Infant formulas are designed to lower the chances of developing allergy or food intolerance.
But do they?
Continue reading Soy formula vs cow’s milk formula to reduce allergies in infants and children
Monthly Archives: March 2007
Huge recall of pet food
This is relevant because of the importance of animal-assisted therapy, and because I love little kittens and puppies.
Two surveys of CAM use in people with health care problems
Specifically, we’re talking about women with lung cancer and people with diabetes.
First, women with lung cancer.
Continue reading Two surveys of CAM use in people with health care problems
Acupuncture: Complementary or alternative blood pressure therapy?
When Tufts|ebcam reviewed this topic, they concluded, “while the results of some RCT [randomized clinical trials] and case series suggest some benefits of acupuncture for managing hypertension, the results must be treated with caution because of serious methodological limitations.”
To address these shortcomings the NIH funded a rigorously designed study titled “Stop Hypertension with the Acupuncture Research Program” (SHARP).
Continue reading Acupuncture: Complementary or alternative blood pressure therapy?
CAMophobia at the Southern Medical Journal
Although the definition is self-evident, CAMophobia is the unfortunate failure by otherwise reputable journals and other evidence-based media to uphold evidence-based standards regarding CAM.
Here is the latest example.
Discrepant results on the benefits of tai chi in the elderly
At the Chinese University of Hong Kong 180 men and women participated in tai chi or resistance training 3 times a week. The results were compared to a control group. The objective was to examine the effects on bone mineral density, muscle strength, balance and flexibility in independently living seniors.
I know, you’ve heard this song before. But this time the researchers hit some flat notes.
Continue reading Discrepant results on the benefits of tai chi in the elderly
Beta-carotene and eye health
Maculopathy refers to any pathological condition that affects the part of the eye that contains color-sensitive rods at the central point of sharpest vision.
A study of more than 22,000 adults concludes that after 12 years of treatment, beta carotene 50 mg taken every other day did not affect the risk of age-related maculopathy.
More evidence of interest in CAM among medical students
In this survey, most medical students expressed an interest in learning more about CAM in order to make informed recommendations to their patients.
Continue reading More evidence of interest in CAM among medical students
Marijuana: A life-saving medication?
Did you hear the story about Angel Raich who wants to take marijuana every few hours, under her doctor’s advice, to control pain and give her an appetite? Her doctor claims without it she would “starve to death.”
I think she needs a second opinion.
Head and neck cancer support groups improve quality-of-life for patients
Participation in a support group helps people with head and neck cancer feel less alone and improves their ability to deal with the uncertainties and challenges of this disease.
It’s good news, as head and neck cancer, places a terrible burden on patients and their family.
Continue reading Head and neck cancer support groups improve quality-of-life for patients
Using massage and acupuncture to help control symptoms after cancer surgery
More data from the University of California, San Francisco in support of CAM in the care of cancer patients.
Continue reading Using massage and acupuncture to help control symptoms after cancer surgery
FDA warns about drugs to treat insomnia
The FDA is requiring stronger warning labels on 13 sedative-hypnotic sleep aids. In response, the makers of Ambien, Halcion, Lunesta, and Sonata are sending letters to healthcare providers this week discussing the new warnings. They will also develop educational handouts for patients who take these medicine.
So, what are the non-drug options for people with insomnia?
DHEA lacks any anti-aging effects
An earlier entry cautioned about being overly enthusiastic about dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a miracle supplement. Now, we have evidence that it lacks any measurable anti-aging effect.
Need a smoke? Take a hike
Nicotine addiction has historically been one of the hardest addictions to break. So, anything that helps reduce cravings for a smoke is helpful.
Here’s what can be expected following an exercise session.
“No Jet-Lag” and the elusive clinical trial
“No Jet-Lag” is promoted as a “unique homeopathic remedy” that “offers a convenient solution to jet lag.”
There’s also a published study in Aviation, Space and Environment Medicine (1998, Vol 69, Issue 8) that supports its claims — or so the manufacturer states.
Continue reading “No Jet-Lag” and the elusive clinical trial
Cell phones don’t affect hospital equipment
Spending more than a day without Internet or cell phone access stresses me out. Therefore, I see it as complementary antianxiety therapy.
Last year, I spent 3 days being checked out in my local hospital. I complained about the lack of a cell to no avail.
Now, we have evidence from an impeccable source that debunks this silly rule.
Continue reading Cell phones don’t affect hospital equipment
Reviewing CAM to treat Meniere’s disease
Meniere’s disease is characterized by deafness, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and nausea. Because the precise cause is unknown, most treatments are limited to treating symptoms.
Here’s a summary of CAM options from a review in The Internet Journal of Otorhinolaryngology.
Evidence for Vertigoheel to treat vertigo
Vertigo is a dizzying sensation of tilting or being in tilting or spinning surroundings.
Vertigoheel is a homeopathic product. It contains Ambra grisea, Anamirta cocculus, Conium maculatum, and Petroleum rectificatum.
Recently, a review of its effectiveness was published.
Self-care for peripheral neuropathy in HIV/AIDS
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurological complication in HIV, and it’s often associated with antiretroviral therapy. Patients experience muscle weakness and atrophy, pain, and numbness.
Here’s what people use to manage the discomfort. Continue reading Self-care for peripheral neuropathy in HIV/AIDS
Complementary options to reduce jet lag
Fatigue and impaired daytime functioning, confusion, altered timing of bowel movements, and sleep disturbance are all signs of jet lag. An article on Medscape lists options to manage jet lag.
The article covers many treatment options. CAM options are listed here.