--- title: May is Asthma Awareness Month description: May is designated as Asthma Awareness Month. Find resources and info on emergency planning and asthma in children. image: https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CDC_asthma_web.jpg --- [![Child Care Aware of America Logo](https://info.childcareaware.org/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/usachildcareaware.site-ym.comgraphicslogo-new.png?width=690&height=350&name=usachildcareaware.site-ym.comgraphicslogo-new.png "Child Care Aware of America Logo")](https://www.childcareaware.org/) - [English ](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/may-is-asthma-awareness-month#) - [Español (Spanish) ](https://www.childcareaware.org/?lang=es) - [Child Care Career Center](http://careers.childcareaware.org/) - [Help for Military/DoD Families](https://www.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/) Search ![CCA Logo/Homepage link](https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/ChildCareAware_October2019%20Theme/Images/menu_img.png) ## Blog & News For media requests, please call 703-341-4161 or email [news@usa.childcareaware.org](mailto:news@usa.childcareaware.org). # May is Asthma Awareness Month April 29, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)   ![2009 Dawn Arlotta Description: This young African-American boy was have a fun, imaginative time play with his toys in a backyard sandpile. Children love playing outside, and this child was thoroughly enjoying his this time having fun in the fresh outdoor air, and the beautiful weather.It is important to know that sunscreen should be applied on any exposed skin, and children should wear clothing appropriate for this kind of outdoor play including sneakers, shirts, and long pants, all of which protect the children from splinters, and abrasions. It’s also a good idea to have children play in groups rather than alone, not only to improve safety, but for the purpose of cultivating friendships as well. It is also important to note that proper handwashing is a must after playing in any outdoor environment, thereby, removing contaminants from the skin surface, including viruses such as H1N1.Keywords: Sunblock Physical activity; Asthma attack; Black; H1N1](https://info.childcareaware.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CDC_asthma_web.jpg?width=600&name=CDC_asthma_web.jpg) Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Did you know that May is designated as Asthma Awareness Month? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this lung disease affects over 22 million people living in the United States, including one in twelve children. It causes three in five people living with asthma to limit their physical activity or miss days at school and work. Asthma is also expensive, costing the nation $56 billion each year. You may know someone affected by this disease and you may even have children in your care who suffer from asthma. Asthma can cause wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing and an asthma attack can be frightening for children and caregivers alike. The CDC has dedicated resources to raise awareness about asthma and to train educators and educate children about the disease. To learn more and to find dedicated asthma resources for both children and caregivers, including sample asthma action plans, visit [http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/world_asthma_day.htm](http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/world_asthma_day.htm). ### Asthma in Emergency Planning Remember to include inhalers, medicine, and other special needs when developing your child care emergency kit. Ensuring that your kit has taken into account all the supplies you and the children in your care may need following an emergency is key to proper planning! ### Resources and Learn More To raise awareness on asthma, the CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are hosting a TwitterChat on World Asthma Day (Tuesday, May 3, 2016). Join experts for a conversation about asthma, common asthma triggers, and how to create an asthma action plan. To join the conversation follow [@CDCAsthma](https://twitter.com/cdcenvironment) and [@EPAlive](https://twitter.com/EPAlive) on Twitter and use the hashtag #AsthmaChat in messages during the chat. No registration is required.   [![Learn about the Emergency Preparedness Training for Child Care Providers](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3957809/bb21c781-c5ac-4bdc-9e80-71f19ad90c5d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3957809/bb21c781-c5ac-4bdc-9e80-71f19ad90c5d) Topics: [Best Practices](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/tag/best-practices), [Health & Safety](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/tag/health-safety), [emergency preparedness](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/tag/emergency-preparedness) ![Julie Looper Coats](https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/JulieLooper.jpg.jpg) ### Written by [Julie Looper Coats](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/author/julie-looper-coats) Julie Looper Coats serves as the Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at Child Care Aware® of America. Her professional service includes work as Senior Program Analyst for the Medical Reserve Corps project at the National Association of County and City Health Officials in Washington, D.C., where she supported Public Health Preparedness efforts across the country. Julie also has experience in emergency preparedness and response at the local level, working at the Oklahoma City – County Health Department from 2010-2014, where she managed the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps during several severe weather deployments, as well as provided support during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and other large-scale events. Julie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management. 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