Researchers from the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, UK studied people with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and III heart failure.
In other words, their condition ranged from mild symptoms and slight limitation during ordinary activity to marked limitation in activity due to symptoms, even during less-than-ordinary activity. Continue reading The benefits of tai chi on exercise tolerance in people with moderate heart failure
Pain is the most common symptom of rheumatic disease (mostly arthritis) in children. This review on Medscape includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical therapy/exercise as complementary options to other, mostly pharmacological treatments.
Continue reading Treating chronic pain in children with rheumatic disease
Bone-loading exercises help prevent osteoporosis.
But which ones to choose?
Dr. Stephen Wright from Queen?s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland reports beneficial effects of omega-3 fish on the symptoms of SLE [systemic lupus erythematosus]. Continue reading Studying fish oil to treat systemic lupus erythematosus
Aside from the finding (summarized here) that marijuana smoking is not associated with lung cancer, here is a list of its effects on lung function.
Continue reading The effects of smoking marijuana on the lungs
Pelvic floor dyssynergia-type constipation occurs when pelvic muscles contract instead of relaxing when a person strains to defecate. It’s “functional” because the muscles needed to defecate aren’t working properly.
Are you still with me on this?
Continue reading Using biofeedback to treat functional constipation
? The media regularly reminds us of the dangers and difficulties in treating infections caused by microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics.
For example, the Washington Post reports that in 2005, MRSA (methacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections killed nearly 19,000 people in the US, compared to 17,000 HIV/AIDS deaths. Continue reading Exploring the value of antibacterial honey to treat resistant bacterial infections
In their article published in InsideMS, Dr. Allen Bowling and Tom Stewart caution, “It’s not clear if omega-3 fatty acids really improve multiple sclerosis (MS).”
However, there is a scientific rationale for this supplement and some hints of effectiveness.
Continue reading The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reviews omega-3 fatty acids
A clinical study and an FDA report look to more informed dietary decisions as a pathway to better health.
Following total knee replacement, patients must perform exercises several times a day. It’s a painful part of recovery.
Here’s an innovative application of music therapy developed by Dr. Thomas Ryan from Michigan State University to help motivate patients do their exercises.
Continue reading Music-exercise video aids recovery from total knee replacement
People who smoked marijuana in their youth are getting to the age when cancers are seen. Therefore, we’re probably on the verge of seeing many studies on the effects marijuana’s long-term health consequences.
Among more than 2000 people living in Los Angeles County, long-term marijuana users who smoked more than 22,000 joints over a lifetime showed no greater risk than infrequent marijuana users or nonusers.
How could this be?
Continue reading Marijuana use not associated with lung cancer
Since Hippocrates advised “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” we have defined medicines and foods based on what is known about each substance in terms of efficacy, safety and the significance of its perceived contribution to health.
Over time, we redefine these substances as our experience and expectations change.
Continue reading Functional foods, nutraceuticals, and your local food store
The article starts by asserting, “There is increasing clinical acceptance of acupuncture as a treatment of substance-related disorders.” That’s why these researchers compared it to — of all things — “aromatherapy in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.”
But where’s the evidence?
Continue reading Where is the evidence for acupuncture to treat substance abuse?
Alternative & Complementary Therapies has a review of biofeedback by Dr. Sala Horowitz. In it she includes a table that rates the value of biofeedback to treat selected conditions based on the available research.
Continue reading Rating the value of biofeedback to treat diseases
Dr. Susan Levy reviewed charts for 284 patients at the Regional Autism Center, which is associated with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She found that 32% of the children were using CAM.
Here’s why her work is important.
The effect of pregnancy on asthma is unpredictable. In about one-third of women their asthma gets worse, especially during months 6 to 8.
The results of this 8-week study of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in 64 women in Germany might provide a management option.
Continue reading Asthma, pregnancy, and progressive muscle relaxation
The Miami Herald reports that the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a pressure-packed time for kids.
To address this need, companies offering a yoga curriculum and teacher training have cropped up nationwide, according to the article, with some adding academics to the stretches.
Some examples in Florida.
Continue reading School children are learning yoga for stress control
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has published a new Practice Parameter report on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Practice Parameter represents AACAP’s views on evaluating and treating ADHD.
What’s this got to do with CAM?
Continue reading Official thoughts on behavior therapy and ADHD
The report appears on the Mayo Clinic website.
Here are the highlights. Continue reading Massage helps patients recover after heart surgery
Isoflavones are one of the phytoestrogens found mainly in soybeans. Here’s a somewhat technical study from researchers at the Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong where isoflavones had beneficial effects on blood flow in people at risk for cardiovascular complications. Continue reading Probing the value of isoflavones in patients at risk for cardiovascular complications