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Having been a teacher for many years, I have a special interest in teaching children.
Asthma in Welsh children has increased four fold since the 1970s and 1.4 million children in the UK suffer from asthma (Dr Michael Burr, University Hospital of Wales 2004).
Children find asthma very limiting. They are often unable to join in with their friends. Sport can become difficult or impossible. Even socialising can be an ordeal.
The child often lives in fear of the next asthma attack or hospitalisation. Frequent absences from school and social events can mean that the child becomes isolated and insular.
Buteyko breathing exercises teach the child to breathe correctly, reducing the number of attacks. If an attack does happen, there are exercises to enable the child to limit its severity and the amount of medication needed to feel well again.
As a result, the child feels empowered and gains confidence rapidly. He or she is enabled to take part in physical and sporting activities, which in turn help improve the breathing patterns even further. It's a win-win situation.
When is the best time to start?
As soon as a child is able to follow instructions, at about 4 or 5 years of age, depending upon the individual, he or she can be taught the method very successfully.
The very best time to start is before the habit of taking medication has become too entrenched. However, it's never too late.
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