Health Headlines 2/22/07

February 22, 2008 5:18 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Manufacturing Problems May Cause Heparin Shortage
Cancer Drug May Help Multiple Sclerosis
Probiotics Reduce Respiratory Illness
Probiotics Dangerous in Pancreatitis
Airport Noise Boosts Blood Pressure
Black Pepper May Help Correct Skin Condition

New! People's Pharmacy Video!

Now you can learn about home remedies and treatments for common health problems with video featuring Joe and Terry Graedon! We'll post a new video each week. Click here to view this week's video, Home Remedies for Cough:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/video/home_remedies_for_cough.php
Or you can view all our videos on our Youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/PeoplesPharmacy

Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Download our podcast! Every week we post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, or visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 668 Men's Health:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/668_mens_health_podcast.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 29% discount off the list price of $34.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 669 UltraLongevity
Living a long time is appealing, but only if the extra years can be healthy ones. Dr. Mark Liponis, medical director of the Canyon Ranch Resorts, says paying attention to the immune system can make a big difference. We discuss...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/669_ultralongevity.php

Solutions For Vaginal Dryness
Q. I am a 55-year-old female suffering from hot flashes, vaginal dryness and loss of libido. Sexual intercourse is uncomfortable. I used to look forward to making love with my husband, but it is hard to enjoy anything that hurts....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/solutions_for_vaginal_dryness.php

Can GI Problems Interfere With Thyroid Medication?
Q. I have suffered with stomach pain and reflux for a long time. I have tried Zantac and Pepcid without much success. I am now taking Prevacid that my doctor prescribed to control excess acid. Even after an increase in...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/can_gi_problems_interfere_with_thyroid_medication_.php

Natural Alternatives To Getting Rid Of Roaches
Q. In the next few days I will be moving into a new house. The current resident tells me roaches are a problem. He offered to "bomb" the place with insecticide, but that will not work for me. What are...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/natural_alternatives_to_getting_rid_of_roaches.php

Bar Soap For Hand Cramps
Q. I have horrible hand cramps which can occur at almost any time. Nothing my doctor has prescribed has helped. Is there a home remedy I can try? A. You may laugh at this suggestion. There is absolutely no scientific...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/bar_soap_for_hand_cramps.php

Beware Of Drug Name Mix-Ups
What’s in a name? According to William Shakespeare, not much: “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” In this famous line, Juliet complains that it is Romeo’s name that keeps them apart because...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/beware_of_drug_name_mixups.php

Mouthwash Turned Feet Blue
Q. When I needed treatment for toenail fungus, my doctor suggested I soak my toes in Listerine for 30 minutes a night for thirty days. I sent my husband to Costco for a giant jug of Listerine. He returned with...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/mouthwash_turned_feet_blue.php

Is Your Soap Clean?
Q. Is bar soap a possible source of bacteria? Is it better to use liquid soap? A. Soggy bar soap can become contaminated with bacteria. But not all liquid soap is free of germs. Microbiologist Charles Gerba, PhD, has found...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/is_your_soap_clean_.php

Untangling The News About Zetia
Q. There was a lot of hoopla recently about the drug Zetia. I called my doctor, who told me to continue taking it, but if it's not doing anything good for my high cholesterol, why bother? A pharmacist told me...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/untangling_the_news_about_zetia.php

Coconut Macaroons For IBS
Q. Thank you so much for writing about IBS and coconut macaroon cookies. IT WORKS. I suffered with chronic diarrhea for years and have been healed for the last two years. A. We’re always pleased to hear about success with...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/coconut_macaroons_for_ibs.php

Does Grapefruit Increase The Risk Of Breast Cancer?
Q. I just read that grapefruit increases the risk of breast cancer. What gives? I always thought fruits and vegetables prevented cancer. A. One study showed that grapefruit raises estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Higher estrogen is associated with greater...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/does_grapefruit_increase_the_risk_of_breast_cancer.php

Featured Q & A

Is Testosterone an Aphrodisiac?
Q. When we were first married, my husband and I had a great sex life. I love him as much as ever, but I am not as interested in sex as I used to be. He's been very patient, but this must be frustrating for him too.

He heard on the radio that testosterone can improve a woman's libido. I am leery of taking hormones. Is this drug safe?

A. Doctors have long known that testosterone can increase some women's sexual desire. But possible side effects such as deepened voice, development of facial hair and lower beneficial HDL cholesterol may discourage regular use.

In a small preliminary study, Dutch researchers reported on a different way to use testosterone. A double-blind trial published in the Archives of General Psychiatry (Feb. 2000, pages 149-153) found that small doses of testosterone (0.5 mg) given under the tongue led women to experience significantly more "sexual lust" and "genital arousal" three to four and a half hours later.

The researchers used a form of testosterone that is not available in the United States. The low dose and occasional use should minimize the risk of side effects, however. Further research might lead a manufacturer to offer such a formulation, but the FDA has considered and rejected one testosterone formulation to treat low libido in women.

Featured Home Remedy

Vinegar Soak Helps Fight Nail Fungus
A professional foot care nurse who sees around 200 patients each month recommends adding a cup of cider vinegar to a warm water foot bath and soaking for 10 minutes daily. "The solution seeps up under the nail, reaching the affected area better than some of the painted on remedies which are sold over the counter."

This nurse also alerted us to the value of Vicks VapoRub applied daily on and around the nail. She says it "gradually penetrates the affected nail, softening the debris, and enables easier removal while it seems to prevent fungal invasion into the newly emerging nail."

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Manufacturing Problems May Cause Heparin Shortage
A life-saving anticoagulant called heparin could be in short supply because of manufacturing problems. This injectable medicine prevents blood clots and is used prior to certain types of heart surgery and kidney dialysis. The manufacturer, Baxter, has recalled multiple-dose vials because of reports of nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, difficulty breathing and shock. Hundreds have apparently been affected and at least four people have died. Questions have been raised about possible contamination in the manufacturing process. Some of the raw materials came from China. Although Baxter has inspected the Chinese plant, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not. Since Baxter makes about half of the one million multiple-dose vials of heparin that are sold each month in the U.S., there is likely to be a shortage in coming months.

Cancer Drug May Help Multiple Sclerosis
The biotech drug Rituxan is used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. Now researchers report that this drug may also play a valuable role in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis. Investigators gave MS patients two infusions at two week intervals. That short course of therapy produced positive results that lasted almost one year. Nervous system lesions improved noticeably within a few months of the infusion. Only half as many patients getting Rituxan suffered relapses compared to placebo. The researchers warn that it is still premature to start prescribing Rituxan for MS patients. Nevertheless, this prelimary research is encouraging.
[New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 2008]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/358/7/676

Probiotics Reduce Respiratory Illness
Probiotics have been getting a lot of attention lately for treating digestive problems and eczema and boosting immunity against respiratory tract infections. Probiotics are good bacteria that can be found in live yogurt cultures and dietary supplements. A small study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reports that the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum may reduce the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections in long distance runners. Twenty elite athletes were randomized to receive either placebo pills or probiotics for one month. Those taking probiotics experienced far fewer days of respiratory illness compared to athletes taking placebos...30 days compared to more than 70 days. Those taking probiotics also had less serious symptoms. The investigators concluded that probiotics appear to improve immunity against infection.
[Online Feb 13, Br J Sports Med 2008]
http://press.psprings.co.uk/bjsm/february/sm44628.pdf

Probiotics Dangerous in Pancreatitis
As exciting as the news may be about probiotics, they may not be for everyone. Dutch researchers report that these so-called good bacteria may be fatal for patients suffering with severe pancreatitis. In this study of nearly 300 people with acute pancreatitis, half received placebo and half were administered probiotics. Although the number of infections in each group was roughly comparable, 24 people subjects in the probiotic group died compared to only 9 who were given placebos. Although the investigators could not explain why probiotics might pose such a risk, they cautioned that patients with severe pancreatitis or others with organ failure who are on feeding tubes should probably not receive such supplements.
[The Lancet, Feb 14, 2008]

