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TAKE CONTROL

Here are some tips to help you TAKE CONTROL:

Learn all you can about asthma on the internet. Start at www.openairways.com and www.whatsasthma.com
See your Doctor to review your asthma plan once a year- there are new medications easier to use and more effective.
Make an appointment to see specialist asthma nurse:

Debbie Barboza KEMH asthma education centre 239-1652 asthmacentre@bermudahospitals.bm
Liz Boden Open Airways lizboden@openairways.com
Jennifer Wilson School Asthma Nurse 3328915

Remember to take your ‘preventer’ medication every day, even when you feel well!
Always use a spacer when using ‘preventer’ inhalers and rinse your mouth after use.
• Avoid asthma triggers whenever possible.
Do not use household sprays or aerosols to clean your home- use microfiber cleaning cloth and a good quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
Do not use fresh air sprays or plug-ins - have household plants to freshen the air and open windows every day in every room, even when using air-conditioners.
Do not walk along busy roads, walk in the parks, on the trails and beaches.
Do not allow smoking in your home; avoid smokey bars and restaurants.
Do not encourage your child to have too many stuffed toys, place in the freezer weekly for 6 hours to kill the dust-mites.
Do not have carpets in your home; wood or tile floors are much better.
Do not have pets in the bedroom.
Do not use an ionizer, which may make your asthma worse. There is no evidence to show that air-purifiers help asthma symptoms.
Do buy a new pillow every year. Dust- mite covers do not help!
Wash bed linen weekly with hot water.
Allow your bed to air before making it. Turn your mattress every month.
Do not use perfume; use soap, shower gel or body lotion to smell good!
Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Swimming helps your lungs and also playing a wind instrument such as a trumpet!
Do deep breathing exercises – join a Yoga class.
Do not bring Easter Lilies into your home.

Remember the goal is CONTROL.

Do you want to find the nearest qualified asthma or COPD health care professional? Click here >

How well do you have your asthma controlled?
To find out click here >