Inhaler Misuse in Children

Nearly all children who use metered-dose inhalers use them incorrectly, according to a study conducted in a low-income student population in Chicago. Even though most of the children and parents were confident that the child was using the inhaler correctly, 97% of children misused their inhaler. The authors recommend that providers regularly observe a child's inhalation technique and provide education about proper technique in order to improve outcomes.

Nonprescription Antibiotic Use

Use of antibiotics without a prescription is common in the US. Up to half of patients store unused antibiotics for future use, and 25% intend to use antibiotics without a prescription. Patients may stop taking antibiotics when they feel better, instead of finishing the course, and save the remaining antibiotics for later use by themselves or family members. Factors contributing to nonprescription use of antibiotics include difficulty accessing the health care system, cost of physician visits, long wait times in clinics, and easy access to international products sold illegally.

Air Pollution and Breast Cancer Risk

The Multiethnic Cohort study analyzed air pollution exposure and breast cancer rates in nearly 60,000 women living in California from 1993 to 2010. Women living within 500 meters of a major road had an increased risk of breast cancer. The increased risk was associated with exposure to nitric oxides and particulates in the air. The link between air pollution and lung cancer is well established, but more research is needed to understand the role of air pollution in other cancers.

Diabetes Prevalence in Ethnic Minorities

Ethnic minorities are more likely to have diabetes at a lower body mass index (BMI) than whites, according to a review of 5 million patient records in the US. At any given BMI, all ethnic groups had a higher prevalence of diabetes compared to whites. The highest prevalence was found in Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (27.7%), followed by Hispanics (22.2%), blacks (21.4%), American Indians/Alaskan Natives (19.6%), Asians (19.3%), and whites (12.2%). The researchers suggest that ethnic minority patients with a normal BMI should be screened for diabetes.

October is Health Literacy Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 15 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day