If youรขโฌโขre the parent of a child with asthma, you know it can be a challenge to find ways to help him or her exercise safely and comfortably. But experts say there is one activity that can help keep your child fit, and actually improve asthma symptoms.
รขโฌลWhen it comes to cardiovascular activities that are well-tolerated, swimming, specifically, is highly recommended, particularly in indoor swimming pools,รขโฌย said Tod Olin, M.D., a pediatric pulmonary specialist at National Jewish Health. รขโฌลWe know that the kids with asthma are less likely to trigger attacks if theyรขโฌโขre in a really humid environment, and the water forces them to be more conscious and controlled with their breathing.รขโฌย
Not far from Dr. Olinรขโฌโขs office is Morgridge Academy, a school for children with chronic conditions who require daily medical attention on the campus of National Jewish Health. Administrators there consider swimming so therapeutic that itรขโฌโขs a part of the school curriculum.
รขโฌลBefore coming to us, many of our kids didnรขโฌโขt run around and play like other kids,รขโฌย said Jennifer McCullough, director of Education at Morgridge Academy. รขโฌลBut when you get them into that pool with that warm air, and teach them how to regulate their breathing, they can do a lot more physical activity than they would be able to do otherwise.รขโฌย
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