You guys have Asthma so bad I got it too. And I'm in Bristol.

"The mind is like a parachute, it only works when it's open."

While asthma can be a potentially deadly disease in children, parents have to be aware that there is a danger if doctors over-prescribe corticosteroid inhalants. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/81791.php

"The potential long-term toxicity of chronic corticosteroid use in children is unclear, but there have been concerns about the impact on child growth. However, most children with asthma eventually attain normal height, even after receiving moderate corticosteroid doses."

As Dr McLay points out: "Corticosteroids have revolutionised the treatment of asthma and probably saved many children's lives. But against a background of concern about the impact of long-term corticosteroid use, this study suggests that GPs should always consider the potential cumulative steroid burden for an atopic child."

As we have learned from all the recent recalls, just because a drug is approved by the FDA and prescribed by a doctor, it can still be dangerous or simply ineffective. Big PHARMA is hard at work pushing drug therapies on busy doctors, and trials are too often run by the drug companies themsleves.

Knoxville's evil air is dangerous and asthma can kill, but parents who might be scared about what affects their children might experiencing shouldn't panic. They should be aware that cortosteroid remedies do carry some risks, and they should be well-monitored by a physican. .

One wonders when the new license plates come out touting our #1 status.

But seriously, ratings such as these are not good for recruiting business or residents to our area. Not to mention the suffering of us who are already here.

Some days in the summer I won't even go biking because the air is so bad. And I need the exercise.

...especially in the medical buildings. Ever wondered whether the rest of the country has as thriving a medical industry as East Tennessee's?

Tennessee is also number one in bankruptcies!

Woohoo! Setting the example for the Southeast and the nation!

we so kick ass!