Utilizing American Lung Association curriculums, Delta AHEC North offers asthma education training to children, parents, caregivers and teachers. Delta AHEC staff have been certified to use the curriculums listed below.

The American Lung Association's "Open Airways For Schools": is an asthma management program for school children ages 8-11 years of age who have been diagnosed with asthma. The program's goals are to decrease asthma emergencies and improve asthma self-management skills. The program consists of 4-6 sessions held after school. The program utilizes group discussion, stories, games and role play to help students grasp management concepts. Topics include:

• Basic information about asthma
• Recognizing and managing asthma symptoms
• Using medication
• Avoiding asthma triggers
• Getting enough exercise
• Doing well in school

ALA "Asthma 101: The Basics" is a one-hour educational program designed to promote a supportive learning environment for children with asthma, reduce disruption in the classroom, provide necessary support in an emergency, and encourage students to actively participate in all school activities. School personnel, day care personnel, parents, caregivers, church groups and social service agencies can all utilize the basic information presented in the program. The program addresses the following:

• Prevalence of asthma
• Basic signs and symptoms of asthma
• Common triggers found in the school environment
• Basic management of an acute asthma episode
• Asthma medications and delivery devices
• Asthma management and monitoring tools

For more information about Asthma Education Training, please contact the Delta AHEC North office, located at Crittenden Regional Hospital, 870.735.5527.