Breaking News regarding School Based Power BreathingTM Program
Deaths from Asthma in young people doubled in the last decade, despite the continual development of improved therapies. Emergency room visits for this group is on the rise as well. Why? Teen non adherence is a key factor that is often driven by the adolescent's need to "fit in." When treatment modalities clash with lifestyles, teen patients become non adherent.
AAFA's School Based Power BreathingTM Program is the only patient education program that acknowledges and addresses the teen's social and lifestyle concerns.
AAFA's School Based Power BreathingTM Program helps teens to successfully manage their asthma by teaching them to integrate healthy habits within their unique lifestyle. Developed by a patient education specialist in conjunction with a multidisciplinary panel of health specialists and a teen advisory board, the School Based Power BreathingTM Program helps your teen live a healthier, active life.

School Based Power BreathingTM Program Structure
The School Based Power BreathingTM Program consists of either three, ninety minute sessions held after school or eight, thirty minute sessions held during your child's regular lunch period. Sessions include hands-on instruction, discussion and strategic thinking, video animation, and "Class Dismissed!"- a board game to test asthma knowledge. All students will receive a peak flow meter and spacer.
Basic Asthma Education
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Pathophysiology |
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The role of inflammation |
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Identification and avoidance of triggers and irritants |
Social and Emotional Issues of Asthma
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Fitting in without jeopardizing health |
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Family dynamics |
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Realistic and reassuring coping mechanisms |
Asthma Management
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Myths and falsehoods |
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Medication overview |
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Peak Flow monitoring |
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Program review |
Optional Topics
The Power BreathingTM Program is supported with funds from the Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 and Prevention through cooperative agreement #U58/CCU320144. AAFA Alaska is working with AAFA National, the Anchorage School District and the CDC to present the Power BreathingTM Program.
Schools currently participating in the Power BreathingTM Program:
| Central Middle School | Nurse Anne McCarron |
| Mirror Lake Middle School | Nurse Cindy Hendel |
| Goldenview Middle School | Nurse Gail White |
| Gruening Middle School | Nurse Barb Pennington |
| Begich Middle School | Nurse Laura Ownby |
| Lake Hood Elementary | Nurse Kathy Bell |
| Northwood Elementary | Nurse Carrie Berg |
| Trailside Elementary | School Nurse Lee Stark |
If you would like to bring Power Breathing to your child's school, please
talk to your school nurse and contact AAFA at 349-0637
Click
here for a Permission Slip for Student Participation in AAFA's "Teens:
Taking Control of Your Asthma" (79kb
PDF)
