From the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, in Missouri comes this report of an unusual case of verapamil (Calan SR) toxicity. Continue reading Interaction between grapefruit juice and verapamil
All posts by JR
Consumer Alert: Drugs that “boost” libido
The FDA has told Nature & Health Co. to take its supplements, which are sold to treat impotence (erectile dysfunction), off the market. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Drugs that “boost” libido
Updated breastfeeding recommendations
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention, has updated its recommendations from 2003. Continue reading Updated breastfeeding recommendations
Treating ADHD with a walk in the park
 “In the general population,” say researchers from the University of Illinois, “attention is reliably enhanced after exposure to certain physical environments, particularly natural environments.”
 Why not try it in kids with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Continue reading Treating ADHD with a walk in the park
Herbals for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions
Ms. Meenakshi Khatta is a nurse practitioner and associate professor at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Nurse Khatta has reviewed the use of CAM to treat pain due to musculoskeletal conditions.
Here are her findings on herbal supplements used to treat fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Continue reading Herbals for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions
The religion-medicine connection
Dr. Harold Koenig (photo) is co-director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health at Duke University Medical Center, where he is also Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Associate Professor of Medicine.
In this lecture, Dr. Koenig makes a connection between religion/spirituality and mental and physical health. Continue reading The religion-medicine connection
Benefits of exercise in older adults
 The American College of Sports Medicine has issued its position on the importance of exercise and physical activity in older adults.
Here are the highpoints. Continue reading Benefits of exercise in older adults
Does green tea prevent cancer?
 Based on studies of more than a million people, Prof. Ernst and colleagues concluded, “Drinking green tea remains unproven in cancer prevention.” Continue reading Does green tea prevent cancer?
Chiropractic care in veterans
 Researchers at the VA of Western New York Healthcare System, in Buffalo studied the apparent influence of post-traumatic stress disorder on outcomes of chiropractic care in veterans with neck or low back complaints. Continue reading Chiropractic care in veterans
Garlic for the common cold?
 This Cochrane review tells us if it’s effective for prevention or treatment of the common cold. Continue reading Garlic for the common cold?
Whole grains lower the risk of high blood pressure
 Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston studied the association between whole-grain intake and the risk of hypertension in adult men. Continue reading Whole grains lower the risk of high blood pressure
Herbals vs hormones to treat cognition in menopause
Dietary herbal supplements, such as black cohosh, have shown mixed and inconclusive results in placebo-controlled studies of menopausal symptoms.
Researchers from Northwestern University, in Chicago, Illinois compared black cohosh and red clover to hormone therapy for their effects on cognition (reasoning). Continue reading Herbals vs hormones to treat cognition in menopause
Biofeedback to improve swallowing after stroke
 The effect of using surface electromyographic feedback to treat dysphagia in stroke patients was studied by researchers at the University of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Continue reading Biofeedback to improve swallowing after stroke
Benefits of acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome
 Acupuncture provides an alternative to corticosteroid treatment, according to this study by researchers at Kuang Tien General Hospital, in Taiwan. Continue reading Benefits of acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome
Another review of acupuncture for fibromyalgia
Researchers from Castile-La Mancha Health Research Foundation, in Toledo, Spain tell us what others have said before. Continue reading Another review of acupuncture for fibromyalgia
Report of a valerian-lorazepam drug interaction
 Here’s a report from Spain of a patient who self-medicated with valerian (Valeriana officinalis L) and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata L) while taking lorazepam (Ativan, a benzodiazepine drug). Continue reading Report of a valerian-lorazepam drug interaction
The aromatherapy primer
Christian Nordqvist has published an introduction to aromatherapy on the Medical News Today website.
Here are the highpoints. Continue reading The aromatherapy primer
Placebo as CAM in mainstream medicine
 Despite what we hear about the importance of evidence-based medicine, about half of the doctors in this survey say they prescribe placebo treatments “on a regular basis.” Continue reading Placebo as CAM in mainstream medicine
Treating endometriosis with Chinese herbal medicine
In China, treating endometriosis with herbal medicines (CHM) is routine.
Cochrane reviewed the evidence, and the outcome is encouraging. Continue reading Treating endometriosis with Chinese herbal medicine
Thinking of taking valerian to help you sleep?
Before you do, consider these quotes. Continue reading Thinking of taking valerian to help you sleep?