May is asthma awareness month and a new asthma booklet specifically edited to reflect the Bermuda experience has been produced by asthma charity Open Airways.

The 17-page information booklet is in an easy to read format, covering questions like: What is Asthma? What is Allergic Rhinitis and Why did I get asthma?

It explains the symptoms of asthma out of control and offers practical advice on avoiding the triggers.

A particularly important part of the booklet details exactly how to use specific inhalers.

"I think it is really exciting that we now have our own Bermudian booklets with relevant information about local triggers such as Easter lilies, moulds, et cetera," said asthma nurse specialist and Head of Open Airways Liz Boden. "There are lots of great photos of children and the elderly too."

Prior to these booklets, Ms Boden said her charity used handouts from the UK.

"They were not nearly as good as these," she said. Sponsored by local reinsurance company Montpelier Re, Open Airways now have 5,000 booklets and 5,000 brochures on asthma treatment.

"We are distributing them at health fairs, asthma workshops, lunch and learn talks in offices and church groups and clubs.

"We also have them at the Asthma Education Centre KEMH, Emergency, hospital wards, through doctors' offices and the Department of Health. Schools' asthma nurse Jennifer Wilson is distributing them in the schools. The prisons will get copies.

"Anyone I see for asthma education will be given a copy and anyone interested should get in touch with me lizboden@logic.bm and we'll mail a copy," she said.

Open Airways is also distributing an asthma awareness magnet for your fridge and nurse Boden said her aim is to have one on every fridge in the Island.