Summer break in Minnesota is a great time for children to recharge and play outdoors. But it is definitely not a good time to take a break from asthma medications and asthma management. As a reminder, Stevens Community Medical Center outreach allergy care with appointments in several locations near you! Dr. Brian Brennan, Allergist/Immunologist is available in Morris, Montevideo, Ortonville and NOW at Appleton Area Health too!
Follow these 5 tips to have a healthy summer and a good start to the new school year in the Fall:
1. Take your asthma controller medications everyday – Children who reduce or stop taking their asthma controller medications during the summer months are at greater risk of serious asthma symptoms in the fall.
2. Schedule an asthma check-up – Summer is a good time to get ready for fall. Schedule an asthma check-up now with your health care provider for you or your child. It’s especially important for children to see their health care provider before school starts to adjust asthma medications, check their inhaler technique, and get an updated written asthma action plan (AAP) to have at home and give a copy to the school nurse. Talk with your health care provider about your AAP and how to manage asthma on a daily basis before your child heads back to school.
3. Know and avoid your asthma triggers – Each person’s asthma responds to different triggers. Triggers such as colds (viruses), tobacco smoke, pollen, outdoor air pollution, wood smoke, mold, dander from animals, and even cold air can irritate your airways and lead to an asthma attack. Sports and other outdoor activities can make asthma flare up. Work with your health care provider to create a written AAP that lists your asthma triggers, medications, and what to do to keep your asthma well controlled throughout the year.
4. Be smart when you exercise – Carry your rescue inhaler with you during runs, workouts and team practices. Avoid exercising outdoors on days that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issues an Air Quality Alert. Exercising is good for people with asthma, but it pays to play it safe.
5. Pack smart for camp and family travel – If your child is going to camp (day or overnight), tell them about your child’s asthma, and their triggers, and give them a copy of their AAP along with any asthma medications. If you’re traveling across the country or just for an overnight, make sure all asthma medications are packed, inhalers are full (check the expiration date), and that medications will last the length of the trip. For more information about asthma go to: www.health.state.mn.us/asthma
Whether you’re a repeat allergy sufferer or have severe cases, Dr. Brennan can help you get back to a better quality of life. For appointments with Allergist Dr. Brennan, call (320) 589-7600 at the Appleton, Montevideo, Ortonville, or Morris locations.
Visit SCMC Allergy Page to see what Dr. Brennan’s scope of practice includes.