The use of complementary and alternative medicines is increasing in patients with chronic diseases. This study reports complementary and alternative medicine use frequency and factors that contribute to its use.

First, the details

Five hundred people participated by completing a 2-part questionnaire (including demographic form and researcher-created questionnaire)

And, the results

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CAM is frequently used by children with pain in the USA and many parents report benefits for their child’s symptoms.

What we know

Chronic pain is reported by 15-25% of children. The objective of this study was to provide estimates of CAM use by children with pain in the United States.

The study revealed

CAM use among children with pain was associated with female sex, higher income, and presence of 4+ comorbidities.

The 2 most commonly used CAM were biologically-based therapies (47.3%) (e.g., special diets and herbal supplements) and manipulative or body-based therapies (46.3%) (e.g., chiropractic and massage).

Researchers at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, in Sacramento, assessed the impact of live interactive teledermatology consultations on changes in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. (more…)

This site has stated that the evidence for using black cohosh to treat the symptoms of menopause is disappointing.

A study in the Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry suggests that one reason might be related to the lack of manufacturing standards in the production of this product, which leads to significant variability in the contents of different brands. (more…)

The FDA has warned consumers not to use Miracle Mineral Solution, an oral liquid solution also known as “Miracle Mineral Supplement” or “MMS.”

Believe it or not, this product, when used as directed, produces industrial bleach that can cause serious harm to health, including causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms of severe dehydration. (more…)

This product, when used as directed, produces an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm.

Swallowing doses of this bleach, such as those recommended in the labeling can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms of severe dehydration. (more…)

Adulteration of herbal products is common and a threat to consumer safety.

Researchers from Canada and India are the latest to investigate the integrity of herbal products. (more…)

First lady, Michelle Obama tells us that drinking more water will improve the health of kids and all Americans.

Really? Here’s what we know. (more…)

The tanning industry is a thriving, largely unregulated $2 billion industry.

Researchers on The New England Journal of Medicine Journal Watch Dermatology Board reviewed the evidence. (more…)

If campaigns to promote more healthful eating are ineffective, how else might society address the obesity epidemic?

MailOnline reports that deportation is an option. (more…)

In a recent post on the National Psoriasis Foundation discussion board, a patient stated that the dermatologist recommended “that I use a tanning bed as this is far more convenient and less costly than using light box therapy.”

This lead to divergent views on the role of tanning beds in psoriasis treatment.

Here’s what we know. (more…)

Researchers at the University of South Australia, in Adelaide, explored consumer expectations, perceptions, and satisfaction of their pharmacist. (more…)

Dr. David Bailey from the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada, reported the “grapefruit effect” more than 15 years ago.

Now, Dr. Bailey and coworkers at the University of Western Ontario tell us that while 17 drugs were identified in 2008 as having the potential to cause serious problems when taken with grapefruit, this number has now grown to 43. (more…)

Researchers at the University of Sheffield, in the UK, updated previous systematic reviews. (more…)

Approximately 30% of people over 65 years of age living in the community fall each year.

This Cochrane review updates what we know. (more…)

Prof. Ernst and colleagues reviewed the evidence and they aren’t sanguine. (more…)

In the ‘70s, commercial tanning beds were introduced. In less than 3 decades, over half of adults in northern Europe reported using them.

Now, growing evidence of health risks is leading to restricted access to indoor tanning, worldwide. (more…)

Two recent studies report marked differences in the use of homeopathy.

First, homeopathy in the US. (more…)

Fast Company reports that a new system links to a readout and shows how much electrical activity the needles are stimulating in a patient’s muscles. (more…)

FDA is warning consumers that Reumofan Plus, marketed as a natural dietary supplement for pain relief and other serious conditions, contains several active pharmaceutical ingredients not listed on the label that could be harmful.

Here’s what we know. (more…)