(November 3, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Washington - According to a study in the journal Breast Cancer Research, vigorous exercise may protect against breast cancer. Over 32,000 women were asked about physical activity, and researchers found that regular activity such as running, aerobics or heavy housework was associated with a 30% reduced risk of developing breast cancer. This protective effect was not seen in those who were overweight, or those who only participated in light exercise.

From St. Louis - According to research in the journal Pediatrics, children have become increasingly medicated to fight chronic illness. From 2002 to 2005, prescriptions doubled for type 2 diabetes, rose by more than 46% for asthma treatments, rose by over 40% for ADHD treatments, and increased 15% for cholesterol-lowering drugs. While these trends may indicate that chronic conditions are on the rise, they may also reflect better screening and changes in the way drugs are prescribed.

And finally, from London - According to research in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, early peanut exposure has been linked to lower allergy risk. In a comparison of two populations of Jewish children aged 4 to 18 - over 4,600 in Israel and nearly 4,000 in London - researchers found that those in London, where pregnant women and infants are encouraged to avoid peanuts, were nearly 6 times more likely to have a peanut allergy than Israeli children. Current recommendations should remain unchanged until these findings can be confirmed.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.