Ah, April. Shrinking snow banks, budding blossoms, and best of all (if you’re a kid) the beginning of the end of the school year.

As they enter the fourth—and final—academic quarter, our kids can catch a glimpse of the finish line.

But for students with lingering health concerns, springtime might not bring relief. That’s because days of missed school can leave them behind in their schoolwork, and they struggle to finish on time. These students need advocates to work with schools on their behalf.

Thankfully, the law protects the rights of students with health needs or disabilities, even if they don’t qualify for special education. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) prohibits discrimination based on disability. Any school that receives federal funding must comply with IDEA and Section 504 laws.

While children can bring to school many health issues, there are two that especially require management in school: asthma and diabetes. That’s because these diseases are on the rise in children and if not properly managed can threaten lives.

Diabetes At School
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. In the U.S., approximately 13,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in children. Teachers and child-care providers are likely to have a child with Type 1 diabetes in their care at some point in their career. And as obesity rates continue to soar, type 2 diabetes—a disease that used to be seen primarily in adults over age 45—is becoming more common in teens.

As early as 2001, the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Community Health teamed up to write guidelines on the management of students with diabetes in the school setting. The guidelines, found on the parent section at michigan.gov/mde , include information about what diabetes is, training tips for school staff, and tools for writing a diabetes care plan.

What Can Parents Do?
Good diabetes care for children at school calls for a clear understanding of who will be responsible for each task. In general, the parents are responsible for providing all diabetes equipment and snacks. They should also help school staff learn what they need to know about diabetes care and their own child’s needs.

Most important, parents can urge schools to follow the laws that allow their children with diabetes to fully participate in all school activities, including field trips and parties. Accommodations should be provided within the child’s usual school setting with as little disruption to the school’s and the child’s routine as possible.

Breathe Easy With An Asthma Action Plan
According to the Centers for Disease Control, asthma is a leading chronic illness among children and youth in the United States. In 2004, 5.1 million school-aged children and youth were reported to currently have asthma and 3.2 million had an asthma episode or attack within the previous year. On average, in a classroom of 30, about three are likely to have asthma.

Asthma is also one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. In 2003, an estimated 12.8 million school days were missed due to asthma.

What Can Parents Do?
Experts say every child with asthma should have a written asthma action plan, developed with the child’s physician, that details that child’s:

• specific asthma triggers
• medications
• instructions regarding physical activity (for example, using an inhaler before strenuous exercise)
• emergency plan.

Beyond basic plans, parents can:

• encourage schools to reduce school bus emissions, which have been shown to cause asthma episodes. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Campaign can offer resources at epa.gov.
• complete “How Asthma-Friendly Is Your School?”—a free questionnaire available from the Am­­erican Lung Association at lungusa.org —to help everyone better understand which elements affect children with asthma.
• volunteer to serve on the school’s health advisory committee or work with your local asthma coalition.

Prevention Works
For all children, today’s schools play an important role in promoting health by adopting school wellness policies. That’s because educators know far more these days about the critical link between healthy bodies and sharp minds.

From preventing obesity and substance abuse to improving air quality and nutrition, good schools are stepping up to help children learn more by protecting their physical and mental health.

RESOURCES
Visit childrenwithdiabetes.com for resources on managing diabetes at school.
For a sample Asthma Action Plan, log-on to lungusa.org or call 1-800-LUNG-USA.
ActionforHealthyKids.org has affiliates in all 50 states and helps schools address healthy eating and active living for children.

Did You Know?
Students have a legal right to carry asthma/allergy medications at school.
Michigan Compiled Law 380.1179 says:

“Michigan public and nonpublic school children, under certain conditions, are allowed by law to carry and self-administer prescribed asthma and allergy medications on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities. This legislation (2000, 2004) amended the Michigan School Code to ensure that students with asthma and allergies have immediate access to life-saving medications.”

Read the entire law at michiganlegislature.org.