Integrative Medicine Alert – October 1, 2016
October 1, 2016
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Therapeutic Touch for Cancer Pain: An RCT
In a study of 90 men with cancer-related pain, the arm receiving seven sessions of therapeutic touch derived more benefit than a placebo group or a control arm of no intervention.
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Health Benefits of Turning ‘Bus Drivers’ into Conductors
A large meta-analysis including data from more than one million subjects and 16 studies revealed that specified levels of moderate-intensity physical activity can significantly lessen the health risks of sedentary lifestyles.
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Liver Enzymes, Triglycerides, and Cholesterol Improved in Individuals with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis with Artichoke Leaf Extract
In this randomized, double-blind study, patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis who received 2,700 mg of artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) or placebo daily for two months had a significant improvement in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as triglycerides and total cholesterol compared to the placebo group.
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Peer-led Mindfulness Meditation Program for Medical Students
This pilot study shows that a peer-led mindfulness program during medical school enhances self-compassion, altruism, and mental wellness and decreases levels of stress.
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Calcium Supplementation and Increased Dementia Risk
In this five-year observational study, women who were taking calcium supplementation and who had pre-existing cerebrovascular disease were at higher risk of dementia than women not taking extra calcium.
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Leading Causes of CAM Nondisclosure
More than 40% of patients report nondisclosure of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM; also known as integrative medicine treatments) to their primary care physicians. They cite failure of physicians to initiate conversation on CAM, coupled with a belief that physicians do not need to know about CAM usage, as key factors in nondisclosure, according to patient survey.