How living far from fresh food might boost asthma risk

Whether they want to believe it or not, kids need to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. But what some kids consider an annoyance is for other kids a near impossibility, as millions of children nationwide live in food deserts — places where fresh food just can't be found. And, according to a recent study, living in a food desert can significantly increase a child's risk of having asthma.
The precise definition of what a "food desert" is can vary, but the researchers in this case viewed a food desert as anywhere that is at least one mile from the nearest supermarket. It's not that food deserts are completely bereft of food, but convenience stores and corner shops typically have lots of low-nutrition, produced items and few of the fresh fruits and vegetables needed for a balanced diet.....

Read more here: theweek.com

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School exposure to allergens linked to asthma symptoms

A new study has found an association between school exposure to allergens and symptoms of asthma.
A new article by Wanda Phipatanakul, M.D., M.S., of Boston's Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, and co-authors examined that question in a study that included 284 students (ages 4 to 13) enrolled at 37 inner-city schools in the northeastern United States.
Classroom and home dust samples linked to the students were collected and analyzed for common indoor allergens, including rat, mouse, cockroach, cat, dog and dust mites. Associations between school exposure to allergens and asthma outcomes were adjusted for exposure to the allergens at home.....

Read more here: business-standard.com

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Three people are still fighting for life as the death toll from Melbourne's thunderstorm asthma outbreak reached six on the weekend.

A week after Melbourne was hit by an unprecedented thunderstorm asthma event that's claimed six lives, the Victorian opposition says the government still has questions to answer.
"Why was there no emergency alerts sent to media on (last) Monday night to inform the public about the serious event and how best to respond," opposition health spokeswoman Mary Wooldridge asked in a statement on Monday.....

Read more here: sbs.com.au