Asthma doesn't stop kids at Camp Wyatt
Starting on July 10, 2011 in the evening and continuing until Friday, July 15, 2011, the American Lung Association of Utah’s (ALAU) Camp Wyatt is in full swing this week.
Camp volunteers are providing a healthy amount of education for children who experience asthma. What may be surprising is that campers are enjoying the normal camp activities like swimming, canoeing and bonfires.
“The activities are so much fun,” said Mariah Zenger, a camp counselor who was a camper and is sister to four other participants at the camp. The campers can have fun and experience things that they might not get to do at home.
Volunteer nurses present campers with information about asthma every day. On July 12, 2011, they talked about its triggers including allergens, respiratory illnesses and exercise.
“Whenever you exercise,” said Camper Jeffery, “you always have your inhaler.”
Counselor Elizabeth Conway said that when she had to warm up for an hour before she could exercise without it triggering an asthma attack.
Smoke of any kind is one of the worst triggers. However, the campers are well-taken care of by the volunteer medical professionals on staff.
“The American Lung Association [of Utah] has done an excellent job providing a safe place for these kids,” said Doctor Mindy Boehm, one of the volunteer M.D.s at the camp.
If you would like to read more about Camp Wyatt, check out my article here.
This article was originally published at examiner.com. Links updated Feb. 2017.
Camp Wyatt was canceled for 2016. The American Lung Association is looking for volunteers and donations to have the camp up and running for 2017.
Camp volunteers are providing a healthy amount of education for children who experience asthma. What may be surprising is that campers are enjoying the normal camp activities like swimming, canoeing and bonfires.
“The activities are so much fun,” said Mariah Zenger, a camp counselor who was a camper and is sister to four other participants at the camp. The campers can have fun and experience things that they might not get to do at home.
Volunteer nurses present campers with information about asthma every day. On July 12, 2011, they talked about its triggers including allergens, respiratory illnesses and exercise.
“Whenever you exercise,” said Camper Jeffery, “you always have your inhaler.”
Counselor Elizabeth Conway said that when she had to warm up for an hour before she could exercise without it triggering an asthma attack.
Smoke of any kind is one of the worst triggers. However, the campers are well-taken care of by the volunteer medical professionals on staff.
“The American Lung Association [of Utah] has done an excellent job providing a safe place for these kids,” said Doctor Mindy Boehm, one of the volunteer M.D.s at the camp.
If you would like to read more about Camp Wyatt, check out my article here.
This article was originally published at examiner.com. Links updated Feb. 2017.
Camp Wyatt was canceled for 2016. The American Lung Association is looking for volunteers and donations to have the camp up and running for 2017.