Airport Noise Boosts Blood Pressure
Excessive noise could be bad for your health. European scientists studied nearly 5,000 people who lived near major airports. Those who were exposed to airplane noise at night were 14 percent more likely to have hypertension. The investigators also measured blood pressure and noise in 140 volunteers who lived near busy airports like Heathrow. They found that a rising decibel level also triggered a rise in blood pressure, even when the subjects were sleeping. Airplanes had the biggest impact, though snoring partners also have an effect on blood pressure levels. People who live in a noisy environment may need to invest in soundproofing to protect the quality of their sleep and their blood pressure.
[European Heart Journal, online Feb. 12, 2008]

Black Pepper May Help Correct Skin Condition
Vitiligo is a mysterious condition in which the skin loses pigment. It is most visible in people with darker colored skin. Hands and face are often affected. Scientists think that vitiligo is in part an auto-immune condition affecting 1 to 2 percent of the population. There have been no really successful treatments to this point. Now British researchers are studying a compound from black pepper called piperine. Investigators put this chemical on depigmented mouse skin and were able to stimulate repigmentation. Research in humans is needed to determine whether piperine will eventually provide a safe and effective treatment for vitiligo.
[British Journal of Dermatology, Feb. 14 online 2008]

Health Headlines 2/15/08

February 15, 2008 10:25 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Flu Strains Not Included in Vaccine
Aspirin Protects against Colon Cancer
Poor Social Support Affects Blood Pressure
Sugar Substitutes May Contribute to Weight Gain
One Drink Good, Two Bad for Blood Pressure
Beet Juice for Lower Blood Pressure

Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Download our podcast! Every week we post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, or visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 667 Dealing With Depression:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/667_dealing_with_depression_podcast.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 29% discount off the list price of $34.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 668 Men's Health
As men get older, they become more likely to experience symptoms of prostate enlargement. This is a common phenomenon that isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it can be inconvenient to have urine flow slow or to be unable to empty the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/668_mens_health.php

Coconut Macaroons For IBS
Q. Thank you so much for writing about IBS and coconut macaroon cookies. IT WORKS. I suffered with chronic diarrhea for years and have been healed for the last two years. A. We’re always pleased to hear about success with...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/coconut_macaroons_for_ibs.php

Does Grapefruit Increase The Risk Of Breast Cancer?
Q. I just read that grapefruit increases the risk of breast cancer. What gives? I always thought fruits and vegetables prevented cancer. A. One study showed that grapefruit raises estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Higher estrogen is associated with greater...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/does_grapefruit_increase_the_risk_of_breast_cancer.php

How Much Cinnamon Is Too Much?
Q. I’ve heard that consuming too much cinnamon can be harmful, but what, exactly, is the acceptable limit? I eat two tablespoons on my cereal each morning just because I like the flavor and I don't need added sugar. Is...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/how_much_cinnamon_is_too_much.php

Don't Glue Your Mouth Shut With Gelatin
Q. I've had some arthritis in my left index finger. The treatments I tried helped a little, but didn't resolve it. I’ve heard that a packet of Knox unflavored gelatin twice a day dissolved in the beverage of your choice...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/dont_glue_your_mouth_shut_with_gelatin.php

Attention Deficit Disorder Poses Dilemma
Parents are caught in a double bind when a child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). On the one hand, they want to help their child focus and do well in school. Treating the condition can...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/attention_deficit_disorder_poses_dilemma.php

Dangers of Drinking Listerine
Q. You had a question from parents concerned about their son using more than three big bottles of mouthwash in a week. Shame on you for soft-pedaling the use of Listerine. My dad dried out and then restarted on mouthwash....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/dangers_of_drinking_listerine.php

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs May Raise Blood Pressure
Q. My orthopedic doctor did not warn me that the anti-inflammatory drug he prescribed might raise my blood pressure. When it spiked to 172/92 I got scared. The doctor did not respond to my complaints and a pharmacist said it...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/antiinflammatory_drugs_may_raise_blood_pressure.php

Castor Oil For Bruises
Q. My mother-in-law uses castor oil for bruises. At Christmas, my sister-in-law sat down in a very heavy old rocker-recliner chair. It went crashing to the floor, and one corner landed right on top of my mother-in-law's foot. My sister-in-law...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/castor_oil_for_bruises.php

Getting Rid Of Nosebleeds
Q. My daughter has excessive nosebleeds. Do you have any herbal or home remedy suggestions? A. You may want to start in the pharmacy. There are three products to consider: Nosebleed QR (www.biolife.com and 800-722-7559), NasalCEASE (www.nasalcease.com and 800-650-6673) and...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/getting_rid_of_nosebleeds.php

Pycnogenol Helps With Hot Flashes
Q. I have tried everything ever suggested for hot flashes but until now have gotten relief only from hormones (HRT). I recently started taking Pycnogenol and have noticed a marked improvement. I stopped HRT about eight months ago and have...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/pycnogenol_helps_with_hot_flashes.php

Featured Q & A

Overcoming Nose Spray Addiction Can Be Challenging

Q. I've been using Afrin for three weeks because of a cold that just wouldn't go away. Now I am having a hard time stopping the nasal spray. I can't breathe through my nose when the Afrin wears off. How can I get off Afrin?

A. Gradual tapering may be the answer. One reader suggested diluting the Afrin with a saline solution (Ayr Saline, NaSal or Ocean) every time the bottle was half empty. Within several weeks the concentration of Afrin was so low that he had no trouble stopping.

Featured Home Remedy

Deodorant Fights Fungus

I have had tinea versicolor a couple of times. It makes a brown spot on my ribs or back. The dermatologist explained that it is caused by a fungus and told me to use an antifungal cream like miconazole, but I have found a great home remedy. One study showed propylene glycol can be effective for this condition, so I looked at ingredient labels closely. My deodorant stick has propylene glycol and does a good job getting rid of the spot. I apply it twice a day for a couple of weeks.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Flu Strains Not Included in Vaccine
This year’s flu vaccine is not working as well as expected. In anticipation of flu season, scientists must guess which strains of influenza virus are likely to predominate. They have to do this eight to twelve months before the flu season really takes hold. Last year the experts predicted that a flu called Wisconsin would be the major type A strain. They thought that type B flu would be represented by a bug called Victoria. But influenza viruses don’t play by the rules. This year most type A flu is caused by a strain called Brisbane and the Type B flu is mostly Yamagata. As a result, the flu vaccine may not be protecting people as well as the virologists had hoped. Influenza infections are on the rise throughout the country. At last count more than 30 states had widespread outbreaks. About the only effective treatments are prescription antiviral drugs such as rimantadine, Relenza and Tamiflu. Although some flu bugs are developing resistance to these medications, most are still susceptible.

