Statins are prescribed to treat high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Increased fitness is recommended as an essential part of promoting health.
Now, researchers at Georgetown University School of Medicine, in Washington DC, report the combined effects of fitness and statin treatment on mortality.
Continue reading Advantages of adding exercise to statin treatment
Researchers at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, in Chicago evaluated the effectiveness of an inpatient integrative medicine consult service for pain management. Continue reading Results of nonpharmacological approaches to treating pain
Concern arises from the increased use of fructose and high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener.
Researchers in Switzerland and Belgium reviewed the evidence.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Dietary fructose and the risk of metabolic diseases
Diets and dietary supplements are often used by people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
This updated Cochrane review reports on studies of dietary habits as an effective treatment for MS patients. Continue reading Diets for multiple sclerosis
Researchers in France participating in the GuidAge Study Group assessed the long-term use of standardized ginkgo biloba extract in elderly adults with memory complaints. Continue reading Ginkgo biloba fails to prevent Alzheimer’s disease
Only a third of patients with depression respond fully to antidepressant drugs, and little evidence exists regarding the best next-step treatment for patients with resistant symptoms.
Researchers in the CoBalT study (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) at the University of Bristol in England examined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as an adjunct to usual care (including pharmacotherapy) for primary care patients with treatment-resistant depression compared with usual care alone. Continue reading A role for cognitive behavioral therapy in treatment-resistant depression
In 2009, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that more than 13,000 emergency room visits were associated with energy drinks.
Now, The New York Times tells us, FDA reports the caffeine drink, 5-hour Energy, may have been involved in 13 deaths over the past four years.
There’s no absolute proof that these drinks were the sole cause of these events. And the makers of 5-Hour Energy and Monster Energy insist their products are safe and unrelated to the problems reported to the FDA.
Regardless. Continue reading Risks due to energy drinks
Cranberry-containing products are a folk remedy to prevent UTIs.
Researchers in Taipei and Boston evaluated their value and factors influencing their effectiveness. Continue reading Cranberry-containing products to prevent urinary tract infections
As legislators dive headlong into legalization of marijuana, there is growing evidence that they may be harming their most loyal constituents.
Researchers at Temple University Hospital, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, reviewed what has become known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis (severe and excessive vomiting) Syndrome.
As you read this summary it might be useful to consider the value of Pennsylvania detoxification programs.
Continue reading Cyclic nausea and vomiting due to marijuana use
Researchers at Swinburne University, in Melbourne, Australia, reviewed the evidence and compared the responses to modafinil (Provigil).
Reportedly, Panax ginseng and Bacopa monnieri have consistent acute and chronic cognitive effects, respectively. Continue reading Cognitive benefits of ginseng and bacopa
Prior studies suggest that cherry products have urate-lowering effects and anti-inflammatory properties, with the potential to reduce gout pain.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine, in Massachusetts studied the relationship between cherry intake and the risk of recurrent gout attacks among people with gout. Continue reading Eating cherries to lower the risk of gout attacks
Trampoline jumping is a beneficial and constructive physical exercise for children, but it has a significant risk for injuries.
Now, after reviewing the evidence, the American Academy of Pediatrics is discouraging recreational use of trampolines in the home. Continue reading Risk of injury to children who use trampolines
Approximately 30% of people over 65 years of age living in the community fall each year.
This Cochrane review updates what we know. Continue reading Reducing the rate and risk of falling
There’s lots of interest, but nobody ever reviewed the evidence before this.
Researchers at the College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts, accepted the challenge. Continue reading Review of art therapies in dementia care
Testicular cancer has increased steadily, but the cause(s) remains elusive.
Researchers at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, evaluated the relation between testicular cancer and exposure to marijuana and other recreational drugs. Continue reading Marijuana increases the risk of testicular cancer
Although it’s widely used for chronic pain, there’s controversy as to its value.
Now, researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, in New York City, reviewed the evidence in 4 chronic pain conditions. Continue reading Acupuncture: Effective to treat chronic pain
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the overall prevalence of hypertension among US adults between 2003 and 2010 was 30%, or about 67 million people. About 36 million (54%) had uncontrolled hypertension.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, examined the prevalence of CAM use among older adults with and without diagnosed high blood pressure and the degree to which CAM is used specifically for the treatment of high blood pressure. Continue reading CAM use among people with high blood pressure
Low vitamin D levels are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in people with a history of depression.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts, in Amherst, evaluated the impact of daily supplementation with vitamin D combined with elemental calcium on depression. Continue reading Testing the effect of vitamin D treatment on symptoms of depression
They’re used to rinse the nasal passages with a saline (salt-based) solution, and are popular to treat congested sinuses, colds, and allergies, and to moisten nasal passages exposed to dry indoor air.
But, FDA has concerns about the risk of infection when neti pots are used improperly. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Neti Pots
Generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common anxiety condition. Cannabidiol is one major non-psychotomimetic compound of the cannabis sativa plant.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, studied its effects on SAD during a simulation public speaking test. Continue reading Cannabidiol to reduce anxiety of public speaking