Did you know that kids in Chicago are more likely to be hospitalized or die from an asthma episode than those living elsewhere in the United States (http://www.lungchicago.org/asthma-in-chicago/)? Well, I wasn't aware of this statistic until I joined the RHA to serve in the Chicago Health Corp as an Asthma Educator. This information was scary to me, but I just did not know if the kids would appreciate the importance of learning about asthma management.
I was a little worried that the students would not take me seriously. I actually thought the kids would value missing class more than learning about ways to manage their asthma. However, I soon found out that this was not the case. After teaching several classes, my students have truly been engaged and interested in learning about how they can manage their asthma. The students have been asking interesting questions, such as'Is asthma contagious?" or'Where does asthma come from?" They really try to understand the process their body undergoes during an asthma episode.
During the beginning of the FAN classes, I can see which students are scared that their asthma is not under control. However, once we begin talking about how to detect asthma warning signs, triggers and ways to manage being around their triggers, the students become less afraid. By the final day of the FAN class the students appear more empowered because they understand how asthma is affecting their body and what they can do to protect themselves. Nevertheless, I value that the students are learning ways to improve their use of asthma medicine. I also hope they become more comfortable with talking to others about their asthma. One thing I have learned about teaching asthma education classes is that the students' value being empowered and truly love the fact that they can help themselves.
