Canada's Largest Charity Dedicated to Lung Health
Play
Prepared
Your asthma doesn't have to bench you.
Asthma is common.
Sitting out shouldn't be.
Play Prepared is a national movement helping children with asthma stay active, stay confident, and stay in the game — at school, at practice, and on the pitch.
Because every kid deserves kickoff.
The Big Picture
Asthma isn’t rare, and it isn’t going away.
1 in 10
Canadians live with asthma
That’s 3.8 million
+ 67%
In asthma rates
Over the past decade
~ 900k
Children & Youths
Live with asthma in Canada
2050
High rates expected
Youths disproportionately affected
This isn't just a health issue. It's a participation issue.
- Only 45% of Canadians feel their asthma is well managed
- 81% say asthma impacts school or work productivity
- 72% rely on rescue inhalers more than recommended — a sign of poor control
- About 10% live with severe asthma, facing persistent symptoms and reduced quality of life
Kids Miss –
- School Days
- Practices
- Games
- Self-Confidence Boosting Moments
And when one child sits out, a whole team feels it.
Awareness Can Change the Outcome
Here’s the good news:
Asthma is manageable.
With the right education, preparation and tools, more kids with asthma can participate safely and confidently in sports — including soccer.
That's where Play Prepared comes in.
A Community Challenge, and a Community Solution
Asthma affects more than the child.
It affects families. Coaches. Classrooms. Teams. Entire communities.
Play Prepared brings everyone together to remove barriers and build confidence.
Reduce
Health Barriers
Eliminate health-related barriers to youth sport participation
Enable Communities
Provide scalable, practical asthma management tools
Advance
Inclusion
Normalize asthma-safe sport environments
Expand
Education
Increase reach of trusted asthma education and action planning
Step One: Get the Plan
The single most important tool?
An Asthma Action Plan.
It helps families:
- Recognize early warning signs
- Understand daily control vs. rescue medication
- Know what to do before, during, and after exercise
- Act quickly and confidently if symptoms appear
When everyone knows the plan, everyone feels better.
Download Your Free Asthma Action Plan
Get the essential tool every family needs to manage asthma confidently
Know the Warning Signs of Poor Asthma Control
Even with the best preparation, asthma can drift out of control.
Catching it early makes all the difference
Reliever Dependence
Using a reliever inhaler more than twice per week.
Relievers are essential — but they shouldn't be doing all the work.
Night-Time Symptoms
Waking up due to coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Asthma shouldn't interrupt sleep.
Missing School or Activities
Staying home because of coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Kids should miss school for field trips — not flare-ups
Frequent Day-Time Symptoms
Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness more than twice per week.
Daily symptoms mean asthma needs attention
If you notice these signs:
- Refer to your Asthma Action Plan
- Follow the steps
- Connect with your healthcare provider if symptoms continue
The goal isn't perfection — it's control.
For Parents: Your Complete Guide
Everything you need to keep your child active, confident, and safe.
What's in Your Bag?
School days. Practice. Game Days. When navigating school or activities, preparation is everything.
Reliever Inhaler + Spacer
Quick access to rescue medication is crucial. Using a spacer (valved holding chamber) ensures medication reaches the lungs effectively
Extra Tissues & Hand Sanitizer
Reducing the spread of illness helps prevent asthma flare-ups. Respiratory infections are common triggers.
A Copy of Their Asthma Action Plan
Share it with teachers, principals, coaches, or daycare providers. The more informed adults are, the safer your child will feel.
