Researchers at East Carolina University, in Greenville, North Carolina, studied the response to hydrotherapy (immersion or bathing) in women in spontaneous labor. Continue reading Hydrotherapy promotes relaxation and less anxiety and pain in labor
Long-term response to soy isoflavones
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, studied the response to soy hypocotyl isoflavone supplementation in healthy menopausal women.
In the plant seed, the hypocotyl connects the embryonic root to the seed leaf. Continue reading Long-term response to soy isoflavones
Benefits of acupuncture for treating lazy eye
Amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” is the loss of 1 eye’s ability to see details. It’s the most common cause of vision problems in children.
Researchers in Hong Kong and New York compared the effectiveness of 2-hour daily patching vs acupuncture in treating anisometropic (unequal refractive power of the eye) amblyopia in children. Continue reading Benefits of acupuncture for treating lazy eye
Review: Supplemental calcium to prevent colorectal cancer
Researchers at the University of Sheffield, in the UK, reviewed the evidence for calcium in reducing the recurrence of adenomas (benign tumors) and the occurrence of colorectal cancer. Continue reading Review: Supplemental calcium to prevent colorectal cancer
Beneficial effects of OJ on blood vessels and blood pressure
Studies show benefits of some polyphenol-rich foods on several markers for cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at Centre Clermont-Ferrand–Theix, in France, studied whether these effects might be related to hesperidin, the major polyphenol of the orange juice. Continue reading Beneficial effects of OJ on blood vessels and blood pressure
Heart rate variability biofeedback as treatment for PTSD
Researchers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, DC, investigated its potential value in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Continue reading Heart rate variability biofeedback as treatment for PTSD
Risk of death and the use of supplements
Researchers at the University of Washington, in Seattle, evaluated whether 13 vitamin and mineral supplements and glucosamine, chondroitin, saw palmetto, Ginkgo biloba, garlic, fish-oil, and fiber supplements were associated with total mortality.
The results with glucosamine and chondroitin are most interesting. Continue reading Risk of death and the use of supplements
End of the food pyramid
In San Diego, CBS 8 reports that the Obama Administration is getting ready to ditch the Food Pyramid, a symbol of healthy eating for the last 2 decades. Continue reading End of the food pyramid
Theater to improve quality of life in Parkinson’s disease
Medical treatments of Parkinson’s disease are intended reduce motor symptoms, but many patients still report a deterioration of their daily lives.
Researchers at IRCCS Neuromed, in Pozzilli, Italy hypothesized that participation in theater might reduce clinical disability and improve quality of life. Continue reading Theater to improve quality of life in Parkinson’s disease
Vitamin A supplements prevent morbidity and mortality in children
Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in low and middle income countries and can lead to many adverse health consequences, including death.
This Cochrane review evaluated the effect of vitamin A supplementation in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Continue reading Vitamin A supplements prevent morbidity and mortality in children
Drinking green tea and the risk of depression
Green tea reportedly has various beneficial effects (eg, anti–stress and anti-inflammatory).
Japanese researchers conducted the first study designed to assess the relationship between green tea and depressive symptoms in a community population. Continue reading Drinking green tea and the risk of depression
Influence of prosody when speaking with persons who have Alzheimer’s
Prosody is the study of rhythm, intonation, stress, and related attributes in speech.
So, does the pitch and loudness of your voice influence your success in communicating with your demented grandmother? Researchers from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver wanted to know. Continue reading Influence of prosody when speaking with persons who have Alzheimer’s
Review: Herbal treatments for prementrual syndrome
Some herb remedies seem useful, according to researchers at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, in Italy. Continue reading Review: Herbal treatments for prementrual syndrome
Reducing the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes
Researchers at the University of Sydney, and Royal North Shore Hospital, in Australia reviewed the possible role of omega-3 fatty acids. Continue reading Reducing the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes
Treating mastitis with probiotics
Mastitis is an infection of breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness of the breast. It’s a common infection during lactation.
Researchers at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, in Spain compared 2 lactobacilli strains isolated from breast milk to antibiotic therapy of lactational mastitis. Continue reading Treating mastitis with probiotics
Group music therapy for agitation in dementia
Researchers at Taipei Medical University, in Taiwan, explored the effectiveness of group music sessions to manage agitation in elderly persons with dementia. Continue reading Group music therapy for agitation in dementia
Omega-3 to treat major depression
This may be the largest study of its kind, according to the authors.
Researchers at the Université de Montréal, in Quebec, studied the short-term effect of omega-3 supplementation in reducing depressive symptoms in patients experiencing a major depressive episode. Continue reading Omega-3 to treat major depression
The value of nutritional supplements in older adults
We commonly take them, but studies show mixed results regarding their health benefits, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center, in Durham, North Carolina. Continue reading The value of nutritional supplements in older adults
Lowering blood pressure with music-guided slow breathing
Bradypnea (slow breathing) was studied by researchers at the University of Florence, in Italy. Continue reading Lowering blood pressure with music-guided slow breathing
Synbiotics and the risk of common winter diseases in kids
Daily supplementation with a synbiotic preparation lowered this risk, according to researchers at Universita di Roma Tor Vergata, in Italy. Continue reading Synbiotics and the risk of common winter diseases in kids