Archive for December, 2009
Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Qutenza (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…)
Capsicum, Pain, Shingles | Comments Off on Capsaicin: The biggest winner in CAM for 2009
Thursday, December 31st, 2009
The Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study researchers report their findings.
(more…)
A. ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS | Comments Off on Ginkgo: The bigest loser in 2009
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…)
Pain | Comments Off on Effects of distant healing on chronic pain
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…)
Acne/Rosacea | Comments Off on Essential recommendations for acne care
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…)
Asthma/Allergy, CAM Politics, Children, Vitamin D | Comments Off on Linking vitamin D levels in children to asthma severity
Saturday, December 26th, 2009
Dry eye is a common complaint, but difficult to treat.
Researchers from Aston University, in Birmingham, UK reviewed the evidence for omega-3. (more…)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Omega-6 Fatty Acids | Comments Off on Omega-3 to treat dry eye
Thursday, December 24th, 2009
“There is a paucity of high-quality research,” according to reviewers at the University of Miami, in Florida. (more…)
Acupuncture/ pressure, Pain-Back | Comments Off on Reviewing the research on acupuncture for low back pain
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Hip 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…)
Elderly, Trauma | Comments Off on Importance of placement on performance of hip protectors
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Dr. 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…)
A. ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Heart Disease, Infection | Comments Off on Taking vitamin D to prevent cancer
Monday, December 21st, 2009
Researchers from the University of Leeds, in the UK reviewed the options for caregivers of patients with dementia. (more…)
Alzheimer's Dementia, Art, Music, Dance, Exercise, Massage, Therapeutic Touch | Comments Off on Non-drug treatments for dementia
Monday, December 21st, 2009
Not in this study, according to researchers in Japan. (more…)
Acupuncture/ pressure, Pain | Comments Off on For pain control, must the acupuncture needle penetrate the skin?
Monday, December 21st, 2009
Researchers 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…)
Coffee, Diabetes Mellitus, Tea | Comments Off on Coffee, tea, and the risk of diabetes
Sunday, December 20th, 2009
Perhaps it defies your mental image of firefighters, but researchers from The City University of New York report their findings. (more…)
Yoga | Comments Off on Benefits of yoga in firefighters
Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Posting 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
A. ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS | Comments Off on Snow hits Asheville
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Diabetes 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…)
Diabetes Mellitus, Pine Bark Extract, Retinopathy | Comments Off on Effects of Pycnogenol on vision in diabetic patients
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…)
Diet-Nutrition, Heart Disease, Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Comments Off on Should men eat fatty fish once a week?
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…)
Diabetes Mellitus, H. CHEMICALS | Comments Off on Vanadium for diabetes?
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…)
Cochrane Library, Electronic Media, Exercise, Massage, Pain, Pain-Neck | Comments Off on Do fancy keyboards improve work-related arm, neck, or shoulder complaints?
Sunday, December 13th, 2009
Claire Williamson, Nutrition Scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation in London, has reviewed the evidence. (more…)
Anxiety (Panic)/Depression, Folic Acid, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamins | Comments Off on The effect of diet on depression in older people
Sunday, December 13th, 2009
A review article in American Family Physician provides guidance for nasal saline irrigation. (more…)
Asthma/Allergy, Common Cold, Nasal Irrigation | Comments Off on Review of nasal irrigation with recommendations