2004-12-21:

Acupuncture benefits knee osteoarthritis

In a well-controlled study of patients with significant osteoarthritis of the knee, acupuncture produced a 40% reduction in dysfunction and pain. The study was performed by by the National Institutes of Health and evaluated 14 weeks of acupuncture. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4111047.stm 00574

2004-06-28:

Antioxidant ratings of foods by USDA

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-antioxidants21jun21,1,26822.story?coll=la-headlines-health 00374

2004-05-12:

Homocysteine linked to osteoporosis; B-vitamins recommended

A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine connected patients' blood levels of homocysteine in 1979-1982 with frequency of hip fractures 12-15 years later. Women with highest levels of homocysteine were twice as likely as women with lowest levels to have a fracture; men were four times as likely (ages were 59-91). Because B Vitamins (esp. folic acid, B-6, B-12) are known to reduce homocysteine levels, this is further evidence of their importance. Even the levels available in most multiple vitamins should bring down homocysteine down to a level to help guard against this crippling condition. High levels of homocysteine have also been linked to risk of heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4962767/ 00288

2004-04-09:

Expanding businesses vulnerable to soaring health costs from stress

The soaring stress-related illness rates one usually associates with failing or downsizing businesses appear also in rapidly expanding businesses. A Swedish research team recently published results in medical journal The Lancet that documented hospital admissions for extended illness were nearly 300% higher for companies undergoing rapid expansion. Researchers expressed their concern that too many companies were not protecting themselves or their employees from the anxiety- and depression-creating uncertainties inherent in such change: costing employees their health; costing companies health care expenses, absenteeism, and productivity. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3611167.stm 00227

2004-03-24:

Intense exercise among unfit releases free radicals

So-called "weekend-warrior" approaches to exercise among the unprepared seems to release significant amounts of harmful oxidants into the blood stream. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3565491.stm 00194

2004-03-21:

Whatever diet works for you lowers heart disease risk

Results of a Tufts University study comparing three weight-reduction diets were reported at the November 2003 meeting of the American Heart Assn. The results permit some sensible recommendations in a field full of contradictory news reports and heavily hyped bestselling books. Researchers randomly assigned 160 overweight people (average 220 lbs. aspiring to lose 30-80 lbs. each) to one of four groups: high-protein/moderate-carbohydrate Zone diet, low-carb/high-fat Atkins diet, Weight Watchers diet, and Ornish (very low-fat vegetarian) diet. The group support, diaries, exercise, and stress management components of the last two programs were not included, as this was a study only of nutritional effects. Participants committed to follow their assigned diet for two months, at which point 22% gave up on the diet; by the one-year point, about 35% had dropped their diets.
After one year, those who stayed with their diets had lost 11 pounds (5% of body weight), showed a drop in total serum cholesterol, and some drop in blood pressure. There was reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol in all groups, and twice as much in the Ornish group; there was improved HDL (good) in all groups, though minimally in the Ornish group. Conclusion: any of the diets can (on average) help reduce weight and improve risk factors for heart disease.
Remaining issues: Since results showed that those that stayed with their diets best and longest had the best results, any given individual may need to find a diet that they can stick with. Researchers asked to comment raised the commonly observed point that some people just find high-meat diets hard to abide and others find vegetarian diets hard to abide. The study did not attempt to test another of the alternate diets on subjects for whom their assigned diet failed (either failed to be a sustainable behavior change or was followed but failed to produce weight loss). That remains for you to test. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/diet.fitness/11/10/diets.compared.reut/index.html 0054

2004-03-15:

Prostate cancer maybe inhibited by anti-obesity Xenical

A report in the journal Cancer Research says that Xenical, which blocks absorption of fat in the intestine, has been shown to prevent prostate cancer cells from spreading. It does not affect normal prostate cells, but inhibits cancerous cells of the prostate, perhaps because Xenical blocks a protein that certain body cells use to convert food to fat. This protein is found in the prostate. High fat diets have often been linked to higher incidence of prostate cancer. Xenical has been approved as a treatment for obesity in combination with a low-fat diet in England for several years. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3506438.stm 00138

2004-03-15:

Chronic headaches effectively treated by acupuncture

A study in the British Medical Journal confirmed what acupuncturists have contended for hundreds of years: it is an effective treatment for many sufferers of chronic headache. Compared to control subjects, those receiving acupuncture had 22 fewer days of headache per year, 25% fewer doctor visits, and 15% lower use of medication. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3506400.stm 00139

2004-03-14:

Advanced breast CA patients' risk of bone CA helped

A new pill called Bondronat ( ibandronic acid ) is a bisphosphonate that can significantly reduce the risk of advanced breast cancer spreading to the bone - a major danger and a major source of pain for women with advanced breast cancer. Even when the cancer has begun spreading to bone, Bondronat improves the patient's quality of life by providing excellent pain relief for up to two years. The new drug was developed by the Roche pharmaceutical company. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3548121.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3548121.stm 00137

2004-03-09:

Stress of losing child may bring on MS

The role of stress in aggravating the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis has long been documented. Now researchers at the Danish Aarhus University have found that parents who endured the unexpected stress of the loss of a child were fifty percent more likely to develop MS. The study looked at data for 300,000 families in the Danish National Register, a powerful database of health statistics on a cross-section of the Danish population. MS is an autoimmune disease with no known cure that ranges widely in the severity of its symptoms; it can lead to mild or severe disabling of one's ability to use the nerves that control physical movement. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3542257.stm 00130

2004-03-09:

Depression linked to dangerous irregular heart beats

What's going on in your mind has a lot to do with what's going on in your heart: including the healthiness of its rhythms. An Emory University research study compared twins brothers and found that those with signs of depression were significantly more likely to have decreased heart rate variability ( HRV ) which means they are more likely to have irregular heart beats (arrhythmia) and potentially be at elevated risk for sudden death. Keeping physically fit and active is well established as important for maintaining healthy HRV, but keeping mentally-emotionally fit is once again demonstrated to be vitally important. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3543175.stm 00131

2004-03-06:

Wrong diet direction by many Americans consuming more fat?

