Allergy-related Asthma More Common In Children Living In Affluent Countries
According to an international study, children with allergic sensitivities in developed countries are much more likely to develop asthma than children wit similar sensitivities in less developed countries. The association between asthma indicators and skin prick sensitivity was much stronger in the more affluent countries, the team determined after extensive research, questioning and testing. This is the first study to link economic development to the relationship between asthma and allergies. The study will continue in hopes of finding more links with diet and other factors. (source)

Kroger Recalls Ice Cream from California
Kroger, Inc. is recalling all codes of Private Selection Classic Churned Light Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream in 1.75-quart containers. The ice cream was distributed only to Ralphs Food Stores in California and Food 4 Less stores in Southern California. The label does not state that the product contains eggs. No illnesses have been reported. (source)

VIDEO from Medialink and Siemens: The Next Generation Allergy Test - Nothing to Sneeze At
Doctors say in-vitro blood tests can help take the guess work out of diagnosing and treating allergies as opposed to time consuming and painful skin tests. Medical companies, like Siemens are able to test blood samples for a large number of allergens. This type of test is much broader than a skin prick test where the doctor has to use only the specific allergens. Many allergies go undiagnosed this way; this blood test may be the answer. (source)

Protect the Kid, Spread the Germs
Experts argue that we have just gotten too clean, that’s why allergies have become so prominent. Our immune systems are made to fight, explains Dr. Marc McMorris of the University of Michigan, and because we do things like use so much hand sanitizer and discourage playing in the dirt, there is little for our systems to fight except things like uncontrollable dust or food. Allergies are definitely on the rise. Maybe it is time to start climbing out of our clean bubble. (source)

New Asthma Guidelines Aim at Control
The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program just released new updated federal guidelines developed by an expert panel. This is the first complete update in a decade and is geared towards successful control of asthma in all patients. Though over 22 million people are affected by asthma and 5,000 die each year from asthma related causes, experts believe that nearly all patients can control their symptoms. This new plan will provide guidelines to achieve control. (source)

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