FLORIDA & ASTHMA

[mikesmom97]

Our Ds8 Has Asthma And Since Our Trip To Wdw In Oct 05 We Just Absolutely Luv Florida!
Our Ds8 Has Had Asthma Since "day 1" And Has Not Shown Any Signs Of Getting Better.
Since We Live In Central Illinois We Have Very Cold Winters Which Is One Of His Major Triggers.
We Have Been Considering Moving To Florida To See If The Constant Warmer Climate Would Help Him.
Has Anyone Ever Done This And How Did Things Work Out For You
We Understand This Would Be A Huge Undertaking With Finding A House, Job, School , Etc But Would Be Worth It If It Helps Him
Any Advise, Thoughts, Etc Would Be Appreciated.

 

[Aidensmom]

If your DS has any allergies that also trigger his asthma, they could be better in FL, or they could be worse, depending on what he is allergic to.

 

[Crankyshank]

I have asthma and found when I lived in FL my asthma was a lot worse because of the humidity and the mold.

 

[Christine]

My son also has asthma. His are triggered by allergies (environmental) and rapid changes in temperatures. During one of his WORST periods in May, we took a trip to WDW and he cleared up rapidly upon our arrival.

That is because Orlando's "allergy season" occurs much earlier (Feb/Mar) than Virginia's allergy season, which is April/May/June. My friend lives in Orlando and her son has asthma. It is worse when all the trees and flowers start blooming.

I guess it really depends on what your son's triggers are. If the trigger is strictly cold weather, then it might be worth it. If there are allergy triggers, probably not.

 

[CathrynRose]

Our Ds8 Has Asthma And Since Our Trip To Wdw In Oct 05 We Just Absolutely Luv Florida!
Our Ds8 Has Had Asthma Since "day 1" And Has Not Shown Any Signs Of Getting Better.
Since We Live In Central Illinois We Have Very Cold Winters Which Is One Of His Major Triggers.
We Have Been Considering Moving To Florida To See If The Constant Warmer Climate Would Help Him.
Has Anyone Ever Done This And How Did Things Work Out For You
We Understand This Would Be A Huge Undertaking With Finding A House, Job, School , Etc But Would Be Worth It If It Helps Him
Any Advise, Thoughts, Etc Would Be Appreciated.

I moved from Chicago to Florida, and although my -asthma- did get better, my allergies, got worse...go figure.

It completely depends. I wouldnt move just on the thought it MIGHT get better when youre there....

AND - on an unrelated note, my migraines were BAD - realllllly bad- when I was in Florida, and would start with major weather changes.

 

[mikesmom97]

I Appreciate All Of Your Responses.
His Major Is When The Weather Changes From Really Nice To Really Cold And Vice Versa.
He Doesn't Have Too Much Problem With Allergies ( We Live Right Next To Corn/bean Fields).
How Bad Is The Mold Situation And Where Is It The Worst At(i Am Allergic To Mold)

 

[ducklite]

Our Ds8 Has Asthma And Since Our Trip To Wdw In Oct 05 We Just Absolutely Luv Florida!
Our Ds8 Has Had Asthma Since "day 1" And Has Not Shown Any Signs Of Getting Better.
Since We Live In Central Illinois We Have Very Cold Winters Which Is One Of His Major Triggers.
We Have Been Considering Moving To Florida To See If The Constant Warmer Climate Would Help Him.
Has Anyone Ever Done This And How Did Things Work Out For You
We Understand This Would Be A Huge Undertaking With Finding A House, Job, School , Etc But Would Be Worth It If It Helps Him
Any Advise, Thoughts, Etc Would Be Appreciated.

It entirely depends on his triggers.

I have asthma, my number one trigger is cold or heat with longer exposures to direct sun (if I'm out of the sun I can tolerate the heat).

It's a lot easily to stay out of the sun here in Florida than to stay out of the cold when you live up north--I know that sounds weird, but ie's the truth.

What you need to do is visit Florida (not just WDW, but REAL Florida) during each season for at least 3-4 days to see if there is any difference.

For me, the warmer more humid air helped a LOT. Dry air doesn't really bother my asthma, but it gives me laryngitus that won't go away. The warmer air helped my asthma.

Keep in mind that it's not always warm here. It can get down into the 30's through 50's regularly during December-March.

Here's the downside. The schools here aren't so good for the most part. It's probable that your child will not get as good of an education, even in private school, as she would in an average public school up north.

Salaries are lower here, and the cost of living has skyrocketed. The job market isn't great unless you are a health care professional.

Let me know if there's anything I can answer for you.

Anne

 

[ChristmasElf]

In response to Ducklite's post, the schools are very varied here in Florida.
In Orange county (Orlando) the schools are hit and miss. Some like in unincorporated Orange County are very good, yet the ones in the west areas of Orange county are terrible.
Seminole county schools are generally rated better than Orange county altogether.
Yet the schools in Boca RAton are rated 3rd BEST in the entire NATION.
There is a website that will offer you more information on life in Florida.

www.myflorida.com try this.

 

[mikesmom97]

thanks for the info on the schools
that would be one of the major choices when it would determine where we would go - are there any private schools that are non-religious ( not that I am against that but not the main focus of school)
I know we are really considering the move - 1 - to help DS's asthma and 2 - we extremely do not like the cold.
is the 30 - 50 degrees is that constant or just like night temps? in dec - mar

 

[ChristmasElf]

Mostly at night the temps drop in Dec thru March. During the day it is in the low 70's.
Although there have been times that we have gotten some chilly days in January-down to the 50's sometimes high 40's even. But it doesn't last for more than a few days.
The best thing would be to secure the employment first and then that will help determine your school choices, housing, costs, etc.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

It entirely depends on his triggers.

I have asthma, my number one trigger is cold or heat with longer exposures to direct sun (if I'm out of the sun I can tolerate the heat).

It's a lot easily to stay out of the sun here in Florida than to stay out of the cold when you live up north--I know that sounds weird, but ie's the truth.

What you need to do is visit Florida (not just WDW, but REAL Florida) during each season for at least 3-4 days to see if there is any difference.

For me, the warmer more humid air helped a LOT. Dry air doesn't really bother my asthma, but it gives me laryngitus that won't go away. The warmer air helped my asthma.

Keep in mind that it's not always warm here. It can get down into the 30's through 50's regularly during December-March.

Here's the downside. The schools here aren't so good for the most part. It's probable that your child will not get as good of an education, even in private school, as she would in an average public school up north.

Salaries are lower here, and the cost of living has skyrocketed. The job market isn't great unless you are a health care professional.

Let me know if there's anything I can answer for you.

Anne

Anne, you are incorrect in a lot of things. Schools vary just like any other place. Yeah I am not a big fan of the Florida Public Education system, but it isn't horrid and if one does his or her research one can find good schools.

As foir the job market...it depends on where you live in Florida what is the hot profession. Over here it is working for defense contractors and high-tech companies.

Gee how long have you been living here...and you are already such the expert. I am not surprised though. You seem to know so much about EVERYTHING.

 

[ducklite]

thanks for the info on the schools
that would be one of the major choices when it would determine where we would go - are there any private schools that are non-religious ( not that I am against that but not the main focus of school)
I know we are really considering the move - 1 - to help DS's asthma and 2 - we extremely do not like the cold.
is the 30 - 50 degrees is that constant or just like night temps? in dec - mar

As far as private schools--where are you thinking about looking? There are several in the greater Orlando area. Windemere Prep comes right to mind.

As far as temps, it is 66 or so here right now, and this isn't the cold season. Daytime highs in December through March range from the 40's to teh 70's withoutna whole lot of rhyme or reason. You can't live down here without a coat if that's what you are asking. I didn't wear one today and should have, although I'm in a sweater and lightweight wool trousers.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

Anne, you are incorrect in a lot of things. Schools vary just like any other place. Yeah I am not a big fan of the Florida Public Education system, but it isn't horrid and if one does his or her research one can find good schools.

As foir the job market...it depends on where you live in Florida what is the hot profession. Over here it is working for defense contractors and high-tech companies.

Gee how long have you been living here...and you are already such the expert. I am not surprised though. You seem to know so much about EVERYTHING.

I never claimed to know everything. I do know that with a few exceptions, the schools in Florida are not on par with the schools up north, and in many cases are failing entirely. I also know that with a few exceptions the job market is tighter and incomes lower. My DH has had a few headhunters call him about jobs down here, and every one fo them paid less than what he is making now, and he's in high-tech.

Anne

 

[mikesmom97]

for schools I am mainly looking for a good solid school
The school district he is in now is having terrible financial difficulties
Small classrooms with too many kids, very little extra activities, etc

the weather doesnt seem like much of a problem
we could handle those temps

what about the mold issue someone brought up earlier (sorry I don't remember who)

about jobs - what about factory or construction (DH) or Banking (myself)

 

[ducklite]

There are some districts taht have schools which would probably be better than what he's in now by the sound of it.

Manufacturing jobs--I do'nt think many, but TONS of construction jobs.

Banking--absolutely, especially if you've got mortgage lending experience.

Mold--I can't really comment on it, as it's not aproblem for my asthma.

Anne

 

[floridafam]

We were in a similar situation.

We have a DS 9, he has asthma. He was ALWAYS so sick in Michigan. He missed 60 days of Kindergarten and 60 of 1st grade!! (no joke) Thank goodness he's advanced or we'd be in big trouble.

He saw a Pediatric Pulmonologist up in East Lansing and we found out he is allergic to trees, weeds and dust mites. We had no idea.

He would catch a cold or something and it would floor him for weeks at a time. His sister would catch the same thing and be better in a day or two.

Every time we came to Florida for vacation he would be a different person. He would talk about how well he felt. We started to notice this during every trip but didn't make a big deal of it.

We moved to Florida last year. He has been SO MUCH better. He still has asthma but hasn't been sick nearly as much as he was in Michigan. He was standing by a grill the other day and the charcoal smell got to him. That was the only time he has had to use his rescue inhaler in recent weeks.

His triggers are still present but we do what we can to control them.

I'm not sure what it is about the Florida air but it has made a difference for us.

On the subject of schools... Our son went to East Lansing Public Schools, which is a very good school system in Michigan.

Our children now go to school here in Sebastian and the school down here is much better, IMO. They have gifted classes-East Lansing doesn't becuase they "don't have the money." The children seem prepared and ready to learn. The behavior of the students is wonderful. Is the elementary school 5 miles away just as good? I don't know. We just happened to score a real good one. There is also a wonderful private school in town.

So, there's our story. 2 years ago we were making constant trips to the ER for steroids and breathing treatments and doing a lot of school work at home. This year, we've only gone to the Dr. for check ups and have handled any flare ups (his usually come from someone smoking nearby or from candles, smoke, etc.)

Good luck to you. PM me if you want.

 

[floridafam]

Dh and I were talking the other day about how much we like the class size restrictions in Florida.

Our children't classes have only 18 students each. There were more than allowed at the count so the school had to hire a new teacher. I didn't know how it would work but we're won over.

It is so much easier to learn with 18 students vs. 25-30.

 

[floridafam]

I can't comment much on the job situation because I am a SAHM.

DH worked for the same company up in Michigan and his pay is better down here.

We moved down after the first hurricane last year and went through the second one. His company provided generators, clothes, shampoo, flashlights, etc. to those employees that needed them. They also fed them every night for almost a month-employees and families. It really made us feel good.

There are so many construction jobs around. I'm sure it would be easy to find one as long as you know your stuff.

We were a bit nervous to make such a move but everything has worked out beyond our expectations.

 

[SamRoc]

My family moved to southern Florida from Montclair New Jersey right after I was born and my brother was 7. My brother had asthma and my parents had the doctor come to the house to give him shots to help him breath. This was in the late 50's. We sold our house, packed up everything we could, and my parents and us 4 kids moved to Hialeah Florida during the winter. My brother grew stronger in the warmer weather and we stayed there for 2 years. Moving to Florida was great for my brother and his health.

 

[mikesmom97]

one more thing I forgot to ask about
areas to avoid for like violence, gangs, etc and good areas to look into