This month's meeting of the American Heart Assn features several research reports suggesting that Americans are shifting their diets toward lower carbohydrates and more fats, perhaps reflecting the popularity of recent low-carb diets. Several experts expressed concern because there has been no obesity reduction, but rather an increase in cholesterol consumption and a continued climb in overweight individuals. The high-meat and -dairy diets often produce initial weight loss, but have not proved effective in offering sustained weight reduction. In fact, one important international study done by Northwestrn University researchers found that a lean BMI (body-mass index) was consistently associated with a diet high in complex carbohydrates, high fiber, and vegetable protein. The theme of emphasizing fruits and vegetables (not sugars or starchy vegetables like potatoes, white flour, white rice) consistently comes out on top of all the weight-reduction and heart-disease-prevention dietary research. http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/diet.fitness/03/06/heart.diet.reut/index.html 00129

2004-03-01:

Macrobiotic diet keeps off pounds while ignoring "low carb"

Advocates of low carbohydrate diets often tout the advantages of high protein diet, encouraging meat and dairy consumption. But advocates of macrobiotic dietary strategies (including slender celebs such as Gwynteth Paltrow and Madonna) have found carbohydrates to be no impediment at all to keeping trim and high-energy. Whether or not you can buy into all the "energetic properties" issues of foods, you may want to look into macrobiotics if the low carb diets have left you feeling ill or aggravated your heart disease risk factors. http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/diet.fitness/02/29/macrobiotics.ap/index.html 00123

2004-03-01:

Breast-fed babies: lower blood pressure later in life

Additional blessings bestowed upon those babies who are breast-fed: a British study found that the longer a child is breast-fed, the lower its blood pressure during adulthood. Although the size of the effect is relatively small (0.2 points lower per month of breast feeding), the benefits add up enough to produce a reduction in premature deaths (due to BP-related illnesses of the heart, brain, and kidney) in the thousands. Benefits of breast-feeding found in numerous previous studies include lowered risk of obesity in the child and lowered risk of breast cancer in the mother. http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/03/01/breastfeeding.reut/index.html 00125

2004-03-01:

AMA report show statin drugs prevent artery hardening

The Journal of the AMA printed a research report documenting the effectiveness of the cholesterol-lowering statin atorvastatin in 500 patients followed over two years. In this double-blind study, patients taking a mild statin (pravastatin) served as a control group and continued to progress in the arterial blockage. Patients receiving atorvastatin showed a significant 36% drop in C-reactive protein (vs. 5% for pravastatin); LDL cholesterol dropped 47% (vs. 26% for pravastatin), and ultrasound measures of arterial blockage remained steady compared to the 3% worsening in pravastatin controls. The authors present the findings as a step toward a larger study that might document that intensive intervention with lipid-lowering drugs would actually lower incidence of heart attacks and death from heart disease. Although the medication side-effects were described as "well-tolerated," numerous previous studies have shown that many of the benefits achieved by these expensive pharmaceuticals can be achieved in the vast majority of people through dietary change and aerobic exercise. Reducing overweight and saturated fat intake are free non-prescription preventative steps available to all citizens. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/291/9/1071 00126

2004-02-28:

Evidence that childhood dieting is a road to obesity

A recent research study followed children aged nine to fourteen for three years, and raises concern over childhood "dieting." Those who attempted to lose weight through weight-loss diets gained weight more than their peers. Although it has been speculated that such dieting behavior may result in lowered metabolism that burns fewer calories, the authors argue that many of the dieting children followed their restricted-calorie periods with periods of binge eating. The Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators recommend that modest and sustainable changes in eating patterns and physical activity be provided to help overweight children develop healthier bodies over time — rather than involve them in quick-effect, calorie-restricted, weight-loss diets. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3168680.stm 00116

2004-02-27:

Dietary fiber reduces heart disease and death rates

Surveying 10 major U.S. and European studies, a recent article in the Archives of Internal Medicine concluded that dietary fiber is a key ingredient in reducing the risk of heart attack (by 14%) and of dying from coronary heart disease (by 27%). Fiber from fruits and grain showed a stronger benefit than that from vegetable sources — a finding that may raise concerns about low-carb diets that discourage intake of fruits and grain. The report's authors observe that the apparently lower benefit of "vegetable fiber" in these studies may be an artifact of what passes for "vegetables" in western diet — often highly processed and starchy products which thereby place people at increased risk for diabetes. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3492578.stm 00113

2004-02-27:

CDC updates stats on major killers of Americans: They are us!

