Attendees of the Kern County Asthma Symposium in downtown Bakersfield looked at ways to reduce the effects of the disease.

40 healthcare professionals got trained Monday at Mercy Hospital to spot the signs of an attack, which Asthma Coalition Chairman Carlos Bello says affects about 10% of the population here. 8.6% of residents have been hospitalized for the disease.

Attendees were also encouraged to put together an asthma action plan, a paper that lets your school or work know what triggers an attack and the medications to stop it.

Kelli Forsch and Suzanne Grant