 How much weight loss can obese people expect using various treatment options? Continue reading Comparing weight loss options
Category Archives: J. CONDITIONS TO TREAT
Take B vitamins to reduce homocysteine in dementia?
Does it matter?
Prior studies in patients with Alzheimer’s disease were too small and too short in duration to assess their effect on cognitive (reasoning) decline, according to researchers in the Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study. Continue reading Take B vitamins to reduce homocysteine in dementia?
No support for chastetree during pregnancy and lactation
Chastetree (Vitex agnus castus) is a deciduous shrub used to treat a variety of gynecologic conditions, including menstrual irregularities.
Researchers from the University of Toronto and McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada reviewed the evidence as it pertains to its use by pregnant women. Continue reading No support for chastetree during pregnancy and lactation
Importance of rest in your exercise routine
 This study compared the effect of rest intervals on isokinetic knee exercise in physically active younger and older women.
Isokinetic exercises use an apparatus that provides “variable resistance” (photo). Regardless of the effort exerted, movement occurs at a constant speed. This technique is used to improve muscular strength and endurance, especially after injury. Continue reading Importance of rest in your exercise routine
Is TENS better than placebo for chronic low back pain?
 Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used for more than 3 decades to improve the drug treatment of pain.
Reviewers from the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada evaluated the evidence in treating low back pain for a Cochrane report. Continue reading Is TENS better than placebo for chronic low back pain?
Christopher Columbus and the CAM connection
The connection, of course, is bromelain, which comes from pineapples. Continue reading Christopher Columbus and the CAM connection
Lack of support for acupuncture in epilepsy
 That’s the conclusion by reviewers from the University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital in China in this Cochrane review. Continue reading Lack of support for acupuncture in epilepsy
Acupuncture in children
 Here’s a summary of a thorough review of this special area of CAM care. Continue reading Acupuncture in children
Review of occupational therapy following stroke
Occupational therapists have for many years been identified as key contributors to the rehabilitation of people with stroke.
Dr. Peter Langhorne and an international group of coworkers reviewed the Cochrane database and concluded, “occupational therapy should be available to everyone who has had a stroke.” Continue reading Review of occupational therapy following stroke
The value of PEP in obstructive lung disease
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) sometimes claim to experience immediate subjective benefit when they purse their lips while exhaling. It’s called pursed lips breathing and results in a positive expiratory pressure (PEP).
Are they wasting their breath? Continue reading The value of PEP in obstructive lung disease
Calcium, vitamin D, and physical activity in the elderly
 The Women’s Health Initiative reported reduced bone loss with treatment.
But do healthier bones mean older women will become more active? Continue reading Calcium, vitamin D, and physical activity in the elderly
WITHDRAWN: Aromatherapy and massage for cancer.
 Cochrane doesn’t explain why this review, which was prepared by researchers at the Marie Curie Palliative Care Research and Development Unit in London, was published and then withdrawn.
But just labeling it peaks my interest. Continue reading WITHDRAWN: Aromatherapy and massage for cancer.
Procaine fails to improve dementia
 More than 100 million people in over 70 countries use procaine preparations.
This Cochrane review tells us if it’s worth the effort. Continue reading Procaine fails to improve dementia
Cochrane reviews St. John’s wort
 St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used to treat depression.
Is it more effective than placebo? Is it as effective as standard antidepressants?
How might wine protect from heart disease?
It might be wine’s ability to raise omega-3 fatty acids, according to researchers at Université Joseph Fourier de Grenoble, France. Continue reading How might wine protect from heart disease?
Honey to treat wounds
 In some cases, it might speed healing, according to this review from The Cochrane Library. Continue reading Honey to treat wounds
Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder
Sarah Pullman writes about her experience with The LiteBook Elite. She suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and had success with the older model.
I thought it might be useful to read her anecdotal experience in light (Oops! Couldn’t help myself) of what we know from the literature. Also, Shoi, who has the credentials, comments on the post.
Continue reading Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder
Using probiotics to prevent eczema
Taking the right probiotic early in life seem to reduce the risk of eczema. Continue reading Using probiotics to prevent eczema
Probiotics to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea
 Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) occurs in about 25% of patients receiving antibiotics, placing them at increased risk for infection and death.
Probiotics given during antibiotic therapy lower this risk. Continue reading Probiotics to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Soy isoflavones to manage postmenopausal osteoporosis
 Researchers from Michigan and Turkey have compiled a comprehensive review of the topic.
Let’s focus on what soy isoflavones are, their value in preventing fractures, and safety. Continue reading Soy isoflavones to manage postmenopausal osteoporosis