Researchers from New Zealand tell us, “Coenzyme Q10 deficiency might be detrimental to the long-term prognosis of congestive heart failure (CHF).” Continue reading Coenzyme Q predicts survival in heart failure
Effects of hydrotherapy in heart patients
Regular exercise helps protect the heart. Yet, many elderly patients with heart failure find it difficult to exercise on land.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg, in Sweden measured the effects of hydrotherapy (training in warm water) on heart function. Continue reading Effects of hydrotherapy in heart patients
Artichoke leaf extract lowers cholesterol
According to researchers at The University of Reading in the UK, artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) makes a modest contribution. Continue reading Artichoke leaf extract lowers cholesterol
Summarizing the benefits of the Mediterranean diet
 There’s now a consensus on the value of the Mediterranean diet to prevent coronary heart disease and cancer. Continue reading Summarizing the benefits of the Mediterranean diet
Using diet to lower cholesterol
 What follows are recommendations from a meeting of experts in Australia where the evidence for dietary interventions to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol blood levels was reviewed. Continue reading Using diet to lower cholesterol
Garlic and the risk of cardiovascular disease
 Researchers from Hospital Universitario del RÃo Hortega, in Valladolid, Spain sum up the benefits.
Now, the hard work must begin. Continue reading Garlic and the risk of cardiovascular disease
Probiotics to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea?
 Drs. Kennon Miller and Thomas Fraser from the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio tell us, “Overall, the evidence does not support using probiotics to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.”
Here’s why. Continue reading Probiotics to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhea?
Summarizing recent vitamin D research
 New recommendations for daily intake of vitamin D are due to be released in 2010
For now, Dr. Sandra Fryhofer from Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta, Georgia presents an audio review of the status of vitamin D research and expectation. Continue reading Summarizing recent vitamin D research
School-based physical activities and obesity
There’s no effect on body mass index (BMI) or on other anthropometric measures such as weight, height, and waist size.
But that’s only part of the story according to researchers from the BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia who reported their findings during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2008 National Conference and Exhibition. Continue reading School-based physical activities and obesity
Consumer Alert: Hardcore Energize Bullet and New Whey
The US Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to buy or use Hardcore Energize Bullet (photo) or New Whey liquid products due to suspected product tampering.
The products are sold in small test tube-like vials. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Hardcore Energize Bullet and New Whey
Top 10 reasons to ignore BMI
 A Belgian mathematician named Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet (photo) introduced the body mass index (BMI) in the early 19th century. Continue reading Top 10 reasons to ignore BMI
State-of-the-art: Behavioral treatment in ADHD
 Although more costly than drugs, behavioral treatments can improve functioning in many children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Dr. Desiree Murray from Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina compares different evidence-based behavioral treatments. Continue reading State-of-the-art: Behavioral treatment in ADHD
Guidelines for treating tobacco dependence
 Very few healthcare providers know them, according to this survey presented during the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST 2008).
Researcher Dr. Virginia Reichert at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Hospital in Great Neck was “astonished.” Continue reading Guidelines for treating tobacco dependence
Safety of flaxseed oil during pregnancy
 Researchers from the Université de Montréal report, “that the risks of a premature birth quadruple if flaxseed oil is consumed in the last 2 trimesters of pregnancy.”
The results are scheduled for presentation during the annual meeting of The Teratology Society. Continue reading Safety of flaxseed oil during pregnancy
Key points about commonly used herbals
Dr. Darrell Hulisz from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio has written a continuing education article on herbals.
Here are the author’s take-away points, with additional references added. Continue reading Key points about commonly used herbals
Herbals and lead levels in Americans
The relationship between supplements and lead levels in blood has been an ongoing project for researchers in Boston.
In this study, researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center report specific herbal supplements are associated with higher blood lead levels among women. Continue reading Herbals and lead levels in Americans
The state of cannabinoids to treat pain
Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth, UK have reviewed the state of cannabinoid pharmacology with a focus on pain medicine.
Here are the highlights. Continue reading The state of cannabinoids to treat pain
No increased risk of stroke associated chiropractic care
That’s the conclusion from a 9-year study by researchers in Ontario, Canada. Continue reading No increased risk of stroke associated chiropractic care
Selenium, genetics, and aggressive prostate cancer
Genetics appear to influence the risk of aggressive prostate cancer in men taking selenium supplements, according to collaborators at cancer centers across the US. Continue reading Selenium, genetics, and aggressive prostate cancer
Massage + manipulation to treat scleroderma
In scleroderma (aka systemic sclerosis), immune cells create scar tissue in the skin, internal organs, and small blood vessels.
Researchers from the University of Florence, in Italy evaluated the benefits of a rehabilitation program that combined connective tissue massage and Mc Mennell joint manipulation modified for scleroderma patients’ hands. Continue reading Massage + manipulation to treat scleroderma