Essential Tips to Keep Kids Healthy This Fall

Because children’s lungs and immune systems are still developing, they are more vulnerable to infectious disease, air pollution, second-hand smoke and other irritants. Vaping use is also on the rise, with e-cigarette use beginning in middle school.

The American Lung Association in Florida’s upcoming Gulf Coast Bike Trek is raising awareness of pediatric lung health.

These are the three critical areas of lung health that families should be aware of:

1. Infectious Respiratory Diseases and Vaccinations: As we head into cold and flu season, it is essential that families are up to date on how to stay healthy. Good hygiene and habits are key, as well as routinely recommended vaccinations, such as influenza and COVID-19. Other infectious respiratory disease to watch out for include RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and pertussis (whooping cough). Learn more about why vaccines are so important for lung health.
    
2. Asthma: Here in Tampa, more than 42,000 children have been diagnosed with asthma, a leading cause of missed school days. The Lung Association is committed to helping parents and children living with asthma feel safe and in control for the upcoming school year, including:
   • Programs like Open Airways for Schools and Kickin’ Asthma to teach kids how to manage their asthma and lead healthier, active lives.
   • Resources like Asthma Action Plan templates and the Student Readiness Assessment Tool to help families create detailed plans and stay empowered.
3. Vaping: More than a quarter of high school students use e-cigarettes, harming their lungs and still-developing brains and potentially setting them up for a lifetime of addiction. The U.S. Surgeon General classified this increase in youth vaping “an epidemic.” Parents can visit TheVapeTalk.org for resources to learn more about how to talk to kids about vaping and the pressure that surrounds it.

“The fall season is a critical time for families to be aware of new asthma triggers, exposure to new viruses, peer pressure to smoke or vape and other stressors that can impact kids’ health,” said Dr. John Prpich, a Tampa-area pediatric pulmonologist and member of the Gulf Coast Bike Trek committee. “RSV is particularly concerning because it is highly contagious and can develop into a serious respiratory illness requiring hospitalization. While most cases of RSV are mild, babies, toddlers and children with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable. It’s important for families to understand potential risks and to consult their pediatrician.”

The Gulf Coast Bike Trek will take place on Saturday, October 5. The Trek offers three scenic courses along the Pinellas Trail: a 10-mile Family Ride, a 40-mile ride and 62-mile metric century ride. The Trek features top-notch rider support, plentiful rest stops and an unforgettable party at the finish line with food, music and more. The Trek is raising awareness of pediatric lung health, and funds support the organization’s efforts to save live in Florida and beyond. For more information, and to register, visit GulfCoastBikeTrek.org.