MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'complementary'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:58:07 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107522&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fconsumer-reports-promotes-alternative-medicine-with-questionable-research%2F2011.08.07 Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve intermittently read Consumer Reports, relying on it for guidance in all manner of purchase decisions. CR has been known for rigorous testing of all manner of consumer products and the rating of various services, arriving at its rankings through a systematic testing method that, while not necessarily bulletproof, has been far more organized and consistent than most other ranking systems. True, I haven’t always agreed with CR’s rankings of products and services about which I know a lot, but at the very least CR has often made me think about how much of my assessments are based on objective measures and how much on subjective measures. Until now. I just saw something yesterday on the CR website that has made me wonder just how scientific CR’s testing ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107522 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:00:43 +0100 5107522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028487&cid=t_248640_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F12%2Fcolorblind-really%2F From Sister Blog, Law and Mind (by HLS student, Rachel Funk): Aunt Vivian: Gee, when Janice described him she didn’t mention that he was…tall. Not that I have a problem with people who are…tall. Uncle Lester: My cousin used to date a girl who was…tall. Uncle Phil: Heck, the boy go to a predominantly…tall school. Will: Now, am I alone on this or didn’t y’all notice he was white? ~ Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Episode #2.6, Guess Who’s Coming to Marry) In a short article in the February/March 2009 issue of Scientific American Mind, Siri Carpenter discusses two studies done by psychologists at Tufts and Harvard indicating that people who avoid mentioning race may actually appear more prejudiced. In the experiment, one white participant was paired up... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028487 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:42:25 +0100 5028487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968489&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffda-approved-drugs-are-not-always-effective-the-benefits-of-alternative-medicine%2F2011.06.25 On Saturday, while thousands of Boston Bruins fans gathered at Government Center to celebrate the team’s recent Stanley Cup victory, a hundred or so true die-hards met a few blocks away at a Massachusetts General Hospital conference to talk about complementary and alternative medicine for psychiatric disorders. While I hated to miss the Bruins parade, I’m glad I attended the MGH conference. I’ve always been a bit of a skeptic about so-called natural therapies for one simple reason: they don’t have to go through the same rigorous testing in clinical trials that medications do. At the same time, I realize that FDA-approved drugs don’t work for everyone. One in three adults with major depression, for example, can’t completely improve their mood and other symptoms even after trying... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968489 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 21:00:31 +0100 4968489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911525&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2011%2F06%2Flow-t-a-myth.html ScienceDaily - A decline in testosterone levels as men grow older is likely the result -- not the cause -- of deteriorating general health, say Australian scientists, whose new study finds that age, in itself, has no effect on testosterone level in healthy older men. The results were presented June 6 at The Endocrine Society's 93rd Annual Meeting in Boston. Some researchers believe that an age-related testosterone deficiency contributes to the deteriorating health of older men and causes nonspecific symptoms, such as tiredness and loss of libido”. Handelsman and his team, however, found that serum (blood) testosterone levels did not decline with increasing age in older men who reported being in excellent health with no symptoms to complain of. Comment: This is unlikely to affect the ... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911525 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:28:50 +0100 4911525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911528&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2011%2F06%2Flaw-on-end-of-life-care-rankles-doctors.html Jane e. Brody-NYT-6-8-2011. Doctors object to laws telling them how to practice medicine, as does New York State’s new Palliative Care Information Act. Vehemently opposed by the Medical Society of the State of New York, the law passed last summer by a two-thirds majority of the Legislature and took effect in February. The legislation was written in collaboration with Compassion and Choices of New York, an organization that advocates for informed choices and greater physical and emotional comfort at the end of life. Comment: Laws on applied practice of medicine are inappropriate, but expect more of the same in states like NY & California which are becoming public health police states. Nannyism is rampant. While the concept of laudable is should be part of the standards of practice... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911528 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:22:34 +0100 4911528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768017&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2011%2F04%2Fstrengthening-the-regulation-of-herbal-medicines-in-europe.html To protect consumers, the European Parliament and Council adopted the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive, 2004/24/EC on March 31, 2004. The Directive requires all herbal medicinal products to meet standards of quality, safety, and efficacy before they can be registered and marketed in the European Union (EU).  Comment: It is high time for the U.S. to follow Europe’s lead with all the scams foisted on us by ‘herbal’ and complementary medical advocates. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768017 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:47:15 +0100 4768017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4714743&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcomplementary-and-alternative-medicine-can-be-a-regressive-force-against-true-science%2F2011.04.14 Science is a philosophy, a technology, and an institution. It is a human endeavor- our collective attempt to understand the world around us,  not something that exists solely in the abstract. All of these aspects of science have been progressing over the past decades and centuries, as we refine our concepts of what science is and how it works, as we develop better techniques, and organize and police scientific activities more effectively. The practice of science is not relentlessly progressive, however, and there are many regressive forces causing pockets of backsliding, and even aggressive campaigns against scientific progress. So-called complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is one such regressive force. It seeks to undermine the concepts, execution, and institutions of medical sc... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4714743 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:00:08 +0100 4714743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684324&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdont-believe-the-hype-acupuncture-and-alternative-medicine-is-not-so-popular%2F2011.04.05 Everybody’s Doing It One argument that often comes up when skeptics and proponents of so-called complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) debate is the question of the popularity of various CAM practices. Advocates of CAM often claim these practices are widely used and growing rapidly in popularity. Obviously, CAM proponents have an interest in characterizing their practices as widely accepted and utilized. Even though the popularity of an idea is not a reliable indication of whether or not it is true, most people are inclined to accept that if a lot of people believe in something there must be at least some truth to it. The evidence against this idea is overwhelming, but it is a deeply intuitive, intransigent notion that can only rarely be dislodged. It might therefore be useful to g... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684324 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:00:21 +0100 4684324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642907&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fsmall-changes-two-steps-forward.html It's high time I reported in on my plan to make small and lasting health-related changes in my life this year. It turns out that a small change every week is too much to expect, so I'm going to stop numbering them that way. It makes me feel like less of a slacker.First change: Weigh in and record my weight every Monday. My scale is broken and I have yet to have it fixed or replaced.Second change: Do strength training exercises developed for cancer survivors. Work up to about thirty minutes, three times a week.I've done these exactly six times in the six weeks since I last updated. It's too easy to talk myself out of doing the exercises. On run days, I tell myself that I'm too tired or don't have time and on non-run days I either don't think about it or don't want to do the exercises i... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642907 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:13:00 +0100 4642907 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361252&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fdo-you-live-in-ottawa-have-you-been.html Do you live in Ottawa? Have you been treated for cancer or are you in treatment now? Can you get to Old Ottawa South on Wednesdays at noon? Maureen Fallis, Director of Surround Circle Yoga, Certified yogaTHRIVE© Teacher has put together what promises to be a great program. I'm excited and planning on participating. Care to join me?YOGA THRIVEA course specifically designed for people who have an experience with cancer.“Peace, ease, strength and a renewed sense of being human – this was my experience. It must have been the power of yoga at work!” S.B.yogaThrive© is a therapeutic yoga program that will help improve body mechanics, breathing, ease, flexibility and strength. This 8-week program is designed to work at a physical level providing for immense shifts physically, mentally, em... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361252 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:55:00 +0100 4361252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318498&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Facupuncture-anyone.html Last night I went to a support group meeting where there was a presenter on acupuncture. I have never been a fan of acupuncture. Its not that I doubt its efficacy. Its just the needles. I can't look at needles while being inserted or while they are in someone's skin. (They turn my stomach.) I hate it during flu season where they always show people on TV getting shots. I have to close my eyes. I am a wimp. That's it. But at last night's meeting I learned a lot about acupuncture and spent time looking at the walls while people had needles in them. I found that my health insurance will cover it. The acupuncture practice is conveniently located. Perhaps it might help my tennis elbow, and possibly my back pain and some other issues. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years so it defin... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318498 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:31:00 +0100 4318498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294632&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fvaginal-steam-baths-a-medical-opinion%2F2010.12.27 A spa in California is offering vaginal steam baths, in which spa-goers squat or sit on open stools over a tub of hot steam, as a cure-all for menstrual, digestion, and mood disorders: The V-Steam: Inspired by an ancient ritual practiced for many years in Korea. The steam from the herbal tea rises and absorbs into your skin & orifice. This steaming treatment stimulates the production of hormones to maintain uterine health, aids regular menstrual cycles, helps correct digestive disorders while soothing the nervous system. The natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties are said to help maintain internal health as well as keeping your skin looking young. (30 min: $50. Series of 6: $180.) It’s a douche, folks. A $50 douche made with mugwort and 13 other herbs and having a fancy Korea... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294632 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 18:00:53 +0100 4294632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285202&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fchinese-bloodletting-forbidden-in-california%2F2010.12.23 In November 2010, the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) finally decided to act responsibly and forbid the prevalent practice of Chinese bloodletting by licensed acupuncturists. The practice became a concern for the DCA when allegations of unsanitary bloodletting at a California (CA) acupuncture school surfaced. The incident allegedly occurred during a “doctoral” course for licensed practitioners. The instructor was reportedly demonstrating advanced needling and bloodletting techniques. During the process, he took an arrow-like lancing instrument that is called a “three-edged needle” (三棱针), sharpened it with sandpaper, cleaned it with alcohol, and then asked a student-volunteer to roll a towel around his neck. The instructor then cleaned the student’s temporal ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285202 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:00:17 +0100 4285202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245305&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Facupuncture-via-skymall%2F2010.12.09 The worst part of flying is the takeoff and landing. Not that I am nervous about those parts of the trip, it is that I am all electronic. Once I have to turn off my electronic devices, all I am left with is my own thoughts or what is in the seat pocket in front of me. Since there is nothing to be gained from quiet introspection, I am stuck with either the in-flight magazine or SkyMall. I usually choose the latter. SkyMall, for those of you who do not fly, is a collection of catalogs bound in one volume. I have occasionally purchased products found in SkyMall and thumb through it with mild interest. This time one product caught my eye, the Aculife home acupuncture/acupressure device. I had never noticed the “health”-related products in SkyMall before, usually looking for electro... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245305 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:28 +0100 4245305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4186984&cid=t_248640_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fcomplementary-and-alternative-medicine-for-ms%2F I have seen it somewhere that about 50 percent of people living with multiple sclerosis use disease modifying drugs (DMD) to combat their MS. The National MS society, however, estimates that 75 percent of us use what are deemed “complementary and alternative medicine” to cope with both our MS and its symptoms. The range of treatments/therapies/interventions which fall under the complementary and alternative medicine header are vast. From alteration in diet to removal of mercury amalgam fillings, people with MS are open to trying quite the array of possible solutions to the problems thrown at us by MS. Thomas Jefferson’s old quote always comes to mind. MS complementary and alternative medicine is something to go ahead and try if “it neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg”. When... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4186984 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 23:06:12 +0100 4186984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179322&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhomeopathy-fibromyalgia-a-woo-magnet%2F2010.11.18 Over the weekend, my wife and I happened to be in the pharmacy section of our local Target store. We happened to be looking for one of our favorite cold remedies, because both of us have been suffering from rather annoying colds, which have plagued both of us for the last week or two. As we perused the Cold and Flu section of the pharmacy, we were struck at how much shelf space was taken up by Airborne (which was “invented by a schoolteacher.“) Nearly three years ago Airborne had to settle a case brought against it alleging false advertising to the tune of $23 million. Despite that, Airborne is still being sold, and there are even a whole bunch of knock-off products copying it. Then, as we continued to look for our favored cold remedy, we noted that, sitting right next to the extensive... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179322 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:00:11 +0100 4179322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4155234&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fimmunizations-nccam-fails-to-provide-responsible-information%2F2010.11.11 If you go to the website of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), you’ll find that one of its self-identified roles is to “provide information about CAM.” NCCAM Director Josephine Briggs is proud to assert that the website fulfills this expectation. As many readers will recall, three of your bloggers visited the NCCAM last April, after having received an invitation from Dr. Briggs. We differed from her in our opinion of the website: One of our suggestions was that the NCCAM could do a better job providing American citizens with useful and accurate information about “CAM.” We cited, among several examples, the website offering little response to the dangerous problem of widespread misinformation about childhood immunizations. As Dr. Novella subseq... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4155234 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:00:51 +0100 4155234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139236&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhigh-cholesterol-and-red-yeast-rice-supplements%2F2010.11.05 People are always on the search for “natural” ways to stay healthy and reduce cholesterol. Chinese red yeast rice supplements have been touted as a natural, safer way to lower cholesterol compared to statin medications. The yeast that grows on a particular type of rice contains a family of substances called monocolins, which lower cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver in the same manner as prescription statin drugs. Some studies have shown as much as a 15 percent drop in cholesterol. All of this sounds good until you dig a little deeper. Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that different brands of red yeast rice supplements have dramatic variation in le... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139236 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0100 4139236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077246&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdo-you-have-low-t%2F2010.10.17 If you google “low testosterone” you’ll see lots of ads for testosterone replacement. Some are from pharmaceutical companies that sell testosterone, others from obvious snake-oil salesmen. Both types of ads list vague sets of symptoms, encourage you to believe that they are pathologic, and want to sell you something to make you better. For example, the pharmaceutical company Solvay gives you a handy guide for speaking to your doctor, and a quiz to see if you have “low T.” The quiz asks some questions that may be useful, but also asks very general questions about your sense of well being. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Science-Based Medicine* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077246 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 21:00:01 +0100 4077246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074068&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Funscientific-medicine-what%25e2%2580%2599s-the-harm%2F2010.10.14 Any promoter of science-based medicine often faces the question: “What’s the harm?” What is the harm if people try treatment modalities that are not based upon good science, that are anecdotal, or provide only a placebo benefit? There are generally two premises to this question. The first is that most “alternative” placebo interventions are directly harmless. The second is that direct harm is the only type worth considering. Both of these premises are wrong. The pages of Science Based Medicine (SBM) are filled with accounts of direct harm from unscientific treatments: Argyria from colloidal silver, death from chelation therapy, infection or other complications from acupuncture, burns from ear candleing, stroke from chiropractic neck manipulation — the list goes on. ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074068 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:00:50 +0100 4074068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065552&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fdo-you-live-in-ottawa-have-you-been.html Do you live in Ottawa? Have you been treated for cancer or are you in treatment now? Can you get to Old Ottawa South on Wednesdays at noon? Maureen Fallis, Director of Surround Circle Yoga, Certified yogaTHRIVE© Teacher has put together what promises to be a great program. I'm excited and planning on participating. Care to join me?YOGA THRIVEA course specifically designed for people who have an experience with cancer. “Peace, ease, strength and a renewed sense of being human – this was my experience. It must have been the power of yoga at work!” S.B. yogaThrive© is a therapeutic yoga program that will help improve body mechanics, breathing, ease, flexibility and strength. This 8-week program is designed to work at a physical level providing for immense shifts physically, mentally, ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065552 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:23:00 +0100 4065552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040565&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-the-mayo-clinic-book-of-home-remedies%2F2010.10.07 I write a lot of critical articles. It’s nice to be able to write a positive one for a change. I received a prepublication proof of The Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies: What to Do for the Most Common Health Problems. It is due to be released on October 26 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com. Since “quackademic” medicine is infiltrating our best institutions and organizations, I wasn’t sure I could trust even the prestigious Mayo Clinic. I was expecting some questionable recommendations for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments, but I found nothing in the book that I could seriously object to. It is organized alphabetically, starting with acne and airplane ear and progressing through bedbugs, boils and bronchitis, dandruff, depression and diabetes to warts, w... