School Asthma Spike

PARENTS AND TEACHERS WARNED OF BACK-TO-SCHOOL ASTHMA SPIKE

The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, today urged parents and teachers of children with asthma to ensure they have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan as students begin a new school year.

The Australian Government has allocated $5.4 million to the Asthma Management Program (AMP) in 2008/09 to produce best practice treatment, encourage proactive management and reduce the personal, social and economic impact of asthma.

An important component of the AMP is the Asthma Friendly Schools Program. This program, which will receive around $1.4 million in Australian Government funding in 2008/09, provides training for teachers and asthma management guidelines for schools.

Senator McLucas said that an Asthma Action Plan could prevent serious attacks by helping people with asthma recognise worsening asthma symptoms and giving them clear instructions on what to do in response.

"In February each year, we see a dramatic increase in the number of school-age students being hospitalised and attending Accident and Emergency departments due to asthma-related illnesses," Senator McLucas said.

"People with asthma, particularly children, are more vulnerable to the extreme temperature changes and respiratory viruses which students can be exposed to when they return to school.

"I urge parents and teachers of children with asthma to reduce their risk of having asthma attacks by ensuring they have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan."

Senator McLucas said the risks of asthma attacks among children increased at the start of the school year and it was important to prepare as a family.

"The spike in asthma-related hospitalisations among school-age students at the start of each school year is a stark reminder that asthma is a serious health condition which can, at times, be fatal," Senator McLucas said.

"Children with asthma can lead full and healthy lives with the help of their GP, but we cannot afford to be complacent.

"Developing a written Asthma Action Plan with your GP is an integral part of asthma management. It is a must for every child with asthma to have a current plan."

The Australian Government has allocated $5.4 million to the Asthma Management Program (AMP) in 2008-09.

The AMP aims to facilitate best practice treatment, encourage proactive management and reduce the personal, social and economic impact of asthma.

"Eighty-five per cent of schools across Australia are involved in the Asthma Friendly Schools Program, which provides training and support for staff to deal effectively with asthma," Senator McLucas said.

"It is important that school staff are prepared to deal with asthma, particularly during these periods of increased risk."

Further information on asthma management is available through Asthma Foundations Australia (www.asthmaaustralia.org.au) and the National Asthma Council Australia (www.nationalasthma.org.au).

SENATOR THE HON JAN McLUCAS
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing