The Childhood Health and Asthma Management Program

At the first appointment the following information will be collected to determine eligibility for the research study. If participation is determined, a second visit will be scheduled at the end of the visit or the potential participant will be provided with a suggestion to speak with their primary care physician for other treatment options. A measurement of height and weight will be taken, questionnaires regarding medical history, including asthma symptoms and control, and questionnaires about family background information (e.g., family income, size of family, employment, and marital status). In addition, information concerning the following conditions will be collected and may exclude participation: dietary restriction or a medical condition that makes mild energy restriction or physical activity potentially dangerous, diagnosed with a major psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or autism, has used systemic corticosteroids within 3 months, or prescription weight loss drugs within 6 months. The second appointment will happen one to two weeks before the start of the treatment program. During this visit the following will happen: A measurement of height and weight, and waistline, questionnaires and complete an interview about asthma management and quality of life, and a test for lung function both pre and post albuterol. At the end of the visit an accelerometer will be provided to wear for 7 days in a row. The accelerometer will measure how much exercise is done each day. At the end of this visit, the participant will be randomly assignment to either the experimental Childhood Health and Asthma Management Program (CHAMP) group or the health education group. The CHAMP group will receive tailored asthma education and behavioral skills focused on improving asthma and weight management. The health education group will receive tailored asthma education and general health education on a variety of topics. Each of the treatment programs will last for 6 months.