A recent review concluded that among 42 studies of music therapy around the time of surgery, positive effects on reducing anxiety and pain were reported in about half.
Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Children’s Medical Center at Dallas looked for changes in the amount of inhaled anesthetic needed during surgery in adult patients exposed to music. Continue reading Music therapy doesn’t reduce anesthesia during surgery
Lessons in the Alexander technique from registered teachers have long-term benefits, according to researchers from the UK. Continue reading Alexander technique for low back pain
Researchers from the University of Western Australia in Crawley examined whether vitamins B-12, B-6, and folate might reduce the severity of depressive symptoms and the incidence of clinically significant depression. Continue reading B vitamins fail to prevent depression
The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research have published a tome (517 pages) titled, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective.
The goal is to reduce the global burden of cancer through healthier living.
Best of all, it can be accomplished in just 6 easy steps in addition to not smoking or chewing tobacco. Continue reading 6 easy steps to prevent cancer
About 20 detailed reports of hemorrhage (usually cerebral, ocular, or postsurgical) in patients using Gingko biloba extracts have been published.
This study examined the potential effect of aspirin plus Ginkgo biloba on platelet function — one part of the clotting process. Continue reading Effect of Ginkgo biloba on platetlets and bleeding
Prof. Ernst and colleagues think more rigorous research is warranted. Continue reading Another review of acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis
After 14 weeks of practicing tai chi, older Chinese women showed improved A1c values in this study by researchers at the Beijing Sport University in China.
There were other benefits, but let’s focus on A1c. Continue reading Tai chi improves diabetes control
In January, the FDA recommended that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants and children less than 2 years of age because of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.
But what about using ginseng in children from 3 to 12 years old? Continue reading Safety of American ginseng in children
Yes, there has been considerable progress in understanding the health effects of vitamin D.
Is it time to update the US Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamin D, which were developed in 1997? Continue reading Shortcomings of vitamin D research
A study published in the journal, eCAM, and summarized in an earlier post, reported a remission rate of 65% when Iyengar yoga was used to augment the effects of anti-depressant drugs in 20 adults with unipolar major depression in partial remission.
How do other forms of CAM compare when used to improve a less than complete response to pharmacologic treatment of depression? Continue reading CAM to augment anti-depressant drug effects
The active substance in Polyphenon E Ointment is a green tea extract containing catechin — an antioxidant. A company called MediGene developed this drug to treat various skin tumors.
This study looks at the effect of Polyphenon E on the common sexually transmitted disease caused by Condylomata acuminata — venereal warts. Continue reading Polyphenon E Ointment treats external genital warts
In England, there were more than 31,000 operations to remove a section of the large intestine (colectomy) from 2004 to 2005. These patients average 13 to 26 days in the hospital.
Might chewing gum help? Continue reading Benefit of chewing gum on recovery from colon surgery
Researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University report that the combination is better than either treatment alone. Continue reading TENS plus task-related training in stroke patients
The London Free Press has an interesting article on the history of ginseng cultivation in Ontario, Canada and ongoing collaborative efforts by growers, academia, and industry to quantify and improve its properties. Continue reading Going commercial with Ontario ginseng
Acute otitis media (middle ear infection) is a common childhood infection, leading to doctor visits, antibiotics, and even surgery.
Researchers from the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands studied if pacifier use might increase the risk. Continue reading Pacifiers and the risk of middle ear infections
Among omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are most readily used by the body.
Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston show an association between raising the intake of ALA and lowering heart attacks. Continue reading Protection from heart attack with alpha-linolenic acid
It’s controversial, but Dr. Steriani Elavsky, assistant professor of kinesiology at Penn State University, claims that a walking or yoga program can have a positive effect — including fewer hot flashes — in women in menopause.
Here is an article about the study and here is the abstract.
Continue reading Are walking and yoga beneficial during menopause?
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio report that playing soft music in the cast room decreases anxiety in young children who require placement or removal of a cast on a broken bone. Continue reading Music helps cast broken bones in children
It’s axiomatic that exercise benefits your heart. Unless you have a note from your doctor, there’s no excuse to be inactive.
But what does exercise actually do that’s good for your heart?
Continue reading Why is exercise good for people with heart disease?
Loss of taste (dysgeusia) can decrease the pleasure of eating and lead to a loss of social contact, weight changes, and depression.
In an earlier post, zinc did not prevent dysgeusia in patients with head and neck cancer. Here is a study for the rest of us. These patients had dysgeusia not associated with any underlying disease.