DG p14-15 Asthma Jul09.qxp 24/06/2009 14:17 Page 15
health
Kick Asthma Adventure Holidays
Asthma UK runs a series of week-long Kick Asthma lThe holidays are
adventure holidays for children and young people with supervised by
asthma (and other related conditions). Combining volunteers, who are
physical and social activities such as abseiling, fully trained and
kayaking, discos and quizzes, with educational sessions who are checked
that teach the youngsters more about how to control by the Criminal
their asthma, the holidays give kids a great confidence Records Bureau.
boost and parents the chance to relax for a week. Asthma UK has a
The holidays are managed by experts and children are comprehensive
closely supervised by specially trained volunteers and child protection
health professionals. Kick Asthma breaks are divided policy which also
into two age groups: 6-11 and 12-17, and are held at a ensures that a
variety of locations across the UK throughout July and volunteer is never
August. The cost of Kick Asthma breaks is subsidised alone with a child.
by Asthma UK and ranges from £50-£350 depending on lOne volunteer
people’s ability to pay. supervises a
Participants have the opportunity to experience an maximum of three
adventurous holiday away from home, enabling them to: participants, which
lFind out more about their asthma and how to control ensures a high
their symptoms standard of care
lMeet other children and young people with asthma and attention for the children. Volunteers are
and other related conditions supported by at least two qualified healthcare
lDevelop new skills, self confidence and independence professionals who are on hand for advice during the
by being away from home week and who can help with children’s treatments.
lTake part in new and exciting activities – from lAll participants fill out a detailed medical form and
camping to abseiling treatment checklist before the holidays, which
lBecome more independent in controlling their asthma, volunteers use to ensure they take all the medicines
using their inhalers knowing why they take them they are supposed to.
A great break for parents Kick Asthma holiday timetable 2009
lChildren and young people return more confident and 12-18 Jul Fettes College, Edinburgh
talkative about their asthma knowing that there are 19-25 Jul Christ College, Brecon, Wales
other children with similar conditions and that they are 26 Jul-1 Aug Sedbergh School, Cumbria
not the only one Parents get a break from the day-to- 2 Aug-7 Aug Corrymeela Centre, Ballycastle,
day care of a child with asthma and can spend time Northern Ireland
with their partner, other children or friends 10 Aug-15 Aug Ardingly College, West Sussex
lParents are secure in the knowledge that their child is 16 Aug-22 Aug Kingham Hill School, Oxfordshire
being looked after by qualified volunteers and
healthcare professionals who know how to manage Find out more
asthma To find out more about the holidays contact the Kick
lFewer school days are missed as their child’s asthma Asthma team: email Kick Asthma holidays or call our
is better controlled Supporter & Information Team on 08456 03 81 43.
lSafety and security are our priority asthma.org.uk
as dust particles will be in the air for at fresh and breathable. least medicine possible. A written
least two hours after cleaning and this personal asthma action plan should be
may trigger asthma symptoms. Ways to Get rid of indoor mould discussed and completed with your
avoid this could be keeping the house Mould in the home can be a trigger for doctor or asthma nurse and contains
well-ventilated while cleaning or asking people with asthma and it thrives in the information you need to control your
someone else to vacuum whilst you are damp environments. asthma.
out of the room. Be aware that some Ensure your home is well-ventilated This includes details of your asthma
chemicals in cleaning products and and remove mould by washing and medication, key things to tell you when
highly scented products may also bring disinfecting rubbish bins, thoroughly your asthma is getting worse and what
on your asthma symptoms – vinegar is scrubbing kitchens and bathrooms and you should do about it, as well as
a good, natural alternative.” cleaning or changing shower curtains. emergency information on what to do if
Dot continues: “People with asthma you have an asthma attack.”
Change all old filters need to be aware of what their triggers
Don’t forget to change or clean the are and know how to avoid them. As For further advice, call the Asthma UK
filters on air conditioners, air purifiers, part of a self-management plan this can Adviceline on 08457 010203 or email
dehumidifiers or vents so that the help make life easier and may also an asthma nurse specialist at Kick
incoming air in your home is clean, enable asthma management with the Asthma holidays.
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