Treating chronic pain is challenging. Often, the reason for the pain isn’t clear and may require combinations of treatments before finding relief, if then.
Researchers at the Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherches, in Paris, France assessed the usefulness of their music intervention to manage patients with chronic pain. Continue reading Music to manage chronic pain
This has nothing to do with taking a bath.
Researchers at the University of Florida College of Medicine, in Gainesville, tell us, “The abuse of psychoactive “bath salts” (PABS) has become commonplace, and patients with PABS overdoses are presenting to emergency departments with increasing frequency. Continue reading Bath salts becoming illegal
Unlike traditional cosmetic bath salts, which are packaged and sold for adding to bath water for soaking and cleaning, drugs sold as “bath salts” have no legitimate use for bathing and are intended for substance abuse.
It’s used for depression, headache, hypertension, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension, and other stress-related conditions.
Researchers in Germany and Iran conducted the first placebo-controlled study of lavender essential oil to treat migraine headaches. Continue reading Lavender essential oil to treat migraine
Different theories attempt to explain the relaxation response to lavender aromatherapy.
This study suggests there’s another reason. Continue reading The role of expectation on the response to lavender aromatherapy
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna, in Austria, studied the anxiolytic effect of Silexan, an oral lavender oil capsule preparation, compared to placebo. Continue reading Antianxiety effects of silexan, an oral lavender preparation
Researchers in North Carolina and in China reviewed the association between dietary fiber intake and risk of breast cancer. Continue reading Dietary fiber and the risk of breast cancer
Researchers at the University of Helsinki, in Finland, examined whether the total daily dose of zinc might explain part of the variation in the results of previous studies. Continue reading Effect of the dose of zinc lozenges on the common cold
Psychosocial factors are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, but the effects of psychosocial factor treatment on heart disease are uncertain.
Researchers at Uppsala University Hospital, in Sweden, studied the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the recurrence of cardiovascular disease. Continue reading CBT and the risk for heart disease
Researchers in Winnipeg, Manitoba surveyed the prevalence of CAM use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Continue reading CAM use in the Manitoba IBD Cohort Study
Researchers at the Foundation of Public Health, Mutuelle Generale de l’Education Nationale, in Paris, reanalyzed data from the Women’s Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study (WACS), a cohort of women with prevalent vascular disease or 3 cardiovascular risk factors. Continue reading Support for exercise to preserve cognitive function
Man Up Now claims to be “herbal” and “all natural.” Consumers may mistakenly assume the product is harmless and poses no health risk. One consumer below thinks it no big deal.
Consumers who have Man Up Now capsules should stop using them, because the FDA determined it contains sulfoaildenafil, a chemical similar to sildenafil, and the active ingredient in Viagra. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Man Up Now capsules
Fluid accumulation in the legs and its redistribution into the neck appears to play a role in obstructive sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep).
Researchers at Hopitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, in Paris, France, studied the response to wearing compression stockings during the day. Continue reading Using compression stockings to treat sleep apnea
Researchers at the University of Tasmania, in Launceston, evaluated the effects of a Pilates on balance and function in community-dwelling elderly adults. Continue reading Does Pilates improved balance?
Patients with Parkinson’s disease have impaired balance, which affects function and increases the risk of falling. Exercise is routinely encouraged by healthcare providers, but few programs have been proven effective.
Researchers at the Oregon Research Institute, in Eugene, studied whether a tailored tai chi program could improve postural control in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Continue reading Tai chi benefits in Parkinson’s disease
Cannabis is considered a cause of psychotic illness, interacting with genetic and other environmental risk factors.
Researchers at Maastricht University Medical Center, in The Netherlands, investigated whether an urban environment contributes to the effects of adolescent cannabis use on psychosis risk. Continue reading Effect of an urban environment on cannabis psychosis risk
Colon cleansing (aka colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy) works like an enema. The patient lies on a table and up to 60 liters of water (with or without herbs) are pumped through the rectum. Fluids and waste are expelled through a tube. The procedure may be repeated several times.
Researchers at Georgetown University School of Medicine, in Washington, DC, reviewed its use. Continue reading Dangers of colon cleansing
In this Cochrane review, researchers at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, in New South Wales, Australia, evaluated the evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduces morbidity and mortality. Continue reading Omega-3 for cystic fibrosis
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, in Philadelphia, compared the fatty acid profiles of different commercially available US tuna products. Continue reading Does it matter if your tuna is packed in water or oil?
Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in Trondheim, assessed whether exercise during pregnancy might prevent gestational diabetes and improves insulin resistance. Continue reading Exercise during pregnancy