In an effort to assist children and families affected by asthma, Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health will host its second annual asthma awareness summer camp.  Camp Open Airways will be held on Saturday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at Middle Georgia State University, 100 University Parkway, Macon.
 
“In Georgia, an estimated 1 in 10 children have asthma, and children under the age of nine account for 36 percent of asthma-related emergency room visits. Asthma can be a serious and sometimes life threatening condition, but with proper management, its effects can be minimized. Through Camp Open Airways, we hope to educate children and families on daily and long term management of asthma,” said Valerie Fox, RRT, Clinical Educator for Navicent Health and Director of Camp Open AIrways.
 
Camp Open Airways is designed with the entire family in mind. While children diagnosed with asthma participate in fun activities that teach asthma management, parents and guardians will participate in a workshop with Navicent Health physicians and clinicians. Childcare for siblings not affected by asthma will also be offered. Thanks to the generosity of the W.G. Raoul Foundation and Navicent Health Foundation, Camp Open Airways will be offered at no charge to families.
 
“No child should ever have to suffer the serious or life-threatening effects of an asthma attack, and no parent should ever know the fear of watching their child suffer. Asthma self-management education is a critical step in the prevention of asthma attacks. Navicent Health Foundation is pleased to partner with Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health and the Raoul Foundation to offer this wonderful camp,” said Ellen Terrell, Chief Development Officer of Navicent Health Foundation.
 
Asthma is a lifelong condition that causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately half of those affected by asthma have an asthma attack each year. The CDC has also noted that children with asthma miss more days of school than children without asthma, and that, nationally, asthma-related trips to the emergency room can cost up to $28 million annually. People with asthma can control their symptoms and prevent asthma attacks by avoiding asthma triggers and correctly using prescribed medications.
 
To register for Camp Open Airways, visit www.navicenthealth.org/airways or call 478-633-2965.