Three years of data from the CDC's National Health Interview Survey data (1999-2001) shows that protecting Americans and their loved ones requires a lot of work in realms not addressed by anti-terrorism measures.
Smoking: 23% of adults are current smokers. [30% began before age 16.]
Alcohol: 60% of adults drink; 5% of adults drink heavily;
Weight: 35% of adults are overweight (BMI>25); 22% are obese (BMI>30).
Inactivity: 90% of adults do not engage the vigorous activity at least five times/week; 65% do not engage in even light physical activity regularly.
Cancers and heart disease and stroke are strongly linked to each of the above risk factors.
As evidence of how Americans struggle with changing these patterns, CDC reported that 40% of smokers tried to quit in the past year. [For the evidence about the struggle over weight gain one need only compare the repeated annual increase in obesity figures alongside the countless bestselling book titles promising "sure ways" to lose weight.]
How would you intervene if you saw someone consistently acting in ways to decimate your children? your grandchildren? your parents? Quick: pull out the mirror!
[The poor and less well-educated among Americans suffered even higher levels of these risk factors.] http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/releases/04facts/healthbehaviors.htm 00111

2004-02-27:

New ACS study reconfirms: Weight gain is strong risk factor for breast cancer

Weight gain in adulthood has been documented as the second leading cause of all cancer (New England Journal of Medicine, 2003). Now the American Cancer Society reports that even modest weight gains over the years significantly increase a woman's risk of breast cancer in later years. Although the reasons for this effect are not fully understood, it is known that fat tissues produce estrogen — which speeds the growth of several forms of breast cancer.
Please take care of yourself! http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/conditions/02/26/breast.cancer.ap/index.html 00112

2004-02-27:

Benefits of group support for weight loss: New research evidence

Different diets seem to be the "diet of choice" for different people. But whatever your choice, group support can be a big boost, according to evidence done by Aston University. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3487068.stm 00114

2004-02-27:

"Drink plenty of fluids"? But don't over do it.

British doctors are cautioning that the body already has an automatic water-conserving mechanism that comes into play during respiratory infections. Overdoing the fluid intake might add excessively to that process and throw off balance the body's natural fluid/salt regulatory balance. No evidence of harm from excessive fluid intake was cited, but the idea of moderation is brought back into the picture. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3488658.stm 00115

2004-02-26:

Reevaluating idea of "anti-oxidants" and free-radicals

Basic research lead by Dr. Tony Segal at the University College, London, casts doubt on the theory developed in the 1970s that important chronic health problems (cancer, arthritis) are promoted by free radicals that have oxidizing effects on body tissues and may be checked by anti-oxidant substances. This revised view of free radicals could have implications for pharmaceutical research seeking development of medications specifically for their anti-oxidant properties. Reports in the popular news media commonly mention at the same time the fact that several vitamins and dietary factors (e.g., green tea) are regarded as beneficial "because of" their anti-oxidant properties. Casual reading of the lay articles on the subject may erroneously seem to suggest that the value of these dietary components is clouded by Dr. Segal's research. It is important to note that studies on the value of several dietary factors (vitamins C & E; tea; green tea) are well demonstrated and replicated (irregardless of why they benefit) in terms of benefits as wide-ranging as heart disease and macular degeneration. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3485508.stm 00109

2004-02-25:

Are these fit "children's meals"?

An analysis of so-called "children's meals" at twnety top sit-down chain restaurants was done by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest. Saturated fat and simple carbohydrates rule — disgracefully. The burgers, fries, pizza and chicken fingers, and grilled cheese are a recipe for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The nutritional analysis certainly doesn't look anything like either the low-carb or low-fat recommendations that parents are recognizing work for themselves in their efforts to get fit. http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/parenting/02/24/kids.menus/index.html 0092

2004-02-24:

Ubiquitous soy products harming boys future fertility?

The same estrogen-like compounds that may be beneficial to women may set up males for structural abnormalities of the testes and poor sperm quality later in life. The study done at the Queen's University in Belfast raised concerns about the amount of soy protein that is used as an inexpensive ingredient in many pre-packaged dinners and processed foods. Dr. Sheena Lewis expressed concern over the amount of unknown ingredients fed to young children in the fast food diet of our fast family lifestyles. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3513607.stm 00101

2004-02-23:

Childhood abuse a risk factor for later smoking

Sexual abuse during childhood increases vulnerability to addiction, specifically smoking and nicotine. A study directed by the Mayo Clinic's Dr. Colmar De Von Figueroa-Moseley studied women aged 18 to 74 and found that those had been sexually abused in childhood (fondled, raped, or rape-attempted) were twice as likely to have started smoking by age 14, twice as likely to have ever smoked, and almost four times as likely to be smokers at the time of the study (most were college students when interviewed).
Almost 30 percent of respondents reported suffering childhood sexual abuse; half reported being victimized sexually as adults. Although the respondents were ethnically diverse, other factors such as education, income, or ethnicity were nowhere nearly as strong predictors of smoking as was history of sexual abuse. The study opens up an important domain of health research: the role of childhood trauma in the formation and persistence of addiction and other unhealthy and self-destructive behavior.
The study did not assess the effects for males; the prevalence of sexual abuse in males is believed to be less than the 25-30% commonly found among girls, but is still estimated at 10-15% of all boys. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-02/mc-www022304.php 00103

2004-02-23:

Cod-liver oil reduces inflammatory cartilage-eroding enzyme

Patients who took 2 grams of cod-liver oil daily for 10-12 weeks before surgery had significantly less (compared to placebo) of a cartilage-eroding enzyme when doctors sampled the cartilage during the surgery. The research from Cardiff University was reported at a Royal College of Surgeons press conference, February 13. The odorous fish oil is known to be high in vitamins A and D and in Omega-3 fatty acids; its value for recovery from joint injuries and arthritis may now receive additional research. Vitamins A and D are easily found in many foods or taken as supplements; the Omega-3 fatty acids are unique to fish. It is believed that these particular fatty acids deactivate cytokines, enzymes causing much of the pain and inflammation of arthritis. These enzymes, including the recently discovered Cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme are involved in the body's inflammatory processes, such as those in connective tissue. Pharmaceutical companies are racing to find specific inhibitors for these enzymes for the millions who suffer from arthritis. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/604014.stm 00120

