HEALTH IN THE NEWS
Don’t block that skin?
The push to wear sun block may be leaving a large portion of Americans deficient in vitamin D. Recent evidence indicates a need for 4000 IU per day in the average adult (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003; 77:204-210) versus the old recommendation of 400 IU. Current research has found vitamin D to be linked with increased cancer risk, high blood pressure, heart attack, and type II diabetes.
Multiple vitamins not recommended for under age three
An increase of allergies in African-American children and asthma in formula-fed infants was found in children under the age of three who were given multiple vitamins. The multivitamins caused a shift in the immune system of the infants causing an increased production of certain cells that cause asthma and allergies. (Pediatrics. 2004 Jul; 114(1) 27-32.)
Are you ready for flu season?
For years people have reached for Oscillococcinum to reduce the symptoms of flu. It is a homeopathic remedy that significantly reduces symptoms and the duration of the flu. For those inclined towards optimal prevention there is a remedy made each year from the strains of virus the World Health Organization predicts to most likely affect the world each year. This remedy is called Dolivaxil; but beware, to be effective it must be started in late summer or early fall.
“To Tame the Hurting Thing”
A video by this name was created to teach imagery to children undergoing surgery, according to a study recently published in the Pain Journal. “This was the first study to demonstrate a reduction in school-aged children’s post-operative pain and anxiety. We found that health care professionals and parents need to give adequate amounts of pain medication in conjunction with nonpharmacologic interventions, like imagery,” said Huth, an assistant vice president at the Center for Professional Excellence at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
COMPILED BY MARGARET ARTHUR, M.D.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|