Recess is the best time of day, when Ben gets to play outside. Some days it’s soccer, some days it’s tag. 

But sometimes, when he runs too fast, Ben feels out of breath. 

Ben has asthma, and it makes him worry he can’t keep up.

Ben remembers the lady at the clinic that taught him about his lungs, Mrs. Puff. 

“Asthma is a condition that affects how you breathe,” Mrs. Puff explained. “Sometimes, things can make it worse, like running fast or playing with your pets. But there are ways to help you feel better!” 

She showed Ben a small blue inhaler. “This is your puffer. It helps your lungs when you have trouble breathing.”  

Remember to carry it with you! And don’t share it with any of your friends. Sharing is good, but not when it’s important medicine!”

Ben felt excited. Blue was his favourite colour, and Mrs. Puff said his puffer medicine would help him run fast with his friends. 

The next day at school, Ben remembered to take his puffer before recess. 

He took off the cap, shook shook shook to mix up the medicine, and attached the inhaler to his spacer. 

He pushed the silver button, took a big, slow breath in, and held his breath for 10 seconds. 

Now it was time to put Mrs. Puff's advice to the test!

Ben had an idea. 

“Let’s have a race!” Ben said. 

His friends all lined up, and Ben counted down to start the race. 

“Ready, set, GO!” 

The race began, and Ben’s lungs felt better than ever. He zoomed past his friends, running faster than ever before, all the way to the end of the playground. Mrs. Puff was right! It did help him run fast! 

The bell rang, and Ben and his friends went back inside. 

Ben sat in his desk, and daydreamed about all the amazing possibilities tomorrow’s recess could bring, with a little help from his brand new puffer.

Additional 

Information 

on Asthma