Take a Breather

Kids loving see their breath in the air, but for asthmatics, simply taking a breath in subzero temps can be challenging. Thats because cold, dry air is a risk factor for asthmatics, more likely to provoke the condition than warm, moist air. Just as the cold dries and chaps your hands, it can also be drying to the lungs, causing tightening of the bronchial muscles, says Amy Burack, R.N., community asthma programs manager for Childrens Hospital Boston. Talk with your pediatrician to see if you should prepare for winter play with a preventive inhaler or other medication. Pull a neck warmer up over little mouths to warm the air before its inhaled and monitor them for early warning signs of an impending asthma attack, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, or chest pain. Spot trouble? Have them head inside ASAP and treat with moist heat, like taking a steamy shower. Follow up with hot chocolate Doctors orders.