Donkey milk can help children with milk allergies

In the hills outside Bologna in northern Italy a slightly peculiar farm has become the centre of a health experiment that harks back to the practices of ancient Greece and Rome.

The farm is home to 700 donkeys and produces donkey milk, a product that is creating a lot of interest among health professionals.

Donkey milk is proving to be a viable alternative for young children and infants in Italy who suffer from allergies to cows' milk.

More than 50% of what the farm produces is sold directly to paediatric units in the region.

Dr Giovanna Monti, a paediatrician at the head of the allergy unit at Turin's St Anna hospital, has been studying the effects of donkey milk on babies and children since 2004.

"We use this milk mostly for children who are allergic to certain proteins in cows' milk," she told the BBC World Service's Health Check programme. "These proteins are often also present in formulated milk too."

Swimming and Asthma

Swimming is a sport that aid in the improvement of symptoms of asthma, especially in children and adolescents, says a study recently published. Swimming proved effective pharmacological intervention, not associated with the treatment of asthma.


Researchers have evaluated the effects of the practice of swimming in measures of lung function in children realzadas from 7 to 12 years of age. All participants were in regular treatment for asthma. Were divided into 2 groups of 15 children, where a group was directed to the sport and the other is not. After a period of 6 weeks, were re-evaluated respiratory and measures of asthma clinical conditions.

Building a Healthy House

Construction Materials and Finishing

• Avoid very substances found in construction materials industry: petrochemicals, toxic finishes, adhesives and phenols. If a reform and need to use them, it is best to keep allergic environment until the smell disappears. 
• Avoid using Cellulose fiber glass insulation rock wool. These substances are used in fillers, insulation or furniture, should be very well protected and isolated from the environment. 
• To prevent reactions of finishes and materials of securities – avoid common allergenic materials such as wool, products that exude gaseous formaldehyde, finishes that are underneath the carpet, paint solvents, textured surfaces. 
• Toxins usually grow in places of deposit – it is important to ensure good ventilation of the following locations (e.g. spans under stairs, garages, quaternions deposits) 
• Hard Floor and seamless, prevents the growth of bacteria; Dry, ceramic Floor joins with grout in resin, prevents the grout peel off after some time, opening the cracks between the pieces of pottery. Must be checked the right type of grout in relation to the product that will be placed on the floor. 
• Vinyl floors high-density and monolithic are acceptable. If you can, avoid using toxic glues, tying them with material itself. 
• Avoid rugs and carpets, because in addition to accumulate dust, mites are large reservoirs. Prefer cold ceramic, marble flooring, carpeting, plastic resins, rubbers or in wood, provided that covered with resin to close your pores (Sinteko or polyurethane) 
• Walls can be coated with papers washable or cleanable painted with acrylic paints and ink anti-mold, and non-toxic hypoallergenic 
• Roofs should be smooth, not accumulate dust. Avoid the adornments, mouldings, and ceiling ornaments attached, which can accumulate dust and are out of sight. 
• Bulbs not protected and radiant heat – also char dust – a common irritant; 
• Mold, mildew, dust mites are very allergenic agents – commonly removed when the relative humidity is below 50%; 
• Windows should allow free circulation of air. Always let the morning sun that makes it healthier environment with its ultra violet rays. Never close a window with mobile. The Windows are designed according to the area of the compartment. If they are boarded up this area will be reduced and the ability to aerate the environment decreased.