Topic: Health & Healing

New research strongly suggests that a mix of preventative agents, such as those found in concentrated black raspberries, may more effectively inhibit cancer development than single agents aimed at shutting down a particular gene.

New research strongly suggests that a mix of preventative agents, such as those found in concentrated black raspberries, may more effectively inhibit cancer development than single agents aimed at shutting down a particular gene.

Researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center examined the effect of freeze-dried black raspberries on genes altered by a chemical carcinogen in an animal model of esophageal cancer.

Qigong therapy, a form of traditional Chinese medical practice, appears to be a potential complementary treatment for osteoarthritis, dependent upon the capability of the healer.

Qigong therapy, a form of traditional Chinese medical practice, appears to be a potential complementary treatment for osteoarthritis dependent upon the capability of the healer, according to a study conducted at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey by Kevin Chen, PhD, MPH, and Dr. Adam Perlman, MPH, FACP.

An analysis of Ayurvedic medicines purchased via the Internet found that one-fifth of these products contain levels of lead, mercury or arsenic that exceed acceptable standards.

An analysis of Ayurvedic medicines (based on a traditional medical system commonly used in India) purchased via the Internet found that one-fifth of these products contain levels of lead, mercury or arsenic that exceed acceptable standards, according to a study in the August 27 issue of JAMA.

A study shows that hospitals often do not adhere to their own policies regarding the uninsured.

A case study of three health care institutions - public, for-profit and not-for-profit - within one metropolitan area found that self-pay patients must navigate a system that provides no guarantees medical centers will follow their own policies for providing uncompensated care.

The study is published in the August issue of the journal Medical Care.

"We know from previous research that the uninsured have poor outcomes on a number of measures and they are less likely to seek care when they need it," said Dr. Saul Weiner, University of Illinois at Chicago associate professor of pediatrics and internal medicine, and lead author of the study. "But we know less about what actually happens when the uninsured try to obtain health care in various settings, and more specifically, how institutions deal with these patients."

Gastrointestinal benefits of probiotics have been well-documented, but more and more research is revealing that probiotic benefits extend to the entire body.

Data from a recent study demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and pathogen protection benefits of Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 a probiotic bacterial strain of human origin. Gastrointestinal benefits of probiotics have been well-documented, but more and more research is revealing that probiotic benefits extend to the entire body. The report was published in the August issue of the Public Library of Science (PLoS) Pathogens.

Recognized as a national wellness campaign, Healthy Aging Month is designed to put a spotlight on the longevity of people and how they can successfully age; avoiding declines in physical, mental and emotional health.

September is Healthy Aging Month, a national observance focusing attention on the positive aspects of growing older. Recognized as a national wellness campaign, Healthy Aging Month is designed to put a spotlight on the longevity of our citizens and how they can successfully age; avoiding declines in physical, mental and emotional health.

Although this press release takes a pro-irradiation stance, we are publishing it because it supplies worthwhile information for our readers.

The Food and Drug Administration’s new (Aug. 22) regulation that will allow irradiation pasteurization to be used on fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce to kill illness-causing bacteria is a step that two Iowa State University professors have long advocated.

Maryland School of Pharmacy researchers are learning how Gingko biloba extract works on memory symptoms.

Scientists have known for more than 10 years that a certain extract from leaves of the ancient eastern tree, Ginkgo biloba, can somewhat ease symptoms of memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

In alternative health, açaí is all the rage. While relatively new to the American consciousness, açaí has been around for centuries and has helped many people with its healthful qualities. In order to benefit completely from açaí, however, one must truly understand what it is and what it does.

Published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a new study by the University of Florida showed extracts from acai (ah-SAH'-ee) berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested, said Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor with UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Açaí is a distinct purple berry indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. The açaí fruit may be found in some of the large palm trees that grow in the thick forest; these trees can reach as high as 82 feet. Unlike cherries, which grow individually in trees, the açaí berry grows in bunches, more like bananas. On average, each palm tree can yield anywhere from three to eight bunches.

As new evidence becomes available, healthcare providers are becoming increasingly aware that ongoing opioid therapy for chronic pain might actually worsen the pain in some patients – a condition called Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia or OIH.

Opioid medications are essential for helping to relieve all types of serious pain. However, relatively recent evidence suggests that in some patients they can paradoxically worsen the pain.

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In some patients, opioid analgesics paradoxically make pain worse.