 More intense exercise appears to have greater benefits.
That the conclusion from this study at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Continue reading Benefits of exercise in early Parkinson’s disease
Monthly Archives: August 2008
Review of auricular acupuncture for insomnia
 Prof. Ernst and colleagues reviewed the effectiveness of acupuncture administered to the ear to treat sleeplessness. Continue reading Review of auricular acupuncture for insomnia
Negative results giving probiotics in pancreatitis
In patients predicted to have severe acute pancreatitis, giving probiotics didn’t reduce the risk of infection, according to this study by researchers in the Dutch Acute Pancreatitis Study Group. Continue reading Negative results giving probiotics in pancreatitis
Calcium and hip fracture risk: Does it matter?
No, say an international group of researchers.
But the news isn’t all bad. Continue reading Calcium and hip fracture risk: Does it matter?
Review of herbal medicines in gynecology
Dr. Cathi Dennehy from the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California San Francisco has reviewed the evidence.
I was surprised by her assessment of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms.
Here’s a summary of her findings.
Lack of support for cinnamon to treat diabetes
Two studies have concluded that cinnamon supplementation does not improve diabetes control in postmenopausal patients with type 2 diabetes.
One can be found here, but here’s the more interesting study.
Continue reading Lack of support for cinnamon to treat diabetes
Curcumin shows some activity in pancreatic cancer
Researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and Sabinsa Corporation in Piscataway, New Jersey report on early research into the activity of curcumin (diferuloylmethane) in patients with pancreatic cancer. Continue reading Curcumin shows some activity in pancreatic cancer
Toxins in Ayurvedic meds on the web
Researchers from Boston and Bangalore, India ask, what’s the risk of getting lead, mercury, and arsenic in the Ayurvedic medicines purchased on the Internet? Continue reading Toxins in Ayurvedic meds on the web
The benefits of knowing that you are exercising
Dr. Lisa Terre from the University of Missouri-Kansas City has published a review of the importance of physical activity counseling.
It turns out that greater cardio benefits occur among people who are aware that their activity is doing their body good. Continue reading The benefits of knowing that you are exercising
Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy
Researchers from the University of Melbourne in Australia review the results of 3 studies. Continue reading Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy
Negative results: Acupuncture for in vitro fertilization
The lead author of this study is Dr. Alice Domar, an international leader in the field of mind/body medicine and women’s health. Her website states that the Domar Center offers acupuncture for pre and post embryo transfer sessions.
It will be interesting to see how these results influence that policy. Continue reading Negative results: Acupuncture for in vitro fertilization
Benefits of music in kids with cancer
Researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina report on the value of music in children with leukemia receiving chemotherapy. Continue reading Benefits of music in kids with cancer
Music therapy doesn’t reduce anesthesia during surgery
A recent review concluded that among 42 studies of music therapy around the time of surgery, positive effects on reducing anxiety and pain were reported in about half.
Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Children’s Medical Center at Dallas looked for changes in the amount of inhaled anesthetic needed during surgery in adult patients exposed to music. Continue reading Music therapy doesn’t reduce anesthesia during surgery
Alexander technique for low back pain
Lessons in the Alexander technique from registered teachers have long-term benefits, according to researchers from the UK. Continue reading Alexander technique for low back pain
B vitamins fail to prevent depression
Researchers from the University of Western Australia in Crawley examined whether vitamins B-12, B-6, and folate might reduce the severity of depressive symptoms and the incidence of clinically significant depression. Continue reading B vitamins fail to prevent depression
6 easy steps to prevent cancer
The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research have published a tome (517 pages) titled, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective.
The goal is to reduce the global burden of cancer through healthier living.
Best of all, it can be accomplished in just 6 easy steps in addition to not smoking or chewing tobacco. Continue reading 6 easy steps to prevent cancer
Effect of Ginkgo biloba on platetlets and bleeding
About 20 detailed reports of hemorrhage (usually cerebral, ocular, or postsurgical) in patients using Gingko biloba extracts have been published.
This study examined the potential effect of aspirin plus Ginkgo biloba on platelet function — one part of the clotting process. Continue reading Effect of Ginkgo biloba on platetlets and bleeding
Another review of acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis
Prof. Ernst and colleagues think more rigorous research is warranted. Continue reading Another review of acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis
Tai chi improves diabetes control
After 14 weeks of practicing tai chi, older Chinese women showed improved A1c values in this study by researchers at the Beijing Sport University in China.
There were other benefits, but let’s focus on A1c. Continue reading Tai chi improves diabetes control
Safety of American ginseng in children
In January, the FDA recommended that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants and children less than 2 years of age because of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.
But what about using ginseng in children from 3 to 12 years old? Continue reading Safety of American ginseng in children