The Amer
can Heart Association (AHA) endorses the Nintendo Wii video gaming system.
So, it’s only fair that researchers at Liverpool John Moores University, in the UK should measure the energy expenditure and physical activity of active video games (exergames). Continue reading Comparing exergames to exercise
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that approximately 38% of adults and 12% of children use some form of CAM.
But this doesn’t include the use of spirituality or religion. Continue reading Spirituality in contemporary culture
A study of more than 5000 African Americans reveals that participants in religious activities are likely to have significantly lower blood pressure than those who do not. This, despite being more likely to be classified as hypertensive, having higher body mass index (BMI), and poor adherence to their medication regimen.
Known as the Jackson Heart Study, the results support the cardiovascular benefits of religion.
Continue reading Effect of religious participation on blood pressure
FDA has received reports of adverse events associated with the use of Fruta Planta, including several cardiac events and one death.
In addition, FDA testing revealed that certain lots of RockHard Weekend and Pandor contain an analogue of sildenafil, an FDA-approved drug used as treatment for male erectile dysfunction. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Rockhard Weekend, Pandora, Fruta Planta
Researchers at KhonKaen University, in KhonKaen, Thailand reviewed the evidence for this Cochrane report on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Continue reading Review: Meditation to treat ADHD
It’s generally assumed that older adults may experience memory loss and other problems in cognition (reasoning) following surgery.
Results from a study at Washington University, in St. Louis, Missouri suggest otherwise. Continue reading Risk of cognitive decline in the elderly following surgery
Researchers at the Academic Medical Center, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands studied symbiotic therapy to prevent asthma-like symptoms in infants with atopic dermatitis–chronic inflammation of the skin. Continue reading Synbiotics and preventing asthma-like symptoms in infants
Researchers at Thames Valley University, in London, studied the blood sugar lowering effect of taking 2 grams of cinnamon daily in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.
A1c is used to monitor the long term control of blood sugar levels. Continue reading Cinnamon 2 grams daily to treat diabetes
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder studied whether religiosity moderated the genetic variance associated with problem alcohol use during adolescence and early adulthood. Continue reading Moderating effect of religiosity on problem alcohol use
Researchers from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and Eastern Center for Complementary Medicine, in California reviewed the literature on pediatric acupuncture research.
You can review the details of their findings here. But more interesting are their insights into the research process and clinical practice. Continue reading Things to contemplate when reviewing acupuncture studies
That’s the conclusion from this study at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, in Ontario. Continue reading Mindfulness, as good as antidepressants for depression
Relapse is common in substance use disorders, even among treated individuals.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin, in Madison reviewed the evidence supporting mindfulness meditation. Continue reading Mindfulness meditation for substance abuse
There’s evidence that about 5% of hypertensive Nigerians use aloe vera to lower blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, California, studied the effects of oral aloe vera on blood pressure measurements. Continue reading Does aloe vera affect blood pressure?
Approximately two-thirds of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) respond well to hypnotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Manchester, in the UK, assessed whether a therapeutic response to hypnosis could be predicted by relating mood to a positive, neutral or negative color. Continue reading Predicting IBS responders to hynotherapy
There’s an increased risk of infection in people with recurrent sinusitis according to researchers at Georgetown University Hospital School of Medicine during the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2009 Meeting. Continue reading Risk of long-term nasal saline irrigation
Radial extracorporeal shockwave treatment was compared to supervised exercises by researchers at Ullevaal University Hospital, in Oslo, Norway. Continue reading Treating rotator cuff pain with exercise
Eating lots of soy might lower breast cancer risk.
Researchers at the National Cancer Center, in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, report the effects of soy on breast cancer risk based on menopausal and hormone receptor status. Continue reading More on soy intake and breast cancer risk
In some cases the risk depends on how much you drink each day.
Researchers in the Netherlands report the risk of morbidity and death from stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD), and for mortality due to any cause. Continue reading Coffee, tea, and cardiovascular risk
Depression commonly follows coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and is associated with poorer outcomes.
Researchers from Pennsylvania and New York report that telephone calls as part of comprehensive care improves patients’ quality of life. Continue reading The value of a phone call after CABG
The AHA logo will soon appear on the Nintendo Wii video gaming system.
“We have to engage consumers and citizens and the public where they are,” says Dr. Clyde Yancy, president of the American Heart Association (AHA). “The burden of heart disease and stroke is too much.”
But will the Wii really make a difference in heart health? Continue reading AHA endorses Nintendo Wii gaming system