2004-02-22:

Research on osteoporosis: The hormone amylin

Preliminary research (in mice) may explain why loss of bone density (osteoporosis) occurs not only in post-menopausal women but also in type one diabetics. The hormone amylin, which reduces the number of osteoclast cells (which breakdown bone as part of the constant rebuilding process), is produced by the same pancreatic cells that produce insulin. The role of the pancreatic health and amylin in sustaining bone health may lead to new approaches to maintaining bone strength. The Journal of Cell Biology has just published a study from the Baylor College of Medicine which found that mice without amylin end up with reduced bone mass; extending the finding to humans will require further research. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3492755.stm 0095

2004-02-21:

Mysteries of sleep (review of research frontier)

http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/02/21/sleepy.brain.ap/index.html 0094

2004-02-20:

New research on how cholesterol is absorbed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3506021.stm 0090

2004-02-19:

Survey of cholesterol-lowering supplements

Excellent reference article from the UC Berkeley Wellness Newsletter online: http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsCholesterol.php?PHPSESSID=3bafcc4335fc89cc2082298dc3c484fd 0088

2004-02-19:

Fascinating new research on benefits of placebo

Different write-ups at BBC and at www.cnn.com/HEALTH http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3502545.stm 0089

2004-02-18:

Copper as a nutrient

Copper is a minor supplement (RDA 1.5-3 milligrams/day), but vital. When adding zinc (touted for its critical role in proper immune functioning) to diet, be sure you are getting somewhere sufficient copper, as the balance is critical. Fortunately, most multi-vitamin formulas include 1 or 2 mg of copper, and the makers of Citracal have wisely added to their Citracal-Plus product not only Calcium and Magnesium but zinc with copper in judicious quantities.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-supp16feb16,1,4907266.story?coll=la-headlines-health 0085

2004-02-18:

Aspirin lowers "transcription-factor", Hodgkin's Disease

A Journal of the National Cancer Institute article describes a study suggesting that regular, low-dose aspirin lowers the risk of Hodgkin's Disease, just as it lowers risk of repeat heart attacks and of colon cancer. Because Hodgkin's Disease is quite an uncommon cancer, this benefit in itself is not deemed a reason to include aspirin as a dietary supplement. Yet the finding is important for what it says about the process by which Hodgkin's and other cancers develop. http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/conditions/02/18/aspirin.cancer.ap/index.html 0087

2004-02-17:

Exercise improving brain function

http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/02/17/fit.thinking.ap/index.html 0083

2004-02-17:

Overuse of antibiotics linked to breast cancer

http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/02/17/antibiotics.cancer/index.html 0084

2004-02-16:

Bacteria's presence and common sense

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/science/02/15/microbes.everywhere.ap/index.html 0079

2004-02-16:

New insights into asthma: mild vs. severe

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/3171631.stm 0082

2004-02-14:

Folic acid vs. homocysteine and heart disease

Despite recent publicity given to a study that failed to show any stroke-reducing benefit from adding dietary folic acid, there is still very strong evidence that the B-Vitamin Folic Acid does help to break down dangerous levels of homocysteine in the blood — a serious risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A page at the American Heart Association web site gives an excellent summary: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4677 0078

2004-02-14:

Endometriosis treated with letrozole

A chemotherapy drug, letrozole most often associated with the prevention of the recurrence of breast cancer has shown potential for relieving symptoms of endometriosis. This small study's results are preliminary but promising. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3485383.stm 0080

2004-02-13:

Hostile personalities hooked worse on nicotine?

A study from the University of California Irvine reported that volunteers who scored higher on hostility (measured on an anger, agression, anxiety index) on standard psychiatric personality measures have brains that habituate more quickly to nicotine. The study used positron emission tomography to evaluate the brains metabolic responses to nicotine administered through a nicotine patch, and found the same pattern in smokers and non-smokers — a pattern warning that these individuals will more easily get addicted to nicotine and have more trouble trying to quit smoking cigarettes. This finding raises additional concerns when combined with evidence that "Type A" hostile-and-impatient personalities are more prone to heart disease. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1044180.htm 00102

2003-11-23:

Caution with aspirin for your kidneys' sake

A study by the National Analgesic Nephropathy Study looked at 200 U.S. patients treated for kidney failure and found that seven percent had SICK ("small, indented and calcified kidneys"); 1/3 of those seven had used used aspirin or acetaminopphen heavily (300 grams/year during the previous nine years. Thus only a small percentage of the population seems to respond so heavily, but there is no way as yet to know if a given person is in the unlucky portion. The possibility of SICK kidney injury from smaller dosages is still a concern. Patients were urged not to use such analgesics unless they "really needed them." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3271191.stm 0073

2003-11-21:

Pros & cons of sun exposure in heigher latitudes

A debate ranges about the benefits and risks associated with exposure to sunshine among people living at higher lattitudes. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3226184.stm 0075

2003-11-18:

Buckwheat explored as aid to blood sugar for diabetics

Initially it's just a finding in rats with Type 1 form of diabetes, say researchers at the University of Manitoba in Canada, but extracts of buckwheat seeds lowered the rats' blood glucose nearly 20%. Buckwheat is not actually a form of wheat but plant native to Asia, Fagopyrum esculentum, of the polygonum family. The Canadian food industry contributed to funding the research, no doubt eager to discover health benefits of a product that grows so well on the North American plains and whose dietary presence has chiefly been limited to breakfast pancakes. The compound in buckwheat suspected of being beneficial is chiro-inositol, although further research will be required to indicate 1) whether it could help control blood glucose when taken by humans as a dietary supplement and 2) whether and which human diabetics might be benefit by a whole-buckwheat breakfast product. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3279591.stm 0072

