Researchers at the Royal Children’s Hospital, in Melbourne, Australia, report the adverse events associated with the use of CAM that came to the attention of Australian pediatricians. Continue reading Safety of CAM in children
Category Archives: THINGS THAT DON’T FIT ABOVE
Treatments for dry mouth
Xerostomia (the feeling of dry mouth) is common especially in older adults. Causes include medications, autoimmune disease (Sjögren’s Syndrome), radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancer, hormone disorders, and infections.
This Cochrane review evaluated the evidence for topical treatments to reduce symptoms. Continue reading Treatments for dry mouth
Absorbability of arsenic and lead in traditional Ayurvedic medicines
Researchers at the Royal Military College of Canada, tested 42 medicines. Continue reading Absorbability of arsenic and lead in traditional Ayurvedic medicines
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
CAM use among people with migraine
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston, Massachusetts, report patterns and reasons for its use.
It’s not what you think. Continue reading CAM use among people with migraine
Potential for berberine to cause drug interactions
Berberine is used to treat gastrointestinal infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Many studies report interactions between berberine-containing products and cytochrome P450, but little is known about whether berberine alters CYP activities in humans.
Researchers at the Xiang Ya School of Medicine, in the People’s Republic of China, studied the effects of berberine on a series of drugs and P450 enzymes after repeated dosing. Continue reading Potential for berberine to cause drug interactions
Lowering dementia risk in selected people
The presence of the APOE epislon4 gene is a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, examined whether physical exercise alters the association between APOE gene and amyloid deposition in normal adults. Continue reading Lowering dementia risk in selected people
Using Twitter to spot cholera: it’s what’s trending now
During infectious disease outbreaks, data collected through health institutions and official reporting structures may not be available for weeks, hindering early epidemiologic assessment.
Researchers in Boston and Quebec studied informal media as an option to provide earlier estimates of epidemic dynamics. Continue reading Using Twitter to spot cholera: it’s what’s trending now
Resveratrol flawed science, and more
The University of Connecticut reports that Dr. Dipak Das falsified the results of some studies of resveratrol.
But the CAM connection goes deeper. Continue reading Resveratrol flawed science, and more
Natural Products Foundation announces the NPF Scholarship Fund.
The NPF Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students committed to a career in the natural products industry.
The winner will demonstrate leadership potential and be enrolled in academic programs to enhance their leadership skills and knowledge of the industry. Continue reading Natural Products Foundation announces the NPF Scholarship Fund.
Sunless tanning products: Beliefs and practice
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta, Georgia, studied the effects of sunless tanning products on tanning behaviors. Continue reading Sunless tanning products: Beliefs and practice
Ethics of alternative vs traditional medicine
Ms. Elaine Hirsh is a reader of this blog and has authored this comment on several issues that should concern people who opt to use CAM options. She is interested in a wide range of topics ranging from education to technology to public policy. She is currently working as a writer for a masters degree website. Continue reading Ethics of alternative vs traditional medicine
Caution when using a neti pot
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is warning residents about the dangers of the improper use of neti pots. Continue reading Caution when using a neti pot
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
Relationship between functional foods and adherence to statins
It’s thought that people using functional foods with approved health claims may be less likely to adhere to prescribed drug therapy.
Researchers in The Netherlands assessed the influence of the use of phytosterol/-stanol-enriched functional foods on adherence to statin (cholesterol-lowering) therapy among patients initiating treatment. Continue reading Relationship between functional foods and adherence to statins
Consumer Alert: FDA takes legal action against ATF Fitness Products Inc.
This is the first time FDA has taken legal action against a dietary supplement manufacturer (ATF Fitness Products) of this size for failure to comply with the dietary supplement current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations. Continue reading Consumer Alert: FDA takes legal action against ATF Fitness Products Inc.
Need to go to the emergency department? Call ahead.
Due to emergency care overcrowding, it’s necessary to provide the best care in a timely manor.
Researchers at Sophia Children’s Hospital, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, attempted to validate a computer-based Netherlands Triage System developed for physical triage at emergency departments and telephone triage at general practitioner cooperatives. Continue reading Need to go to the emergency department? Call ahead.
Telephone-delivered CBT and exercise to treat chronic widespread pain
Researchers at the University of Manchester, in the UK, studied the clinical impact of telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exercise alone vs both for patients with chronic widespread pain. Continue reading Telephone-delivered CBT and exercise to treat chronic widespread pain
Cannabis and the genetic vulnerability for depression
Evidence for the association between cannabis and depression is inconsistent.
Researchers at Radboud University Nijmegen, in The Netherlands, evaluated the potential influence of a person’s genetics on the cannabis/depression risk. Continue reading Cannabis and the genetic vulnerability for depression
No regulatory double standard for natural health products
That’s the editorial position of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Here’s their reasoning. Continue reading No regulatory double standard for natural health products