Student with Asthma Responsibility Checklist

Students who learn how to manage and control their asthma should be able to participate in all school activities to the best of their abilities.

Here is a list of things you can do to help create an asthma friendly school.

• Take home and return to school all forms related to asthma.
  • Have your parent/ guardian complete a Student Asthma Management Plan   
  • Give your teacher a copy of the Student Asthma Management Plan so he/she will know about your triggers, your medications, what to do when your asthma gets worse
    
    
• Tell any supply/substitute teachers, school volunteers and classmates about your asthma, what to do if your asthma gets worse and where your medication is kept.
  • Ask your parents/guardians about getting a MedicAlert ™ bracelet/necklace to let people know you have asthma.
    
    
• Have your blue reliever inhaler with you at all times or know where it is stored and how to get it quickly.
  
  
• Know how and when to use your asthma medication safely.
  • Make sure your medication has your name on it.
  • Do not share your medication with anyone.
  • Know when your medication is empty and when you need a new one.
  • Tell your parent and teacher every time you take your medication.
  • Tell your teacher if you are uncomfortable with taking your own medication and need help.
    
    
• Know what triggers your asthma (what makes your asthma worse) and have a plan for handling your asthma triggers.
  • Examples of triggers: strong smelling markers, chalk dust, furry animals, freshly cut grass, pollen, very hot or very cold temperature, poor air quality
    
    
• Tell your teacher(s) when your asthma is bothering you.
  
  
• Learn about asthma by:
  • Attending asthma education programs available in your community e.g. some doctors offices, community health centres and hospitals have asthma educators.
  • Seeing your doctor or asthma care provider on a regular basis
  • Visiting the website AsthmaKids.ca
  • Going to an asthma education program, if it's offered in your school e.g. RAP – Roaring Adventures of Puff

If you have a question about asthma, you can talk to an asthma educator by calling:

• The Lung Association's Asthma Action Helpline at 1-800-668-7682 or 1-888-344-LUNG(5864)
• The Asthma Society's Asthma Support Line 1-866-787-4050