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040565 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:00:43 +0100 4040565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885344&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-selectiveness-of-science-denialism%2F2010.08.19 Statement #1: The holocaust never happened. Hitler loved Jews and respected Jewish culture. The photographic evidence of the camps, including the bodies and atrocities, were all fakes designed by the State of Israel to generate international sympathy. Statement #2: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an effective treatment for numerous medical conditions. Acupuncture has been around for centuries and is widely practiced in China and elsewhere. Science has proven its efficacy in controlled experiments. With any luck, that first statement should generate dozens of hits from watchdog groups berating me for spreading the vile lie of Holocaust denial. The second statement, or words perilously close to that effect, has appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine, a previously-prestigious ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885344 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:00:13 +0100 3885344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872552&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatients-are-avoiding-healthcare-because-of-costs%2F2010.08.16 One in five Americans didn’t seek medical care for a recent illness or injury, often because of the cost, according to a survey of adults polled by a healthcare consulting firm, and the number of people who saw a doctor fell as well. Four out of 10 adults said the cost was the main reason not to seek care, a trend that be driven by unemployment and health insurance costs, said a survey by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. They surveyed more than 4,000 adults. Also, 79 percent of respondents sought medical attention from a doctor or other health care professional in 2010, down from 85 percent in 2009. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at ACP Internist* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872552 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3872552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858166&cid=t_248640_90_f&fid=36413&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcscience.net%2F%3Fp%3D3311 Yesterday I was fired from the Conduct and Competence Committee of the CNHC. That is the organisation that was very quickly dubbed Ofquack in the blogosphere.  So now I am free to write what I like about about it. It has now become clear that voluntary self-regulation can not work. Recent events at the CNHC show how it has become a victim of its own rules [skip the background]. Background | Complaints | Why CNHC won’t work | Background The CNHC was the product of the late unlamented Prince of Wales’ Foundation for Integrated Health. The Prince’s Foundation was paid a large amount of taxpayers’ money, £900,000, by the Department of Health to come up with a scheme for voluntary self-regulation of various sorts of alternative medicine. There i... DC's goodscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858166 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:03:34 +0100 3858166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780358&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-case-of-the-winkler-county-whistleblowing-nurses%2F2010.07.22 I can’t speak for anyone else who blogs here at Science-Based Medicine, but there’s one thing I like to emphasize to people who complain that we exist only to “bash ‘alternative’ medicine.” We don’t. We exist to champion medicine based on science against all manner of dubious practices. Part of that mandate involves understanding and accepting that science-based medicine (SBM) is not perfect. It is not some sort of panacea. Rather, it has many shortcomings and all too often does not live up to its promise. Our argument is merely that, similar to Winston Churchill’s invocation of the famous saying that “democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried,” science-based medicine is the worst form of medicine except for all the others tha... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780358 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:00:59 +0100 3780358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625499&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpain-relief-study-has-potential-with-a-spin%2F2010.06.03 The development of drugs and other treatments for specific symptoms or conditions relies heavily on either serendipity (the chance finding of a beneficial effect) or on an understanding of underlying mechanisms. In pain, for example, there are limited ways in which we can block pain signals –- such as activating opiate receptors, or inhibiting prostaglandins. There are only so many ways in which you can interact with these systems. The discovery of a novel mechanism of modulating pain is therefore most welcome, and has the potential of leading to entirely new treatments that may have a better side effect profile than existing treatments and also have an additive clinical effect. A recent study by Nana Goldman et. al., published in Nature Neuroscience, adds to our understanding of pain re... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625499 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:00:53 +0100 3625499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3617836&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffor-cancer-survivors-yoga-may-ease-sleeplessness-and-fatigue%2F2010.06.01 People who’ve been diagnosed cancer can be heartened by the results of a study that will be presented June 5 at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. The researchers found that the practice of yoga helped cancer survivors improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue. The lead researcher, Dr. Karen Mustian, professor of Radiation Oncology and Community and Preventive Medicine at the University of Rochester in New York,  followed 410 patients who had already completed treatment for cancer but who experienced sleep disturbance that required medication. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at EverythingHealth* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3617836 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3617836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573894&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-resource-to-help-understand-health-care-reform%2F With the final outcome of health-care reform being signed into law by President Obama a few months ago, many believe the deed is done. But many others, like me, think the journey for more accessible health care for Americans has just begun. Either way, most of us are still trying to understand just what has been gained through reform that did make it into law. As breast cancer patients and survivors, we especially know how important it is to understand our health care and what is available to us and our families. I have been perusing several resources to clarify the changes to health care and the benefits to the American people. The ones that have helped me the most are the April 5, 2010 issue of Time, the May 2010 issue of Money, and a new book written by the staff of the Washington Post:... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573894 Mon, 17 May 2010 16:39:38 +0100 3573894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538086&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FvNov0jTyzfM%2F Yin versus Yang. East versus West. Technology versus theology. Two Fox topics I covered within a single week were at seemingly opposite ends of the healthcare spectrum. Both were moving. Both made a meaningful difference in peoples lives. Which was better? I was confused…until I started writing the last paragraph of this blog. Bill Carlson is a 60 year old man that I met online about a year ago during the weekly Fox chat with viewers. “Shellback,” his screen name, signed in every few weeks with progress updates on his recovery from a heart transplant…and then always commented on the wonderful care he received at the University of Minnesota. Since April is National Donate Life Month, I invited him to be a guest on Tuesday, April 20. His story was a medical miracle. Bill’s congesti... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538086 Thu, 06 May 2010 10:00:17 +0100 3538086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463619&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2010%2F04%2Ffda-issues-warning-letters-for-drugs-promoted-in-fat-elimination.html Agency says false or misleading statements made in touting of ‘lipodissolve’ products.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued warning letters to six U.S. based medical spas and a company in Brazil for making false or misleading statements on their Web sites about drugs they claim will eliminate fat in a procedure called “lipodissolve,” or for otherwise misbranding lipodissolve products. The U.S. companies involved have made claims that the drugs they use for their lipodissolve procedures are safe and effective; however, these products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for this use.  The U.S. companies involved have made claims that the drugs they use for their lipodissolve procedures are safe and effective; however, these products... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463619 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:18:40 +0100 3463619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429403&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2F0-2-9-14.html Yesterday was a chemo day, so I don't have much in the way of original thought to offer up to you.It was more stressful and a longer day than most but made infinitely easier by the presence of my friend T. We had lots to talk about and she ably distracted me when I felt the stress levels rising (the guy beside me was, for much of the time, having a shouted conversation with the man across the "pod."). She even tucked me in very sweetly as I settled in for my post Demerol nap.Between bloodwork and chemo, T. and I went out to lunch at The Green Door. Over our veggies, we got to talking about food. I've been seeing a nutritionist, who has made some initial adjustments to my diet (minimal sugar, no dairy, more raw food, a high quality protein with every meal or snack). Since I told the nutrion... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429403 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:54:00 +0100 3429403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350239&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fquacktitioner-royals-quack.html Dr Michael Dixon OBE is a GP in Devon, a devotee of homeopathy, and medical director of the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health. He has just launched a vicious attack on the much respected Professor Edzard Ernst. Ernst is the Professor of Complementary Medicine at the Peninsula Medical School. The champagne corks were popping in quackland when it was announced that a chair in complementary medicine had been funded. The celebration soon stopped when, rather then setting up a shop to flog patent medicines,  Ernst began to use rigorous scientific techniques to analyse numerous alternative "therapies". Much of this was described in the book Ernst co-authored with Simon Singh, "Trick or Treatment - Alternative Medicine on Trial". They looked at homeopathy, acupuncture and many other ... