It has been observed that low levels of vitamin D and calcium are associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Now, researchers in Boston report an explanation underlying the relationship. Continue reading More research on vitamin D and diabetes
Benefits of yoga in cancer survivors
Researchers at the Cancer Centers of the Carolinas, in Seneca, South Carolina, studied the effects of the Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life.
The results were reported during the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting. Continue reading Benefits of yoga in cancer survivors
Aromatherapy for pain during labor?
Many women want to avoid pharmacological or invasive methods of pain management during labor, and this may contribute towards the popularity of complementary methods of pain management.
In this Cochrane review, researchers at the University of Western Sydney, in Australia, evaluated the evidence supporting the aromatherapy for pain management in labor. Continue reading Aromatherapy for pain during labor?
Lower your risk of falling
A multifactorial fall-risk assessment including a fall history, physical exam, gait and balance evaluation, and environmental assessment is recommended for all older adults who have fallen or have a problem with gait or balance, according to Dr. Sara Bradley, assistant professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City. Continue reading Lower your risk of falling
Melissa to treat agitation in Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers at the University of Manchester, in the UK, compared Melissa officinalis aromatherapy — also referred to as lemon balm — to donepezil (Aricept). Continue reading Melissa to treat agitation in Alzheimer’s disease
The role of soy isoflavones in menopausal health
The beneficial effects of soy protein, soy isoflavones, and their metabolites on women’s health are unclear.
So, the North American Menopause Society convened a seminar of experts in the field. Continue reading The role of soy isoflavones in menopausal health
Effects of resistance training and soy on postmenopausal women
Researchers at Sao Paulo State University, in Brazil, determined the individual and combined effects of resistance training and soy isoflavone on body composition. Continue reading Effects of resistance training and soy on postmenopausal women
Benefits of music therapy during kidney dialysis
Researchers at the Cardinal Tien Hospital, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, explored the use of music during hemodialysis as a complementary therapy to improve overall well-being in elderly patients. Continue reading Benefits of music therapy during kidney dialysis
Music therapy during an acute psychotic episode
It might be useful for some patients, say researchers at the University of Sydney, in Australia.
But which ones? Continue reading Music therapy during an acute psychotic episode
Risk of interactions between supplements and blood thinners
Dr. Jennifer Strohecker at the Intermountain Medical Center, in Salt Lake City, Utah, tells us the safety of warfarin (Coumadin) use can be compromised by many popular herbal and nonherbal supplements.
Here’s what we know from her research. Continue reading Risk of interactions between supplements and blood thinners
Comparing 2 massage techniques to treat chronic back pain
Researchers in the US compared 2 types of massage and usual care. Continue reading Comparing 2 massage techniques to treat chronic back pain
Does reducing salt intake lower blood pressure?
… and does it matter?
This Cochrane review summarizes the evidence for dietary salt reduction. Continue reading Does reducing salt intake lower blood pressure?
Reviewing non-pharmacological options to prevent migraine
At the University of Turin, in Italy, researchers reviewed the evidence.
And contributors to the US Headache Consortium tell us why it’s important. Continue reading Reviewing non-pharmacological options to prevent migraine
Vitamin D levels and adiposity
Researchers at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, investigated the association between vitamin D and BMI (body mass index). Continue reading Vitamin D levels and adiposity
Are psychological treatments effective for fibromyalgia pain?
Some are effective, some are promising, according to researchers from the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill. Continue reading Are psychological treatments effective for fibromyalgia pain?
Does chiropractic improve sports performance?
Dr. Andrew Miners is Assistant Professor at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic Collage, in Toronto.
He reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Does chiropractic improve sports performance?
Options to prevent colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is strongly associated with a Western lifestyle.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, present an overview of the evidence. Continue reading Options to prevent colorectal cancer
Review: Black chokeberry
Products derived from the black chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa, are claimed to be beneficial in disorders or diseases associated with oxidative stress. But these claims are based primarily on laboratory and animal research.
Researchers at Hebrew University, Jerusalem reviewed the evidence in people. Continue reading Review: Black chokeberry
Adding tai chi improves antidepressant drug therapy
During the New Clinical Drug Evaluation Unit Meeting, researchers at David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, reported that adding tai chi to escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex, Seroplex) treatment further reduced the severity of depression. Continue reading Adding tai chi improves antidepressant drug therapy
TENS for patients using ankle-foot orthosis following stroke
Orthosis is a device applied to a human limb in order to control or enhance movement or prevent bone movement or deformity. An example is shown in the photo.
Researchers at Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, in The Netherlands, evaluated whether community-dwelling chronic stroke patients wearing an ankle-foot orthosis would benefit from changing to functional electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve. Continue reading TENS for patients using ankle-foot orthosis following stroke