Dr. Petra Kaufmann (not in the photo) at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York reports that high-dose coenzyme Q10 (coQ10) is not promising enough to warrant further study as a treatment for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Continue reading Coenzyme Q10 fails in treatment of ALS
Monthly Archives: March 2009
Does ginkgo biloba extract prevent mountain sickness?
 Researchers from the University of Colorado, in Denver reviewed the evidence.
And they come to a conclusion that could cast doubt on the results of most studies of herbals. Continue reading Does ginkgo biloba extract prevent mountain sickness?
Benefits and risks of vegan diets
 Veganism is a diet and lifestyle that excludes using animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.
Dr. Winston Craig from Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan reviews both, and makes recommendations. Continue reading Benefits and risks of vegan diets
So many ways to manage insomnia
 So, why am I still awake?
Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas review nonpharmacologic options. It’s for anyone who wants to start a discussion with their doctor or healthcare provider. Continue reading So many ways to manage insomnia
Benefits of breast-feeding, 5 years later
There were benefits “during early infancy but also during the preschool years,” in this study by researchers at Juntendo University, School of Medicine, in Tokyo, Japan.
They assign benefit to the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Continue reading Benefits of breast-feeding, 5 years later
Moxibustion and acupuncture to treat breech presentation
Breech presentation (opposite direction of the normal position of the fetus) is common in the mid-trimester of pregnancy, with an incidence of 3% to 4% by full term. Women with breech presentation have problems delivering vaginally.
Researchers from Beijing University, in China and the University of Troms, in Norway reviewed the literature on moxibustion, acupuncture, and other acupoint stimulations to correct breech presentation. Continue reading Moxibustion and acupuncture to treat breech presentation
Food to prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
A new product deemed a “medical food” by the Food and Drug Administration is now available in the United States. Continue reading Food to prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
Review: Exercise to manage post-natal depression
The National Institutes of Health and Clinical Excellence in England recommend that health professionals consider exercise to treat post-natal depression (aka postpartum depression).
Researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Review: Exercise to manage post-natal depression
Text message reminders to use sunscreen
 Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston reported their findings during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Continue reading Text message reminders to use sunscreen
How do cranberries prevent urinary tract infection?
Researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Massachusetts went into the lab to seek the answer. Continue reading How do cranberries prevent urinary tract infection?
Vitamin D deficiency in American adolescents
 Changing the definition of vitamin D deficiency resulted in an increased prevalence from 2% to 14%.
Here are the results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Continue reading Vitamin D deficiency in American adolescents
Spirituality/religion and kidney dialysis
 Dr. Barry Nierenberg at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida studies the relationship between faith and health.
His findings were presented during the American Psychological Association’s Division of Rehabilitation Psychology national conference. Continue reading Spirituality/religion and kidney dialysis
Antioxidants don’t prevent acute mountain sickness
 Acute mountain sickness may be caused by oxidative damage that results in leaking cerebrovascular fluid.
Oral antioxidants, didn’t make a difference in this study by researchers in the UK. Continue reading Antioxidants don’t prevent acute mountain sickness
Music to reduce anxiety during transport
 Transporting patients between healthcare facilities may be stressful. Researchers from New York Medical College, in Valhalla studied whether playing music during critical care transport reduces patient anxiety. Continue reading Music to reduce anxiety during transport
Adding acupuncture to aid in weight loss
 Researchers from Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran report it doesn’t make a difference in weight loss.
Others have come to a different conclusion. Continue reading Adding acupuncture to aid in weight loss
Music therapy for serious mental disorders
Researchers from Unifob Health in Bergen, Norway reviewed the literature to “examine the benefits of music therapy for people with serious mental disorders.” Continue reading Music therapy for serious mental disorders
Neutral effects of TV viewing in infants
 The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no television viewing for children under age 2, but most babies in the US watch between 1 to 2 hours of TV a day.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School in Boston studied whether it matters. Continue reading Neutral effects of TV viewing in infants
Might vitamin C prevent gout?
 Several studies show that higher vitamin C intake reduces uric acid blood levels.
Researchers from British Columbia and Boston studied the link between vitamin C and the risk of actually getting gout. Continue reading Might vitamin C prevent gout?
Effect of religion on anxiety and stress
 Believing in God can help block anxiety and minimize stress, according to researchers at the University of Toronto, in Ontario. Continue reading Effect of religion on anxiety and stress
Alcohol, reflux esophagitis, and Barrett’s esophagus
 Researchers from Ireland try to sort out the relationships. Continue reading Alcohol, reflux esophagitis, and Barrett’s esophagus