Daily Management Tips for Parents
Medication Routine
- Give controller medication at the same time every day as prescribed
- Keep a log or use a phone reminder
- Never skip doses — even on "good" days
- Monitor when your child needs a refill – it is better to have it ready than to run out
Trigger Management
- Identify and document your child's specific triggers
- Keep bedrooms clean, dust-free, and pet-free, if needed
- Use allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers
- Check air quality reports before outdoor activities
- Keep windows closed during high pollen days
Communication
- Share the action plan with all caregivers
- Update the school nurse at the start of each year
- Inform coaches about your child's asthma before practices begin
- Teach your child to recognize and communicate symptoms
Healthcare Partnership
- Schedule regular check-ups, even when symptoms are controlled
- Update the action plan at least annually
- Keep a symptom diary to share with your child’s healthcare team
- Ask questions — no concern is too small
Emergency Preparedness
Call 911 Immediately If:
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Difficulty speaking in full sentences
- Breathing is very fast and hard
- Nostrils are flaring with each breath
- Skin is pulling in around ribs or neck when breathing
- Reliever medication isn't helping
What to Do Before Help Arrives:
- Stay calm and reassure your child
- Help them sit upright (not lying down)
- Give reliever medication as directed in action plan
- Loosen tight clothing
- Have someone get the asthma action plan to show paramedics
Building Your Child's Confidence
Catching it early makes all the difference.
Educate Together
Learn about asthma together using age-appropriate resources. Knowledge reduces fear and builds empowerment.
Normalize Management
Make asthma care a normal part of daily routine — like brushing teeth. Avoid making it seem scary or shameful
Celebrate Participation
Focus on what they CAN do, not what they can't. Celebrate every practice, game, and active day.
Connect with Peers
Help them meet other kids with asthma. Many successful athletes manage asthma — share their stories!
Sports or Sidelines?
If asthma is stopping a child from staying active, that’s often a sign their asthma isn’t under control.
Once they’re breathing their best, these tips can help keep them moving:
Warm Up
Kids with asthma should warm up before physical activity, just like any athlete. 5-10 minutes of gentle movement prepares the airways.
Use a Reliever (If Needed)
Reducing the spread of illness helps prevent asthma flare-ups. Respiratory infections are common triggers.
Stop If Symptoms Start
If symptoms appear:
- Stop activity immediately
- Use the reliever inhaler
- Return only when symptoms have fully disappeared
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration helps keep airways moist and reduces exercise-triggered symptoms. Bring water to every practice and game.
Watch the Weather
Cold air, high humidity, and poor air quality can trigger symptoms. Adjust activity plans accordingly or consider indoor alternatives.
Ask for Clear Instructions
Ask your healthcare provider to clearly outline exercise instructions in your child’s Asthma Action Plan.
How to Talk to Your Child About Asthma
Ages 5-8: Keep It Simple
- Use simple words: "Your breathing tubes are a bit grumpy sometimes"
- Compare it to something they understand: "Like a garden hose that gets a little squeezed"
- Emphasize that medicine helps them play and have fun
- Read children's books about asthma together
Ages 9-12: Build Understanding
- Explain what's happening in the airways with more detail
- Teach them to recognize their own symptoms
- Give them age-appropriate responsibility for their medication
- Share stories of athletes and celebrities with asthma
Teens: Foster Independence
- Support them in taking full ownership of their asthma care
- Discuss triggers honestly, including exercise and stress
- Teach them to advocate for themselves with coaches and teachers
- Talk about long-term health and future goals
For Coaches: Leading Inclusive Teams
Empower every athlete on your roster — including those with asthma.
Why This Matters
With 1 in 10 Canadians living with asthma, chances are you’re coaching at least one player with this condition. Your knowledge and preparation can make the difference between a child thriving in sport or sitting on the sidelines.
- Well-managed asthma doesn't limit athletic performance
- Many elite athletes compete successfully with asthma
- Your awareness creates a safer, more inclusive environment
- Prepared teams perform better and build stronger bonds
Before the Season Starts
Collect Asthma Action Plans
During registration, request copies of asthma action plans from parents. Keep these with your coaching kit at all times.
Have a Private Conversation
Meet with parents of players with asthma. Learn about triggers, medications, typical symptoms, and their child's comfort level discussing their asthma.
Designate a Medical Kit Location
Establish a visible, accessible spot for medical supplies including inhalers. Make sure all coaching staff know where it is.
Create an Emergency Protocol
Develop a clear plan for asthma emergencies. Know who calls 911, who stays with the child, and where emergency information is kept.
Educate Your Team
Normalize asthma with the entire team. Brief explanation: "Some teammates have asthma. It's super common. They might need their inhaler sometimes — just like we need water breaks."
