What We're Reading: Asthma Risk in Children With Disabilities; Nursing Homes, COVID-19; Exercising With a Mask

Children With Developmental Issues at Greater Risk of Asthma

In a study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers found that the prevalence rate of asthma is greater in US children with developmental disabilities when compared with those without disabilities. Additionally, the odds of asthma were significantly higher in children with developmental disabilities, particularly ethnic minority US children. Researchers found that very young children with asthma should be screened for disabilities or delays due to this potential association.

Nursing Homes May Attribute to 40% of COVID-19 Deaths

In a piece by CIDRAP, the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on nursing homes and assisted living facilities was highlighted, with an analysis in The Wall Street Journal indicating that the incidence of death has surpassed 50,000. This figure represents 43% of the overall death toll in the United States (N = 116,700), which may be underreported as not all states have reported nursing home cases and potential deaths.

Wearing a Mask While Exercising

As people nationwide take alternate approaches to exercise without the availability of gyms, an article in The New York Times highlights the importance of wearing suitable masks during these workouts to promote protection against COVID-19 and optimal breathing. According to the article, researchers found that masks do affect exercise as heart rates tend to increase, as well as the likelihood of feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Researchers recommended avoiding paper, cotton, and surgical masks during exercise as they become wet too rapidly, and to instead use cloth masks made from breathable, synthetic materials.