2003-11-17:

Women with minor skin cancers need to be vigilant

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/conditions/11/17/skin.cancer.risks.ap/index.html 0068

2003-11-17:

Swedish reserach reports early test for rheumatoid arthritis

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3260189.stm 0069

2003-11-17:

Multiple Sclerosis and interferon therapy challenges

An article from Healthology Press at abcnews.com describes hopeful results of using interferon therapy for patients with MS, especially early in the illness. The challenges of the injections and their side effects are discussed. http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/Healthology/multiple_sclerosis_healthology.html 0070

2003-11-15:

For menopause: aerobics, strength training, stretching

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/11/14/hln.fit.menopause/index.html 0061

2003-11-15:

Heart-benefiting aerobic exercise doesn't require strain

There can be "gain without pain." A Massachusetts University study described at the American Heart Assn. this week showed that patients selecting their own interpretation of walking at a "brisk but comfortable pace" for thirty minutes were pushing their cardiovascular systems sufficiently to reduce their cardiovascular risk. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3260525.stm 0062

2003-11-15:

Spontaneous recovery of 20-month girl after drowning

Some two hours after drowning in her family swimming pool and showing no heart or breath activity, a 20-month-old Fullerton girl spontaneously resumed her breathing and recovered "without serious brain damage." This in an additional case that flies in the face of the accepted medical contention that the brain can only survive a few minutes without oxygen and speaks to questions about NDE or Near Death Experience phenomena. http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20031114_1927.html 0063

2003-11-15:

Understanding diabetes, its seriousness, its treatment

An excellent, copyrighted survey of health issues surrounding Type 2 (aka adult-onset or obesity-related) diabetes. From Healthology, Inc. via abcnews.com http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/HealthyWoman/diabetes_dangers_healthology.html 0064

2003-11-15:

Kan Jang - Andrographis Paniculata - may boost immune system

The Graedon's mentioned on their Nov 15, 2003 radio show that a recent report in a Pharmacology Journal described several double-blind studies (in progress?) showing reduced severity of "colds" from those taking Kan Jang - and without significant side-effects (as best short-term studies could tell). 0065

2003-11-15:

Kan Jang - Kalmegh - Andrographis Paniculata - uses & history

Information in this seacoastonline.com report is largely from The Swedish Herbal Institute which distributes Kan Jan Kold Kare from Sweden in the U.S. SHI PHI president Richard DeSota said that Chinese sprinkled the plant "Kalmegh" over food to remove toxins and boost immunity. Nordic countries are said to have used it for decades. Forty tablets of the Kan Jang typically cost $13, with a recommended dose of four tablets per day if you feel cold symptoms coming on.
Dr. Christine Northrup said in her Oct. 24, 2001 online newsletter, "Empowering Women’s Wisdom," Northrup wrote the following: "Kan Jang is a combination of Chinese herbs that has been shown to decrease the incidence of colds. Dose is two tablets in the morning and two at night, the minute you start coming down with a cold. Many people take it daily during the winter months to prevent colds in the first place. This herb has helped hundreds of people with sinusitis and chronic upper-respiratory infections. I carry samples in my purse and hand them to friends all the time."
The herb has also been touted by Dr. Stephen Holt in his "Miracle Herbs" book. J. Melchoir published a double-blind study in "Phytomedicine" showing Kan Jang decreased symptoms of common colds. http://www.seacoastonline.com/2002news/yorkweekly/11132002/news/34270.htm 0066

2003-11-15:

Kan Jang - mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting

Describes Swedish research by J. Melchior http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/kan-yang.html 0067

2003-11-14:

Spleen cells may bring hope for diabetics

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3266987.stm 0060

2003-11-12:

The lower the cholesterol the better

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/conditions/11/13/cholesterol.level.ap/index.html 0056

2003-11-12:

Repetitive tasks may produce injuries in weeks

A Temple University study on rats showed that repetitive tasks may damage tendons and ligaments in a matter of weeks. The results raised concerns about urgency in preventing such injuries in human workers. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3260113.stm 0057

2003-11-11:

Much blindness preventable with antioxidant vitamins

Macular degeneration affects hundreds of thousands of Americans, blinding them in their later years. Supplementing diet with high dosages of antioxidant vitamins (C, E, and beta carotene plus zinc) dramatically reduces the incidence of Macular degeneration. The research at Johns Hopkins was reported in the November issue of Archives of Ophthalmology. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/11/11/vitamins.vision.reut/index.html 0053

2003-11-11:

Pain costing business $60 billion annually

Common pains such as headache, back/neck, and other muscle and joint distresses are hurting business, too - over $60 billion in financial pain annually - from lost productivity and absenteeism. Many of these pains are caused or aggravated by stress and tension and respond very well to non-medical strategies of relaxation and stress management. Others can be treated by ergonomic adjustments to prevent painful injuries. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/11/11/pain.costs.ap/index.html 0052

2003-11-10:

British conference sounds alarm on childhood obesity epidemic

Britain's Medical Research Council joined with a score of other health-related professional organizations to seek means to stem that nation's accelerating childhood obesity - which rivals that of the United States. The cost (physical and fiscal) of obesity among adults is staggering and if its future lies in our children... http://www.mrc.ac.uk/public-10_november_2003 0071