During Practices and Games:
Always Include Warm-Ups
Watch for Warning Signs
Learn to recognize symptoms:
- Coughing during or after exercise
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Unusual fatigue
- Bent-over posture, hands on knees
- Pale or flushed face
Stop Activity Immediately If Needed
If a player shows symptoms:
- Stop activity right away
- Have them sit upright (never lying down)
- Get their reliever inhaler
- Follow their asthma action plan
- Stay calm and reassuring
- Monitor closely before allowing return to play
Communicate Clearly
Create an environment where players feel safe speaking up. Use phrases like:
“How is your breathing?”
“Do you need a break?”
“Let me know if you need your inhaler.”
Monitor Environmental Conditions
Be aware of triggers:
Cold air: Consider indoor alternatives when very cold
Air quality: Check air quality index and adjust accordingly
Allergens: High pollen days may affect some players
Humidity: Extreme humidity can trigger symptoms
Encourage Hydration
Keeping airways moist helps reduce symptoms. Build regular water breaks into practice
Building an Inclusive Team Culture
Treat Athletes with Asthma Normally
Don’t make it a big deal. Taking an inhaler is as normal as tying shoelaces or drinking water. Your attitude sets the tone for the team.
Celebrate All Athletes
Highlight the achievements of players with asthma. Share stories of professional athletes who excel with asthma — there are many!
Zero Tolerance for Teasing
Address any teasing or comments immediately. Make it clear that your team supports every player’s health needs.
Empower Players
Encourage players with asthma to advocate for themselves. Ask them what they need to perform their best.
Partner with Parents
Keep communication open. Update parents after practices or games if you notice any symptoms or concerns.
Keep Learning
Stay informed about asthma management. Attend workshops or review resources annually to refresh your knowledge.
Emergency Response for Coaches
Call 911 Immediately If:
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Cannot speak in full sentences
- Appears very drowsy or confused
- Reliever medication isn't helping after 10-15 minutes
- Symptoms are rapidly getting worse
What to Do Before Help Arrives:
- Stay calm — your composure helps the player stay calm
- Get their asthma action plan immediately
- Have another coach call parents and 911 if needed
- Help administer reliever medication as directed
- Keep player sitting upright, loosen any tight clothing
- Stay with the player until parents or paramedics arrive
Coaches Quick Reference Guide
Keep informed on what to do
- Before Activity
- During Activity
- If Symptoms Appear
- Emergency situations
Download Your Coaches Quick Reference Guide
Share These Success Stories
Many world-class athletes have asthma. Use their stories to inspire your players:
David Beckham
Soccer Legend
Dennis Rodman
NBA Champion
Maggie Mac Neil
Swimming World Champion
Jerome Bettis
NFL Hall of Fame
Asthma doesn't define athletic potential — preparation and support do.
Resources & Learning
Deepen your knowledge and empower your child
Asthma Active
A print-ready book filled with puzzles, games, and kid-friendly education that teaches children how to control their asthma and stay active.
Asthma in Children Guide
For a deeper dive into warning signs, triggers, medications, and tools, explore the Lung Health Foundation's comprehensive guide.
Asthma Action Plan
For a deeper dive into warning signs, triggers, medications, and tools, explore the Lung Health Foundation's comprehensive guide.
Who We Are
Play Prepared is led by the Lung Health Foundation — formerly the Ontario Lung Association — and Canada’s largest lung health charity.
At the Lung Health Foundation, our unwavering commitment is to support and empower individuals living with lung disease across Canada. Through our range of community initiatives, grass-roots educational programs, research and advocacy, we elevate awareness and foster a compassionate environment for those affected by lung conditions, including their caregivers. We are dedicated to improving the lung health of Canadians.
The Goal
Healthy Lungs
Confident Kids
Prepared Communities
Together, we can ensure asthma doesn't sideline young athletes.
Contact Us
18 Wynford Drive, Suite 416
Toronto, ON M3C 0K8
Phone: (416) 864-9911
info@lunghealth.ca
For Media Contact:
Charitable Registration No.
12404 6368 RR0002
Ontario Lung Association is a registered charity operating as the Lung Health Foundation, and is no longer affiliated with the Canadian Lung Association.
