Jennifer T., OH

I have had asthma and allergies most of my adult life and struggle enormously during high pollen days. I love to walk and hike in the spring and summer but many days my asthma is so bad I cannot go outside. I recently completed a project for my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and my focus was asthma in children. I was appalled to learn that asthma is the number one chronic illness that causes school absenteeism. Pediatric asthma is often not properly managed and many kids do not even know how to properly use inhalers (if they have one). Air pollution and climate change only exacerbate asthma symptoms on bad air or humid days. Education is key - and the American Lung Association has so many good resources for parents, school nurses, and kids. As a school nurse, I walk for children's asthma and for improving asthma education.