In less than two weeks, students across Rhode Island will return to school and young adults will begin their college journey for the 2024-2025 academic year. While this period is filled with anticipation for many, it also brings new lung health challenges. The American Lung Association is offering guidance to parents, young adults, and school officials to ensure a healthy start to the school year.
“Back to school is an exciting time for students across Rhode Island, and it is also a time for a fresh, healthy start,” said Daniel Fitzgerald, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. “As we enter the new school year, it is critical for parents, students and school staff to be aware of new asthma triggers, exposure to new viruses, peer pressure to smoke or vape, and other stressors that can impact the health of students. We are happy to offer several resources and guidance to keep everyone healthy this year.”
The Lung Association’s comprehensive Creating Lung-Friendly Environments for Youth initiative aims to help schools and caregivers address chronic lung diseases like asthma, air quality issues, and tobacco-free policies. This free initiative provides information, guides, and sample policies that can be implemented in schools to protect both students and staff.
Additionally, the Lung Association focuses on educating parents, students, and school officials in four critical areas of lung health:
More resources are available at Lung.org.
