asthmatics breathe easily through the holiday period.

Christmas could be a stressful time for those afflicted with the disease due to the large amounts of time spent indoors with Christmas trees and fires and at parties with smokers, she noted.

And with the rampant Mexican pepper trees around the Island flowering at this time of the year, outside was sometimes no better a place for asthmatics to be, she added.

"Christmas is coming -- watch out! Asthmatics may react to the Christmas tree, Mexican pepper tree, paints, sprays, varnishes and household cleaning products. Cigarette smoke and log burning fires are also problems,'' she said.

"Refill inhalers before Christmas,'' continued Ms Boden. "If your doctor has prescribed a preventer inhaler (usually brown, Becotide, Flixotide or Pulmicort) make sure you take it every morning and every evening even when you feel well.'' Other recommendations from Ms Boden included: If you paint your home, open windows, use fans, air purifiers and dehumidifiers to clear rooms from paint fumes. If necessary, stay with a friend for a few nights; Have an artificial Christmas tree; Do not use Mexican pepper branches for decorations; Never use artificial logs to burn in a fireplace as they are filled with chemicals which trouble many asthmatics; Have wood burning fires when there is little wind and no chance of the room filling with smoke; Do not allow anyone to smoke cigarettes in your home; Clean your home for Christmas with a damp cloth (vinegar and water is excellent), then vacuum and damp mop. Do not use sprays or aerosols; Encourage children to play outside -- buy balls, scooters and climbing frames rather than videos and computer games; Do not give children soft toys, which will fill with dust mites and moulds; and Do not give pets to asthmatic children.

"Let's have a happy, healthy Christmas. Let everybody breathe freely,'' said Ms Boden.