I already have three issues involving long-term corticosteroid use: osteoporosis (treated with Fosamax) since bone density can be compromised, and skin and blood thin considerable, this means the slightest bump to my forearms or legs or itch on my face results in a large red welp under my skin that takes forever to go away. Okay, so the latter are cosmetic; nonetheless, people stare. I've heard vitamin C can help so I'm going to try that. When all is said and done, at least I can work, and I don't like sleeveless shirts or blouses anyway.

Our local media have aired and printed several segments on the rising incidence of asthma in the U.S. Children of color are especially vulnerable and the dwindling access to healthcare puts this group at high risk. I wonder where the research is happening and why more isn't known about this disease. Perhaps the new gene therapies and stem cell research will yield answers to this and other life limiting health conditions.