Using data from a study of pregnant women from an inland area in the US South, researchers at Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina, sought to understand the fish consumption habits and associated mercury levels. Continue reading Demographics and the risk for high mercury levels?
Category Archives: K. SPECIAL GROUPS
Exergaming for older adults
At first, I was skeptical, but research suggests there are benefits.
Researchers at Skidmore College, at Saratoga Springs, New York, studied the effects of stationary cycling virtual reality tours (“cybercycle”) on executive function and clinical status. Continue reading Exergaming for older adults
Does yoga improve fitness in older adults?
Researchers at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, reviewed the evidence to determine whether physical fitness and function benefits are achieved through the practice of yoga. Continue reading Does yoga improve fitness in older adults?
CAM options to treat chronic constipation
Chronic constipation is common among the elderly and women. Doctors prescribe various treatments, and patients often use over-the-counter remedies.
Researchers at Queen’s University, in Kingston, Ontario, reviewed the evidence and provide perspective. Continue reading CAM options to treat chronic constipation
Homeopathy for children with atopic dermatitis
Researchers at the Tuscany Regional Homeopathic Reference Centre, in Italy, studied the long-term outcome of children suffering from atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema) after an about 8 years. Continue reading Homeopathy for children with atopic dermatitis
First study of Yerba Mate for osteoporosis
Drinking Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tea is popular in Argentina and other South American countries.
Researchers at the National University of Cuyo, in Mendoza, Argentina, measured effects of Yerba Mate as part of a program for osteoporosis prevention and treatment in postmenopausal women. Continue reading First study of Yerba Mate for osteoporosis
Use of herbal supplements by pregnant women
Researchers at the University of Oslo, in Norway, studied the use of herbal supplements by pregnant Norwegian women. Continue reading Use of herbal supplements by pregnant women
CAM use among older Americans
In October 2010 the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) conducted a telephone survey. Continue reading CAM use among older Americans
Acupuncture in Ob/Gyn
Acupuncture is often recommended for obstetrical and gynecological (Ob/Gyn) conditions.
Prof. Ernst has reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Acupuncture in Ob/Gyn
Acupuncture for pain relief during labor
Researchers at the University of Oxford, in the UK, assessed the role of acupuncture for epidural pain. Continue reading Acupuncture for pain relief during labor
Safety of vitamin D during pregnancy
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, studied healthy expectant mothers. Continue reading Safety of vitamin D during pregnancy
Is acupuncture safe for children?
Researchers at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Is acupuncture safe for children?
Nonpharmacological strategies for breathlessness
Breathlessness (aka dyspnea) is difficult to manage in palliative care.
Researchers in the UK reviewed and ranked the most effective nonpharmacological strategies. Continue reading Nonpharmacological strategies for breathlessness
Prevalence of supplement and tea use among infants
Researchers in Ohio and Maryland describe the use of dietary botanical supplements and teas among infants. Continue reading Prevalence of supplement and tea use among infants
Review: CAM options to induce labor
Researchers at Monash University, in Victoria, Australia, examined the scientific evidence for the use of CAM to stimulate labor. Continue reading Review: CAM options to induce labor
Vitamin A and the risk of asthma
Animal research suggests that a vitamin A deficiency adversely affects lung development and promotes airway hyper-responsiveness, which may predispose to asthma.
Now, researchers at Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, in Maryland, examined the long-term effects of vitamin A supplementation early in life on asthma risk. Continue reading Vitamin A and the risk of asthma
Reviewing the reviews of tai chi
Prof. Ernst and a colleague critically evaluated the systematic reviews of tai chi for any improvement of medical conditions or clinical symptoms. Continue reading Reviewing the reviews of tai chi
CAM Archive: Singing by people with cystic fibrosis?
They are at risk for respiratory infections due to excessive mucus in their airways. Airway clearance is therefore an important part of cystic fibrosis management.
This Cochrane review analyzed the evidence. Continue reading CAM Archive: Singing by people with cystic fibrosis?
Taking “medical food” during pregnancy
Researchers in the US and Mexico studied the value of taking supplements with a medical food — bars containing L-arginine + antioxidant vitamins — on the risk of pre-eclampsia. Continue reading Taking “medical food” during pregnancy
CAM: It might be “natural,” but is it safe?
Not always, according to this report from the Royal Children’s Hospital, in Melbourne, Australia. Continue reading CAM: It might be “natural,” but is it safe?