B| D)|E) LF G H AsthmaIs Not Child’s Play (NAPSA)—Here’s newsthat will help you breathe easier—doctors and insurers are working to help protect children. More than 24 million Americansare currently afflicted with asthma and children under the age of 18 are the fastest growing segmentof this population. Asthma has more than doubled in the past two decades, and more thansix million children are currently affected, making asthma the most prevalent chronic illness among children, according to the American Lung Association. Asthma’s effects on children’s health are staggering. Each year it causes 14 million missed school days, nearly 658,000 emergency room visits annually and, in rare An asthmaaction plan can save a “Parents should always consult their child’s pediatrician for proper care and medications that can help treat the disease,” says include pollen, dust, tobacco smoke, exercise, cold air, or even cases, even death. Dr. Gwen O’Keefe, Director of Medical Policy and Programsat Medco Health Solutions, Inc. Medco Health is a prescription benefit manager that offers a health management program called Positive Approaches”, which is designed to help people learn how to control their asthma. “But, there are additional steps parents and their children can take to control symptoms that may help lead to a healthy and moreactive lifestyle.” These include: * Formulate a written asthma action plan with your pediatrician. Teach your child how to react to symptoms of an attack to help prevent serious consequences and have your child keep this written plan available to them at all times. Include your child’slife. child’s emergencycontacts and list their medication regimen. Know what triggers your child’s asthma. Triggers vary from person to person and can the commoncold. For example, if exercise triggers your child’s asthma, your pediatrician might recommend preventative medication a few minutes before athletic participation to control attacks. * Use the buddy system. Whether at school or play, it’s a good idea for your child to have a “buddy” whocan call for help if he or she has an asthmaattack. The “buddy” can be anyonetrained to knowthe signsof an attack. Consult your pediatrician about using a peak flow meter. A peak flow meter determines a person’s normal breathing patterns to help detect attacks before they occur. For more information about asthma and other respiratory conditions, consumers can visit the health and wellness section of www.medcohealth.com.