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350239 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:45:00 +0100 3350239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201713&cid=t_248640_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fdr-toni-brayer-criticizes-dr-mehmet-oz-downward-spiral%2F Dr. Toni Brayer has penned an unflattering opinion piece for GetBetterHealth.com on the the new media career being fashioned by renowned academic cardiothoracic surgeon and complementary medicine physican Dr. Mehmet Oz. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201713 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:51:26 +0100 3201713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096810&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fcracking-down-on-quackery%2F Professor David Colquhoun from University College London in the United Kingdom wrote an editorial that is sure to ruffle some feathers in many healthcare circles. The editoral, which appeared in this week’s Christmas issue of BMJ.com, said that the medical establishment’s acceptance of holistic approaches to medicine was embarrassing. In the early 1900s, doctors tried to eliminate snake oil and secret remedies from being sold as cure-alls to unsuspecting consumers. While they may have eliminated some of it, not long after, in the 1970s or so, alternative and complementary medicines gained popularity, although many in the so-called mainstream medicine considered them to be snake oil as well. And, not only were homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, reflexology and many  other tr... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096810 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:36:45 +0100 3096810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934918&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fblog-post.html Yesterday morning, I got a call from Oresta. She told me that she had read my article in the Centretown Buzz and wanted to reach out to me.Even though I love her store and spa (I asked for gift certificates for Christmas last year), I was not on her mailing list and had not received the letter that I posted above.It's hard to read, so here is the text, in full:OCTOBER is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTHPinkwasher: (pink’-wah-sher) noun. A company that pur-ports to care about breast cancer by promoting a pinkribboned product, but manufactures products that arelinked to the disease.Dear clients,ORESTA organic skin care confectionery is committed to providing organic spatreatments and to supporting companies that manufacture truly pure and organicproducts. We believe in beauty without compromi... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934918 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100 2934918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923224&cid=t_248640_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F24%2Frecent-statutory-instruments-related-to-health%2F SI 2009 No. 2738. Health Care And Associated Professions. Chiropractors. The General Chiropractic Council (Constitution of the Statutory Committees) (Amendment) Rules Order of Council 2009 SI 2009 No. 2623 (W.215) NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE, WALES. The Wales Centre for Health (Transfer of Functions, Property, Rights and Liabilities and Abolition) (Wales) Order 2009 SI 2009 No. 2617 (W.213). NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE, WALES. The National Health Service (Transfer of Residual Estate) (Wales) Order 2009 Posted in Legislation, Statutory Instruments Tagged: Chiropractic, Complementary Therapies, Legislation, NHS Estates, Professional Discipline, Registration, Statutory Instruments, Wales (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923224 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:03:09 +0100 2923224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2875959&cid=t_248640_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F09%2Fdownload-manual-for-cancer-services-2008-complementary-therapy%2F Title: Manual for Cancer Services 2008: Complementary Therapy Skinny: Final version of the complementary measures for inclusion in the Manual for Cancer Services. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 19p Published: 09/10/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, NHS Tagged: Cancer, Complementary Therapies, Grey Literature (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2875959 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:22:01 +0100 2875959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709095&cid=t_248640_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F17%2Fassessing-complementary-practice-building-consensus-on-appropriate-research-methods-report-of-an-independent-advisory-group%2F This report aims to establish a consensus on the ways in which research might be conducted that both the conventional and complementary health care communities can support. Publisher: King’s Fund Size of Publication: 32p Published: 10/08/2009 Posted in Clinical Governance, Complementary Medicine, Grey Literature, Health Economics, Quality Tagged: Complimentary Therapies, Cost Effectiveness, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Research (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709095 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:59:37 +0100 2709095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2685169&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7645 Quoting this report from Bernama Avoiding masturbation and homosexual activities are among preventive measures one could take against Influenza A (H1N1), according to an eminent practitioner of complimentary therapy. I think if you are going solo, you are even less at risk, since you aren’t going to have anyone sneezing or coughing in your face. As for activities with the same or opposite sex, I fail to see any increased risk of H1N1 if your partner doesn’t have H1N1. If you are really paranoid though I guess you could put on a full body condom. As for the “hyperacidised” state all these activities are supposed to generate, I am speechless. Seriously, I am surprised (well, perhaps not really) at this bull-crap report in Bernama. Don’t they have better things ... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2685169 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2685169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657723&cid=t_248640_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FNwUIs3qXV4o%2F Let’s play Jeopardy! Answer: 33.9 billion on CAM. {cue the Jeopardy! music} Question: How much did Americans spend on complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) in 12 months? On top of the trillions of dollars (with a “tr”) spent annually on health care in the United States, Americans are spending almost 34 billion - with a “b” - on alternative treatments. According to the NIH/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, about 38% of Americans use some sort of CAM to either stay healthy or help manage or treat illness or symptoms of illness. CAM covers a wide variety of practices, too numerous to mention. But the most commonly known are: acupuncture chiropractics homeopathy supplements The Center broke down the costs even further: $22 bill... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657723 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:16:53 +0100 2657723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523033&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F06%2Fintranasal-zinc-product-linked.html The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today advised consumers to stop using three products marketed over-the-counter as cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of sense of smell (anosmia). Anosmia may be long-lasting or permanent. The products are: --Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel --Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs --Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product) The FDA has received more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell associated with the use of these three Zicam products. In these reports, many people who experienced a loss of smell said the condition occurred with the first dose; others reported a loss of the sense of smell after multiple uses of the products. "Loss of sense of smell is a serious risk for people who use these products for relief f... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523033 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:49:09 +0100 2523033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523034&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F06%2Fscientists-say-probiotic-label.html The Chicago Tribune (6/18) reports, "Probiotics...have broken out of the dairy case and are colonizing other areas of the supermarket" because they are "thought to aid digestion and support the immune system." But as more manufacturers fortify their foodstuffs, experts are beginning to "caution that the word 'probiotic' is widely misused by the industry and misunderstood by consumers." Currently, "there is no standard definition of probiotics, according to the" FDA. "But scientists generally say the term refers to foods, beverages, or supplements containing live microorganisms that studies show promote health when people take enough of them. Without studies, products shouldn't be called probiotic." Comment: one more piece of false advertising, usually from Dannon for their Yogurt, who are... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523034 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:48:11 +0100 2523034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2448070&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fi-have-excuses-no-dog-didnt-eat-my-blog.html I'm back.I didn't intend to keep Will and Billy and the boys at the top of the page for so long. I keep meaning to post but I never seem to get around to it. I wanted to assure those who have expressed concern that all is well.It's time to re-commit to regular updates and to begin, please let me explain my absence:The last round of chemo was kind of hard. I'm not sure if I was hit with an additional bug but I experienced some really gruesome side effects (I'll let you use your imagination), especially last Friday, when I should have started to feel better.The truth is, that I am taking longer to recover every round, these days. My oncologist has suggested that I skip a treatment this summer. I plan on taking July off so I can go to BlogHer (Did I mention that I got in? I was so disappointe... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2448070 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:01:00 +0100 2448070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442202&cid=t_248640_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fchronic-pain-and-integrative-medicine%2F Early on, many of us who have been struck with life-altering disease learned the frustration of not finding answers. We went to trusted family doctors. We saw and were seen by specialists. As we all found out, you almost have to diagnose yourself in order to know what kind of doctor to see. It was the same for me. All that joint pain, a rapid heart beat and irritable bowel syndrome all arrived along with sun intolerance. It was all a bit overwhelming and I couldn’t find all the answers I sought. I was fortunate enough to wind up with a doctor in Beverly Hills , three hours from my home, who was a world renowned specialist in rheumatology. He was from England and took a wider view than many of our American doctors who are educated in this country. He always helped me, even if he could... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442202 Thu, 21 May 2009 22:12:18 +0100 2442202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415713&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F16%2Fginger-quells-cancer-patients-chemotherapy-related-nausea%2F “People with cancer can reduce post-chemotherapy nausea by 40 percent by using ginger supplements, along with standard anti-vomiting drugs, before undergoing treatment, according to scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center. …” People with cancer can reduce post-chemotherapy nausea by 40 percent by using ginger supplements, along with standard anti-vomiting drugs, before undergoing treatment, according [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415713 Sat, 16 May 2009 23:21:44 +0100 2415713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2368317&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fmichigans-medical-marijuana-law-goes-into-effect%2F Michigan voters legalized medical marijuana last year. Rules for the program went into effect Saturday. In Los Angeles the law remains an obstacle but a federal judge is unhappy with the law. In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is opposed but three Democratic candidates for district attorney have declared in favor of legalization for [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2368317 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:19:23 +0100 2368317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349570&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fkurt_donsbach_aarrested%2F Kurt Donsbach, 73, who markets supplements, was arrested April 8 during his internet radio show “Let’s Talk Health” on a warrant charging him with 11 felonies including treating patients without a license, misbranding drugs for unlawful sale, grand theft, unlawfully dispensing drugs as a cure for cancer and falsely representing a cure for cancer. [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349570 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:30:10 +0100 2349570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349574&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2F951%2F Dendreon’s prostate cancer vaccine significantly prolonged the overall survival among 500 men with advanced, metastic  prostate cancer  compared to a placebo, the company said Tuesday. Results were “robust” and “unambiguous,” a spokesman said during today’s (Tues April 14) company broadcast conference call with biotech investment analysts. “The successful outcome from the Phase 3 IMPACT study provides validation [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349574 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:15:45 +0100 2349574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349575&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Ffree-yoga-classes-for-cancer-survivors%2F Received from Halle Tecco, founder of YOGA BEAR, a non profit offering free yoga classes for cancer survivors: Hello, my name is Halle and I’m the Executive Director of Yoga Bear, a non-profit that provides free yoga to cancer survivors across the US, through 125 partner yoga studios.  Most of our participants are female, and we’re trying to get more [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349575 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:01:17 +0100 2349575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2302555&cid=t_248640_165_f&fid=36770&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetaot.com%2Fblog%2Fyoga-and-stroke-0 Hello, As a Masters of Occupational Therapy student, I am undertaking a project exploring benefits and application of Yoga for post stroke clients. There is lot of research supporting the benefits of applying Yoga for various disabilities but there seems to be lack of literature on how to adapt Yoga for post stroke clients. I wish to evoke a discussion on how yoga is being adapted and applied with stroke clients and with what therapeutic gains. I invite your participation in the discussion about Yoga and stroke at my blogsite, http://strokeofyoga.blogspot.com/. What is likely to emerge out of this is a real-time, practice-based information on the topic. So, please come and share your experiences, ideas, and suggestions about the topic and join in an open & healthy discussion with othe... meta-ot blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2302555 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:59:57 +0100 2302555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2285190&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F03%2Ffda_uncovers_additional_tainte.html FDA alerts consumers to the finding of new undeclared drug ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expanding, for the second time, its nationwide alert to consumers about tainted weight loss products containing undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients. The products listed in this announcement, some of which are marketed as dietary supplements, are promoted and sold on various Web sites and in some retail stores and beauty salons. Some of the products claim to be "natural" or to contain only "herbal" ingredients, but actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the products' labels or in promotional advertisements. These products have not been approved by the FDA, are illegal, and include the following undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients. Commen... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2285190 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:05:33 +0100 2285190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2201194&cid=t_248640_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fanother-look-at-ldn-for-ms%2F This week I’ve been mining the latest issue of “Momentum” for blog topics.  One which was particularly timely, as some of you have been asking for it of late, is low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as therapy for multiple sclerosis. We’ve had some conversations about LDN in the past and with some recently completed and published small studies on the topic, I thought it high time to stir that conversation once again. Many of us want to know more about LDN for our multiple sclerosis as it is both cheap (about $1.00 per day!) and oral (no needles!).  Many in that same group are skeptical of the anecdotal information we’ve been able to find on such a therapy. Naltreoxone was developed (and only FDA approved) for the treatment of certain opiate and alcohol addictions. Give... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2201194 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:03:30 +0100 2201194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2177305&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2009%2F02%2Fmultivitamins_do_not_cut_women.html Another in the series of “How often do we need to repeat the message to make a point. Multivitamins do not have any impact on postmenopausal women's risk of dying, getting cancer or cardiovascular disease, said the most extensive study to date on the subject, released Monday. The research examined 161,808 women, age 50 to 79, who took part in clinical trials on hormone therapy, dietary modification and vitamin D supplements, as well as 93,676 women who were part of an observational study."Analyses revealed no significant associations between multivitamin use and the likelihood of developing cancer or cardiovascular disease, or of dying," said the findings, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine [Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(3):294-304.] The fad for complementary medicines and effort... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2177305 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:58:43 +0100 2177305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2160469&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Ftaking-care-of-my-body-in-2009-part-2.html This year I promised myself to "treat my body as well as I have been treating my mind."That's my ultimate goal but I am trying to be S.M.A.R.T. about it (setting small goals along the way that are specific, measurable, attainable and realistic and timely).In January I set out to:1-Walk VIGOROUSLY for an average of one hour, five times per week (300 minutes a week).I did pretty well at this. I fell about 90 minutes short of my goal for the month but given the truly lousy weather we had last month, I am still giving myself a pat on the back.It certainly felt good to pick up the pace again. I hadn't really noticed how my walks had turned into strolls (and a lot of time standing around in the dog park). When I had to stop running (just after the Run for the Cure in October) because of tendonit... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2160469 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:30:00 +0100 2160469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2121583&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fmonitoring-quacks.html I was penning a few word about the plausible but ridiculous:Complementary and Natural Health Care CouncilThe CNHC has been developed with the help of complementary healthcare practitioners and with support from the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health. The Department of Health has consistently supported the CNHC throughout its start-up period and is committed to establishing the CNHC as the national voluntary regulator in the complementary healthcare fieldCNHCThe Quacktitioner Royal himself is a supporter. Probably not much more to be said. Will Patrick Holford be involved as well? We wait with bated breath. The CNHC says that the first "profession" (sic - and you will be) they will be taking on board is the nutritionists.I am grateful to a reader for saving me some time by pointing o... