In conjunction with World Asthma Day, tomorrow, Ms Morgan-Thomas and her employer John Matthews pharmacy, are conducting a community program to help educate people with asthma about how to get the best results from their medications.

The education program will run this week, and Ms Morgan-Thomas and her colleagues will be on hand to talk to asthmatics about their medication and ensure their techniques are correct.

Ms Morgan-Thomas said as part of her pharmacy internship she had to organise a health promotion within the store, and she was interested in asthma prevention. 

She has seen many people suffering from asthma, a condition which is prevalent in the Central West.

“Asthma control is a big issue in our area,” she said.

“A lot of people are experiencing problems and don’t realise they are relying way too much on their relievers, and their conditions can be managed better.”

Ms Morgan-Thomas said for many experiencing asthma control problems it was a matter of ineffective technique.

“If technique is bad the medication doesn’t get to your lungs,” she said.

She also said the use of a spacer greatly improves the effect of the medication, and the Asthma Foundation now recommends both children and adults use spacers for maximum effect.

In addition to general advice, the pharmacy will be helping implement people’s asthma action plans, which are completed in conjunction with the individual’s GP.

Despite the high rate of asthma, many people don’t have action plans.

“It tells them what to do when their symptoms get worse and what to do if they have an asthma attack,” she said.

And with the colder weather fast approaching, Ms Morgan-Thomas said now was the time for sufferers to get control of their symptoms.

“The change of season is certainly a trigger for some, as is smoke, chemicals and pollen,” she said. 

“This week we will have heaps of information available for people to learn more about their condition, and improve their health.”