Asthma

Further Resources

Organisations, including services and resources available

Helpful Resources

The Asthma Foundation of Victoria has a HelpLine available Monday to Friday, from 9:30am to 3:00pm.

If you have any asthma related questions ring 9326 7088, or toll free 1800 645 130

Video’s/DVDs:

Curriculum Resources

Brenda’s Story

This DVD is available free to primary schools and provides a realistic story of a young girl Brenda, who has an episode of exercise induced asthma in the school setting. It identifies and prompts discussion on where asthma occurs in the body, asthma symptoms, asthma triggers, subsequent treatment including Asthma First Aid and medication required for an asthma attack. It also addresses self management and preventative strategies for asthma management. Teaching Resources are available to accompany the DVD on the Asthma Foundation of Victoria website www.asthma.org.au.

Running Short

This DVD is a free resource available to secondary schools. It tells a story about Patrick, a cross-country runner whose dream is to make the cross-country state championships. He has asthma, but does not want anyone to know. So when his friend Jazz finds out his secret, what will be at risk – his life or the title? The DVD identifies issues with adolescent asthma, including embarrassment, peer-pressure and smoking. There is also a special guest appearance from Olympic Runner Kyle Vander-Kuyp. Accompanying lesson plans can be downloaded from the Asthma Foundation of Victoria’s website in early 2009.

Get a Life
Understanding and managing asthma can be a very daunting for a young person who wants to get out and enjoy life. This video has been produced with the support of young people to know what asthma is and how to manage it. This video has some simple but effective strategies for living with asthma and shows how to manage asthma during an asthma attack (available through the Asthma Foundation of Victoria, 1800 645 130).

Speaking from Experience
Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and adolescents and the leading cause of childhood admission to hospitals. In this Speaking From Experience video parents and young people themselves offer candid accounts of their experiences surrounding diagnosis, treatment, schooling, medication, self-management and their thoughts of the future (available through the Asthma Foundation of Victoria, 1800 645 130). This is also now available in DVD version.

Why me
This video explains what asthma is and what you need to do to continue living a healthy, normal life. Real life case studies provide excellent examples and latest treatments are outlined. Why me? – Asthma was produced with the guidance of the Asthma Foundation of Victoria and the National Asthma Council (NAC). You can call your local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 or visit the NAC website at www.nationalasthma.org.au

Reading:

Asthma and Allergies for Dummies, written in collaboration between the Asthma Foundation of Victoria and Dr William E., Berger (2003).
An easy to read resource that outlines everything you need to know about allergy, asthma and more (available through the Asthma Foundation of Victoria, 1800 645 130).

Know Your Asthma, a comprehensive guide for those with Asthma, their families and carers. Written by Christine Jenkins (2005)

Can you find trigger, is a big book written for children under six. The book looks at the different triggers of asthma.

The Asthma Foundation of Victoria has many brochures and information sheets available on request. Most are also available on the Asthma Foundation of Victoria website www.asthma.org.au