Prof. Ernst and colleagues reviewed the evidence during menopause Continue reading Do herbals and dietary supplements affect cognitive decline?
Managing heat exhaustion
The Mayo Clinic staff has written a review of heat exhaustion.
As we stagger through this summer, here’s what we should know. Continue reading Managing heat exhaustion
Vitamin D and prevention of osteoporotic fractures
Writing for the California Technology Assessment Forum, Dr. Jeffrey Tice at the University of California has reviewed vitamin D and calcium as an option to lower the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Vitamin D and prevention of osteoporotic fractures
Drinking water to enhance weight loss
During the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, researchers from Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, reported that increasing water intake is an effective way to lose weight. Continue reading Drinking water to enhance weight loss
Music therapy for preterm infants and mothers
Researchers at Meir Medical Center, in Kfar Saba, Israel, studied the response to live harp music therapy and kangaroo care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Continue reading Music therapy for preterm infants and mothers
Another review of acupuncture to treat uremic pruritus
Uremic pruritus (itchiness) is a common, bothersome symptom in people with end-stage kidney disease that doesn’t always respond to conventional care.
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, in Daejeon, reviewed the evidence for acupuncture. Continue reading Another review of acupuncture to treat uremic pruritus
Itraconazole vs homeopathy to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis
It’s a common vaginal infection caused by a yeast-like fungus.
Researchers from the Medical University of Vienna, in Austria compared treatment with itraconazole (Sporanox) to classic homeopathy. Continue reading Itraconazole vs homeopathy to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis
Body image and eating behavior disorders among yoga/Pilates students
Researchers at the University of Minnesota looked for an association. Continue reading Body image and eating behavior disorders among yoga/Pilates students
Are you well hydrated?
During this hot summer, how many glasses of water are enough each day? Bastyr University has guidelines to help you recognize your need for hydration.
Here are the highlights. Continue reading Are you well hydrated?
Caffeine and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
One hundred years ago, German physician Alois Alzheimer described “eine eigenartige Erkrankung der Hirnrinde” (a peculiar disease of the cerebral cortex) in Auguste Deter, a 51-year-old woman who had severe memory, language, and behavior problems. His autopsy results revealed a dramatically shrunken brain and unusual abnormalities in and around brain cells (shown here in black).
What’s this got to do with caffeine? Continue reading Caffeine and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Some physical activity is better than none
Researchers in the US reviewed the evidence to tell us how many minutes of exercise per week we should get. Continue reading Some physical activity is better than none
Herbals for weight loss: Counseling by pharmacists and nonpharmacists
Researchers at Midwestern University, in Glendale, Arizona, assessed the extent of appropriate counseling provided by pharmacists and nonpharmacists in retail settings. Continue reading Herbals for weight loss: Counseling by pharmacists and nonpharmacists
Benefits of healthy living and the Mediterranean diet
Researchers at Maastricht University Medical Centre, in the Netherlands, looked for an association with total mortality and premature death. Continue reading Benefits of healthy living and the Mediterranean diet
Combining black cohosh with tamoxifen in breast cancer therapy
Anti-hormonal therapy of breast cancer patients with the anti-estrogen tamoxifen (Nolvadex) often induces or aggravates menopausal complaints.
Researchers at the University Hospital, in Zurich, Switzerland measured the response to black cohosh. Continue reading Combining black cohosh with tamoxifen in breast cancer therapy
Spiritual retreat for depression in patients with heart disease
Researchers in the US compared the effects of a nondenominational spiritual retreat on depression and well-being following acute coronary syndrome — chest pain and other symptoms when the heart doesn’t get enough blood. Continue reading Spiritual retreat for depression in patients with heart disease
Physicians rate acupuncture for pain management
Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, collected information from pain physicians and referral physicians who manage the care of patients in pain. Continue reading Physicians rate acupuncture for pain management
Cranberries vs antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infection
Concern over the risk of resistance to antimicrobial agents has stimulated interest in cranberries to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Researchers in the Netherlands compared trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) (Septra, Bactrim) to cranberry capsules. Continue reading Cranberries vs antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infection
Failure to lower skin cancer risk with vitamin D
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine, in Redwood City, California, evaluated the effects of vitamin D combined with calcium supplementation on melanoma skin cancers. Continue reading Failure to lower skin cancer risk with vitamin D
Lowering hospitalizations for diverticular disease
Diverticular disease occurs when pouches (diverticula) in the intestine become inflamed.
Researchers at University of Oxford, in the UK, examined the associations of a vegetarian diet and fiber intake with the risk of diverticular disease. Continue reading Lowering hospitalizations for diverticular disease
Is yoga safe for people with heart failure?
Apparently so, according to researchers at the University of California, in San Francisco.
And, others agree. Continue reading Is yoga safe for people with heart failure?