Aspirin Protects against Colon Cancer
An aspirin a day may keep cancer away. At least, that is the conclusion of a study published in the journal Gastroenterology. Researchers have been following 47,000 male health professionals since 1986. The men who took aspirin regularly had 20 percent lower risk of developing colorectal cancer than men who didn’t take aspirin often. The dose was higher than is usually recommended for heart health. Those who took 6 to 14 standard aspirin tablets a week lowered their risk by 28 percent while those who swallowed more than 14 tablets of aspirin weekly had a dramatic 70 percent lower risk. At that dose, however, aspirin can have very serious side effects, including bleeding or perforated ulcers. No one should ever take aspirin on a regular basis except under medical supervision.
[Gastroenterology, January 2008] http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(07)01745-3/abstract

Poor Social Support Affects Blood Pressure
Blood pressure usually goes down at night while people are sleeping. But a new study found that older African Americans who lack social support are less likely to follow this pattern. Lack of friends, family or other social contact may lead to higher blood pressure and a greater risk of heart disease and stroke. The investigators speculate that increasing social support for isolated older people might help relieve chronic stress and improve blood pressure control. [Psychosomatic Medicine, January 2008] http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content/abstract/70/1/7

Sugar Substitutes May Contribute to Weight Gain
A lot of people trying to lose weight are careful to stick to diet soft drinks and non-caloric sweeteners. But a study in rats throws this tactic into question. Scientists at Purdue University gave laboratory rats either yogurt sweetened with glucose or yogurt sweetened with saccharin. Although the artificial sweetener contains no calories, the rats eating the saccharin-sweetened yogurt ate more and gained more weight. They also put on more body fat and did not compensate by eating less later. The investigators hypothesize that saccharin changes the way the brain senses and regulates food intake. It’s not clear whether humans have the same problems with artificial sweeteners, but the researchers think it is a possibility.
[Behavioral Neuroscience, February, 2008] http://www.apa.org/journals/releases/bne-feb08-swithers.pdf

One Drink Good, Two Bad for Blood Pressure
Scientists have long been fascinated by epidemiologic data suggesting that moderate wine drinkers are less prone to heart attacks or strokes. In an effort to discover whether red wine differs from plain alcohol in its effect on the circulatory system, investigators in Toronto studied 13 volunteers intensively. Contrary to expectations, they found no difference between a dose of red wine and a comparable dose of plain alcohol. After one drink, blood vessels dilated and the heart did not have to work so hard. There was no effect on heart rate or blood pressure. Having a second drink, though, reversed these benefits. Heart rate increased, blood vessels did not dilate, and the heart had to work harder. Over a period of time, these factors could raise blood pressure and increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. The researchers caution that no one should begin drinking alcohol to prevent heart disease.
[American Journal of Physiology, Heart and Circulatory Physiology, February, 2008]
http://ajpheart.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/294/2/H605

Beet Juice for Lower Blood Pressure
If you want a beverage to lower blood pressure, you might try beet juice. British investigators randomly assigned volunteers to drink either two cups of beet juice or two cups of water. Blood pressure was carefully monitored before and after the subjects drank the beet juice. Readings were monitored up to 24 hours later. Compared to water, beet juice lowered blood pressure readings by around 10 points and the effect lasted for nearly a day. That compares well to many antihypertensive drugs.
[Hyptertension, online, February 2008] http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/HYPERTENSIONAHA.107.103523v1

Health Headlines 2/7/08

February 7, 2008 10:08 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Hidden Hazards in Baby Products?
Folic Acid Reduces Risk of Pre-Eclampsia, Pre-Term Birth
Magnesium Lowers Risk of Cerebral Palsy
Gout Linked to Soft Drinks
Diet Soda Boosts Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Sugar Eases Pain of Shot

Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Download our podcast! Every week we post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, or visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 666 Health News Update:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/666_health_news_update_podcast.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 29% discount off the list price of $34.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 667 Dealing with Depression
Depression is debilitating and surprisingly common. Scientists have found that 5 percent of the people in a large survey reported symptoms of depression during the previous year. Nearly 13 percent of Americans experience depression at some point during their lives.The...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/667_dealing_with_depression_.php

Castor Oil For Bruises
Q. My mother-in-law uses castor oil for bruises. At Christmas, my sister-in-law sat down in a very heavy old rocker-recliner chair. It went crashing to the floor, and one corner landed right on top of my mother-in-law's foot. My sister-in-law...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/castor_oil_for_bruises.php

Getting Rid Of Nosebleeds
Q. My daughter has excessive nosebleeds. Do you have any herbal or home remedy suggestions? A. You may want to start in the pharmacy. There are three products to consider: Nosebleed QR (www.biolife.com and 800-722-7559), NasalCEASE (www.nasalcease.com and 800-650-6673) and...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/getting_rid_of_nosebleeds.php

Pycnogenol Helps With Hot Flashes
Q. I have tried everything ever suggested for hot flashes but until now have gotten relief only from hormones (HRT). I recently started taking Pycnogenol and have noticed a marked improvement. I stopped HRT about eight months ago and have...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/pycnogenol_helps_with_hot_flashes.php

Yellow Mustard Eases Leg Cramps
Q. We tried a treatment from your column for nighttime leg cramps. My husband used to get them frequently and would have to walk them off while in pain. He read that taking mustard would alleviate them so he tried...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/yellow_mustard_eases_leg_cramps.php

Study Creates Cholesterol Confusion
It all seemed so simple. If you just lowered your cholesterol you could reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Drug companies have done their best to keep you focused on medications that bring cholesterol levels down. Turn...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/study_creates_cholesterol_confusion.php

Is Stop-Smoking Drug Linked to Violence?
Q. I live in the U.K. On Christmas Eve my boyfriend had been been using Champix for some months. He was drinking and went berserk for no reason, assaulted me and destroyed my apartment. I fled and waited in an...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/is_stopsmoking_drug_linked_to_violence.php

Could Osteoporosis Drug Be Leading To Sore Thumbs?
Q. My doctor recently put me on Fosamax for osteoporosis once a week. A few days later I was in terrible pain with my arthritic thumbs. They hurt so much I wanted to cut them off. I called my doctor...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/could_osteoporosis_drug_be_leading_to_sore_thumbs.php

Using A Neti Pot To Clear Out Sinuses
Q. When I was a child, my mother encouraged me to gargle with salt water when I had a sore throat. I just heard Dr. Oz on Oprah recommend salt water in a neti pot for improving sinus conditions. Are...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/using_a_neti_pot_to_clear_out_sinuses.php

Extended Interview with Dr. Amy Wechsler
Listen to Dr. Amy Wechsler, dermatologist and psychiatrist, discuss common skin problems such as excessive sweating, hair removal, and treating warts, hair loss, chapped lips, cold sores and lice. Dr. Wechsler appeared on our January 26 2008 radio program, 665...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/extended_interview_with_dr_amy_wechsler.php

Getting Rid Of Drugs With Elmer's Glue
Q. I’ve read about the difficulties of disposing of unused drugs and want to share my solution. I poured Elmer’s glue into the pill container to cover the pills and let it set before putting the container in the trash....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/getting_rid_of_drugs_with_elmers_glue.php

Featured Q & A

Ice Crunching May Signal Iron Deficiency
Q. What can you tell me about an addiction to ice? Several years ago I developed a strong craving to crunch on ice. I would always have a cup of ice cubes or crushed ice and be eating it. It drives my husband crazy and isn't good for my teeth.

I read that craving ice could be a sign of iron deficiency. My doctor had never heard of this but suggested enteric-coated iron pills, available over the counter. I took one after each meal and in two months my craving for ice disappeared.

These pills have not been available for several years. Other iron supplements upset my stomach so much I cannot take them. A blood test showed that I am anemic and I am now back to crunching on ice cubes whenever I can.

Have you ever heard of ice craving as a result of anemia? What can I do?

A. Doctors have a term for crunching ice: "pagophagia." It is frequently associated with iron deficiency anemia and is similar to pica, in which people have a compulsion to eat nonfood items such as clay or laundry starch. When iron levels are restored to normal, these urges often go away.

Ask your doctor to investigate why you are anemic. If you need iron, enteric coated ferrous sulfate is available from Paddock Labs in Minneapolis. Your pharmacist can order it from a wholesaler or the company.

Featured Home Remedy

Rosemary Rinse Fights Dandruff
I used to rinse my hair with a decoction I made from rosemary plants that I grew in my herb garden.

