It's almost time send little ones off to summer camp for another season of warm-weather fun outdoors. It's a time where memories will be made, friendships forged and life lessons learned. It's also one the most vulnerable times for your child who suffers from allergies or asthma.
When your child is at camp, you can't control their environment as you can in your own home. There are still ways, however, for you to prepare your child to deal with the challenges of allergies and still ensure they don't miss out on all the good times at camp.
Knowledge and supplies are key. Before your child goes to camp, speak to the director about what equipment or facilities the camp has in case of medical emergencies like severe allergy reactions or asthma attacks. Make sure your child is familiar with his or her allergy and its symptoms, and can quickly respond to each. If medicine is required, have him pack extras for camp. How much you pack and how thoroughly you prepare should depend on the severity of your child's reactions. Consider a child with severe reactions to bee stings: The counselors need to know, so they can provide an immediate and correct medical response if an emergency arises. Face masks and other allergy products like those offered by Allergy Be Gone can also reduce your child's exposure to pollen and other minor allergens while he's at camp.
Four percent of children in the United States are affected by asthma. Asthmatic episodes are more likely to occur when certain external factors are at work, like cold air blowing off a river or pond, rigorous exercise and stress. All these things can be found at summer camp in abundance. For children with asthma, it's important that they know how to use their inhaler properly, which can be life-saving. If possible, they should even carry a spare.
