Hendrick Health offers free Asthma Summer Day Camp, July 29-31

Asthma is the leading chronic disease in children and the leading cause of student absenteeism in schools, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. An estimated 4.5 million U.S. children – almost 500,000 in Texas, reports the Texas Department of Health and Human Services – cope with asthma.

To help children ages 7 to 12 diagnosed with moderate to severe asthma learn effective management skills, Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Hendrick Health is offering Asthma Summer Day Camp July 29 – 31, 2024. The camp will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily in the Johnson Building at Hardin-Simmons University.

“As children learn ways to manage their asthma, they usually experience improvements in their quality of life, self-esteem and ability to be physically active,” said Susan McQuade, a registered respiratory therapist at Hendrick and the camp coordinator. “And, we make learning fun with several activities, including swimming and arts and crafts.”

Asthma causes inflammation and swelling of the airways. Common symptoms of asthma are coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. Asthma attacks can be mild for a few minutes, or last longer and be more severe, leading to an urgent care or emergency room visit, or even hospitalization.

While there is not a cure for asthma, medications and other strategies can help manage and control it.

Because of donations from ACE Hardware, the asthma camp is free, but space is limited. All campers must complete a registration packet, which includes an application and medical release. For more information or to request a registration packet, call Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Hendrick at 325-670-2112 or 325-670-2280. The registration deadline has been extended to June 28, 2024.