Respiratory Therapy Program hosted Active with Asthma “Camp During School” on Friday, Nov. 1.
The one-day event was designed to teach children, parents and caregivers about asthma, physical activity, medications, nutrition, how to avoid triggers and asthma action plans.
“Pharmacy and nursing students have been working side-by-side caring for children with asthma during a variety of camps since 2007,” said Dr. Lisa Lubsch, clinical associate professor of pharmacy. “At this event, our students were able to apply their own knowledge within an interprofessional team, while educating children about their chronic medical problem in a fun environment.”
Active with Asthma “Camp During School” was held at Venice (Ill.) Elementary School. The event had approximately 75 participants comprised of a mix of students, parents and caregivers. This was the first year that the annual event was designed entirely to address the needs of parents and caregivers of children dealing with asthma.
“The incidence of asthma continues to increase across high risk areas,” said Dr. Rhonda Comrie, associate professor of nursing. “The metro east has one of the highest rates in the state especially among school age children.”
The objective of Active with Asthma “Camp During School” was to improve the lives of children with asthma by educating them and their caregivers on how to manage their asthma.
“An event like this is an important way to help families develop skills to better manage their child’s asthma, while hopefully increasing awareness and recognition of environmental triggers,” said Amy Funk, project coordinator of Metro East Community Air Project Action Research Illinois. “It was wonderful to see how engaged the children and parents were throughout the day.”
This free event was made possible by grant funding from the American Lung Association, Jaris Waide Knockout Asthma, the Asthma Coalition and the Illinois Salon Departmental La Boutique 8/40.