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2121583 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:17:00 +0100 2121583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2073949&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fprofessor-and-anti-aging-tonic.html Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported on another variation on the theme of medical school faculty members with ties to industry:A prominent anti-aging researcher quit the scientific advisory board of a dietary-supplement maker after spending six months helping to promote a syrup that hints at extending life.Since August, David Sinclair, a professor at Harvard Medical School, lent his support to a Shaklee Corp. drink called the Vivix Cellular Anti-Aging Tonic, touted as 'the world's best anti-aging supplement.'Following questions by The Wall Street Journal about his seeming endorsement of the product, Dr. Sinclair resigned from the board last week and now says his name has been misused in connection with Vivix, which contains the antioxidant resveratrol. Shaklee, based in Pleasanton, ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2073949 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:18:00 +0100 2073949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2052882&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.med.umich.edu%2Fmusictherapy.mp3 Music “has Charms to sooth a savage Breast,” wrote playwright William Congreve, “To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.” But can it soothe those mired in the grief, confusion and pain of cancer diagnosis and treatment? Music therapist Megan Gunnell at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center thinks so. She uses music to help heal cancer patients’ spirits as well as their bodies. UM Music therapist Megan Gunnell You can listen to one of her music therapy sessions. You’ll need QuickTime music player . If you don’t already have it installed on your computer, you can download it for Windows or Mac in a free version from Apple. As an example of the importance music can have in a cancer’s patient’s life, University of Michigan Can... psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2052882 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:36:32 +0100 2052882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2032797&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2008%2F12%2Fchildren_use_alternatives_to_t.html According to a report titled, Complementary and Alternative Medicine use United States, 2007, issued by the NIH. The researchers found that use of yoga, 'probiotics,' fish oil, and other 'complementary and alternative' therapies held steady among adults since the last national survey five years earlier, and that such treatments have become part of healthcare for many youngsters. Critics warned that "some studies have found some dietary supplements might increase that risk of some serious health problems, including cancer." Comment: Why are the health professionals so bad at explaining which preventive services work that so many members of the public seek out scams, often dangerous ones, for themselves and their children. The Magic Medicine Peddlers still run their carnival shows, but on TV... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2032797 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:19:52 +0100 2032797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2004820&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2008%2F12%2Facupuncture_just_as_effective.html ScienceDaily (Dec. 1, 2008) — Acupuncture works - but it works equally well with or without needle penetration. This conclusion can be drawn from a treatment study involving cancer patients suffering from nausea during radiotherapy. The acupuncture study of 215 patients who were undergoing radiation treatment in the abdomen or pelvic region chose by lot one of these two acupuncture types. 109 received traditional acupuncture, with needles penetrating the skin in particular points. According to ancient Chinese tradition, the needle is twisted until a certain 'needle sensation' arises. The other 106 patients received a simulated acupuncture instead, with a telescopic, blunt placebo needle that merely touches the skin. The effects therefore seem not be due to the traditional acupuncture met... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2004820 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:39:24 +0100 2004820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2005696&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fgonzalez-trial-for-pancreatic-cancer.html The regimen advocated by Nicholas Gonzalez is a variation of a “detoxification” treatment for cancer that has been around, in one form or another, for more than 50 years ("Gerson Therapy” is another example). Here is the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) description:Patients receive pancreatic enzymes orally every 4 hours and at meals daily on days 1-16, followed by 5 days of rest. Patients receive magnesium citrate and Papaya Plus with the pancreatic enzymes. Additionally, patients receive nutritional supplementation with vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and animal glandular products 4 times per day on days 1-16, followed by 5 days of rest. Courses repeat every 21 days until death despite relapse. Patients consume a moderate vegetarian metabolizer diet during the course of ther... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2005696 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:00:00 +0100 2005696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1920897&cid=t_248640_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F31%2Fgeneral-chiropractic-council-constitution-order-2008-consultation-report-october-2008%2F General Chiropractic Coucil (Constitution) Order 2008 consultation report (Impact Assessment) summarises response to the public consultation on the draft General Chiropractic Council (Constitution) Order 2008. Posted in Clinical Governance, Complementary Medicine, Grey Literature, Quality, Standards   Tagged: Chiropractic, Complementary Medicine, Grey Literature, Legislation, Regulations    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1920897 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:29:14 +0100 1920897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1901416&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fanother-misuse-of-ebm.html We agree with Roy Poses' comment on the recent JAMA article about EBM, particularly regarding some of its unfortunate "misuses." In the article that stands as the defining credo of Health Care Renewal, Roy wrote:Most physicians believe that medicine should be based on science. Evidence based medicine, (EBM) ‘‘the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients’’ [74], is a refinement of this view. Meanwhile, the scientific basis of medicine is under increasingly severe attack.We'd like to take this opportunity to identify a misuse of EBM that, ironically, contributes to the attack on the scientific basis of medicine, and that authors Montori and Guyatt didn't consider--probably because they are unaware of... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1901416 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:37:00 +0100 1901416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1848011&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fdvd-review-visions-for-cancer-recovery.html I was asked to review this DVD "written and narrated by Mary Hallman, who researched and and developed this program based on her experiences during her recovery for fallopian tube cancer." She is also a registered nurse. The full title of the DVD is "Visions for Cancer Recovery: A Guided Visualization and Health Meditation." It's 20 minutes long and divided into four sections: "Introduction", "Begin Body Relaxation", "Stress Release/Deeper Relaxation" and "Healing On A Deeper Level: Cancer Cell Elimination." The DVD uses "scientifically rendered scientific imagery." I also learned a new word, "apoptosis." It's the scientific term for "cancer cell elimination." Cool, no? What I liked about it: The music chosen as an introduction was appropriate and set a relaxing tone from the beginning.The... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1848011 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:06:00 +0100 1848011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844423&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2008%2F10%2Fdietary_supplements_no_better.html In a two-year multicenter study led by University of Utah doctors, the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate performed no better than placebo in slowing the rate of cartilage loss in the knees of osteoarthritis patients. This was an ancillary study concurrently conducted on a subset of the patients who were enrolled in the prospective, randomized GAIT (Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial). The primary objective of this ancillary study was to investigate whether these dietary supplements could diminish the structural damage of osteoarthritis. The results, published in the October issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, show none of the agents had a clinically significant effect on slowing the rate of joint space width loss -the distance between the ends of joint ... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844423 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:07:58 +0100 1844423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1754776&cid=t_248640_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FshnLFASdqu8%2F A couple of weeks ago a friend sent me an ad on Craigslist for an HBOT chamber. The price for this presumably used piece of equipment was steep and I wondered how the family felt about having bought it, and why they were selling it. Had the child “recovered”? Or had the promised effects not occurred? An article in today’s OC Register notes that n the past four years, hyperbaric oxygen therapy [HBOT]– in which patients breathe almost pure oxygen in a pressurized environment – has become a source of hope for thousands of parents looking for a way to treat their children’s autism. That new market has provided a jolt to an industry that had served mostly scuba divers, stroke victims and people recovering from wounds. HBOT was not a treatment suggested for autistic c... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1754776 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:53:17 +0100 1754776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1500304&cid=t_248640_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fvideo-play.mp4%3FcontentId%3D74e282631cfed93e%26type%3Dvideo%252Fmp4 We've rounded up the most recent strange and wonderful medical stories that didn't make it into our June issue of NRM.Pills to boost first-person-shooter performanceBERLIN -- Eschewing the days of Jolt Cola and Red Bull, hardcore video gamers are turning to caffeine-laced vitamin pills to stay juiced during all-night head-to-head battles. The pills, marketed as FpsBrain by the German company Tomarni GmbH, promise to "speed up your mind" with "rapid reaction and focus" and offer a 110% money back guarantee! Looking for more benefits? Unlike caffeinated drinks, it's reported the pills don't produce hand tremors -- giving gamers precise aim at their virtual enemies.Photo: Tomarni GmbHMD claims Alzheimer's reversal "in minutes"LOS ANGELES -- Sensational footage from a video released in early A... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1500304 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:21:00 +0100 1500304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1492224&cid=t_248640_140_f&fid=35458&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schizophrenia.com%2Fsznews%2Farchives%2F006305.html A common problem identified by Canadian and US-based families is that in treatment of serious mental illness psychiatrists and psychologists focus solely on the person who has the mental illness and don't involve the families in on treatment and therapy (Source: Schizophrenia Daily News Blog) Schizophrenia Daily News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1492224 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1492224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1466296&cid=t_248640_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcanadianmedicine.