Breaking News regarding Power Breathing

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 Power BreathingTM Program is the only patient education program that acknowledges and addresses the teen's social and lifestyle concerns.

AAFA's 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 Power BreathingTMProgram helps your teen live a healthier, active life.

Power BreathingTM Program Structure

The Power Breathing Program consists of three 90 minute sessions, with an optional fourth session designed for the older teen who is leaving home or entering the workforce.  Sessions include hands-on instruction, discussion and strategic thinking, video animation, and "Class Dismissed!"- a board game to test asthma knowledge.

Session One:  Basic Asthma Education

	Pathophysiology
	The role of inflammation
	Identification and avoidance of triggers and irritants

Session Two:  Social and Emotional Issues of Asthma

	Fitting in without jeopardizing health
	Family dynamics
	Realistic and reassuring coping mechanisms

Session Three:  Asthma Management

	Myths and falsehoods
	Medication overview
	Peak Flow monitoring
	Program review

Session Four:  Transitions and Healthy Choices

	Leaving home
	Entering the workforce
	Changing health care providers
	Dealing with peer pressure

The Power BreathingTM  Program is supported with funds from the Alaska Asthma Coalition 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.

Click here for a Permission Slip for Student Participation in AAFA's "Teens: Taking Control of Your Asthma" (79kb PDF)