BREWER – “In order to control your asthma or allergy, you must learn about it and how to care for yourself,” said Brett Rees, a student in the junior class at Brewer High School.

Rees, the son of Kim and Penny Rees of Brewer, has been awarded an honorable mention at the 2003 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America-New England Chapter Scholarship Competition. The contest is held to identify high school juniors with asthma and allergies who can best inspire other youths to control those health conditions. They were asked what advice they would give to a younger child about living with asthma and allergies.

In addition to being a high honors student, Brett is class president and winner of the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership and Tri-Athlete awards. He is co-captain of the junior varsity basketball team and plays soccer and tennis. In his spare time, he volunteers at Eastern Maine Medical Center, and he was a representative at the National Youth Forum on Medicine.

In his winning scholarship essay, Brett wrote that for those with asthma and allergies, knowledge is the key to keeping healthy. He recommends talking to doctors and to those who have asthma or allergies, and being proactive about avoiding triggers.

“From an early age,” he said, “you can ask about ingredients in food when you go to a restaurant, read labels on food items, avoid tobacco smoke, learn to administer your medications correctly, have a plan to follow in case of a health emergency and advocate for yourself when necessary.”

Another key component to health, Rees wrote, is a support system. Health care professionals and parents need to play a strong role in teaching responsibility for taking medications and avoiding allergens. Moreover, it is important to notify school staff, coaches, relatives and friends if a person has allergies or asthma so they will know what to do in an emergency.

“With increased awareness,” Rees said, “you will develop a community of caring which will allow you to feel more secure.” He stresses a positive approach and not letting asthma and allergies place unnecessary limits on one’s life. “After all, asthma or severe allergies may be what you have, but it is not who you are.”

Brett is one of a group of students from throughout New England who were honored by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America-New England Chapter. They will work with the organization in the coming year on education programs to help motivate other youths to manage their asthma carefully so that they can participate fully in life.

One in every five people has an allergy, said AAFA officials, and one in every 18 has asthma. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. The asthma rate is higher in inner cities, which also have excessive rates of asthma emergencies, hospitalizations and deaths – in part because asthma is not recognized as a chronic disease that needs medical management even when symptoms disappear for a while.

May is Asthma and Allergy Awarness Month. For more information, call toll-free (877) 2-ASTHMA, or visit www.asthmaandallergies.org.