My hair has always been the 'fly-away' sort, but the rosemary made it manageable and also eliminated dandruff. It made my hair smell nice, too. Growing the rosemary myself made my hair rinse a renewable resource that came from my own yard and saved me money.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Hidden Hazards in Baby Products?
Baby powder, shampoo and lotion may be adding man-made chemicals called phthalates to infants' bodies. Phthalates are found in many products including plastics, medical equipment, children's toys and cosmetics. These compounds are endocrine disruptors and may alter hormonal balance by mimicking estrogen. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found measurable levels of at least seven different phthalates in 80 percent of the babies in the study. In animals, phthalates are associated with problems in development and reproductive abnormalities. Males seem to be particularly sensitive. The study found that babies exposed to lotion, powder or shampoo were more likely to have phthalates in their urine. Since products are not required to list phthalate ingredients on the label, parents have no way of knowing whether their babies are being exposed to this class of chemicals.
[Pediatrics, February, 2008]
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/121/2/e260

Folic Acid Reduces Risk of Pre-Eclampsia, Pre-Term Birth
Pregnant women have been urged to get adequate folic acid in their diets or prenatal vitamins to prevent birth defects of the spinal cord and brain. Studies have added new reasons to pay attention to folic acid nutrition. In one study of 38,000 pregnant women, those who took folic acid for a year before conceiving were significantly less likely to deliver their baby too early. Preterm birth can lead to dangerous complications for the infant. A different study included nearly 3,000 women in their second trimester of pregnancy. Those who were taking folic acid had less than half the rate of pre-eclampsia. This complication begins with high blood pressure and protein in the urine and can become dangerous for both mother and baby.
[American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, January 2008]
http://www.ajog.org/article/PIIS0002937807008447/abstract

Magnesium Lowers Risk of Cerebral Palsy
Obstetrical researchers have confirmed the value of another old-fashioned dietary supplement. Magnesium sulfate, also known as Epsom salts, can help prevent cerebral palsy. The scientists studied more than 2,000 women who went into labor early, between 24 and 31 weeks. Babies born so much before the full 40-week term of a normal pregnancy are at increased risk of cerebral palsy. About 4 percent of the infants born to mothers given magnesium developed the disorder, compared to 7 percent of those born to mothers given placebo. These results confirm those of a similar study of 3,000 pregnant women in Australia.
[Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Dallas, Feb. 4, 2008]
http://www.ajog.org/issues/contents?issue_key=S0002-9378%2807%29X0913-X

Gout Linked to Soft Drinks
Gout is a very painful condition that has traditionally been linked to diets high in alcohol and proteins such as seafood and meat. Although these dietary correlations are important, researchers have just uncovered another dietary risk factor: sugar-sweetened soft drinks. The Health Professionals Follow-up Study included more than 46,000 men who were followed for 12 years. Those who consumed soft drinks or high levels of fructose sweetener were significantly more likely to develop gout during that time frame. Men who drank two or more soft drinks a day were 85 percent more likely to come down with gout than men who rarely drank any. Those who ate the most fructose-containing foods doubled their risk (102 percent increase) when compared to men who ate the least. One investigator suggests that doctors should advise men with gout or high uric acid levels that indicate a risk of gout to cut back on sugary soft drinks. Diet beverages did not increase the rate of gout.
[Online First issue of the British Medical Journal, February 1, 2008]

Diet Soda Boosts Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a recognized risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. It is characterized by a big belly and elevated blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides. Blood pressure is frequently elevated in people with metabolic syndrome. A new study considered dietary patterns that increase the risk of developing this condition. One surprising discovery was that daily diet soda drinkers were 34 percent more likely to have metabolic syndrome than those who didn't indulge in diet soft drinks. The value of diet soda for weight loss has been controversial for years. Some researchers actually believe that artificial sweeteners interfere with the feedback system that tells people when to stop eating. As a result, such beverages might actually make it harder to lose weight.
[Circulation, online, Jan. 22, 2008]
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.716159v1

Sugar Eases Pain of Shot
A spoonful of sugar really may help the medicine go down...or at least may it less painful. Researchers report that babies given a sugar solution before receiving a vaccination were less likely to cry or demonstrate other signs of pain than those who got a placebo. The researchers suggest that a little sugar may take the edge off shots or other minor medical interventions.
[Pediatrics, February 2008; vol 121: pp e327-e334]
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/121/2/e327

Health Headlines 2/1/08

February 1, 2008 9:35 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Children Hospitalized with Cold Remedy Reactions
FDA Oversight of Devices Inadequate
Diabetics May Benefit from Pain Reliever
Coffee Boosts Blood Sugar
Drug Name Mix-Ups Common and Troublesome
Does Honey Heal Wounds?
Youngsters and Seniors Are Happiest

Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Download our podcast! Every week we post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, or visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 665 Healthy Skin:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/665_healthy_skin_podcast.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 29% discount off the list price of $34.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 666 Health News Update
A lot of people are suffering with winter colds at this time of year. Questions have been raised about the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cold medicines for young children, and possibly even for the rest of us. Are there...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/666_health_news_update.php

Using A Neti Pot To Clear Out Sinuses
Q. When I was a child, my mother encouraged me to gargle with salt water when I had a sore throat. I just heard Dr. Oz on Oprah recommend salt water in a neti pot for improving sinus conditions. Are...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/using_a_neti_pot_to_clear_out_sinuses.php

Extended Interview with Dr. Amy Wechsler
Listen to Dr. Amy Wechsler, dermatologist and psychiatrist, discuss common skin problems such as excessive sweating, hair removal, and treating warts, hair loss, chapped lips, cold sores and lice. Dr. Wechsler appeared on our January 26 2008 radio program, 665...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/extended_interview_with_dr_amy_wechsler.php

Getting Rid Of Drugs With Elmer's Glue
Q. I’ve read about the difficulties of disposing of unused drugs and want to share my solution. I poured Elmer’s glue into the pill container to cover the pills and let it set before putting the container in the trash....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/getting_rid_of_drugs_with_elmers_glue.php

Can Cholesterol Get Too Low?
Q. I'm 66, 6 feet tall, weigh 220 pounds and am in good health. A year ago, my labs showed a total cholesterol of 188 while using Vytorin. This is close to my average cholesterol reading for five years. My...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/can_cholesterol_get_too_low.php

Milk of Magnesia Worked For Donut Face
Q. My face looked like a dry glazed donut for eight years, until I read your column about using milk of magnesia on the face and scalp. My dermatologist had been treating my scalp but I got nowhere. Both problems...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/milk_of_magnesia_worked_for_donut_face.php

Prescription Drug Habit Hard To Kick
Savvy patients have learned that it is essential to ask physicians and pharmacists about side effects before they take any medicine. Drugs can cause reactions that range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. Even a thoughtful consumer may forget another...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/prescription_drug_habit_hard_to_kick.php

Generic Epilepsy Drug Leads To Seizure
Q. I was taking phenytoin, an extended release generic form of the anti-seizure drug Dilantin. On September 19, 2007, I had a grand mal seizure and upon admission to a local ER, my lab results indicated my phenytoin level was...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/generic_epilepsy_drug_leads_to_seizure.php

665 Healthy Skin Podcast
The skin is the largest organ in the body. And when something goes wrong with the skin, it is often very visible. This means skin problems can have psychological complications. Dr. Amy Wechsler is both a dermatologist and a...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/665_healthy_skin_podcast.php

Does Caffeine Stunt Growth?
Q. Is it true that drinking coffee with caffeine from the age of 9 on up will stunt a young girl's growth and keep her short? A. We could find no research to support this old wives tale. The Penn...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/does_caffeine_stunt_growth.php

Can Iron Deficiency Lead To Restless Legs?
Q. For a long time I had trouble keeping my legs still, especially while I was trying to sleep at night. I did not seek treatment from my doctor because I did not want to take medication. Then I read...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/can_iron_deficiency_lead_to_restless_legs.php

Featured Q & A

Orange Peel Craving Signals Problems
Q. Have you ever heard of eating orange peel? After almost every meal I eat, especially after eating something sweet, I get a craving for orange peel. It seems to satisfy some unknown dietary need in my body.

