Breathe a little easier about exercise for your asthma kid

Jackie Joyner-Kersee. David Beckham. Amy Van Dyken. What do they all have in common, besides being world-class athletes? ASTHMA.

And what about runner Paula Radcliffe and swimmer Peter Vanderkaay, besides being Olympians? EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA.

And they’re all living proof that our kids can have asthma AND be active.

Even though every child is different, there’s still no reason why kids with asthma shouldn’t be indulging in some level of exercise. Not only does physical activity improve health, it creates confidence as our kids begin to look and feel better. More importantly, by building their upper body muscles, they may be improving their breathing!

So get started with these two ways to help them realize the benefits:

1. For children who can’t be outside during the winter months due to increased symptoms, find an indoor pool and let them swim to their hearts’ content in the warm, humid air.
2. If your kid insists on being outdoors, help them find a less taxing sport on their lungs, like golf or bicycling. Your child’s physician may have some excellent ideas for him or her based on their unique condition.

Speaking of physicians, before running out the door to get your kid started, it’s important to note the following:

1. Make sure your kids take their maintenance meds as prescribed to help regulate their asthma and ensure their safe participation.
2. Encourage your child to “warm up” before breaking into full-blown exercise and then do a “cool down” once done to help their body ease into what’s next.
3. Never let your kid do anything too vigorous if they’re sick, as we all know that asthma symptoms are at their worst with a cold, viral infection, etc.
4. Don’t start any exercise or sports program without their doctor’s consent.

As Jackie Joyner once said, “There are few restrictions on your life with asthma, as long as you take care of yourself.” Let’s help our children do just that.