That’s the conclusion from a Cochrane review. Continue reading We don’t know how to treat childhood apraxia of speech
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
It includes cognitive psychotherapy, sleep hygiene, stimulus control, sleep restriction, paradoxical intention, and relaxation therapy.
Drs. Parul Harsora and Jennifer Kessmann from Dallas, Texas reviewed all of these nonpharmacologic approaches. Let’s focus on patient education. Continue reading Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
A small analgesic effect with acupuncture
That’s the conclusion from reviewers at the Nordic Cochrane Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark.
But a flaw in the review raises doubt about the validity of their findings. Continue reading A small analgesic effect with acupuncture
The physiological response to touch therapy. Does it matter?
The results from this study at the Department of Nursing of the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg suggest, “healing touch treatment is associated with both physiological and psychological relaxation.†Continue reading The physiological response to touch therapy. Does it matter?
Qigong and exercise for neck pain in the elderly
There were “no significant differences for pain, neck pain, disability, and quality of life,” according to researchers at Charité University Medical Center in Berlin, Germany. Continue reading Qigong and exercise for neck pain in the elderly
Vitamins to prevent macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe irreversible vision loss in older Americans.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School in Boston examined the combined effect of folic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) on the risk of AMD. Continue reading Vitamins to prevent macular degeneration
Calcium from diet or supplements: Does it matter?
In postmenopausal women, calcium from dietary sources is associated with more favorable effects in bone health than calcium from supplements. Continue reading Calcium from diet or supplements: Does it matter?
Weight loss maintenance. Does diet composition matter?
Researchers from Australia compared high protein and high carbohydrate diets. Continue reading Weight loss maintenance. Does diet composition matter?
The capacity of music to soothe pain
Researchers from the University of Montreal examined the possibility that a positive emotional valence (pleasant feelings) contributes to music-induced analgesia. Continue reading The capacity of music to soothe pain
Coffee not associated with heart failure
These study results differ from past research, but it’s probably a better study. Continue reading Coffee not associated with heart failure
Thyroid cancer and stealth iodine-containing drugs
A 55-year-old man treated for thyroid cancer was on a low-iodine diet as part of treatment, but his iodine levels of continued to increase.
A patient history published in The New England Journal of Medicine and reported in CBCNews.ca reveals an unexpected source of iodine among the 20 supplements he was taking. Continue reading Thyroid cancer and stealth iodine-containing drugs
Ineffective magnetic bracelets
People tend to buy them when they’re in a lot of pain. Then, when the pain eases over time they attribute the change to the device.
But researchers from the University of York, in the UK report they are “generally ineffective for managing pain, stiffness, and physical function in osteoarthritis.” Continue reading Ineffective magnetic bracelets
Family therapy to treat childhood obesity
Short- and long-term benefits were reported by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, in Pennsylvania. Continue reading Family therapy to treat childhood obesity
Prenatal use of folic acid and child development
The benefits and risks of folic acid fortification of food – once thought to be clear — are being debated again.
In this study from researchers at the University of Iowa, the effects of prenatal use of folic acid (and other dietary supplements) on child development at 3 years of life were evaluated. This summary focuses on the folic acid results. Continue reading Prenatal use of folic acid and child development
Benefits of yoga following hemorrhoidectomy
Here’s a summary of the report from the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons 2008 Annual Scientific Session. Continue reading Benefits of yoga following hemorrhoidectomy
Benefits after 8 weeks of Pilates
Researchers from the University of Miami, in Florida report their experience. Continue reading Benefits after 8 weeks of Pilates
B vitamins fail to reduce heart-health problems
Cochrane has reviewed the literature. Continue reading B vitamins fail to reduce heart-health problems
Massage to treat pruritus in burn patients
Itchiness is a common and distressing problem among patients with burn wounds.
In a recent review, researchers from the UK listed massage as an effective treatment. Continue reading Massage to treat pruritus in burn patients
Using strawberries to lower cholesterol levels
Researchers from Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater studied the effects of a freeze-dried strawberry powder in obese people. Continue reading Using strawberries to lower cholesterol levels
Combined effects of exercise and omega-3 on cholesterol?
Researchers from Texas Woman’s University, in Denton looked for synergism.
Here’s what they found. Continue reading Combined effects of exercise and omega-3 on cholesterol?