Is orange peel toxic in any way? Could craving it be a sign of a hidden deficiency in my diet or a psychological habit I have acquired? I hope you can help me solve this mystery, since none of the doctors I have consulted has known the answer.

A. Orange peels may be treated with fungicides or other chemicals to help improve shelf life. That's why we'd discourage you from eating very much of it.

Your food compulsion is reminiscent of others. Readers have shared overwhelming urges to eat carrots, tomatoes, clay, dirt or even laundry starch. It is quite possible that this condition, called pica, is related to a mineral deficiency.

One woman shared the following: "Several years ago I developed a strong craving to crunch on ice. I would always have a cup of crushed ice to eat until I read that craving ice could be a sign of iron deficiency. My doctor suggested iron pills, and in two months my craving for ice disappeared."

Please ask your doctor to perform a blood test to see if you are anemic. Both iron and zinc deficiencies have been associated with pica.

Featured Home Remedy

Coconut Relieves Doggie Diarrhea
I read your column about coconut macaroon cookies for diarrhea. The veterinarian has been treating my dog for this problem for months, but nothing has worked.

I gave him a macaroon and it was miraculous. I've switched to flaked coconut and it works just as well. I put it on top of his food and he loves it. You might want to alert your readers who are dog owners.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Children Hospitalized with Cold Remedy Reactions
Children's cold medicines take another hit, this time from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scientists for the CDC collected data on emergency room visits in 2004 and 2005 from about 60 representative emergency rooms around the country. During that time roughly 300 children were seen as a result of reactions to cough and cold medicines. When this number is extrapolated to the country as a whole, it yields an estimated 7,000 youngsters a year. The FDA recently moved against cold remedies for children under two years old. This new data may strengthen the recommendation of an expert panel that cold and cough remedies not be used for children younger than six. Since there is no good evidence these medicines are effective for young children, the new study published in the journal Pediatrics is likely to add pressure on the Food and Drug Administration to take action.
[Pediatrics, Online, Jan. 28, 2008]
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/peds.2007-3638v2

FDA Oversight of Devices Inadequate
The FDA is in trouble again. The Government Accountability Office took the agency to task for not using its limited resources efficiently. During Congressional hearings it was revealed that although 80 percent of our medications come from overseas companies, only about 7 percent of those plants get inspected each year. The situation is even worse for medical devices. That means that things like pacemakers, hearing aids and blood sugar monitors may not receive the scrutiny they deserve. Everyone agrees that the FDA is underfunded and understaffed. The Science Board for the agency has concluded that the FDA is at a breaking point. Other critics suggest that the FDA is already broken.

Diabetics May Benefit from Pain Reliever
A chemical cousin of aspirin that has been around for more than a century may offer unexpected benefits against type-2 diabetes. The drug is called salsalate and although it has many of the same properties as aspirin, it is less likely to cause stomach irritation or ulcers. Salsalate does have strong anti-inflammatory activity. Scientists at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston tested this drug in a small number of diabetic patients. Those who took salsalate had a substantial reduction in blood glucose and lower C-reactive protein, a measure of inflammation. If this study is confirmed in larger clinical trials, salsalate might become a first line approach in treating diabetes.
[Diabetes Care, Feb. 2008]
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/31/2/289

Coffee Boosts Blood Sugar
Regular coffee drinkers are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. But people with this metabolic disorder may need to cut back on caffeine. Scientists at Duke University found that caffeine can raise blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetics. The investigators gave subjects a dose equivalent to four cups of coffee. Blood sugar levels went up 8 percent higher than when they took placebo tablets.
[Diabetes Care, Feb. 2008]
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/extract/31/2/221

Drug Name Mix-Ups Common and Troublesome
What's in a name? When it comes to drugs, a name makes a great deal of difference. A report from the United States Pharmacopeia suggests that drugs with similar names result in a large number of mistakes. More than 1400 commonly used drugs have been involved in errors of this sort, including the ten drugs prescribed most frequently in 2006. Some people may have died as a result. For example, the antihistamine hydroxyzine is easily confused with the blood pressure drug hydralazine. Mixing them up could have serious consequences. Other look-alike drugs include Lamictal and labetalol or vinblastine and vincristine. Next time you receive a medication in the pharmacy or in the hospital, double check to make sure you are getting what your doctor prescribed and not a sound-alike or look-alike drug instead.

Does Honey Heal Wounds?
An old folk remedy for wound healing has been put to the test. Scientists at the University of Auckland compared honey to traditional dressings for hard-to-treat leg ulcers. Almost 400 patients were randomized to standard bandages or dressings soaked in honey. After three months 55 percent of the honey-treated wounds had healed compared to 49 percent of those treated conventionally. From a statistical perspective, there was no difference. The honey approach was more likely to cause pain, possibly because honey is acidic. The researchers concluded that honey did not offer any advantages for treating venous leg ulcers.
[British Journal of Surgery, January 2008]

Youngsters and Seniors Are Happiest
Happiness researchers have discovered that middle age is the cruelest time. The investigators reviewed data on mental health covering 2 million people in 80 countries. In the overwhelming majority of countries people were most susceptible to depression in their 40s. Younger people and those over 70 were the happiest. The scientists did not have a explanation for why middle age is so challenging, but they speculate that this is the point at which people come to grips with the likelihood they will not achieve their aspirations.
[to be published in Social Science and Medicine]

Health Headlines 1/25/08

January 25, 2008 9:15 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
FDA Warns Parents about Cold Remedies for Kids
Cough Medicine May Not Work
Pregnant Women Urged to Cut Out Coffee
Caffeine Reduces Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Contraceptive Patch Raises Risk of Clots
Chantix Warning Strengthened
Cranberry Juice Prevents Urinary Infections

Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Download our podcast! Every week we post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, or visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 664 Dietary Supplements:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/664_dietary_supplements.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 29% discount off the list price of $34.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 665 Healthy Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the body. And when something goes wrong with the skin, it is often very visible. This means skin problems can have psychological complications.Dr. Amy Wechsler is both a dermatologist and a psychiatrist. She...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/665_healthy_skin.php

Prescription Prices Blowing Budget To Shreds
Q. I am lucky to have insurance through my employer, but I need more medications as I grow older. Last month, my doctor and I discussed new drugs for two health problems. Because I have had serious negative reactions to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/prescription_prices_blowing_budget_to_shreds.php

Gin-Soaked Raisins For Joint Pain
Q. I found a home remedy on your Web site and tried it for my husband. He doesn't have arthritis yet, but is in his early 40s and has had surgery on both knees. They cause him almost constant pain....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/ginsoaked_raisins_for_joint_pain.php

Turmeric Eases Itchy Psoriasis
Q. My stepdad has had a horrible case of psoriasis for over 10 years. The rash was all over his body, caked on his scalp and itched constantly. The dermatologist he saw prescribed Dovonex and Capex and clobetasol. He has...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/turmeric_eases_itchy_psoriasis.php

Don't Be A Good Patient
Doctors like “good” patients. They even have a technical term for these people. Physicians call them compliant. Bad patients are non-compliant. A compliant patient follows doctor’s orders. In most cases that means taking the pills that are prescribed without too...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/dont_be_a_good_patient.php

