4 Back-to-School Tips for Healthy Lungs

As students across the Gulf Coast prepare for the upcoming school year, the American Lung Association is encouraging families to take proactive steps to protect children and youth from common lung health threats. Here in Tampa, nearly 40,000 children have been diagnosed with asthma—and many more are exposed to poor indoor air quality, respiratory illnesses and tobacco use. Being prepared can make all the difference.

“This 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, pediatric pulmonologist and member of the Lung Association’s Gulf Coast Leadership Board. “I spend my days caring for children with lung disease—from the everyday challenges of asthma to rare and life-altering respiratory conditions. I’ve seen firsthand what lung disease steals from kids and families. That’s why I’m encouraging our community to join us for the Gulf Coast Bike Trek on October 18. We’re riding for every child who struggles to breathe.”

The Lung Association recommends the following to help protect kids’ lungs:

1. Stay up to date on vaccinations. Respiratory infections like influenza, pertussis (whooping cough) and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) can hit hard, especially for those with asthma. Preparing for the school year includes making sure all vaccinations are current to protect against common illnesses that affect the lungs. Learn more about why vaccines are so important for lung health.
2. Understand and manage asthma. Asthma is one of the most common illness-related reasons kids miss school. Additionally, a new school year can bring new asthma triggers and routines that may affect access to medication. To help parents and children feel safe and in control, the Lung Association offers programs and resources like:
   • Open Airways for Schools, Kickin’ Asthma and Asthma Super Stars to teach kids how to manage their asthma and lead healthier, active lives; and
   • Asthma Action Plan templates and the Student Readiness Assessment Tool to help families create detailed plans and stay empowered.
3. Talk about vaping before school starts. Youth vaping has become an epidemic, with children as young as middle school trying e-cigarettes. Vaping is both addictive and dangerous, and can harm youth’s lungs and still-developing brains. Research shows that youth who use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to try a cigarette and three times more likely to become addicted to nicotine. The Lung Association’s “You’re the Best Person” campaign can help parents have important conversations with their kids about vaping.
4. Register for the Gulf Coast Bike Trek on Saturday, October 18. Ride to support the Lung Association’s work advocating for clean air in schools, homes and neighborhoods, protecting kids from the dangers of tobacco use and funding lifesaving research for pediatric lung diseases. The Trek offers three scenic courses along the Pinellas Trail through Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, including a 10-mile family-friendly ride. Learn more at GulfCoastBikeTrek.org.