As kids head back to school, we brace ourselves for the inevitable uptick in respiratory illnesses. A cornerstone of combating these illnesses is promoting lung health through activities like ambulation and incentive spirometry (IS). But let’s face it, getting kids to participate in these activities can be challenging unless we make it fun and engaging. That’s where the innovative combination of SmileMakers items and the Child Life On Call breathing chart comes into play, transforming respiratory therapy from a chore into a delightful game.
Breath with a Smile: The Role of Breathing Toys
The power of play cannot be overstated, especially in a hospital setting where anxiety and fear can overshadow the healing process. Incorporating play into respiratory therapy not only distracts from the discomfort but also significantly increases compliance and effectiveness. This is why SmileMakers toys, known for their ability to bring smiles and joy, are perfect tools for this task.
Engaging Kids with the Breathing Chart
The Child Life On Call breathing chart is a brilliant, printable tool that can guide your conversations with patients and their parents. It allows for goal setting, which is crucial for progress and motivation. By involving the child and their parents in choosing a daily goal, you foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their health. Starting with smaller, achievable goals is a pro tip to boost confidence and encourage continued effort.
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Turning Work into Play
One of the best ways to ensure participation in respiratory exercises is by making them playful. Children are more likely to engage in an activity when it feels less like work and more like play. Here are some creative ways to incorporate SmileMakers toys into breathing exercises:
- Bubbles: The act of blowing bubbles is not only fun but also an excellent way to encourage deep breathing and control. It’s a visual and interactive way for children to understand the concept of using their lungs effectively.
- Glitter Balloon Balls: These can be inflated to different sizes, offering a visual representation of lung capacity and control. Plus, who doesn’t love glitter?
- Wheel Whistles: The sound feedback from wheel whistles is immediate and satisfying, encouraging kids to blow harder or more softly to change the sound.
- Pinwheels: A classic and visually engaging tool. By removing the bottom straw, you can direct the airflow towards the colorful wheel, making the pinwheel spin. This simple activity is effective in teaching breath control and lung strength.
Collaborating with Respiratory Therapy
When respiratory therapists (RTs) enter a room for IS sessions, having these playful options available can make a world of difference. Not only will the RT appreciate the added compliance, but the child will also benefit from the positive reinforcement and enjoyment of the activity.
Free Resources for Healthcare Providers
For healthcare providers looking to integrate these playful breathing exercises into their care routines, the Child Life On Call IS chart is available for free download here! This resource can be a valuable addition to your toolkit, making each breathing session an opportunity for fun and healing.
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Reflecting on the Impact
Whether you’re a healthcare professional working in or out of the hospital, integrating incentive spirometry with engaging activities like the ones mentioned can significantly impact your patients’ recovery and well-being. By turning respiratory therapy into a game, we not only combat respiratory illnesses more effectively but also bring joy and positivity into our patients’ lives.
Let’s embrace these innovative approaches to healthcare, where healing is not just about the medicine but also about the laughter and joy we can bring into our patients’ lives.
Download a FREE IS chart to print out and use with your patients here!
What situations do you find yourself using incentive spirometry in and out of the hospital?
