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Advocating for people with asthma and allergies is a great way to spread awareness during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. We invite you to join us for Local Advocacy Action Day!

On May 9, we ask you to help us tell your state legislators what people with asthma and allergies need to live full, healthy lives. More than 100 million Americans have asthma and/or allergies. And some people may have one or both of these conditions for which there is no cure.

  • About 25.5 million in the U.S. have asthma
  • About 20.3 million in the U.S. have food allergies
  • About 80.3 million in the U.S. have seasonal allergies

These numbers paint a picture of how many people in the U.S. are managing asthma and allergies. But they don’t show the overall impact these diseases have on people and communities.

We need lawmakers to consider our health in all policies, not just health care policies. We need local community leaders to take action too. People with asthma and allergies in the United States need the following to live healthy and full lives:

  • Affordable, accessible, quality health care
  • Clean air
  • Healthy homes
  • Safe food
  • Financial stability
  • Education

AAFA advocates often on behalf of people with asthma and allergies on various issues. For example, AAFA has been actively advocating for cleaner car emissions standards to fight air pollution.

  • April 21, 2023 – AAFA presented at a congressional staff briefing on Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) newly proposed vehicle emissions standards, highlighting the health benefits for people with asthma and allergies.

  • May 2, 2023 – AAFA testified before the EPA in support of strong phase 3 greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty vehicles. We highlighted the health benefits of reducing harmful pollutants from trucks and their greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change.



One way you can take action today is by contacting your state legislators using our simple tool below. By filling out this form, you will send a pre-drafted email to your state legislators to help raise awareness in your local community. You can edit this email to add your personal story and share why you advocate.

Sign up to receive AAFA’s Advocacy Action Alerts!

Would you like to help us advocate on future issues that affect people with asthma and allergies? Join our online community. Not only will you receive Advocacy Action Alerts, but you’ll also be able to talk with other people managing asthma and allergies on our support forums. You’ll also get alerts about other news about managing your conditions, research, and more.

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Comments (2)

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Hello @Amcharmings and welcome to the community! We're happy to have you here.

I agree that asthma is more serious than what some people are aware of. That's something AAFA works hard to educate about!

Some people with asthma may have an easier time with certain exercise or activities than others. Activities that are more likely to trigger asthma symptoms include cold weather sports (ice hockey, skiing, ice skating, snowboarding) and sports that need constant activity (long distance running, soccer). Some activities that are less likely to trigger symptoms include sports that use short bursts of exercise (volleyball, baseball, gymnastics), walking, biking, and swimming in a warm, humid environment.

My sister has severe asthma and has found weight lifting and yoga work well for her. It can take some time to find the right activity that works for you. Some members shared a similar experience as you when asked what they wished people knew about asthma. You can find the discussion here if you'd like to join in - It's World Asthma Day! What do you wish people knew about asthma?

Moe M.

Asthma is more serious than what people are aware of. Most people I speak to think Asthma is not a disease and can't be that bad...not being able to breath is a major health issue and very scary for people with Asthma. Nit being able to live an active life or do things you love to do because of a disease holding you back physically is life shattering for so many, Asthma is no different.

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