Reuters Health: Children in "food deserts" have higher asthma risk

Children and adolescents who live more than one mile from a grocery store, in so-called "food deserts," may be at higher risk for asthma, a new study suggests.
In a study of 2,043 six- to 18-year-olds, the asthma rate reached 21% among those living at least one mile from a source of fresh food, compared to 17% in those not living in a food desert, according to findings presented November 13 at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's annual meeting in San Francisco.....

Read more here: news.childrensmercy.org

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Bacteria sharing between moms and babies may prevent allergies, asthma

When babies come into this world, they are exposed to bacteria for the very first time.
But not all bacteria is bad. In fact, some can keep babies healthy and prevent sickness in the future.
As a baby grows inside the womb, he gets almost everything from the mother, but what he picks up on the way out can be just as important.....

Read more here: king5.com

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Patients with Asthma Treated Long-Term with Inhaled Steroids Should Be Monitored for Adrenal Insufficiency

Hormone tests administered to adult patients who used inhaled steroids to treat asthma suggests that such treatments may be associated with adrenal insufficiency.
Investigators performed a rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation on 121 consecutive asthma patients who have been using inhaled steroids for at least 6 months.....

Read more here: hcplive.com