Answer to Question 1
Answer: (At least four of the following)
Purchase a good air filter for your home, and clean filters regularly. If a fireplace or wood-burning stove is present in the apartment, check it to ensure it is not spewing smoke or particulate matter.
Avoid cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke.
Wash sofa cushions, pillows, and sheets regularly, and vacuum regularly. Use pillow and mattress protectors.
If you choose to have a pet but animal dander is a problem, try a non-shedding breed of dog or cat. Keep pets off the bed.
Keep your home clean and pest free; cockroaches and other vermin may trigger allergic reactions.
Use anti-mold cleaners or run a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels down and reduce mold growth.
Make sure that you and your apartment-mate always know the location of asthma medications and that you know how to help if your apartment-mate has an attack.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: (Any five of the following)
Consciously maintain good posture. Poor posture can cause muscle strain and pain.
Sleep on a supportive mattress and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
Wear shoes with good arch support and avoid high heels. Poor foot/arch support can lead to poor alignment of the joints/spine, resulting in muscle strain and pain.
Avoid carrying heavy bags on one shoulder. Lighten the load to the extent possible, and use a backpack.
Control your weight to avoid extra strain on your knees, hips, and back.
Lift objects using your legs, not your back. That is, do not bend from the waist to lift objects; to lift heavy objects, bend your knees while keeping your back straight.
Use a chair with good lumbar support for your work.
Move your car seat forward so your knees are slightly elevated. This will prevent lumbar strain and pain.
Warm up and stretch before exercising or lifting heavy objects. Warm muscles are less likely to be strained.
Exercise regularly and include exercises which strengthen abdominal muscles and stretch the back muscles.