Week 1
Please refer to email sent to access the word doc for these newsletter/bulletin inserts.
[Asthma Can Be Managed! – 1st Sunday]
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease involving inflammation (irritation) of the airways that makes breathing difficult. Asthma causes two things to happen: 1) The muscles on the outside of the airways tighten; and 2) Mucus builds up on the inside of the airways, causing the lining of the airways to become inflamed and swollen.
Who gets asthma?
Almost 1 out of 5 people in Alameda and Contra Costa County will have been diagnosed with asthma. Although both children and adults can have asthma, asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and one of the leading causes of school absences. African-Americans are six times more likely to die from asthma than Caucasians for the age groups 0-4 years and 15-24 years. Asian, Latino and other ethnic groups have slightly higher rates of asthma than Caucasians.
The good news: Asthma can be controlled! People with asthma can live healthy, active lives.
What’s next?
To raise awareness about asthma,(insert health ministry)is participating in Asthma Awareness Month throughout May.Please contact your health ministry team, (health ministry contact) for more information regarding controlling asthma and visit our website at
Week 1
Please refer to email sent to access the word doc for these newsletter/bulletin inserts.
[Asthma Triggers and Dust Mites – 2nd Sunday]
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease involving inflammation (irritation) of the airways that makes breathing difficult.
What triggers asthma attacks?
Different things can trigger asthma attacks in different people. Common triggers that are allergensinclude: 1) Dust Mites, 2) Molds 3)Pollens, 4) Pet dander, urine and saliva, 5) Cockroach, mouse and rat dander and droppings, 6) Strong odors, and 7) Food allergies.
What can you do about Dust Mites?
Dust Mites are tiny critters not seen with the eye that may cause someone to have an asthma attack over time. They are often found in bed linens, rugs, drapes, carpet and furniture covered in cloth. To kill dust mites, you should wash bedding in hot water every 1-2 weeks, cover mattresses and pillows in dust proof zippered covers, vacuum weekly, wet mop floors weekly, reduce clutter and remove stuffed animals.
What’s next?
To raise awareness about asthma,(insert health ministry)is participating in Asthma Awareness Month throughout May.Please contact your health ministry team, (health ministry contact) for more information regarding controlling asthma and visit our website at
Week 1
Please refer to email sent to access the word doc for these newsletter/bulletin inserts.
[Asthma Triggers and Molds– 3rd Sunday]
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease involving inflammation (irritation) of the airways that makes breathing difficult.
What triggers asthma attacks?
Different things can trigger asthma attacks in different people. Common triggers that are allergensinclude: 1) Dust Mites, 2) Molds 3)Pollens, 4) Pet dander, urine and saliva, 5) Cockroach, mouse and rat dander and droppings, 6) Strong odors, and 7) Food allergies.
What can you do about Molds?
To ensure that mold does not trigger your asthma, you can prevent mold by letting fresh air into your home (using a fan or opening a window during showering or cooking). Mold can be commonly found in damp areas such as bathrooms, basements, houseplants, and carpets. If you find mold on a surface, make sure you clean it off with water and detergent, and then spray the area with vinegar to prevent mold from growing again.
What’s next?
To raise awareness about asthma,(insert health ministry)is participating in Asthma Awareness Month throughout May.Please contact your health ministry team, (health ministry contact) for more information regarding controlling asthma and visit our website at
Week 1
Please refer to email sent to access the word doc for these newsletter/bulletin inserts.
[Asthma Triggers and Stress – 4th Sunday]
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease involving inflammation (irritation) of the airways that makes breathing difficult.
What triggers asthma attacks?
Different things can trigger asthma attacks in different people. Common triggers that are irritantsinclude: 1) Colds and flu, 2) Cold weather or sudden weather changes, 3) Perfumes, 4) Air fresheners, 5) Any spray product in a metal can, 6) Air pollution, 7) Any smoke, 8) Fumes from gas, wood and kerosene stoves; heaters; and fireplaces, 9) Wet paint, glues, and 10) Certain spices.
Other common triggers include: 1) Physical and mental stress and 2) Exercise.
What can you do about stress?
For many people, stress may trigger an asthma attack. If stress is one of your asthma triggers, ensure you have proper rest, a nutritious diet and moderate exercise to prevent an attack. If you feel an attack coming, you may also practice belly breathing which may help you calm your breathing while relaxing your shoulders and neck muscles.
What’s next?
To raise awareness about asthma,(insert health ministry)is participating in Asthma Awareness Month throughout May.Please contact your health ministry team, (health ministry contact) for more information regarding controlling asthma and visit our website at