Welcome to Winter Newsletter!
Winter is a time when there are very few triggers for allergy or asthma outside your home. All the important triggers are inside. In order of importance, the internal triggers are dust mites, dust, mold, animal dander and cigarette smoke (this includes irritation from cigarette smoke that is carried inside on a smoker's clothing).

We have outlined the environmental controls that are important for children and adults with sensitive airways . We have also listed links to suppliers from which you can purchase products to help minimize dust, particularly the bedroom, e.g. covers for pillows and mattresses.

Mold is particularly prevalent wherever there is moisture in your home; basements and bathrooms are particularly vulnerable areas. Paying extra attention to basement playrooms will be very helpful, especially if they are carpeted.

No child with asthma or allergies is safe in a home with cigarette smoke.

All pets should be kept out of the bedroom. If your child plays with a dog or cat frequently, you should dampen a face cloth and wipe down their hair before they go to bed, so that the animal dander does not spread from their hair to their pillow case.