Drinking Listerine Spells Trouble
Q. We are at a stand-off with our son. During his 8-day visit over the holidays, he used 3 1/2 bottles (1.5 liters each) of Listerine. We are concerned because it contains alcohol. Our son went through detox treatment four...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/drinking_listerine_spells_trouble.php

WD-40 For Stiff Joints?
Q. Why do you not recommend WD-40 for arthritis? I know a couple of older gentlemen who have used it and say it works. A. We too have heard from folks who have used WD-40, the mechanics’ lubricant for squeaky...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/wd40_for_stiff_joints.php

Stopping Underarm Odor Without Antiperspirant
Q. I am looking for a deodorant that is just a deodorant, not an antiperspirant as well. I can’t seem to find one. Your recommendation? A. Some readers recommend baking soda. One suggested,“Take a wet washcloth and dip it in...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/stopping_underarm_odor_without_antiperspirant.php

Can Earl Grey Tea Cause Muscle Cramps?
Q. I have a colostomy and was advised to get plenty of fluids. I began drinking quantities of Earl Grey tea, my favorite. Since I started drinking this tea, I’ve suffered many painful finger and foot cramps at night. I...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/can_earl_grey_tea_cause_muscle_cramps.php

Watching Out For Statin Interactions
Q. My mother-in-law is 86 years old and in reasonably good health. Several months ago, she started complaining about increased pain and seemed very weak and confused. Within a month, she could not walk and was forced to leave her...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/watching_out_for_statin_interactions.php

Stinging Nettle For Allergy Relief
Q. A friend found a mention of nettle leaf for allergy relief in your book and passed it along. It works wonderfully. It has also worked for others. A student in one of my college classes told me that he...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/stinging_nettle_for_allergy_relief.php

Featured Q & A

Herbal Memory Booster May Interact with Meds
Q. My mom has become increasingly worried about her memory. She used to keep track of all the birthdays and anniversaries in the family and knew exactly how old all the grandkids and cousins were without writing anything down. Now she makes lists of everything she wants to do for fear she'll forget.

She has started taking ginkgo because she heard it's good for memory. Is it safe with her other medications? She takes atenolol, Tylenol PM, amitriptyline and Ticlid.

A. There is a chance that your mother's ginkgo might interact with the anticoagulant Ticlid to increase her risk of hemorrhage. Theoretically, amitriptyline may also pose a problem with ginkgo.

Your mother's medications may be affecting her memory. The diphenhydramine in Tylenol PM might have an impact, as could amitriptyline or atenolol. She shouldn't stop her prescriptions but she should discuss her concern with her doctor.

Featured Home Remedy

Spicy Salsa Soothes Psoriasis
I am 42 and have suffered from psoriasis for 30 years. With age the skin lesions got worse; I had five or six on my chest and back that were at least three inches across. My elbows and knees were covered with red, rough plaques and silver scales.

For years I have used Ultravate ointment two or three times a year. After applying it twice a day for two weeks, most of the plaques would turn pink with no scale, but my elbows, knees and one spot on my back didn't change at all. Within a month all the spots would be as bad as ever.

Last spring I developed a taste for hot spicy food. I started eating salsa almost every day, and graduated from mild to medium to hot.

During this time, the ointment worked amazingly well. The psoriasis plaques disappeared after the pink stage. I can't remember the last time that happened. Then, with no treatment, my elbows and knees started to clear. Now I have only one lesion that is bigger than a dime.

At first I didn't make a connection between the hot peppers and the lesions clearing, but then I read that capsaicin from hot peppers is used as a topical treatment for arthritis and psoriasis.

As a test I stopped eating hot peppers and within two weeks the remaining lesions became inflamed and irritated. Selfishly, I ended the test immediately. Sure enough, the plaques got much better when I started eating salsa again.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

FDA Warns Parents about Cold Remedies for Kids
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a public health advisory to warn parents against using over-the-counter cough and cold remedies for babies and toddlers. The agency took this drastic action because there is little, if any, evidence of benefit and a concern about potentially life-threatening side effects. This should come as no surprise to parents. Last fall manufacturers voluntarily took most of these products off pharmacy shelves. A commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine last month called on the FDA to act against pediatric cough and cold medications. The authors asked the agency to issue a public statement that the products are not safe and effective for children under six. The FDA has not yet made any statement on the safety or effectiveness of such drugs for children between the ages of two and six.
[FDA News, Jan. 17, 2008]
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01778.html

Cough Medicine May Not Work
The Cochrane Library has just questioned the effectiveness of cough medicine for adults as well as children. This publication reviews the world's medical literature to determine the benefits and risks of many therapies. A recent review of 25 placebo-controlled studies found that the evidence for effectiveness of common cough medicines was unconvincing in both adults and children. The authors conclude that, "Higher quality evidence is needed to determine the effectiveness of self-care treatments for acute cough." The FDA is responsible for determining that all medicines, both prescription and over the counter, be proven safe and effective. Given that Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year on cough medicine, it is disturbing to learn that there is so little good evidence supporting the effectiveness of these drugs.
[Cochrane Library, Jan. 23, 2008, Issue 1]
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/homepages/106568753/CD001831.pdf

Pregnant Women Urged to Cut Out Coffee
Pregnant women may want to cut back on caffeine. A new study of more than 1,000 women shows that those who consume 200 mg or more a day doubled their risk of miscarriage. It is easy to get 200 mg of caffeine from two cups of regular coffee or three or four cups of tea. Five 12-ounce cans of soft drink also supply that much caffeine. Pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant may want to limit their caffeine intake.
[American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology]

Caffeine Reduces Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Caffeine may have some beneficial effects, however. Researchers have reported that regular coffee drinkers are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Now epidemiologists have found that women who drink coffee and other caffeine-containing beverages may be somewhat less likely to develop ovarian cancer. The investigators questioned over 80,000 women about diet and lifestyle every few years since 1976. Women who had never taken oral contraceptives appeared to obtain the biggest benefit from caffeine.
[Cancer, March, 2008]
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/117888868/ABSTRACT

Contraceptive Patch Raises Risk of Clots
Speaking of contraception, the FDA is reinforcing a warning about the risk of blood clots associated with the Ortho Evra contraceptive patch. It is applied once a week and is promoted as a convenient and discreet contraceptive solution. But women using Ortho Evra appear to double their risk of blood clots that could cause heart attacks or strokes. That might be due to higher doses of estrogen in the patch compared to the pill. The overall risk of blood clots is low, but women who smoke or are over 35 need to discuss the dangers with their physicians.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01781.html

Chantix Warning Strengthened
The Food and Drug Administration has also required a sterner warning about the stop-smoking drug Chantix. The new label will advise health professionals to monitor patients for agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts or erratic behavior. There have also been reports of aggressive behavior associated with Chantix. A Dallas musician, Carter Albrecht, was shot and killed after he started yelling and pounding on a neighbor's back door. He was taking Chantix at the time. The company has backed off its tortoise-and-hare TV commercials and will only run ads that raise awareness about smoking cessation without mentioning Chantix by name.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/early_comm/varenicline.htm

Cranberry Juice Prevents Urinary Infections
An old wives' tale gains credibility from modern medical science. The Cochrane Collaboration uses a rigorous scientific review process to evaluate conventional and alternative therapies. A report shows that cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections. The investigators analyzed 10 studies involving more than 1000 subjects who received cranberry products, placebo juice or water for at least a month. Those who got cranberry juice had significantly fewer infections during the year.
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001321.html

Health Headlines 1/18/08

January 18, 2008 9:28 AM 1 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Hormone Therapy Raises Risk of Cancer
Cholesterol Drugs Zetia and Vytorin Under Fire
Calcium May Help Bones and Hurt Heart
Chocolate Weakens Old Bones
Vitamin D Prevents Falls
Emergency Room Waits Grow Longer

Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 663 Dealing with ADD:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/663_dealing_with_add_podcast.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 664 Dietary Supplements
Vitamin and mineral supplements are popular, but do they make sense? Many people have been told that taking vitamins just results in expensive urine. Find out which vitamins really make a difference—you may be surprised.Dr. Tieraona Low Dog is one...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/664_dietary_supplements.php

Can Earl Grey Tea Cause Muscle Cramps?
Q. I have a colostomy and was advised to get plenty of fluids. I began drinking quantities of Earl Grey tea, my favorite. Since I started drinking this tea, I’ve suffered many painful finger and foot cramps at night. I...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/can_earl_grey_tea_cause_muscle_cramps.php

Watching Out For Statin Interactions
Q. My mother-in-law is 86 years old and in reasonably good health. Several months ago, she started complaining about increased pain and seemed very weak and confused. Within a month, she could not walk and was forced to leave her...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/watching_out_for_statin_interactions.php

Stinging Nettle For Allergy Relief
Q. A friend found a mention of nettle leaf for allergy relief in your book and passed it along. It works wonderfully. It has also worked for others. A student in one of my college classes told me that he...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/stinging_nettle_for_allergy_relief.php

Extended Interview with Dr. Ned Hallowell
In this extended interview, Dr. Edward Hallowell discusses diagnosis and non-drug treatments of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. You will hear about the benefits of sleep, diet, exercise and supplements such as fish oil, as well as the use of biofeedback...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/extended_interview_with_dr_ned_hallowell.php

Can Vinegar Disinfect Counters?
Q. I have a three-year-old and am expecting a new baby in a few weeks. I hate to use harsh chemicals to clean our house, and usually rely on good old soap and hot water, sometimes with vinegar or baking...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/can_vinegar_disinfect_counters.php

Kiwi Fruit Conquers Canker Sores
Q. I've always been susceptible to getting canker sores in my mouth so when I heard that kiwi fruit could make them go away quickly, I had to try. Wow! It was gone in 2 days. I had another one...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/kiwi_fruit_conquers_canker_sores.php

Is Death An Acceptable Drug Side Effect?
Would you take a medicine that listed death as a possible side effect? Lots of people do. If you read drug ads in popular magazines, you might end up wondering who would ever beg a doctor for a prescription. Abilify...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/is_death_an_acceptable_drug_side_effect.php

Testosterone To Boost Libido In Women?
Q. What do you know about compounded testosterone cream? I am a 64-year-old woman with a very low libido. A friend of a friend uses this cream before sex, applying it to the inner thighs. She has great results with...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/testosterone_to_boost_libido_in_women.php

Can A Relaxing Soak Give You A Rash?
Q. I enjoy using my outdoor hot tub in the winter, but I get an itchy rash on my legs. I think it is eczema. How can I continue to enjoy my spa? A. You may have “hot tub folliculitis.”...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/can_a_relaxing_soak_give_you_a_rash.php

Kan Jang For Colds
Q. I am curious about a natural dietary supplement. It is Kan Jang (Andrographis paniculata) from the Swedish Herbal Institute. What is your opinion of using this to treat colds and prevent respiratory infections during the cold and flu season?...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/kan_jang_for_colds.php

Featured Q & A

Stop Sweat to Overcome Aroma
Q. When our daughter came home from college over the holidays she complained bitterly about her smelly feet. Whenever she took her shoes off the rest of us complained too. Do you have any suggestions for how to eliminate this odor?

A. Moisture is the biggest culprit. Bacteria that cause odor love to feast on sweat. One possibility is to have her apply antiperspirant to clean dry feet. Another is to have her soak her feet in a strong tea solution (5 tea bags in a quart of water).

One family doc prescribes an erythromycin suspension (125 mg/5 ml) to be rubbed on the feet every night for 10 days.

Featured Home Remedy

Banana Peel Conquers Wart
My son had a small wart on his left index finger. We applied a tiny piece of banana peel just once daily before bedtime. (Seven year olds need to bend their fingers during the day.) I didn't expect to see results as quickly as we did.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Hormone Therapy Raises Risk of Cancer
Women may need to re-evaluate their use of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms. At one time, many women were encouraged to take estrogen and progestin to help manage hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances and other problems that occur during menopause. Doctors also believed that the hormones would strengthen bones and prevent heart attacks. Then the Women's Health Initiative showed that long-term use of HRT increased the risk of cardiovascular problems. Some studies suggested, however, that short-term use of hormones was relatively risk free. Now a new study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center demonstrates that just three years of HRT can triple a woman's risk of certain breast cancers. The investigators suggest that hormone replacement therapy may be partially responsible for the rather substantial increase in ductal-lobular breast cancer over the last two decades. Last year, 57 million prescriptions were filled for HRT.
[Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, Jan. 2008]
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/17/1/43

Cholesterol Drugs Zetia and Vytorin Under Fire
A study that was supposed to demonstrate the advantages of two highly promoted cholesterol-lowering drugs produced disappointing results. Ezetimibe [uh-ZEH-tuh-mib], is sold under the brand name Zetia and as part of a combination drug called Vytorin. The two-year study found that the drug lowered cholesterol quite effectively. For example, Vytorin brought bad LDL cholesterol down by 58 percent. Instead of reducing plaque buildup in carotid arteries, however, the drug actually seemed to accelerate plaque development compared to the ingredient in Zocor. Cardiologist Steve Nissen, MD, was shocked by these results and suggests that millions may be taking a drug with little if any benefit and potentially serious side effects. No one should discontinue either Zetia or Vytorin without consulting a physician, but doctors should be looking closely at the unexpected results from this study.

Calcium May Help Bones and Hurt Heart
Another unexpected finding has to do with calcium. Physicians have been encouraging women to increase their calcium intake to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Now a study from New Zealand suggests that high doses of calcium may not be so good for the heart. The investigators followed more than 1400 postmenopausal women for five years. One group took in roughly 850 mg of calcium daily from their diet and a placebo pill. The other group added 1000 mg of calcium as a dietary supplement, for a total of 1860 mg of calcium. The women on calcium supplements were 50 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack during the study. Although the results did not reach statistical significance, the principal investigator cautions that women over 70 and those with heart disease should limit their total calcium intake from food or pills to 1000 mg. This recommendation has been met with skepticism from osteoporosis researchers in the U.S.
[British Medical Journal, online Jan. 15, 2008]

Chocolate Weakens Old Bones
Another set of researchers has also found that heart and bones may have different needs. Several studies have shown that dark chocolate rich in flavonoids has benefits for blood pressure. But research on more than 1400 older women found that those who ate chocolate daily had lower bone density. Because higher bone density is linked to stronger bones and reduced risk of fracture, this result is worrisome. The scientists suggest that oxalate-rich chocolate may interfere with the absorption of calcium needed for bone strength.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Jan. 2008]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/87/1/175

Vitamin D Prevents Falls
Vitamin D has been shown to help build strong bones. Now an Australian study confirms that supplementation reduces the risk of falls that can cause fractures. The investigators studied more than 300 women between the ages of 70 and 90 in Perth, Australia. All had a history of falling and low blood levels of vitamin D. They were randomized to receive placebo pills or 1000 international units of vitamin D2 daily. Those who received the supplement for one year were 19 percent less likely to fall. The study shows that vitamin D2 can be an effective way to prevent falls.
[Arch Intern Med., Jan. 14, 2008]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/168/1/103

