Everyone knows, or should know, that exposure to UV radiation — from the sun or artificial sources such as sunlamps in tanning beds — increases the risk of developing skin cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Here are other risks to consider. Continue reading Risky business: Tanning salons
Researchers at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, in Tehran, Iran, evaluated valerian — an herb with sedative effects and antispasmodic effects on smooth muscles — on the severity of dysmenorrhea. Continue reading Valerian for dysmenorrhea
Here’s a look at the use of dietary supplements by physicians in 3 specialties in the US: cardiology, dermatology, and orthopedics. Continue reading Use of dietary supplements by medical specialists
Zinc supplementation is a potential option to prevent acute lower respiratory infection, especially in developing countries.
Researchers at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in Baltimore, Maryland make sense of the discrepant research findings. Continue reading Review: Zinc to prevent respiratory tract infections
Did you know, “Treatment of chronic constipation remains challenging, with 50% of patients dissatisfied with current therapy?”
Researchers at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, in Iowa City, compared the effects of dried plums (prunes) and psyllium in patients with chronic constipation. Continue reading Prunes vs psyllium for constipation
Red yeast rice is an alternative therapy to treat high cholesterol levels. It contains monacolins that may inhibit HMG-CoA reductase — the enzyme inhibited by statins.
Researchers at Chestnut Hill Hospital, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, report marked variability of monacolin and citrinin content in 12 readily available red yeast rice products. Continue reading Marked variability in red yeast rice products
The Financial Times reports, “A new hybrid variety richer in chemicals linked to a reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular problems goes on sale on Tuesday” in the UK.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Hybrid broccoli
There’s no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic staff, but here are their dietary recommendations. Continue reading Lower your risk for prostate cancer
Researchers at San Marcos University, in Lima, Peru, conducted a meta-analysis of their effect on the severity of hot flushes in postmenopausal women. Continue reading Soy vs hormone therapy to treat hot flushes
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has improved significantly with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, in Philadelphia, examined the effects of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as a way to augment the response to SRIs. Continue reading Cognitive behavior therapy to treat OCD
Researchers at Umea University, in Sweden, report on the experiences of people with chronic pain after Feldenkrais group intervention. Continue reading Feldenkrais as group treatment for chronic pain
Researchers at The Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio, determined the effect of smoking in noncardiac surgical patients. Continue reading Another reason to stop smoking
Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in Baltimore, Maryland, looked for any change in air quality and symptoms in children with asthma. Continue reading Air cleaners and air quality for children with asthma
Researchers at Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York, tested the hypothesis that the mechanism responsible for reduced intake was not the dietary composition of the meal replacement, but the controlled portion sized meals. Continue reading Portion size is the answer for losing weight
It’s probably one of the most popular uses of CAM.
Researchers in Australia reviewed the evidence. Continue reading CAM for insomnia?
Acupuncture is commonly used for pain control, but there are doubts about its effectiveness and safety.
Prof. Ernst and colleagues are critical of acupuncture as a treatment of pain. Here, they summarize reports of serious adverse effects published since 2000. Continue reading Punching holes in the claims for acupuncture
Cancer-related considerations didn’t figure prominently in the new Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamin D established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).
Here’s what we know, according to the IOM. Continue reading Is there a role for vitamin D in cancer prevention?
Exposure to methylmercury from eating fish is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers in the US looked for a relationship between mercury exposure and coronary heart disease, stroke, or total cardiovascular disease. Continue reading Mercury exposure and the risk of cardiovascular disease
Researchers at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, in New York City, reviewed the evidence for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to treat major depressive episodes. Continue reading Reviewing the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on depression
Researchers in Rhode Island studied the value of motivational interviewing + mindfulness meditation. Continue reading Reducing marijuana use among young women