- Early intervention is crucial for childrenâs respiratory health: SKIMS Doctor
SRINAGAR: The International Islamic School (IIS) Peerbagh, Srinagar conducted a health camp for its students, focusing on early detection of asthma through portable spirometry. The initiative, aimed at promoting student well-being, included free health check-ups, consultations with medical professionals and awareness sessions on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, followed with the awareness program held in school campus.
The highlight of the camp was an "Asthma Screening in School-Going Children Using Portable Spirometry." Spirometry is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that helps in detecting asthma, a prevalent but often undiagnosed respiratory allergic illness in children. The screening was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Riyaz Ahmad Malik, Head of the Department of Pediatrics at SKIMS MCH and performed by Dr. Bhavana Chandrawat, a postgraduate scholar in the Department of Pediatrics at SKIMS Soura. Dr. Bhavana said, "Asthma often goes unnoticed in children, leading to severe health complications later. Through this screening program at International Islamic School, we aim to detect the condition early using portable spirometry, a non-invasive test that assesses lung function."
She emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, "Many children suffer from undiagnosed asthma, as frequent coughing and respiratory issues are often overlooked. Regular screenings in schools can ensure timely diagnosis and intervention, allowing children to lead healthier lives." Dr. Bhavana expressed her gratitude to the school management, teachers and students for their support, adding, "The cooperation from the school has been remarkable, and we have already identified some positive cases, which will be further evaluated and treated under SKIMS."
Students who participated in the camp shared their thoughts, with one saying "It was an informative and helpful experience. We learned about the importance of early asthma detection and how to take care of our respiratory health. I hope such initiatives continue in the future." International Islamic School Chairman Dr. Tariq Ahmad Bhat emphasized the school's commitment to holistic education, stating "Our school has organized this health camp to promote the well-being of our students. This initiative aligns with our mission of providing not just academic excellence but also ensuring the physical well-being of our students. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the medical team, staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible."
IIS Principal Umer Malik highlighted the significance of such programs, saying "Health and education go hand in hand. By hosting this camp, we aim to create awareness about preventive healthcare among our students. We look forward to organizing more such initiatives in the future." IIS Medical Health Incharge Raveesa Bhat also commended the efforts, stating "Early diagnosis of asthma can significantly improve a childâs quality of life. Through this screening, we have taken a crucial step in identifying and addressing respiratory health concerns in school-going children." The event marked an important step towards ensuring the health and well-being of students at IIS, reinforcing the school's commitment to holistic development beyond academics.
