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Philip Tran

4/30/2023

HED051

Asthma and Health Care

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on various aspects

of human life, including healthcare, education, and sports. As a college student, it is important to

consider the potential impact of this pandemic on one's health, personal life, and academic

pursuits. This case study focuses on Jose, a basketball player who suffers from asthma, and his

experiences with healthcare, insurance, and the potential impact on his academic life. This paper

provides an overview of the scenario, my personal experience, recommendations, and a

conclusion.

Jose has suffered from asthma since childhood, experiencing difficulty breathing and

nighttime coughing spasms. Despite this, he remains active and participates in basketball, both

for the high school team and club teams during the off-season. While he often misses school for

doctors' appointments and emergency room visits, his family's insurance, provided by his father's

employer, covers the latest inhalers and medication. His asthma, while treatable, puts him at risk

for severe attacks that can be life-threatening. Jose's experiences highlight the need for healthcare

and insurance coverage for individuals with chronic illnesses. Asthma is a common chronic

illness that affects over 25 million people in the United States alone (National Heart, Lung, and

Blood Institute, 2021). While it is treatable, it can be life-threatening if not managed properly.

Therefore, it is crucial that individuals with asthma have access to appropriate healthcare and

insurance coverage.
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As a child, I also suffered from asthma, experiencing similar symptoms to Jose. Like him,

I participated in sports and found that my asthma did not limit me. However, I also experienced

missed school days due to doctor's appointments and asthma attacks. As I grew older, I became

more aware of the potential impact of my asthma on my personal and academic life. I found that

maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing my asthma with appropriate medication and treatment,

and having access to healthcare and insurance coverage were critical to my well-being and

academic success.

To address the needs of individuals with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, the following

recommendations are proposed: Access to Healthcare: Individuals with chronic illnesses should

have access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare. This includes regular check-ups, access

to specialists, and medication and treatment options that are effective for their condition. Health

Insurance Coverage: Insurance coverage should be available and accessible to individuals with

chronic illnesses. This includes coverage for medication, treatment, and hospitalization, as well

as preventative care to manage their condition and prevent complications. Education and

Support: Education and support should be available for individuals with chronic illnesses,

including asthma. This includes information on how to manage their condition, support groups,

and access to resources such as community organizations that specialize in asthma management.

Academic Accommodations: Individuals with chronic illnesses may need academic

accommodations, such as flexible schedules, to manage their condition and maintain their

academic pursuits. These accommodations should be available and accessible to ensure equal

opportunities for academic success.

In conclusion, the case study of Jose highlights the potential impact of chronic illness on

one's personal and academic life. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the need for
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healthcare and insurance coverage for individuals with chronic illnesses. As a college student, it

is important to consider the potential impact of chronic illnesses on one's academic pursuits and

to advocate for policies that address the needs of individuals with chronic illnesses. By ensuring

access to healthcare, insurance coverage, education and support, and academic accommodations,

individuals with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, can live healthy and fulfilling lives.
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References

Ishizuka, K. (2021). Reimagine College Counseling for Equity and Social Justice. Journal of
College Counseling, 24(1), 31–36.
https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezp.pasadena.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?
vid=9&sid=6d363b34-0d2c-4105-beaf-2fead581c40a%40redis