One of the complications of HIV infection is the loss of complex motor coordination. This can be evaluated using the mirror star-tracing task. There are variations on this test, but essentially the patient traces a star using the outline in a mirror.
Now, a study in 26 healthy people shows that one month of yoga was associated in fewer errors in a modification of the star-tracing task where the star was six pointed with the outline made up of 60 circles (4 mm in diameter).
Continue reading A possible role for yoga as a complementary therapy for HIV →
It’s so bad that she canceled her concert tour.
Here’s the state-of-the-art (not including pharmacology and surgery) for treating lower back pain (LBP) from the North American Spine Society. Continue reading Dolly Parton has back pain →
The findings come from a report by the Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders, sanctioned by the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
Here’s a summary of their conclusions regarding noninvasive treatments. It’s based on a review of the medical literature. Continue reading Best treatments for neck pain →
Musical activity diminished negative symptoms and improved interpersonal contact, according to researchers in Bedburg-Hau, Germany. Continue reading Group music therapy for schizophrenia →
There’s not much information available, but it appears that music therapy is accepted by patients and improves their mood. Continue reading Using music therapy to treat depression →
Homeopathic treatment was not better than placebo in reducing morphine use after knee ligament reconstruction, according to researchers at INSERM in Grenoble, France. Continue reading Homeopathic treatment and the need for pain medicine following knee surgery →
Earlier this year a report from the University of Alberta concluded that the environmental impact of food-miles racked up by organic produce when making the trip from farm to grocery store cancels out the benefits of growing it according to organic principals.
Now, there’s this from a technician at Malaspina University College in British Columbia, Canada. Continue reading Are Canadian academics opposed to organic farming? →
The products were purported to contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). You can buy the full report here, or MSNBC gives a glimpse of the findings here.
Two products exposed include Nature’s Plus Ultra Maximum Strength Chondroitin 600 for people and Nutri-Vet Nutritionals Hip and Joint Soft Chews for dogs. Continue reading ConsumerLab flunks 8 of 38 bone health products →
Dr. Tod Cooperman, who is president of the third-party product analysis company, ConsumerLab, states that one in 4 products tested by his company is problematic in one way or another, and more than half of multivitamins tested do not meet what is printed on the labels.
So, which companies reliably provide quality products? Continue reading Which brands of herbals and supplements should you trust? →
Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent seizures in pregnant women with preeclampsia (high blood pressure, edema, and protein in the urine) and to inhibit preterm labor.
This Medscape report from the meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine states that injections of magnesium sulfate may protect against moderate to severe cerebral palsy. Continue reading Reducing the risk of cerebral palsy with magnesium →
From the American Psychological Association website, here’s a summary of their view of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and insomnia.
Common misconceptions regarding sleep…
Continue reading How does CBT work to treat insomnia? →
It also increases the likelihood of live births when used with embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization, according to this latest review of the medical literature. Continue reading Acupuncture improves the rate of pregnancy →
A study presented during the European Congress of Rheumatology in Barcelona concluded, “Patients affected with severe rheumatoid arthritis found pain relief after taking rose-hips for 6 months.” Continue reading Rose-hips for treating rheumatoid arthritis →
Alcohol-based hand rubbing removes microorganisms more effectively than hand washing with soap or other antiseptic agents and water. Furthermore, bedside alcohol-based solutions increase compliance with hand hygiene among healthcare workers.”
OK, but does it lower infections on cruise ships?
Continue reading Alcohol-based hand cleansers on your next cruise →
A review of 19 studies involving more than 2800 healthy children concluded that calcium supplementation is unlikely to reduce the risk of fracture, either in childhood or later life.
What should we make of this finding when we all know how important calcium is to making strong bones?
Continue reading Calcium supplements of little benefit to children →
Placebo-controlled trials document the effectiveness of butterbur to treat the runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and irritation in the nose, eyes, throat and ears associated with allergic rhinitis. It’s as effective as two widely used prescription drugs.
Continue reading Can you commit to butterbur? →
There’s lots of interest in reducing the risk of falls in the elderly. But what are the signs that grandma is at significant risk?
Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia have complied a list. Continue reading The risk of falling among the elderly →
In older adults with high blood pressure, each 20 mmHg increase in systolic (first number) pressure doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Replacing non-soy protein with soy protein in the diet lowers this risk.
Here’s how. Continue reading Lowering your blood pressure with soy nuts →
Periodontal disease is a gum disease (such as periodontitis or gingivitis) that, if untreated, inflames and eventually destroys the bone and tissues that support and anchor the teeth.
Cannabis smoking is a risk factor for periodontal disease, according to this study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Continue reading Periodontal disease in kids who smoke pot →
Researchers at Wonkwang University in Iksan, South Korea report it’s not better than placebo.
But they’re still optimistic. Continue reading Acupuncture to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms →
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point