Dr. Hans Baer from the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia thinks he knows.
It might be a window on what would occur with government funded universal healthcare in the US. Continue reading Why does the Australian government support CAM?
Should we be warned about black cohosh liver toxicity?
Based on this safety review, the US Pharmacopeia may develop monographs about black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa). Continue reading Should we be warned about black cohosh liver toxicity?
Hypnosis in children receiving cancer chemotherapy
 This meta-analysis concludes, “Hypnosis could be a clinically valuable intervention [to reduce] anticipatory and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children with cancer.” Continue reading Hypnosis in children receiving cancer chemotherapy
Cochrane reviews injection therapy for low back pain
The reviewers conclude, “There is insufficient evidence to support the use of injection therapy in subacute and chronic low-back pain.” Continue reading Cochrane reviews injection therapy for low back pain
Effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization
Researchers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London have reviewed the literature. Continue reading Effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization
Massage to prevent postpartum bleeding
This Cochrane review concludes, “Uterine massage after delivery of the placenta is advised to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.” Continue reading Massage to prevent postpartum bleeding
Effect of garlic on blood pressure
Garlic preparations are better than placebo in reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, according to this review by researchers from The University of Adelaide in Australia. Continue reading Effect of garlic on blood pressure
California bans trans fats
It’s the first state to outlaw a vegetable oil. Continue reading California bans trans fats
Negative effect of soy on sperm
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston tell us eating (a lot) more soy food results in lower sperm counts. Continue reading Negative effect of soy on sperm
Gynecomastia associated with excessive use of lavender oil and tea tree oil
The New England Journal of Medicine has published a report of 3 boys aged 4, 7, and 10 who were diagnosed with gynecomastia, which the authors attributed to the use of the oils when it resolved after they stopped using them.
Thanks to a reader who brings us up to date. Continue reading Gynecomastia associated with excessive use of lavender oil and tea tree oil
A Bent view of herbals
Dr. Stephen Bent is Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
Here’s his view. Continue reading A Bent view of herbals
Biofeedback for low back pain
In this study, conventional physiotherapy was compared to physiotherapy with the addition of postural biofeedback. Continue reading Biofeedback for low back pain
Do antioxidants lower the side effects of chemotherapy?
Some studies suggest that cancer patients who take antioxidants are more likely to tolerate more full doses of chemotherapy. Continue reading Do antioxidants lower the side effects of chemotherapy?
Oxygen for migraine and cluster headaches
The supporting evidence is marginal according to this Cochrane Library review. Continue reading Oxygen for migraine and cluster headaches
Benefits of tea drinking in older women
There appear to be beneficial effects on the skeleton. Continue reading Benefits of tea drinking in older women
Fewer infections when older folks take zinc supplements
As we age, zinc deficiency combined with impaired immunity increase our susceptibility to infection.
Now, a study hows that zinc supplementation raises zinc blood levels, and lowers circulating proteins that increase the risk of infection. Most importantly, it also lowered the rate of infection in the elderly.
Continue reading Fewer infections when older folks take zinc supplements
Learning to apply spirituality to end-of-life care
Two white physicians simply sat for a time and respectfully and attentively conversed about end-of-life care with 23 terminally ill Black patients at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta Georgia. Almost every patient willingly brought up spirituality.
In their article based on this experience they conclude that to understand and show respect for patients’ spiritual views in the context of the patient doctor relationship are keys to providing excellent palliative care.
Here are some quotes from their experience.
Continue reading Learning to apply spirituality to end-of-life care
“Hip-Hop” Stroke
Teaching children to recognize stroke. Continue reading “Hip-Hop” Stroke
Vitamin D research for 2008
There’s so much interest in vitamin D it could use its own blog.
Here’s what I found for the first half of 2008. Continue reading Vitamin D research for 2008
Changing role of the Internet among people with chronic diseases and disabilities
In 2000, Dr. Stephen Kaye from the University of California in San Francisco reported on Computer and Internet Use Among People With Disabilities. The survey included about 50,000 people nationwide.
Now, the Pew Internet & American Life Project has released a report titled E-patients with a Disability or Chronic Disease. The results come from 268 surveys of users of the Internet with chronic conditions were compared to 1711 healthy people.
Let’s see how far we’ve come. Continue reading Changing role of the Internet among people with chronic diseases and disabilities