The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point

Archive for December, 2009

Capsaicin: The biggest winner in CAM for 2009

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

FDAQutenza (capsaicin) 8% patch is a medicated skin patch that can be used to help relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

This high concentration is now approved by the FDA for use as a prescription drug. And that places this complementary option for treating PHN squarely in the main stream. (more…)

Ginkgo: The bigest loser in 2009

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

The Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study researchers report their findings. (more…)

Effects of distant healing on chronic pain

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Some studies on distant healing for chronic pain exist, but the value of this treatment is controversial.

Researchers from Holos University, in Fair Grove, Missouri contribute a small study to the debate. (more…)

Essential recommendations for acne care

Monday, December 28th, 2009

I recently worked on an educational program with a group of dermatologists who specialize in treating acne.

During a series of discussions they listed essential considerations for an effective acne treatment strategy. (more…)

Linking vitamin D levels in children to asthma severity

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

Low maternal vitamin D intake during pregnancy is associated with asthma symptoms in early childhood.

Now, here are the results from the first study of the relationship between vitamin D blood levels in childhood and asthma severity. (more…)

Omega-3 to treat dry eye

Saturday, December 26th, 2009

dry eyeDry eye is a common complaint, but difficult to treat.

Researchers from Aston University, in Birmingham, UK reviewed the evidence for omega-3. (more…)

Reviewing the research on acupuncture for low back pain

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

acupunctureMan“There is a paucity of high-quality research,” according to reviewers at the University of Miami, in Florida. (more…)

Importance of placement on performance of hip protectors

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

Hip protectorHip protectors are a promising strategy to reduce the risk for hip fracture from a sideways fall. However, small changes in pad positioning may influence their protective benefit, according to this study by researchers at Simon Fraser University, in Burnaby, British Columbia. (more…)

Taking vitamin D to prevent cancer

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

vitamin dDr. Thomas Lenz from Creighton University, in Omaha, Nebraska tells us that approximately 1 billion people worldwide have low blood concentrations of vitamin D.

So what? (more…)

Non-drug treatments for dementia

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Dementia_eResearchers from the University of Leeds, in the UK reviewed the options for caregivers of patients with dementia. (more…)

For pain control, must the acupuncture needle penetrate the skin?

Monday, December 21st, 2009

acupuncture circleNot in this study, according to researchers in Japan. (more…)

Coffee, tea, and the risk of diabetes

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Diabetes tool boxResearchers from The University of Sydney, in Australia report the findings of meta-analyses of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea consumption on the risk of diabetes. (more…)

Benefits of yoga in firefighters

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

FirefighterPerhaps it defies your mental image of firefighters, but researchers from The City University of New York report their findings. (more…)

Snow hits Asheville

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

little guyPosting is postponed. Asheville (at least where I live) has no power, going on 48 hours.

I-Hop on Patton Ave. was nice to let me sit at the counter and use their elctricity.

Good coffee. Good salad. Going to try the french toast next.

Welcome to the south!

12/19/09 18:44 JR

Effects of Pycnogenol on vision in diabetic patients

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Diabetes tool boxDiabetes affects the eyes and can lead to retinopathy (non-inflammatory damage to the retina of the eye) leading to gradual loss of vision.

Researchers from D’Annunzio University, in San Valentino, Italy studied the effects of Pycnogenol during the early stages of retinopathy. (more…)

Should men eat fatty fish once a week?

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Yes, according to researchers who studied rates of heart failure among older Swedish men.

But not because the data support that conclusion. (more…)

Vanadium for diabetes?

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Research during the 1980’s showed that this trace mineral could lower blood sugar levels.

Now, 2 decades later, we’re still waiting for rigorous research in humans, according to reviewers from the University of Southampton, in the UK. (more…)

Do fancy keyboards improve work-related arm, neck, or shoulder complaints?

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Ergonomic adjustments (modified keyboard layouts and ergonomic advice) play a major role in treating most work-related complaints.

This Cochrane review concludes that the scientific support is underwhelming. (more…)

The effect of diet on depression in older people

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

little guyClaire Williamson, Nutrition Scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation in London, has reviewed the evidence. (more…)

Review of nasal irrigation with recommendations

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

sinusitisA review article in American Family Physician provides guidance for nasal saline irrigation. (more…)