Asthma capital—doesn't that sound like an award-winning title? Well, it's not. If your city has been named as one of the top 100 "Asthma Capitals" in the US, it's not a good thing, accoring to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Cities are named asthma capitals for the following reasons:

• death rates from asthma
• air pollution levels
• absence of 100% "smoke-free" bans in restaurants, bars, and workplaces
• poverty rates
• uninsured rates

Topping the list is Atlanta, Georgia. But Philadelphia was #2, which I can believe, because I used to live nearby. It sure makes me glad I moved to the mountain west a year ago!

The AAFA stresses that you need to work with your doctor to develop a personal asthma action plan and improve your quality of life, rather than moving. You can also work with your community to address problems such as air pollution, public smoking, and health insurance coverage.

More: www.AsthmaCapitals.com | Your Asthma Action Plan