It’s an important area for CAM research. Last year there were 23 posts on this bog.
Click the “Alzheimer’s disease” link on the right to read more.
1/5/07 11:39 JR
Non-drug options to treat insomnia
Heathereen Cochran, MS, RN, an adult nurse practitioner at Oncology Care Associates in St. Joseph, Michigan, has published an informative review on non-drug treatment options for insomnia.
In light of the recent JAMA publication (discussed here) showing the superiority of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) over Imovane (zopiclone), it’s interesting to review the status of these non-drug treatment options.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Stimulus control therapy
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Paradoxical intention
- Sleep hygiene education
7/7/06 23:26 JR
Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous
? For almost three-quarters of a century Alcoholics Anonymous has dominated the field of alcohol rehabilitation.
However, other options are available.
Sunscreen essentials
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a clearly written website titled “The Sun, UV and You.”. It addresses the risks from overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and how to protect yourself from UV radiation. However, the most useful information is found at the American Cancer Society (ACS) website where you can take a quiz that rates your “Sun-Safety IQ”.
At the risk of giving away the answer to question 4…
Cognitive behavioral therapy vs. Imovane for insomnia
About 5% to 20% of adults suffer from insomnia. Nearly half report at least occasional sleeping problems.
Now, the results of a clinical trial published in The Journal of the American Medical Association suggest that interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are superior to Imovane in short- and long-term management of insomnia in older adults (average age: 61 years).”
Continue reading Cognitive behavioral therapy vs. Imovane for insomnia
TENS to treat pain?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is commonly used to control pain from many causes. TENS is popular because it’s cheap, safe, and can be self-administered. In Canada, the results from one survey of 50 hospitals estimated over 450,000 uses of TENS annually.
How effective is it?
Review: The German Commission E Monographs
Under German drug laws, there is a separate drug registration category for herbal medicines — also known as phytomedicines. In the United States, the very same herbs are regulated as “dietary supplements.”
Therefore, in the absence of regulatory oversight by any U.S. agency (as discussed in a previous post), we turn to Germany for guidance.
Thinking of taking CLA to lose weight?
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is used by bodybuilders and promoted to the public as a weight-loss agent.
Dr. Cydney McQueen from my alma mater, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, has published a very detailed review. If you use CLA or are considering it, read this first.
Continue reading Thinking of taking CLA to lose weight?
ChronicBabe.com: Living well despite chronic disease
After Jenni Prokopy was diagnosed with fibromyagia at 25, she found that online and in-person support groups were more focused on complaining. She was focused on moving ahead. To meet this need, she started the ChronicBabe.com website.
It’s an upbeat (complementary) source of support for women with chronic diseases. Check it out.
7/21/06 14:47 JR
Taking flower power to new heights
I like The Bach Flower Remedies website.
It’s uncomplicated.
Palm oil and LDL cholesterol levels
The Palm Oil Council website states, palm oil is a “good replacement for partially hydrogenated oils for many reasons.”
So, what’s this got to do with Paul Newman?
Herbals I’d like to see more research on in 2007
Milk thistle and butterbur
Here’s why.
Continue reading Herbals I’d like to see more research on in 2007
Complementary and alternative ways to start 2007
The latest edition of Yoga Journal tells us, “The social calendar we tend to keep at this time of year falls out of sync with the earth’s natural cycles. If you find quiet, more modest ways to celebrate, you’ll stay in tune with the season and have more time and energy to connect with close friends and family.”
Here are some options
Continue reading Complementary and alternative ways to start 2007
The winner in CAM for 2006
Winner: If you can stick a pin in it, researchers are eager to study acupuncture.
The biggest loser in CAM for 2006
Loser: Not only doesn’t it work, but governments all over the world are piling on black cohosh.
Continue reading The biggest loser in CAM for 2006
The most disappointing CAM in 2006
Most disappointing: Why does policosanol reliably lower cholesterol in Cuba but nowhere else?
Universal will eliminate trans fats at theme parks
Following the lead of Profiling cancer patients who use CAM
Here is a profile of CAM users among patients with cancer who live in Washington State. The data come from an insurance survey. So, it’s limited to what people submit for reimbursement.
Recommendations for n3 fatty acids for heart health
Many studies show a correlation between n-3 fatty acids (FAs; aka omega-3 fatty acids) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Now, a review of published studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition gets specific.
Continue reading Recommendations for n3 fatty acids for heart health
Using art for health’s sake
When I first graduated from pharmacy school I worked for a short time at Columbus Hospital in Newark, NJ. There was nothing fancy about this hospital except that it had rugs on all the floors and original art hung on the walls. It was unlike anything I had seen in other New Jersey hospitals.
This small private hospital was apparently 30 years ahead of its time.