Current Research from Top Journals

Last Updated: 2008-11-13  :: Covering of Head During Sleep Associated With Increase Risk of SIDS

The cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is still unclear, but several habits are known to increase the risk for it. Researchers in England reviewed previous studies demonstrated how blankets in the crib can increase the risk for SIDS.

Last Updated: 2008-11-11  :: Acupressure May Decrease Preoperative Anxiety in Children

Medical procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy can be stressful on children. Researchers from Yale University found that a simple acupressure treatment may relieve some of the anxiety.

Last Updated: 2008-11-11  :: Moderate Intensity Walking May Reduce Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio in Men With Hypercholesterolemia

Physical activity is recommended to help decrease risks of heart disease including high cholesterol. Researchers in England set out to determine if a simple walking program really did provide cholesterol benefits.

Last Updated: 2008-11-11  :: Therapeutic Exercise Reduces Pain and Improves Function for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the affected joint. While the painful joints may encourage rest, several studies have shown that exercise can reduce pain and decrease stiffness.

Last Updated: 2008-11-11  :: Increased Dietary Fiber May Improve Constipation Conditions With Pelvic Floor Disorder

Constipation is a fairly common problem and for people with pelvic floor disorders it can become a significant one. A study at the Indiana University Hospital found that a high fiber diet not only decreased constipation but decreased risk of further pelvic floor complications.

Last Updated: 2008-11-11  :: Poorly Controlled Maternal Asthma May Increase Risk of Preterm Birth

Many mothers-to-be with asthma decrease or even avoid their asthma medications because of fears of the effect of asthma medication on developing babies. The University of New Mexico found that avoiding the medications was actually more harmful to mom and baby.

Last Updated: 2008-11-11  :: Varicella Vaccine May Be Helpful After Exposure to Chickenpox

The Varicella vaccine provides protection against developing chickenpox but not everyone receives the vaccine. Studies have begin to show that the vaccine delivered shortly after exposure may still be able to provide protective benefits.

Last Updated: 2008-11-11  :: Counseling May Be Associated With Improved Short Term Weight Loss in People at Risk of Developing Diabetes

Being overweight is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, but weight loss can be difficult to achieve. Researchers in England found some basic counseling efforts were helpful to people trying to lose weight.

Last Updated: 2008-10-6  :: Decongestants and Antihistamines May Have Little Use in Treatment of Otitis Media in Children

These medications are given to relieve the discomfort and shorten the length of otitis media, or ear infection. However, researchers found that the prescription of decongestants and antihistamines made no improvements in either.

Last Updated: 2008-10-6  :: Leech Therapy May Improve Arthritic Pain and Functionality

Osteoarthritis causes inflammation in the joints which results in pain and limited movement. In a recent German study, the unique benefits of leech therapy were found useful in relief of pain and improvement in function for osteoarthritis patients.

Last Updated: 2008-10-6  :: Premedication With Lidocaine Gel May Decrease Discomfort During Mammography

Mammography is the best known tool for breast cancer screening, but it is an uncomfortable procedure for some women. A recent study found that a lidocaine gel provided some relief of discomfort and made women more comfortable.

Last Updated: 2008-10-6  :: Smoked Cannabis Reduces HIV-Associated Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain can be difficult to treat and can significantly affect quality of life. A study at San Francisco General Hospital found that cannabis may be an effective tool to managing neuropathic pain.

Last Updated: 2008-10-6  :: Support Garment May Reduce Back Pain Discomfort During Pregnancy

Physical changes and growth of the baby during pregnancy can cause strain on the low back and pelvis. A review of two pregnancy support garments found one was better in providing active support.

Last Updated: 2008-9-8  :: Effects of Exercise on 24-Month Maintenance of Weight Loss

Exercise is known to be important to weight loss and maintenance but just how much is necessary. Researchers found the women with the highest exercise times maintained the highest weight loss.

Last Updated: 2008-9-8  :: Sugar-Sweetened Fruit Drinks Linked to Increased Chance of Type 2 Diabetes in African American Women

A surge of sugar sweetened fruit drinks have hit the markets, promoted as healthy alternatives to soft drinks. However, researchers have found the sugar sweetened fruit drinks may be capable of increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Last Updated: 2008-9-8  :: Gallbladder Disease and Use of Oral versus Transdermal Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy has been linked to increase rates of gallbladder disease in middle aged women. A study from England has found that the risk of gallbladder disease decreased with the use of transdermal patches instead of oral medication.

Last Updated: 2008-9-8  :: Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccines for Healthy Children

The influenza vaccine is recommended for young children every year as a flu prevention. A review of several studies assessed the effectiveness of the vaccine for healthy children in preventing flu like illnesses.

Last Updated: 2008-9-8  :: NEDAs May Significantly Reduce Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome But Have Limiting Side Effects

Medication is often used to treat severe cases of Restless Leg Syndrome. Researchers in Connecticut reviewed several studies and found that although the drugs were successful in treating symptoms the side effects were difficult to tolerate.