Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Summer 2019 | Page 13

Have your child take their pre- venter inhalers every day to control their asthma. Every season brings a number of health considerations and summer is no exception. Asthma is a chronic condition and asthma symptoms can occur at any time of the year. It’s important that people who have asthma con- tinue to take all their asthma medications as prescribed over the summer, even if they don’t have symptoms. As we enjoy the summer break and the change in our usual routines it can sometimes be all too easy to forget to take your asthma medications especially the preventer inhalers. This can increase the chance of your child having an asthma attack. Hot weather can be a trigger for asthma attacks, this is particularly the case if your child’s asthma is triggered by pollen, dust or mould, all of which can be prevalent during the summer. All children with asthma should be able to participate in any activ- ity. Exercise is more likely to trigger asthma symptoms if your child’s asthma isn’t well managed or controlled. Summer is a great time to get outside and be active. Swimming is a great sport for a child with asthma. All too soon the sum- mer break will be over, and a new school year will be on the horizon. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth return to school: • Ensure your child uses their pre- venter inhaler every day to keep their asthma away. • Ensure your child has a reliever • • • • • • inhaler and a spacer for use at school. Make sure your child has an annual asthma review with their pedia- trician, and receives a Personal Asthma Action Plan. Make sure your child understands their asthma. Make sure your child knows their asthma triggers. Make sure your child is on the school asthma register. Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of fresh air and exercise. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for all children with asthma. Let’s stay safe during the summer by being prepared. For more information or for a personal consultation, please contact: Open Airways Asthma Nurse - nurse@openair- ways.com or 232 0264 www.openairways.com Start them young and be amazed by what they can achieve. Group lessons set to music for parent and baby from birth to 3 years. Our aim is to have fun while developing your baby's strength, confidence and safety skills such as submerging, turning and reaching for the edge of pool. 1:1 lessons for children age 3 and up. Our focus is to teach competitive stroke technique and survival skills so your child becomes a safe, stylish and efficient swimmer. LOCATIONS: Pembroke St. George’s [email protected] mybermudaparent.com 11