Champ Camp helps children learn how to control asthma
August 3, 2004
MORE THAN 67,000 children in Colorado have asthma. Asthma is a lung disease that constricts airways making it difficult and sometimes painful to breathe. It is the leading cause of school absenteeism. There is no known cure for asthma. The good news is asthma attacks are preventable.
Asthma can be managed successfully to prevent attacks. Important asthma management skills include correct medication use and identifying triggers of an attack such as smoke, dust or pollen. Often a lack of information can cause parents to keep children indoors or limit their physical activity because of fear of an asthma attack. Good asthma management skills will prevent attacks allowing children to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
To help children and their families learn how to manage asthma, the American Lung Association created Champ Camp 25 years ago. Champ Camp is Colorado’s only summer camp for kids with asthma.
The purpose of the weeklong camp is to provide children with the skills needed to control asthma. Children who are unable to attend traditional summer camp participate in activities such as canoeing, rock climbing and hiking while under the supervision of volunteer medical professionals. Asthma education is integrated into these fun activities.
Robert McCoy, a 13-year-old eighth-grade student at Heath Middle School in Greeley, attended the camp for the first time this year. The camp was held at Glacier View Park in Ward.
“I liked rock climbing up to the arts and crafts place the best. They had a giant pool inside, too. We hiked almost everywhere,” Robert said.
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Robert was able to enjoy these activities while learning how to control asthma by understanding how to use medications properly. Robert lives with his grandmother, Josie. She cares for Robert as both of his parents passed away. Robert has diabetes and asthma, making management even more of a challenge for him and his grandmother. Josie learned to help manage Robert’s asthma by attending free weekly classes with him at North Colorado Medical Center. For more information about asthma management classes or if you suspect your child might have asthma please call (970) 392-2242.
The Steps to a Healthier Weld Program is a five year grant initiative created to promote community and school programs that increase physical activity and improve nutrition as well as increase disease management skills and services. Obesity, diabetes, and asthma are chosen targets of this program because of their increased prevalence and responsiveness to prevention management measures. They are also some of the most costly chronic health conditions facing the country. For more information about this program please call (970) 304-6420.
To learn more about the next Champ Camp or to become a camp volunteer call 1-800-LUNG-USA or visit their web site at: http://www.alacolo.org. Financial donations are accepted.
Anna McConnell is the tobacco/asthma coordinator for the Steps to a Healthier Weld program. She can be reached at the Weld County Department of Public Health & Environment, 304-6420, Ext. 2380 or email@example.com