attracted hundreds of people seeking relief from what, for some, is a life-long problem.

The seminar, held by the Health Department and the Asthma and Allergy Awareness Group (AAAG), focused on living with asthma and allergies and how to begin a programme of asthma management.

"There was standing room only,'' said organiser Mrs. Ivana Laurenceo. "I didn't expect such a large turn-out, but people want to be helped.'' The object was to help people manage asthma and allergy problems which, according to local health officials, seem to be increasing just as they are in North America.

In addition, Mrs. Laurenceo said, it was important "to foster the emotional health of children who have asthma. They often regard themselves as sick people, and we want them to think of themselves as healthy people.'' Tuesday night's workshop featured a panel discussion with consultant paediatrician Dr. June Hill, the hospital emergency department director Dr.

Edward Schultz, and nurse Ms Elizabeth Boden who has recently completed a three-month course on asthma management.

Thurday's workshop included a discussion with Dr. Burton Butterfield, and Ms Boden and nurse Ms Julia Dears, who gave a personal account of her experiences with asthma and how she has learned to manage it.

The workshops were the first outreach programmes organised by Bermuda's Asthma and Allergy Support Group.