Asthma is the No. 1 reason for missing school. You can't learn if you're not in school. The Open Airways program was developed at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. It teaches children, ages 8 to 11, to detect the warning signs of asthma and take action to help prevent a flare-up. The American Lung Association sponsors the classes throughout the United States.
Children learn through games, discussions, stories and role-playing.
Their grades improve. They felt more confident about managing their asthma. They exerted greater influence on their parents' asthma management decisions. They had fewer flare-ups and episodes of shorter duration. They took more steps to manage their asthma.