Prof. Ernst reviewed all cases in which chiropractic spinal manipulation was followed by death. Continue reading Review: Death after chiropractic
Category Archives: CAM Politics
NHS will not ban homeopathy
Despite ongoing and building criticism by the British Medical Association and others, the NHS (National Health Services) will continue to fund homeopathy in the UK. Continue reading NHS will not ban homeopathy
Evidence-based practice in CAM
In practice, evidence-based medicine means integrating individual expertise with the best available scientific research.
Prof. Ernst thinks evidence-based practice is “essential for any form of health care.” But how many professional CAM societies incorporate it in their codes of ethics? Continue reading Evidence-based practice in CAM
Sad state of CAM education in Wales’ medical schools
Despite recommendations that CAM be offered to medical students in Wales, little is offered.
Here’s what we know.
Continue reading Sad state of CAM education in Wales’ medical schools
Increasing prevalence of side effects with yohimbine
Yohimbine (yo HIM bean) increases the amount of blood flowing into the penis and prevents blood from flowing out, resulting in an erection. It’s sold under many brand names.
Here’s a report on side effect reported to the California Poison Control System. Continue reading Increasing prevalence of side effects with yohimbine
Effects of US healthcare reform on CAM
Jane Hoback, writing in Natural Foods Merchandiser, has listed areas of interest to CAM practitioners. Continue reading Effects of US healthcare reform on CAM
Does soy lower the risk of chronic disease?
Epidemiological studies suggest that soy might be associated with a lower risk of certain chronic diseases. This has lead health regulatory agencies worldwide to approve food-labeling health claim for soy proteins.
Dr. Chao Wu Xiao at the University of Ottawa in Canada finds the data lacking. Continue reading Does soy lower the risk of chronic disease?
Worried about copper in your supplements?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has ruled that within limits, copper oxide can be safely used in food supplements. Continue reading Worried about copper in your supplements?
Food wars: New York City to push for salt restrictions
Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to present a broad new health initiative to encourage food manufacturers and restaurant chains in the US to lower the amount of salt in their products.
According to The New York Times. Continue reading Food wars: New York City to push for salt restrictions
Criticism of the latest Ginkgo study
I recently labeled G. biloba the “biggest loser in 2009” based on the results of The Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study that was published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.”
Now, Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the Austin, Texas-based American Botanical Council, has weighed with his criticism.
Linking vitamin D levels in children to asthma severity
Low maternal vitamin D intake during pregnancy is associated with asthma symptoms in early childhood.
Now, here are the results from the first study of the relationship between vitamin D blood levels in childhood and asthma severity. Continue reading Linking vitamin D levels in children to asthma severity
Will “Big Food” follow “Big Tobacco’s” script?
Drs. Kelly Brownell and Kenneth Warner from Yale and the University of Michigan, respectively, see similarities in the actions of “Big Tobacco” 50 years ago and what “Big Food” is doing today in response to concern that their products cause harm.
The public health issues aren’t identical, but if you’re old enough to remember the tobacco safety debate, the similarities are striking. Continue reading Will “Big Food” follow “Big Tobacco’s” script?
Truth in advertising campaign
The FDA has sent letters to 21 companies of natural products regarding making unsubstantiated treatment claims — including H1N1 cures. Continue reading Truth in advertising campaign
The future of traditional Chinese medicine
Drs. Wei-Feng Li, Jian-Guo Jiang, and Jian Chena from the South China University of Technology in Guangzhou say, “TCM modernization has become necessary and urgent.”
They outline the path to integrate traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into the mainstream. Continue reading The future of traditional Chinese medicine
Opportunities for CAM in healthcare reform
 Dr. Mark Hyman is Editor-in-Chief of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, a professional journal on integrative medicine and alternative medicine.
Here are his recommendations for any healthcare reform proposal being considered by lawmakers in Washington. Continue reading Opportunities for CAM in healthcare reform
Placebo as CAM in mainstream medicine
 Despite what we hear about the importance of evidence-based medicine, about half of the doctors in this survey say they prescribe placebo treatments “on a regular basis.” Continue reading Placebo as CAM in mainstream medicine
Top 10 reasons to ignore BMI
 A Belgian mathematician named Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet (photo) introduced the body mass index (BMI) in the early 19th century. Continue reading Top 10 reasons to ignore BMI
Cannabis to treat H1N1 swine flu symptoms?
 Perhaps you’ve heard that a company called Cannabis Science Inc. has offered Homeland Security Administration (HSA) Secretary Janet Napolitano to produce 1 million doses of its whole-cannabis lozenge, and provide them to HSA for distribution at cost. Continue reading Cannabis to treat H1N1 swine flu symptoms?
Making “fast food” healthy
 Burger King is promoting 3 new meal combinations as part of its BK Kids Meal options. Continue reading Making “fast food” healthy
Time for the soda tax?
 According to the Wall Street Journal, government officials are considering different public-health efforts to help people curb the weight problem. Continue reading Time for the soda tax?