Vitamin D plays a role in the immune response to infection.
Researchers in New Zealand studied whether vitamin D deficiency was associated with a lower immune response and worse outcomes in patients admitted to the hospital with community-acquired pneumonia. Continue reading Vitamin D deficiency and the risk of dying from pneumonia
Chronic epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a painful condition with few treatments. It’s caused by overuse of the extensor muscles of the forearm.
Researchers in Germany tested whether leech therapy might provide symptomatic relief. Continue reading Leeches to treat tennis elbow
During the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine reported (abstract 698) the results of the largest study to date of the Arthritis Foundation’s Tai Chi program. Continue reading The Arthritis Foundation’s tai chi program
Yes, aerobic exercise training improves aerobic fitness and reduces dyspnea in asthmatics. However, its effect on psychological distress and symptoms is poorly understood.
Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo, in Brazil, studied the role of aerobic training on quality of life and psychological distress in patients with moderate or severe persistent asthma. Continue reading Benefits of aerobic training on quality of life in asthma patients
Today is Worlds Asthma Day.
So, researchers from the UK and China reviewed the evidence supporting the use of herbs and plant extracts to manage asthma. Continue reading Review of herbals to treat asthma
Today is World Asthma Day.
So, researchers at the Universite de Montreal, in Quebec, surveyed CAM use and factors associated with its use. Continue reading CAM use by children with asthma
Many studies suggest that we may need more vitamin D than presently recommended to prevent chronic disease.
Dr. Christine Gonzalez reviewed the evidence for disease prevention. Let’s focus on what’s known and what requires more evidence. Continue reading Here’s what we know about vitamin D
Prof. Ernst reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Review: Spinal manipulation to treat migraine
A key outcome of early cancer drug studies is the toxicity of a new experimental drug. The use of CAM in patients with advanced cancer might make it difficult to make this determination.
Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, studied the prevalence of CAM use in their patients participating in experimental cancer drug treatment studies. Continue reading CAM use among cancer patients during drug trials
Dr. Gayle Nicholas Scott at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, reviewed the evidence on Medscape . Continue reading Should L-carnitine be taken to treat angina pectoris?
Researchers at the MedStar Research Institute, in Hyattsville, Maryland, reviewed studies of nutrition in women.
Those emphasizing gender differences in nutritional requirements were selected for this review. Continue reading Supplements or food to prevent heart disease in women?
Researchers at Aldermoor Health Centre, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, UK compared homeopathic consultation to homeopathic remedies. Continue reading Why do patients with rheumatoid arthritis respond to homeopathy?
Researchers from the Population Health Research Institute, in Ontario, Canada evaluated the effects of dietary options on the risk of heart disease.
It’s a good article for those of us who like neat lists. Continue reading Dietary choices and the risk of heart disease
High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) is a precursor of invasive prostate cancer (PCa). Some preliminary evidence suggests vitamin E, selenium, and soy protein may prevent progression of HGPIN to PCa.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital, in Toronto, Ontario tested this hypothesis. Continue reading Vitamin E, selenium, + soy to treat prostate cancer?
During the American Heart Association meeting, Dr. Jennifer Strohecker, at the Intermountain Medical Center, in Salt Lake City, Utah, reported that documentation of supplement use in the medical chart is poor. Continue reading Use of herbal supplements by people taking blood thinners
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine examined the relationship and reported a “modest” increase in risk. Continue reading Fructose-rich beverages and the risk of gout
There’s a growing recognition of the importance of physical exercise to reduce pain in knee and hip joints.
Researchers at Universidad de Extremadura, in Spain, compared the effectiveness of exercise programs on pain in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. Continue reading Exercise? Yes, but which one for osteoarthritis?
Dr. Frank Andrasik (photo) at the University of West Florida, in Pensacola has reviewed the evidence for each category of biofeedback.
Here’s what we know about preventive or acute therapy for migraine. Continue reading Review: Biofeedback for headache
Homeopaths claim to have good success in treating atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema).
Researchers from Germany put it to the test. Continue reading Classical homeopathy to treat atopic eczema
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today announced a joint effort to remove products from the market that make unproven claims to treat, cure, and prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Among the products targeted are Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo, C-Cure, and Never An Outbreak. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Fraudulent STD treatments