To the editor:

It’s back to school for Suffolk’s kids, which means it is time to buy supplies, reconnect with friends and get excited for another great school year.

As a public health professional and someone who has managed her own asthma for more than a decade, I have a few pieces of advice for Suffolk families as they prepare for their asthmatic children to return to the classroom.

4Schedule an asthma checkup. This will give you and your child an opportunity to talk with your doctor about their asthma management, and get a better understanding as to whether or not their current course of treatment is effective.

Also, use this time to work with your child’s health care provider to develop an asthma action plan. The Virginia Asthma Coalition (www.virginiaasthmacoalition.org) provides a great template for families to use.

An asthma action plan will help your child’s teachers and nurse know how to help your child if they experience asthma symptoms.

4Be sure to share this plan with your school nurse and discuss how to make sure your child will have access to their medications. He or she will be able to walk you through the necessary paperwork.

4Know your daily air quality forecast. As a known asthma trigger, air pollutants, such as ozone, can put your kids at risk when they play outside.

Suffolk City received a “C” from the American Lung Association’s 2016 State of the Air Report for ozone pollution, so keeping an eye on air quality will make sure you and your child are making informed decisions about their outdoor activity.

Visit www.airnow.gov for your local forecast.

These three things will set your child up for a happy and healthy school year.

Jennifer Kaufer

American Lung Association in Virginia

Richmond