2003-11-05:

Tomatoes, not just their lycopene, healthful

A NCI study of prostate cancer in rats showed that supplemental lycopene did not offer the protection from prostate cancer that whole tomatoes did. Tomatoes and/or lycopene have been linked to reduced prostate cancer in several studies. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3239483.stm 0050

2003-11-03:

Green tea's benefits extend beyond anti-oxidants

The high concentration in green tea of substances called catechins may empower the cutting-edge beverage with anti-bacterial and anti-viral benefits. Already the anti-oxidant ability of green tea has been documented to be among the highest of those in any food. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/11/04/japan.green.tea/index.html 0047

2003-11-03:

Good (HDL) cholesterol reduces coronary plaque

Studies have so persuasively shown the value of "good" (or HDL) cholesterol in protecting against heart disease, that doctors reported in the Journal of the American Medical Assn that intravenous infusions of a synthetic HDL showed visible (4%) reduction in plaque build-up after only six weeks. Remember that you do not have to wait for synthetic injections to become available. Regular aerobic exercise and soluble fiber (e.g., oats, Metamucil) in a low-fat diet are documented to raise the good (HDL) cholesterol. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/11/04/cholesterol.breakthrough.ap/index.html 0046

2003-11-03:

New drug, teriparatide, rebuilds after osteoporosis

Study of teriparatide (Forsteo) by Lilly is showing real promise for post-menopausal women with severe osteoporosis. This medication shows evidence of actually stimulating production of the osteoblast cells which form new bone. As presently available the medication requires injections, but these types of research results hold out real hope for the increasing millions of women affected by sometimes crippling osteoporosis. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3240723.stm 0048

2003-11-03:

Women, flying & clots: risk not so "tiny" for some

News headlines have proclaimed there is only a "tiny flying risk" of developing blood clots. Reading the full report reveals the exceptions: women who are taking a contraceptive pill, are pregnant or have recently given birth; some heart and cancer patients; recent surgical patients; and especially those who have DVTs (deep vascular thomboses - clots) before. Drinking plenty of water during the flight and moving around as often as possible are recommended counters. [Aspirin? Personally, if I were a flyer in one of the high-risk groups mentioned, I would consult my doctor before flying. No mention was made of aspirin (a well-documented anti-coagulant recommended in low dosages for heart patients), and I wonder whether elevated-risk individuals (who arenot already on a blood thinner) could lower their risk with pre-flight aspirin. —rp ] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3237337.stm 0049

2003-11-03:

Fatigue/sleeplessness may foretell heart attack

A new study reported in the medical journal Circulation found that a high percentage of women heart attack patients had been having trouble with unexplained fatigue, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, indigestion, and/or anxiety during the month prior to the heart attack. The unusual fatigue was the most frequently reported (71% of patients) and needs to be considered a warning sign - not a symptom that's "all in your head." The study is another reminder that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/conditions/11/04/heart.attacks.ap/index.html 0045

2003-11-03:

As obesity strikes Asia, acupuncture is applied

An interesting CNN article describes Chinese use of acupuncture to reduce appetite and raise metabolism. Regular exercise and calorie- and portion-control are still included in the holistic program. Acupuncture is thus no "magic bullet," but may be an aid to changing the reflexive eating and over-eating that Americans (even more so?) employ to comfort themselves during stress and dissatisfaction. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/11/02/china.obesity/index.html 0044

2003-10-30:

British bosses urged to cut work stress

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3224733.stm 0041

2003-10-30:

Study of mice suggests ginger may hold anti-cancer potential

Interesting research from the University of Minnesota suggests that gingerol, the chemical giviing ginger its tang, may have anti-tumor benefits for human bowel tumor cells. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3221547.stm 0043

2003-10-29:

CDC chief sites obesity as no. 1 U.S. health threat

Citing statistics that 65% of U.S. adults are overweight, Dr. Julie Gerberding indicted obesity as a major contributor to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Addressing a meeting of the National Health Council, Dr. Gerberding said, "We really have to change our behavior in astonishing ways if we are going to get over this bottleneck to good health." [emphasis added] http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A29937-2003Oct28 0040

2003-10-28:

Lack of Vitamin D threatens rickets, fractures in Northern Hemisphere

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/28/vitamin.D.ap/index.html 0039

2003-10-28:

Aspirin appears to be a risk factor in pancreatic cancer

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/10/27/cancer.aspirin.reut/index.html 0038

2003-10-27:

Survey of 23 studies concludes excercise reduces risk of stroke

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/27/fitness.stroke.ap/index.html 0037

2003-10-26:

Americans' self-destructive eating habits plague toddlers

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/25/toddler.junkfood.ap/index.html 0030

2003-10-23:

CNN on South Beach Diet

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/23/south.beach.diet/index.html 0026

2003-10-23:

Genetic screening to identify high risk breast cancer patients given boost

NPR discussion also pointed out that even those without history of BCA may have the high-risk gene. The father may contribute that gene and it go undetected, especially if he had no sister, since even with the mutation men remain unlikely to develop breast cancer. Patients found to have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations may want to consider more preventative steps, ranging from more frequent mammograms, steps to avoid estrogen elevation, or even discuss surgical interventions with physicians. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/conditions/10/23/cancer.breast.reut/index.html 0027

2003-10-23:

FDA considering nutritional information on restaurant menus

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/24/restaurants.obesity.ap/index.html 0029

2003-10-23:

Gene found for obsessive-compulsive disorder

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/conditions/10/23/obsessive.gene.reut/index.html 0028

