The National Fibromyalgia Association publishes Fibromyalgia AWARE, a magazine targeted to patients with fibromyalgia.
It has been available for free online since the beginning of this year. Continue reading Fibromyalgia AWARE
Category Archives: J. CONDITIONS TO TREAT
Reviewing chiropractic for fibromyalgia
Prof. Ernst reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Reviewing chiropractic for fibromyalgia
Homeopathic treatment of migraine
Researchers at Charite University Medical Center, in Berlin, Germany, studied the effects of individualized homeopathic treatment in patients with migraine being treated with usual care. Continue reading Homeopathic treatment of migraine
Cellular effects of exercise in heart disease
The endothelium is a thin layer of cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels.
Endothelial dysfunction often leads to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions.
Is it possible that exercise might improve the function of the endothelium and benefit patients with heart disease? Continue reading Cellular effects of exercise in heart disease
Review: Cupping for stroke rehabilitation
Prof. Ernst reviewed cupping, an Ancient Chinese practice of placing cups on the skin and applying heat or suction so that skin and superficial muscles are stimulated and drawn into the cup.
Here’s a summary of the first systematic review of this topic. Continue reading Review: Cupping for stroke rehabilitation
Review: Acupuncture for functional recovery after stroke
It’s frequently recommended as a facet of treatment during stroke rehabilitation.
Prof. Ernst reviewed acupuncture in this setting. Continue reading Review: Acupuncture for functional recovery after stroke
The ginseng/warfarin interaction debate
Researchers from Kyung Hee University in Seoul, Republic of Korea studied Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and found no interaction with the blood thinner, warfarin (Coumadin). Continue reading The ginseng/warfarin interaction debate
Benefits of mental singing in Parkinson’s disease
Patients with Parkinson’s disease have gait disturbances that can be improved with the use of appropriate visual and auditory cues.
Researchers from Mie University School of Medicine in Tsu, Japan report their experience using mental singing. Continue reading Benefits of mental singing in Parkinson’s disease
Reviewing the value of acupuncture for obesity
Researchers from Kyung Hee University Medical Center, in Seoul Korea reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Reviewing the value of acupuncture for obesity
Does soy interact with losartan?
Losartan (Cozaar), which is used to treat high blood pressure, is metabolized by liver enzymes CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 to an active metabolite, E-3174, which has greater antihypertensive activity than Losartan itself.
We also know that soy extract activates CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 in the lab. Should we worry about a soy-drug interaction? Continue reading Does soy interact with losartan?
Still useful: Coal tar for treating psoriasis
Applying the prescription drug tazarotene (Tazorac) to chronic plaque psoriasis is more effective than using a placebo. But how does it compare to the age-old remedy, coal tar?
Researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi reported their findings during the International Congress of Dermatology. Continue reading Still useful: Coal tar for treating psoriasis
No effect of pine bark extract on cardiovascular disease risk
Pine bark extract is a dietary antioxidant supplement.
In this study, researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine, in California, attempt to correct past studies that they consider flawed. Continue reading No effect of pine bark extract on cardiovascular disease risk
The professor’s view of CAM and epilepsy
Dr. Steven Schachter (photo) is Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School.
He voices his view and challenges for CAM for the treatment of epilepsy in a recent issue of Current Opinion in Neurology. Continue reading The professor’s view of CAM and epilepsy
September 23rd is Falls Prevention Awareness Day
The American Physical Therapy Association is urging older adults to take a moment to complete a room-by-room checklist to identify and repair possible fall hazards in their homes and begin an exercise plan to reduce chances of falling and risk of injury.
Let’s focus on the risks and consequences of falls among the elderly. Continue reading September 23rd is Falls Prevention Awareness Day
Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation on COPD
It improves quality of life even in patients with less-advanced cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Researchers from Maastricht University Medical Center, in the Netherlands reported their results during the annual meeting of the American Thoracic Society. Continue reading Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation on COPD
Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes
The haptoglobin (Hp) 2-2 gene is dysfunctional in people with diabetes and increases their risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel, tested the antioxidant vitamin E to protect diabetic patients with HP 2-2 from cardiovascular complications. Continue reading Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes
Failure of glucosamine to reduce the use of pain relieving drugs
Researchers at the Universitetet i Oslo, tell us, “Since 2004, glucosamine has been available as a prescription drug [in Norway] for symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
The aim of this study was evaluate the use of glucosamine on the need for analgesic drugs. Continue reading Failure of glucosamine to reduce the use of pain relieving drugs
Consumer Alert: Aromatase inhibitors in dietary supplements
Aromatase inhibitors are a class of drugs used to treat breast cancer and ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women.
Now, the FDA is recalling the following supplements that illegally contain these drugs. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Aromatase inhibitors in dietary supplements
Telephonic diabetes management in elderly Americans
It’s an effective option, according to researchers in the US. Continue reading Telephonic diabetes management in elderly Americans
White rice, brown rice, and the risk of type 2 diabetes
Because of differences in processing and nutrients, brown rice and white rice may have different effects on risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, examined white and brown rice consumption in relation to what is sometimes referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) risk. Continue reading White rice, brown rice, and the risk of type 2 diabetes