Routine

Don't let the good days fool you into slacking off on your routine.

Any new routine or programme is exciting and easy to stick to - at first. (Think about the first day of a diet or your New Year's resolutions.) But, as time goes by, willpower may go with it. Remember - you may not feel your asthma every day, but it's there and you need to treat it every day. Here are some tips to help you stay on track and stick with the programme:

• Follow your treatment plan every day - symptoms or not.
• If you have questions about any part of your treatment plan, ask your doctor or other health care professional.
• If a peak flow meter has been recommended for you, use it daily. Don't skip days.
• Tell friends, family, and roommates, your treatment routine and emergency plan so they can help you when needed.
• Develop a routine for those medications that need to be taken at the same time each day (meal time, before brushing your teeth, after your shower, etc.).
• Know and avoid your asthma triggers.
• Keep reminders around your home and workplace.