 Researchers from Saarland University in Homburg, Germany report it “seems to be effective.” Continue reading Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in kids with cancer
Category Archives: K. SPECIAL GROUPS
Is there a role for probiotics to treat eczema?
This Cochrane review concludes, they’re “not an effective treatment for eczema.” Continue reading Is there a role for probiotics to treat eczema?
Childhood apraxia of speech
 Apraxia is a disorder of the nervous system where there’s an inability to carry out learned purposeful movements such as speech, despite having the desire and physical ability.
Surprisingly, a lack of high quality studies makes it impossible to know which treatments are most effective in children or adolescents, according to this Cochrane review. Continue reading Childhood apraxia of speech
Active music engagement in kids with cancer
 Music therapy can be active or passive. In the active form, the therapist and patient are actively involved in playing music using instruments and voice. Passive music therapy is conducted with the patient at rest.
In this study, active music engagement was designed to counter the stress that confronts children with cancer while in the hospital. Continue reading Active music engagement in kids with cancer
Music to manage anxiety during palliative care
 Researchers from the Calvary Health Care Bethlehem in Melbourne, Australia studied the effectiveness of a single music therapy session in reducing anxiety among terminally ill patients. Continue reading Music to manage anxiety during palliative care
Is it safe? Ginseng during pregnancy and lactation
Panax ginseng should be consumed with caution during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, and during lactation.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Is it safe? Ginseng during pregnancy and lactation
Strong words about the effects of a vegan diet on infants, babies, and toddlers
An op-ed in The New York Times is critical of the effects of veganism (a vegetarian who omits all animal products from the diet) on young ones.
The money quotes? Continue reading Strong words about the effects of a vegan diet on infants, babies, and toddlers
The effects of smoking pot by pregnant mums on their offspring.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania report negative effects on school-age children’s intellectual development. Continue reading The effects of smoking pot by pregnant mums on their offspring.
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?
New recommendations for vitamin D in pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics has doubled the recommended daily vitamin D intake from 200 IU to 400 IU for infants, children, and adolescents. Continue reading New recommendations for vitamin D in pediatrics
Summarizing acupuncture’s effect on pregnancy 2006-2008
 Here’s a summary of reviews and research in this area of practice since the beginning of this blog. Continue reading Summarizing acupuncture’s effect on pregnancy 2006-2008
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
Acupuncture and assisted conception
 This Cochrane review from the University of Southampton in the UK concludes the evidence doesn’t support the practice.
A reader comments and I reply. So, it’s back to the top of the queue.
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
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
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
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
Probiotic studies presented at ACG
 NewsWise reports the results of 3 studies presented during the American College of Gastroenterology’s 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.
Highlights of the reports on probiotics used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) follow. Continue reading Probiotic studies presented at ACG
A guide to eating safe fish
 Should you eat more omega-3-rich fish for a healthier heart, or avoid fish because of contaminants, such as mercury?
Dr. Donald Hensrud, who is chair of Mayo Clinic’s Division of Preventive Medicine has posted his thoughts on MayoClinic.com. And, I found a useful link to safe seafood, state to state. Continue reading A guide to eating safe fish
Status of CAM to treat the frailty syndrome
There’s a need, but no well-documented evidence.
Researchers from the Miami VA Medical Center in Florida have complied a detailed review. Continue reading Status of CAM to treat the frailty syndrome