Health
Asthma is a health issue which affects SFUSD students and staff. It is the
number one cause of student absenteeism nationwide.
Potential triggers of asthma exist within the school environment.
Everyone who has asthma needs to know
what initiates her/his asthmatic response. Triggers are individual and may
change over time.
The severity of an asthma reaction or episode can also
vary.
People who have asthma have "sensitive" or "hyperactive" windpipes.
Their windpipes react to triggers or irritants that stimulate a response.
These irritants may include smoke, pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches,
molds, pollen, colds, viruses and respiratory infections. Medicines, such as
aspirin can trigger an asthma episode.
According to Marie Hoemke, SFUSD Health Programs, coughing, yelling, laughing and acute
stress, even exercise, can be triggers. Eliminating irritants from the
classroom and school environment improves the air quality for all. It is
important for everyone in the school setting to work together to provide a
healthy environment.
The SFUSD, in cooperation with UESF, has an Indoor Air Quality Committee that
will work with you and/or your school to help you improve the air quality in
classrooms. If you are interested in further information, please email
Hene Kelly at henekelly@aol.com.
For any specific questions regarding asthma,
call the district's? Nurse of the Day at 242-2615.
Hene Kelly, UESF's Health and Safety Coordinator, teaches at Horace Mann Middle School.
Asthma: number 1 cause of student absenteeism nationwide
Asthma affects SFUSD students and staff
Indoor Air Quality Backgrounder: Managing Asthma in the Schools
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