2003-10-23:

Help for Type A stressed-out men and women

This week's JAMA reported a study done at Northwestern University that confirms the health-damaging consequences of the "Type A" personality and its impatience-hostility component. Type A does not mean high achieving, as is sometimes thought by the general public. Type A is characterized by reactivity to stress: with tension, impatience, and hostility. The aggressive-hostile component has been revealed to be possibly the most health-damaging component. The Northwestern study found that young men and women of Type A have nearly double the incidence of high blood pressure 15 years later compared with similar non-Type A individuals. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/10/21/hypertension.reut/index.html 0025

2003-10-21:

Asthmatics urged caution with melatonin

A recent study reported in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology indicates that higher levels of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that varies with daily cycle of sleeping/waking, are associated with nocturnal ashma difficulties. The evidence is that melatonin increases the production of more inflammation-promoting proteins in the blood. Individuals taking melatonin as a supplement (such as a sleep aid) need to take this into consideration if they have a history of asthma. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/healthscience/2001767031_healthvitals19.html 0024

2003-10-21:

Steroid inhalants may increase risk of cataracts

The October issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology reported a nearly doubled rate of cataract formation in patients who had a history of inhaling steroids, such as used by asthma patients. Caution is indicated, as is the need for more research on safer means of controlling asthma. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/healthscience/2001767031_healthvitals19.html 0023

2003-10-21:

Daily aspirin reducing strokes, heart attacks

Study results in the Archives of Internal Medicine this fall indicate that an aspirin a day may help not only those who have already had a heart attack, but reduce the probability of a first stroke or heart attack. Those with other risk factors (family history, smoking, obesity, hypertension, elevated cholesterol) show the greatest benefits (being at greatest risk) but still need to work to reduce those risk factors. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/healthscience/2001767031_healthvitals19.html 0022

2003-10-21:

Corporate finances crunched by health care costs

A fascinating and disconcerting Seattle Times article presents the serious crunch that employers are feeling from rising health care costs. Can we afford to offer this benefit? Can we afford not to? http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/healthscience/2001770212_benefits20.html 0020

2003-10-19:

Jewel weed - simple, effective against poison ivy

Recently I've been hearing about Jewel Weed as a natural remedy for poison ivy. Here is a link that may be of interest. Certainly sounds safe. Crushing the Jewel Weed stems seems to be best source of the sticky remedy. Commercially sold tinctures are sometimes said to be less effective but may be sufficient when you can't get back to the woods. http://ncnatural.com/wildflwr/obnxious.html 0019

2003-10-17:

Memory benefits of age and exercise

Memory doesn't have to worsen with age - especially if you exercise regularly. Some types of memory actually improve, according to Dr. Antonio Convit of NYU School of Medicine. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/10/17/improve.memory/index.html 0018

2003-10-17:

Athletes cautioned to be alert for staph infection

The National Federation of State High School Associations and the NCAA's medical committee have both issued warnings this week for coaches and parents to be alert for skin infections that might turn out to be more than an ordinary boil. Penicillin-resistant staph infections have recently been found in college and high school athletes. When symptoms include fever, pus, swelling, or pain, medical attention is essential to preclude possibly life-threatening infection getting into bone or blood. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/10/16/infection.athletes.ap/index.html 0016

2003-10-17:

Carcinogens in some "natural" herb products online

Thursday's New England Jouranl of Medicine reported an abundance of products claimed to be "natural" that contained aristolochic acid (well documented to cause cancer and/or kidney failure). Researchers Lois Swirsky Gold and Thomas Slone of UC-Berkeley reported that the products including this chemical included "Cramp Relief, Cold Away, Mother Earth's Cough Syrup, Old Indian Herbal Syrup, and PMS-Ease. The FDA has been warning against products containing aristolochic acid since 2001. http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/10/16/herb.internet.reut/index.html 0015

2003-10-14:

Longevity related to size of cholesterol particles?

A study in this week's JAMA suggests that an inborn tendency to have supersize cholesterol molecules (suspected of being more difficult to embed in blood vessel walls) may explain longevity that runs in certain families and ethnic groups. 0014

2003-10-14:

Low-carb diet more effective for weight loss

A well-controlled study of overweight volunteers compared a low-fat diet, a low-carb diet of equal calories, and a low-carb diet with 300 more calories per day over three months. Everyone lost weight, but the low-fat group averaged a 17 pound loss, while the low-carb group lost 23 pounds. Even with an additional 300 calories, the third low-carb group lost an average of 20 pounds. [Study by Penelope Greeene of Harvard was reported at October 2003 meeting of North American Assn for Study of Obesity.] http://www.naaso.org/ 0013

2003-10-13:

Surge in prevalence of extreme obesity

A Rand Corporation researcher, Roland Sturm found that extreme obesity in the United States affected four times as many Americans in 2000 as it did in 1986. (Extreme obesity was defined as 100 or more pounds overweight or body-mass index of 40 or above.) Percentage-wise the prevalence of extreme obesity has grown twice as fast as the general obesity problem. Data were taken from surveys by the Centers for Disease Control. 007

2003-10-12:

Dieting May Not Help Weight Loss in Children

A report from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston looked at 16,000 children age 9 to 14 and found that those who said they were dieting gained more weight over the two year of the study than those who were not. Researchers suspected that periods of binge eating between the periods of restrictive diets explained the difference. The study raises concerns about the imposition of "dieting" as opposed to developing positive habits of eating. (October issue of journal Pediatrics.) 0012

2003-10-10:

