Swedish massage in hospitalized oncology patients enhances their course of treatment, according to researchers at the Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. Continue reading Massage reduces distress in cancer patients
Aloe vera following hemorrhoidectomy
Researchers at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, in Iran studied Aloe vera cream to reduce pain and promote healing. Continue reading Aloe vera following hemorrhoidectomy
Music therapy for children with delayed speech development
Children with delayed speech development are at risk of acquiring other cognitive (reasoning), social-emotional, and school-related problems.
Researchers in Germany studied the effects of music therapy in these children. Continue reading Music therapy for children with delayed speech development
Treating dry eye with acupuncture
Researchers at the EYE and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, in Shanghai, China compared acupuncture to artificial tears. Continue reading Treating dry eye with acupuncture
Acupuncture for treating patients with spinal cord injury
There are about 253,000 people living with spinal cord injury in the United States, with approximately 11,000 new cases each year.
Researchers at Pusan National University, in Yangsan, South Korea, reviewed the evidence for acupuncture to facilitate recovery. Continue reading Acupuncture for treating patients with spinal cord injury
Comparing exergames to exercise
The Amer
can Heart Association (AHA) endorses the Nintendo Wii video gaming system.
So, it’s only fair that researchers at Liverpool John Moores University, in the UK should measure the energy expenditure and physical activity of active video games (exergames). Continue reading Comparing exergames to exercise
No effect of honey on intestinal and hepatic CYP3A
It’s suggested that honey may stimulate the CYP3A enzyme, and this might alter the metabolism of drugs.
Researchers in Germany studied the effect of repeated honey administration on human CYP3A enzyme activity using the benzodiazepine drug midazolam (Versed). Continue reading No effect of honey on intestinal and hepatic CYP3A
Spirituality and religion in healthcare: Finding common ground
Dr. Elaine Yuen is chaplain in the health care professionals program and research assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
In an editorial published in the American Journal of Medical Quality she states, “Spiritual care is integral to the science and art of healing, and therefore a critical component in the quality of care.”
She distinguishes between religion and spirituality, and (refreshingly) finds commonality as well.
Continue reading Spirituality and religion in healthcare: Finding common ground
Spirituality in contemporary culture
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that approximately 38% of adults and 12% of children use some form of CAM.
But this doesn’t include the use of spirituality or religion. Continue reading Spirituality in contemporary culture
Effect of religious participation on blood pressure
A study of more than 5000 African Americans reveals that participants in religious activities are likely to have significantly lower blood pressure than those who do not. This, despite being more likely to be classified as hypertensive, having higher body mass index (BMI), and poor adherence to their medication regimen.
Known as the Jackson Heart Study, the results support the cardiovascular benefits of religion.
Continue reading Effect of religious participation on blood pressure
Consumer Alert: Rockhard Weekend, Pandora, Fruta Planta
FDA has received reports of adverse events associated with the use of Fruta Planta, including several cardiac events and one death.
In addition, FDA testing revealed that certain lots of RockHard Weekend and Pandor contain an analogue of sildenafil, an FDA-approved drug used as treatment for male erectile dysfunction. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Rockhard Weekend, Pandora, Fruta Planta
FDA makes its position clear on dietary supplements
There are “significant public health problems posed by products that are marketed as dietary supplements but that contain the same active ingredients as FDA-approved drugs… that do not qualify as dietary ingredients.” Continue reading FDA makes its position clear on dietary supplements
Driving under the influence of cannabis
Past studies on the impact of driving under the influence of cannabis on traffic safety showed that during the acute period of intoxication, cannabis diminishes driving faculties and raises the risk of collision.
Researchers from University de Montreal, in Quebec studied the association between impulsivity or sensation-seeking and the risk of driving under the influence of cannabis. Continue reading Driving under the influence of cannabis
Review: Meditation to treat ADHD
Researchers at KhonKaen University, in KhonKaen, Thailand reviewed the evidence for this Cochrane report on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Continue reading Review: Meditation to treat ADHD
New recommendations for salt intake for Americans
Here’s the Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. It tells us, “Americans consume excessive amounts of sodium and insufficient amounts of potassium.”
Their latest recommendations follow. Continue reading New recommendations for salt intake for Americans
Risk of cognitive decline in the elderly following surgery
It’s generally assumed that older adults may experience memory loss and other problems in cognition (reasoning) following surgery.
Results from a study at Washington University, in St. Louis, Missouri suggest otherwise. Continue reading Risk of cognitive decline in the elderly following surgery
Synbiotics and preventing asthma-like symptoms in infants
Researchers at the Academic Medical Center, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands studied symbiotic therapy to prevent asthma-like symptoms in infants with atopic dermatitis–chronic inflammation of the skin. Continue reading Synbiotics and preventing asthma-like symptoms in infants
Cinnamon 2 grams daily to treat diabetes
Researchers at Thames Valley University, in London, studied the blood sugar lowering effect of taking 2 grams of cinnamon daily in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.
A1c is used to monitor the long term control of blood sugar levels. Continue reading Cinnamon 2 grams daily to treat diabetes
Moderating effect of religiosity on problem alcohol use
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder studied whether religiosity moderated the genetic variance associated with problem alcohol use during adolescence and early adulthood. Continue reading Moderating effect of religiosity on problem alcohol use
Things to contemplate when reviewing acupuncture studies
Researchers from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and Eastern Center for Complementary Medicine, in California reviewed the literature on pediatric acupuncture research.
You can review the details of their findings here. But more interesting are their insights into the research process and clinical practice. Continue reading Things to contemplate when reviewing acupuncture studies