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Freporter-at-large-my-bloodsucking-visit.html This article originally appeared in the National Review of Medicine, May 2008, alongside an article titled "Gross-out folk remedies make a comeback: Leeches, maggots and other icky therapies are gaining mainstream acceptance."Photo: Graham LanktreeCheck out our website: www.nationalreviewofmedicine.com (Source: Canadian Medicine) Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1466296 Fri, 23 May 2008 16:55:00 +0100 1466296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1445990&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fnih-trial-to-assess-chelation-therapy.html Conclusion are reasonably succinct and make the important points. Readers who want to learn more details, who want to see more evidence for our assertions, or who are compelled by an odd fascination with crackpotism (my own weakness) will want to read more. I've posted a similar announcement on Science-Based Medicine. (Source: Health Care Renewal) Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445990 Fri, 16 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100 1445990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1409481&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2008%2F04%2Fdetox_diets_procedures_general.html One more 'fad' heard on the weekend radio talk shows sells scams to the public in the name of health. Infomercials and Web sites urge us to eliminate the buildup of toxins that supposedly results from imprudent habits or exposure to hazardous substances. If you’re healthy, concentrate on giving your body what it needs to maintain its self-cleaning system—a healthful diet, adequate fluids, exercise, sleep, and all recommended medical check-ups, instead of relying on so-called detox procedures, says the Harvard Women’s Health Watch. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1409481 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:37:00 +0100 1409481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1394104&cid=t_248640_90_f&fid=36413&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdcscience.net%2F%3Fp%3D227 Times Higher Education has published a league table showing that the University of Westminster is head of the league table for the number of courses in quackery. With fine timing, I just acquired the slides for their lecture on "vibrational medicine". See a selection of them. It seems that Amethyst; the 'Transmutator' . . .emits high Yin energy so transmuting lower energies and clearing and aligning energy disturbances . . .". This is part of a vocational "Bachelor of Science" degree. It is beyond parody. You couldn't make it up. (Source: DC's goodscience) DC's goodscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1394104 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:16:15 +0100 1394104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1325673&cid=t_248640_93_f&fid=36528&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpandabearmd.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F03%2F25%2Fdefending-the-pie%2F (The pie is a metaphor. I’m only mentioning this because the last time I mentioned pie, I received several irate emails, the gist of which were that pie is not to blame for the collapse of society. -PB) Primary Snake Oil The silliest thing about the practitioners of Complementary and alternative medicine is that they don’t know when to leave well enough alone. Currently, with the exception of the occasional over-enthusiastic chiropractor who breaks somebody’s neck or tears an important artery that he has never even heard of, Complementary and Alternative Medicine is a low-risk enterprise, the business model of which is to take a panel of essentially healthy patients with predominantly psychosomatic complaints, stroke their egos a little, mumble either some pseudo-scienti... PANDA BEAR, MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1325673 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:51:01 +0100 1325673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1325224&cid=t_248640_140_f&fid=35458&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schizophrenia.com%2Fsznews%2Farchives%2F006141.html A new study has shown strongly positive results through the use of estrogen hormone treatment of schizophrenia in women. The researchers say that the results were strong enough to recommend the treatment widely among women with schizophrenia. For many decades (Source: Schizophrenia Daily News Blog) Schizophrenia Daily News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1325224 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1325224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1318011&cid=t_248640_93_f&fid=36528&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpandabearmd.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F03%2F20%2Fevidence-based-medicine-we-dont-need-no-stinking-evidence-based-medicine%2F The Free Netter’s Ain’t Worth It I am an educated man. I have an extensive liberal education, a degree in Civil Engineering, a Medical Degree, and am almost done with residency training in Emergency Medicine. Just for fun, I read the kinds of books they forced you to read in your long-forgotten English literature course (not that you actually read them but instead passed the course with the help of CliffsNotes and the professor’s fear of damaging your ego). While not an expert in much, I have a good working knowledge of physics, biology, chemistry and enough of the medical sciences where I at least know enough to understand new concepts as they present themselves and when smoke is being blown up my ass. On the other hand I am also an ordinary guy and have done my share o... PANDA BEAR, MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1318011 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:53:37 +0100 1318011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1316575&cid=t_248640_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F20%2Fregulating-complementary-medical-practitioners-an-international-review%2F In Regulating Complementary Medical Practitioners: An international review from the King’s Fund , the experiences of 16 countries considers the registration of complementary practititioners in response to the World Health Organization recommendation that governments develop national policies that include regulation of practice, education, training and licensing. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1316575 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:49:38 +0100 1316575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1286654&cid=t_248640_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHEALTH%2F%7E3%2F247573921%2F Conclusion Thanks to everyone that contributed articles — it’s been a pleasure to host this months edition of the Cancer Research Carnival. Be sure to take a moment and let your fellow bloggers know this issue is available so that everyone’s hard work can be appreciated and enjoyed by all. You can find more information about the carnival as well as the hosting schedule and past editions at the Cancer Research Blog Carnival. References Cancer Facts & Figures 2008. American Cancer Society. Atlanta, Ga. 2008. Report Says Half a Million Cancer Deaths Have Been Averted Since Death Rate Drop. American Cancer Society Press Release. 2008 Feb 20. Vickers A. Cancer Data? Sorry, Can’t Have It. The New York Times. 2008 Jan 22. Apel et al. Blocked autophagy sensitizes resis... Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1286654 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:47:38 +0100 1286654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1211993&cid=t_248640_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F06%2Fsociology-of-health-illness-january-2008-vol-30-issue-1%2F To use this journal you’ll need your NHS Athens password from Liverpool PCT (You can register here to get one if you work for the PCT.  If you need any training for this or any other electronic resources and you work for the PCT use the contact form at the bottom of this post to request it. The influence of patient and doctor gender on diagnosing coronary heart disease Ann Adams, Christopher D. Buckingham, Antje Lindenmeyer, John B. McKinlay, Carol Link, Lisa Marceau and Sara Arber pages 1–18 Abstract The integration of chiropractors into healthcare teams: a case study from sport medicine Nancy Theberge pages 19–34 Abstract ‘Ordinary people only’: knowledge, representativeness, and the publics of public participation in healthcare Graham P. Martin pages 35–54 Abs... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1211993 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:58:14 +0100 1211993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1173538&cid=t_248640_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fwhat-else-can-i-do-for-my-ms-complementary-treatments%2F Let me first offer apologies for my absence these past few posting dates. I was back east and found my e-mail access (and frankly, my available time) spotty at best. I’m still recovering from the trip, and Caryn tells me that I was asleep within 60 seconds of hitting the pillow last night. Today I want to bring the topic of complementary therapies to the fore. Many of us swear by them, many fold them into more traditional treatment courses and many use these, oft untested, methods without even realizing that’s what we are doing. Simply adding vitamins into our daily regime, in order to maximize energy zapped by our multiple sclerosis, is a complimentary therapy. I don’t think that many of us think of it that way. On Thursday night, I’ll be hosting the first HealthTalk MS webcast of... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1173538 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:42:22 +0100 1173538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1139835&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=35062&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffibroresearch.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Feffects-of-yoga-and-tui-na-on.html A study conducted by the Pulmonary Division at University of São Paulo (Brazil) intended to verify whether techniques of yoga with and without the addition of traditional Chinese medicine modality Tui Na would "improve pain and the negative impact of fibromyalgia on patients' daily life." The results are published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine [2007 Dec; 13(10):1107-14].Forty women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to two groups. One group participated in Relaxing Yoga (RY) and the other received Relaxing Yoga plus Touch (RYT), for "eight weekly sessions of stretching, breathing, and relaxing yogic techniques." RYT patients also received manipulative techniques of Tui Na, an ancient hands-on Chinese technique that uses acupressure to bring the body into b... The Fibromyalgia Research Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1139835 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:19:00 +0100 1139835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1057599&cid=t_248640_93_f&fid=36528&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpandabearmd.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F11%2F28%2Fnothing-much-more-to-say-about-complementary-and-alternative-medicine-cam-month-draws-to-a-close%2F Everything You Need to Know About Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Part the Third and Last) (One last time I state the obvious while continuing to marvel that it needs to be explained although judging from my email and comments it does. -PB)  8.  You Can’t Have it Both Ways  I have some fundamentalist Christian relatives who believe the Bible to be a literal account of the creation of the world.  They’re not wishy-washy Christians who get all mushy around the edges and, in an effort to reconcile science and their weak faith, allow that perhaps “a day to God is a billion years to the rest of us.”  The Bible says the world was created in six days and by golly, it was created in six 24-hour days.  God said it.  They believe it.  