1.DO NOT SMOKE. Friends and family of asthmatics should not smoke in an asthmatic's presence either.



2.KEEP SURROUNDING FREE FROM DUST. This includes your home, workspace, and car ? all the places where you spend a considerable amount of time. Wipe surfaces which a wet cloth. Make sure pillows and mattresses are allergen-free, and are covered with impermeable material. Vacuum regularly. Remove carpets, rugs and tapestries. Make sure curtains are regularly cleaned. Choose a home that is not close to a busy highway or to industrial zones.

3.BE SCRUPULOUSLY CLEAN. Some people react to molds, bugs, and cockroaches. It may be an icky job, but someone has to clean under the kitchen sink, air the dark cabinets in the toilet, and disinfect the trash bins.

4.WATCH YOUR DIET. Be aware of foods that might cause a reaction. When eating out, don't be embarrassed to ask waiters to explain the menu. By all means, request that problem ingredients be taken out of your food. For children, make sure that withholding certain foods does not lead to malnutrition.

5.AVIOD CONTACT WITH ANIMAL HAIR. Remove pets like dogs and cats from the home unless you are sure they don't cause symptoms.

6.BE SUSPICIOUS OF ALL CHEMICALS. The range from laundry detergent to air fresheners to industrial solvents. Take a good look at personal care products. Be careful with your choice of soap, shampoo, deodorant, perfumes and makeup. Do not take work that involves frequent exposure to known allergens and irritating chemicals, smoke or fumes. Keep an eye on children's crafts and hobbies and supervise use of glues, solders, paint and solvents.

7.MODIFY YOUR WARDROBE. Wear comfortable clothes (loose-fitting cotton is a safe option) and shoes. Make sure clothes are rinsed thoroughly to remove traces of detergent and other laundry chemicals. Pack an extra shirt or uniform for school-age children and instruct them to change when they're sweaty after playing.

8.WHEN TRAVELLING, TAKE THE ROUTE WITH LOWEST AIR POLUTION. Avoid jepneys and open buses. Find a ways to avoid waiting for long periods along busy, crowded highways, exposed to heat and vehicle exhaust. Air conditioned cars, buses, taxis, or the MRT/LRT are your best option. Better yet, join a car pool.

9.KEEP AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY COMFORTABLE. Avoid temperature extremes and sudden swings. Make sure the bedroom is cool and well-ventilated.

10.DON'T BE AFRAID TO STRECH, AS LONG AS YOU KNOW YOUR LIMITS. The worst thing is to be cloistered in a aseptic environment, feeling ?safe? in a disinfected bubble. Don't let this condition prevent enjoyment of sports or the put doors. Be open to travel and new experiences. If you are a parent, do not become overprotect. Remember that health is not merely the absence of disease; it is complete physical , mental, and social well-being.