Asthma Care Training for Kids (ACT)

The inability to breathe is one of the most terrifying sensations a person can experience.  When that experience involves a young child, the related sense of panic, stress and loss of control can permeate the entire family.

ACT - Asthma Care Training for Kids- is a patient education program created expressly to engage children ages 7 -12 with asthma and their parents in gaining control over this chronic- but manageable- disease.

ACT is the only patient education program that trains young children with asthma and their parents as a team.  Developing this parent-child "partnership" is critical for a young child to successfully assert control over the factors affecting his or her illness.

ACT is designed with the child in mind using simple language and engaging presentations to teach basic self-care principles.  Cartoon graphics and interactive games, based on a traffic light motif, teach children and their parents when to "go", "use caution," or "stop" when taking part in activities, encountering asthma triggers, or using asthma medications.

The program emphasizes ways children can ACT on their own behalf when they encounter asthma triggers or detect the onset of an attack.  Both children and parents will learn to :

	Recognize signals of an impending asthma attack, and what to do to avoid or minimize its effects
	Evaluate when and how to use medications or other techniques to circumvent attacks and reduce symptoms
	Structure their environment and behaviors to avoid asthma triggers
	Use a peak flow meter to monitor breathing
	Avoid costly emergency room visits and hospital stays
	Enjoy optimal health and an active lifestyle