 “In the general population,” say researchers from the University of Illinois, “attention is reliably enhanced after exposure to certain physical environments, particularly natural environments.”
 Why not try it in kids with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Continue reading Treating ADHD with a walk in the park
 The American College of Sports Medicine has issued its position on the importance of exercise and physical activity in older adults.
Here are the highpoints. Continue reading Benefits of exercise in older adults
Researchers from New Zealand tell us, “Coenzyme Q10 deficiency might be detrimental to the long-term prognosis of congestive heart failure (CHF).” Continue reading Coenzyme Q predicts survival in heart failure
Regular exercise helps protect the heart. Yet, many elderly patients with heart failure find it difficult to exercise on land.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg, in Sweden measured the effects of hydrotherapy (training in warm water) on heart function. Continue reading Effects of hydrotherapy in heart patients
There’s no effect on body mass index (BMI) or on other anthropometric measures such as weight, height, and waist size.
But that’s only part of the story according to researchers from the BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia who reported their findings during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2008 National Conference and Exhibition. Continue reading School-based physical activities and obesity
 Researchers from the Université de Montréal report, “that the risks of a premature birth quadruple if flaxseed oil is consumed in the last 2 trimesters of pregnancy.”
The results are scheduled for presentation during the annual meeting of The Teratology Society. Continue reading Safety of flaxseed oil during pregnancy
The relationship between supplements and lead levels in blood has been an ongoing project for researchers in Boston.
In this study, researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center report specific herbal supplements are associated with higher blood lead levels among women. Continue reading Herbals and lead levels in Americans
In the absence of specific evidence, it’s probably safe to assume that women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures are taking herbal medicines.
That’s my conclusion based on the results of this survey of women in an Irish infertility treatment center by researchers at BC Women’s Hospital, in Vancouver, Canada. Continue reading Use of herbals in women undergoing IVF
Researchers from the Chung Jen College of Nursing, in Taiwan report improved physical fitness of school-age children with asthma. Continue reading Benefits of yoga in asthmatic children
Researchers from the University of Pavia in Italy report the results from a small study. Continue reading Omega-3 supplementation in autistic adults
 Researchers from Ain Shams University, in Cairo, Egypt report it’s safe, well tolerated, and associated with rapid resumption of intestinal motility and shorter hospital stay. Continue reading Chewing gum aids bowel motility after caesarean
 Acupuncture is often used as a treatment for dementia.
Prof. Ernst has reviewed the evidence for acupuncture to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading Acupuncture for Alzheimer’s disease?
 Burger King is promoting 3 new meal combinations as part of its BK Kids Meal options. Continue reading Making “fast food” healthy
Of the many symptoms experienced by those at the end of life, pain is one of the most common, feared, and often undertreated,
Dr. Perry Fine from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City reviews the treatment options, including CAM. Here’s a summary. Continue reading CAM options to treat pain at the end of life
 Since starting this blog in 2006 there have been more than 150 posts about omega-3 fatty acids.
Believe it or not, most pregnant women in Australia still have no clue. Continue reading Ignorance of omega-3 among Australians
 Spending just 30 minutes with the patient improved adherence to asthma treatment and control over the disease, according to researchers at the University of California, San Francisco. Continue reading Benefits of individualized asthma care
 Iodine deficiency in mothers can adversely affect fetuses and breast-fed infants, because it’s essential for normal thyroid function and development of the nervous system.
Yet, products vary greatly in iodine levels, according to researchers from Boston University Medical Center. Continue reading Iodine content of prenatal multivitamins
 Influenza-like illness is similar to the flu, and more severe than cold-like symptoms.
Researchers from Australia report that it’s a challenge, but when parents wear a facemask they have a reduced risk of getting influenza-like symptoms from their children. Continue reading Facemasks reduce the spread of influenza-like illness
Simply “adding 1 or 2 healthy items to a menu is essentially the worst thing you can do,” according to researchers from Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina in a press release.
What are the implications for school food programs? Continue reading The limits of choice in selecting healthy meals
Folate depletion is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
But research from the University of Chile, in Santiago suggests, “A folate fortification program could be associated with an additional risk of colon cancer.” Continue reading Caution on folic acid food fortification