If you don’t you... PANDA BEAR, MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1057599 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:05:39 +0100 1057599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1018575&cid=t_248640_93_f&fid=36528&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpandabearmd.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F11%2F10%2Feverything-you-need-to-know-about-complementary-and-alternative-medicine-part-1%2F (Just belaboring the obvious again. Some things should speak for themselves but judging from my angry email defending Complementary and Alternative Medicine, this is not the case. Rather than respond publicly to private emails I thought I would address some of the major themes of my critics. -PB) . 1. The Imperfections of real medicine do not validate your kooky theories. You, oh purveyor of snake oil, may exhaust yourself pointing out the flaws in medical science. You may grimly list the horrific side effects of many of our therapies and gleefully highlight the lack of evidence for quite a few things done in the real medical world. You may even solemnly condemn our general inability to really cure much of anything but, apart from making yourself really tired and giving me a crick in my ne... PANDA BEAR, MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1018575 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:58:37 +0100 1018575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=998909&cid=t_248640_93_f&fid=36528&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpandabearmd.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F11%2F01%2Fkicking-off-complementary-and-alternative-medicine-month%2F (November is going to be Complementary and Alternative Medicine month here on Panda Bear, MD.  My recent posts on the subject have generated a lot of interest, quite a few visits, and a bunch of angry email so I believe there is some interest in the subject out there.  I apologize to you, oh my long-suffering readers, who would like to read more about residency and medical school but as I have categorized all of my previous articles on that subject and I have recently thrown you plenty of red meat on the subject of Emergency Medicine I ask for your indulgence as we explore the inroads of the lunatic fringe into the medical profession.-PB) If Wishes and Buts Were Candies and Nuts We’d All Have a Merry Christmas No one thinks rationally anymore, not even the well-educated. While ... PANDA BEAR, MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=998909 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:33:55 +0100 998909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1129422&cid=t_248640_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsa-rising.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2F2007%2F08%2F22%2Fcamforadc The Annie Appleseed Project invites you to its conference on “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Cancer Therapies for Cancer Advocates” aka CAM for Cancer Advocates. January 10-11, 2008 in West Palm Beach, FL Registration is open, hotel link is up! We’ll have tables for exhibitors, show some DVDs and network. Organic food served. [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1129422 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 01:02:02 +0100 1129422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=763114&cid=t_248640_140_f&fid=35800&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schizophrenia.com%2Fsznews%2Farchives%2F005385.html National Public Radio (NPR) featured a talk show about Electro convulsive Therapy (ECT) or shock therapy that included an interview with some doctors, professionals, and patients who had undergone the procedure. Here, we highlight its relationship to schizophrenia and include... (Source: Schizophrenia Daily News Blog) Schizophrenia Daily News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=763114 Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 763114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=737440&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2007%2F07%2Fmaybe_we_should_follow_the_eur.html Health claims are statements about the beneficial effect on the body of a food, or its ingredients. When you see statements on food labels such as, 'helps maintain a healthy heart', or 'helps aid digestion', these are examples of health claims. General claims about benefits to overall good health, such as 'healthy' or 'good for you', will in future only be allowed to be used if accompanied by an appropriate and approved claim. This means that more general claims will be backed up by an explanation as to why the food is 'healthy' or what makes it a 'superfood'. Finally labels are not allowed to claim that food can treat, prevent or cure any disease or medical condition. l (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=737440 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:09:32 +0100 737440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=711831&cid=t_248640_140_f&fid=35458&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schizophrenia.com%2Fsznews%2Farchives%2F005300.html Many people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder are prescribed antiseizure medications to alleviate mood symptoms, seizures, migraines, chronic pain, or other problems. Some herbal and simple food supplements can interfere with the working of some antiseizure medications, creating combinations that (Source: Schizophrenia Daily News Blog) Schizophrenia Daily News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=711831 Tue, 03 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 711831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=649297&cid=t_248640_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2007%2F05%2Fbarnum_was_right.html On Web MD today is an expose of the use of 'colon cleaners' which are sold in $billions usually to those with poor education, as a substitute for expensive medical care (particularly on the radio on Sunday mornings) or those sucked in to the vitamin/additive field. As P.T. Barnum is supposed to have said "A sucker is born every minute." The more research done in the field on complementary medicine, the more we see people throwing their money, and possibly their health, away on worthless products. As practitioners interested in prevention we should pay more attention to helping people avoid these products. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=649297 Thu, 31 May 2007 16:38:22 +0100 649297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=645189&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=35062&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffibroresearch.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Feffects-of-mud-bath-treatment-on.html In Rheumatol Int. (2007 May 23), an article written by researchers at the Rheumatology Unit of the Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunogical Sciences at University of Siena, Italy, discusses the results of their clinical trial for mud bath therapy as a treatment for fibromyalgia.They performed a randomized clinical trial to "evaluate the effects and the tolerability of mud-bath treatment in [fibromyalgia] patients, who are poor responders to pharmacological therapy." Subjects included eighty patients with primary fibromyalgia diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology criteria. These patients were randomly divided into two groups - Forty patients received a cycle of 12 mud packs and thermal baths, and 40 were controls.Patients were evaluated by multiple evaluation tools ... The Fibromyalgia Research Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=645189 Tue, 29 May 2007 17:27:00 +0100 645189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=586115&cid=t_248640_140_f&fid=35458&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schizophrenia.com%2Fsznews%2Farchives%2F004999.html Integrative medicine combines a scientifically-based approach to treatment that uses proven conventional medical and pharmaceutical treatments alongside other therapeutic practices (such as nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, etc.) for maximum benefit. Sometimes referred to "complementary", these additional approaches are (Source: Schizophrenia Daily News Blog) Schizophrenia Daily News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=586115 Wed, 02 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 586115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551532&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=35062&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffibroresearch.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fchondroitin-does-not-relieve-joint-pain.html A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine yesterday reveals that chondroitin does not relieve joint pain. Swiss researchers analyzed 20 studies dating back to 1970. The 20 clinical trials they studied included 3,846 patients. The researchers concluded that there is no evidence that chondroitin is unsafe, but also none to suggest that it helps reduce joint pain. (Source: The Fibromyalgia Research Blog) The Fibromyalgia Research Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551532 Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:06:00 +0100 551532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552388&cid=t_248640_140_f&fid=35458&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schizophrenia.com%2Fsznews%2Farchives%2F004899.html At Schizophrenia.com we try to cover all the important developments in the complementary treatments that are becoming available for schizophrenia. We don't care where effective treatments originate for schizophrenia - but we do care that they are effective. We don't (Source: Schizophrenia Daily News Blog) Schizophrenia Daily News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552388 Wed, 11 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 552388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486810&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=35062&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffibroresearch.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F02%2Fsupplemental-therapy-for-pain-relief.html Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, TX) have discovered that a supplemental therapy that combines pain coping and biofeedback skills can reduce pain from temperomandibular disorder (TMD), a painful condition that disproportionately affects fibromyalgia sufferers.The therapy, called "early biopsychosocial intervention" teaches patients to self-manage pain and control stress-related bodily functions such as heart rate and tension. The trial included 20 men and 81 women, who were divided into two groups, one of which received standard care and one of which received standard care plus the new therapy.The six-week intervention teaches patients about the mind-body relationship, the body's reaction to stress and relaxation training in everyday settings. Instruction also is give... The Fibromyalgia Research Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486810 Wed, 21 Feb 2007 18:48:00 +0100 486810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=459345&cid=t_248640_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F%3Fp%3D350 Ben Goldacre Saturday January 27, 2007 The Guardian I’m not a complicated man - as my girlfriend could happily tell you - but I do get a bit worried about these stories I’ve been emailed, where African people say something stupid about the science of Aids and we all laugh at them. To be fair, the facts don’t [...] (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=459345 Sat, 27 Jan 2007 01:52:13 +0100 459345