Keystone program helping kids with asthma

A pilot program in our area is helping keep kids with asthma safe and healthy.

It's a continuous program, but when you look at the temperatures today and tomorrow it seems especially important.

Hot and humid weather can trigger asthma attacks. It is vital that kids with asthma have their medications and are taking them as directed, and that's one way this program helps.

4-year-old Sean's mother, Cheryl Kourouma, says four months ago he had his first asthma attack.

"It was very scary, he was coughing and choking, he couldn't sleep," she said.

And even after the initial treatment, problems continued until Sean was seen at the Children's Hospital Karabots Care Center in West Philadelphia, and enrolled in a program called 'Breathe Easy. Start Today.' It's for families with Keystone First insurance.

It's estimated one in four kids in the area has asthma. One of the biggest obstacles to controlling it is parents not able to pick up medication or not using it correctly.

So with the program, patients with asthma and their parents are taught how to properly use their medication. King of Prussia Pharmacy Services also provides all medication at the time of appointment and then refills are delivered.

Stickers are also used to make things even easier, using a color coded system so that families don't have to remember the names of medications.

The control medication, which is given a green sticker, is what prevents problems. It's what made the difference for Sean. For his mom, it brings reassurance.

"It's working. He hasn't had a flare up and he's a normal child. He runs, plays jumps whatever," Cheryl said.

The program is offered at twenty different centers across the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys.

And as a reminder for all parents, if your children have asthma make sure you have daily and emergency medications, check in with your child's doctor, and limit time outside during poor air quality days.