Drug extends tamoxifen's cancer-reducing benefits

The New England Journal of Medicine issue of November 6, 2003 will describe a major study that showed unexpectedly positive benefits of letrozole as a follow-up for breast cancer therapy tamoxifen. Women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer (and who had followed the usual five-year course of tamoxifen) had a 40% reduction in incidence of breast cancer recurrence. The study was to have followed its 5,000 women for five years, but the results were so strongly positive that it was halted half-way so that all participants could be given the benefits.
Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor that blocks estrogen production; as a result, side effects similar to those of menopause may occur: osteoporosis, hot flashes, bone pain. Letrozole is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. 009

2003-10-07:

Why professional women's cancer risk higher?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3249903.stm 0051

2003-10-06:

In the zone: Training your mind as well as your body

Studies of athletes, artists and others have shown that being in the zone generally means being in a state in which your mind and body are working in harmony. You're calm yet energized, challenged yet confident, focused yet instinctive. http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/SM/00001.html 008

2003-09-29:

Herbal assistance for better night's sleep

Joe and Teresa Graedon's column this week (People's Pharmacy) answers a reader's need for natural aid for the restless sleeper. They discuss three herbalist suggestions: magnesium, passionflower, and valerian root. These are rather benign components for a better-sleep program and can be found in over-the-counter combinations. Although these are generally quite safe ingredients, do-it-yourselfers should remember that magnesium in large quantities has laxative effects. Light sleepers may want to experiment with combo-products sold by well-reputed health supplement companies and start with the dosages recommended on the bottle. In any case, you won't have to worry about addiction to these substances.
The Graedon's also remind us that a hot bath a few hours before bedtime is an old standby remedy, and the Graedon's explain the apparent mechanism: As the body cools down after the hot bath melatonin production increases and helps the body's natural circadian rhythm of sleep. [Note that exercise can have a similar heating/cooling effect; however, exercise too close to bedtime leaves some people stimulated from the extra adrenaline compounds circulating.] 006

2003-09-27:

In Battle Against AIDS, Cheaper Drugs Just the Beginning

An Associated Press (AP) report on CNN.com today surveyed information from the 13th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa. Although price-reductions in drugs to treat aids have been promising, enormous obstacles remain, including a lack of trained doctors and woefully inadequate health facilities in major portions of the African continent. See CNN link. 001

2003-09-15:

Benefits of Stress-Reduction Training Supported by Research

Reports in the press, including AP and UPI, indicate further support for the benefits of stress reduction programs for improving employee health as well as enhancing job satisfaction and reducing the costs of employee turnover. Reports in the press, including AP and UPI, indicate further support for the benefits of stress reduction programs for improving employee health as well as enhancing job satisfaction and reducing the costs of employee turnover. Further details are not presented here, because this is just a dummy filler item to test formatting www.cnn.com 003

2003-08-10:

Hormone Replacement Therapy risks documented again

An enormous study of one million United Kingdom women from 1996 to 2001 offered further "overwhelming evidence" that hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and especially the combined estrogen and progestin HRT significantly increases their chances of developing breast cancer. The study was published in an August 2003 issue of the highly respected British medical journal The Lancet. Although HRT has often been heralded as a way to reduce symptoms of menopause such as osteoporosis and hot flashes, the increased risk of breast is now a well-established reason to think twice about HRT. 0011

2003-08-06:

Work stress increases heart attack risk say Brits

The British "Modern Workers Health Check" study offers evidence that long-term job stress is worse than adding 40lbs of weight or 30 years of age when it comes to risk of heart disease." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3124783.stm 0042

2003-07-23:

Vegetarian diet better than other low-fat diet at lowering cholesterol

http://charleston.net/stories/072303/wor_23diet.shtml 0035

2003-07-01:

Osteoporosis Fndn touts HRT therapy, but... risks?

The National Osteoporosis Foundation prominently displays a news release on Journal of the AMA (June 2003) study on the helpfulness of Hormore Replacement Therapy (HRT) for reducing fractures in women at even younger ages (50-ish) than previously established. The risks that HRT presents for cancer were not discussed in the article and need to be considered by doctor and patient. 0010

2003-03-07:

Vegetarian diet surpasses low-fat; drops cholesterol 32%

Venetarian diets emphasizing soluble fiber and soy products may be even more effective than conventionally recommended low-fat diets. A study from the University of Toronto was reported at a meeting of the American Heart Assn evaluated "The Portfolio Diet" which emphasizes soy products, almonds, foods rich in plant sterols, and soluble fiber such as found in oats, barley, legumes, eggplant, okra, and psyllium (e.g., Metamucil). http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/03/06/health/main543036.shtml 0034

2002-12-15:

Sunshine in small doses may reduce breast, colon, prostate cancer risk

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/sci_tech/2002/boston_2002/1823457.stm 0033

2002-08-30:

British government issues cautions about vitamins

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2225150.stm 0031

2002-04-29:

Vitamin D reduces heart risk in Univ. California study

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1945496.stm 0032

2001-06-25:

British corporations feeling pinch of stress-related costs

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1406880.stm 0059

2000-01-20:

Monday is peak for heart-related fatalities

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/612550.stm 0058

1999-09-10:

Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen in excess boost kidney cancer

A study published in the British Journal of Cancer suggested that heavy users of common painkillers (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen) might have twice the usual risk of renal cell carcinoma. Low dosages (an aspirin per day) had no such association; high dosages (several aspirin daily for years) should take care not to take more than needed. Although kidney cancer is rare to begin with, treatment prospects are poor. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/443250.stm 0074