Emergency Room Waits Grow Longer
If you have had to use an emergency room lately, you may have thought the wait was interminable. It wasn't your imagination. A new study suggests that wait times in emergency departments have increased over the last decade. Most frightening, even people with heart attacks have had to wait longer...as much as 150 percent longer. This is because there are fewer emergency departments but more people using them.
[Health Affairs, Jan. 15, 2008]
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/hlthaff.27.2.w84v1

Health Headlines 01/11/08

January 11, 2008 2:27 PM 2 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Beware Bio-identical Hormone Claims
Step Away from Stress During Menopause
Osteoporosis Drugs Can Cause Bone Pain
Sun Exposure May Do More Good Than Harm
Four Simple Steps to Longer Life
U.S. Lags in Health Care Improvement

New! Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 662 Health News Update:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/662_health_news_update_podcast.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 663 Dealing with ADD
Millions of American kids have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity. This can make for challenges in the classroom, and even at home or with friends.People with ADD are often prescribed stimulant medications to help them...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/663_dealing_with_add.php

Kan Jang For Colds
Q. I am curious about a natural dietary supplement. It is Kan Jang (Andrographis paniculata) from the Swedish Herbal Institute. What is your opinion of using this to treat colds and prevent respiratory infections during the cold and flu season?...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/kan_jang_for_colds.php

Are Generic Beta Blockers Less Effective?
Q. My doctor prescribed Toprol-XL several years ago and it worked well. Last week my pharmacist refilled my prescription with generic metoprolol succinate. Two days later my blood pressure shot sky high to 190/100. Luckily, I found some leftover pills...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/are_generic_beta_blockers_less_effective.php

Extended Interview with Dr. Janet Woodcock
Listen to The People's Pharmacy extended interview with Dr. Janet Woodcock, chief medical officer of the FDA. They discuss criticism of the agency, statin side effects, problems with antidepressants, and questions about equivalence of generic drugs...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/extended_interview_with_dr_janet_woodcock.php

Honey For Healing Wounds
Q. I did an internship in OB/GYN in 1973 at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn. When a wound would start to open rather than healing, we would have the patient come to the hospital a few times a week and...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/honey_for_healing_wounds.php

Wife Wins Handwashing Competition
Q. My wife washes her hands like she is going to do surgery. She says it takes 30 seconds to get rid of germs. I wash my hands for about 3 seconds. I don’t see any advantage in wasting a...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/wife_wins_handwashing_competition.php

Cinnamon, Lime Juice and Vinegar For Weight Loss
Q. I would like to try the cinnamon, lime juice, vinegar combo mentioned in your column for weight loss. What is the recipe? My husband is diabetic, so we just started using cinnamon extract made in the drip coffee maker....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cinnamon_lime_juice_and_vinegar_for_weight_loss.php

This Is The Season For Dry Skin And Dandruff
Winter is hard on skin and scalp. With its low humidity, heated air pulls moisture out of the skin. This time of year millions of people suffer from dry skin, chapped lips and dandruff. Frequent hand washing also dries skin...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/this_is_the_season_for_dry_skin_and_dandruff.php

Do Glucosamine And Chondroitin Raise Cholesterol?
Q. My total cholesterol rose significantly while I took glucosamine and chondroitin to relieve arthritis of the knees. I took it from May, 2005 to May, 2007. I have always had a healthy, low-fat diet so I was surprised at...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/do_glucosamine_and_chondroitin_raise_cholesterol.php

Hydrogen Peroxide For Lovely Toenails
Q. I tried your hydrogen peroxide treatment for toenail fungus and it worked like a charm. A. The reader who suggested this applied pharmacy strength hydrogen peroxide daily to the nails with a cotton ball after showering....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/hydrogen_peroxide_for_lovely_toenails.php

How Important Is The Daily BM?
Q. Is it important to have a bowel movement at the same time every day? My late mother-in-law used to insist this was the most important health advice. A. No one wants to be constipated, but not all healthy people...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/how_important_is_the_daily_bm.php

Featured Q & A

Licorice Candy Can Cause Trouble
Q. My husband takes coated aspirin, furosemide, and vitamins. He has just purchased a big package of licorice twists, which he loves. Did I read in your column that licorice can interfere with medicines? I am a bit concerned.

A. Your concern is justified. Natural black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, an herbal ingredient that can deplete the body of potassium. In combination with the potassium-wasting diuretic furosemide (Lasix), this could lead to a life-threatening situation. If potassium levels sink too low, heart rhythm may be disrupted. It only takes an ounce of licorice every day to get some people into trouble.

Featured Home Remedy

Sage Rinse Fights Dandruff
I have unexpectedly found a cure for my dandruff. I read a book that suggested using herbal tea to color hair naturally. After every shampoo, I would use sage tea as my final rinse. (The choice of herbal tea determines the hair color.)

After the first use, I realized that I did not have dandruff anymore. When I got my hair the right color, I discontinued the tea rinse and my dandruff came back. I started using regular tea, such as Lipton, so my hair color wouldn't change. Sure enough, the dandruff ceased. What an inexpensive and healthy way to be rid of dandruff!

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Beware Bio-identical Hormone Claims
The FDA has issued a warning to women and health care professionals that some claims about bio-identical hormones are misleading. The agency has contacted seven compounding pharmacies about their online promotion of these products. Suggestions that bio-identical hormones are safer and more effective than conventional hormone replacement therapy are false and misleading, according to the agency. The FDA says that there is no research supporting these claims. Compounding pharmacies formulate these custom-made products from plants following doctors' prescriptions. But the FDA maintains that such hormones have not met federal standards for approval and it is a myth that they are safer and more effective than approved drugs.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01772.html

Step Away from Stress During Menopause
One step women may want to take as they face menopause is more walking or other exercise. A study from Temple University in Philadelphia followed 380 women for eight years. Their average age at the start of the study was 42, and they were pre-menopausal. The scientists collected information on physical activity at regular intervals. Women who walked an hour and a half a day five days a week were much less likely to experience significant anxiety, depression or other signs of psychological stress. Sadly, though, even vigorous exercise did not eliminate hot flashes. The scientists suggest that although exercise does not reduce the frequency of hot flashes it does help women cope with them better and improves general state of mind.
[Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Jan., 2008]

Osteoporosis Drugs Can Cause Bone Pain
The FDA has issued an alert about some side effects of popular osteoporosis drugs. The medications are in a class called bisphosphonates and include Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax and Reclast, among others. The agency warns doctors and patients to be on the lookout for symptoms such as severe bone, joint or muscle pain. These side effects have been known for some time, but health care professionals may overlook the connection between such medications and arthritis or musculoskeletal pain. Patients who experience such complications should report them promptly to the prescriber. Health care professionals may need to discontinue the drug temporarily or even permanently.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/bisphosphonates/default.htm

Sun Exposure May Do More Good Than Harm
Dermatologists warn people to avoid sun exposure since it increases the risk of skin cancer. A new study from the Institute for Cancer Research in Oslo, Norway suggests, however, that a little more time in the sun might improve longevity. Increased sun exposure leads to more vitamin D production, which in turn reduces the risk of dying from a number of cancers. Vitamin D helps the immune system function more efficiently. The investigators speculate that there may be more beneficial than adverse effects of moderately increased sun exposure.
[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Jan. 15, 2008]
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/0710615105v1

Four Simple Steps to Longer Life
January is traditionally a time for New Year's resolutions. Some may not last for very long, but British investigators have just four simple practices to recommend. People who followed all of them lived 14 years longer, on average, than those who didn't do any of them. Ready for longevity? The recommendations may sound boring, but they are based on a long-term study of some 20,000 healthy men and women. They are: quit smoking, exercise, drink moderately and eat five servings of fruit and vegetables every day. The biggest bang on improved health comes with quitting smoking. Eating fruit and vegetables came in next. The scientists conclude that even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in a population's health.
[PLoS Medicine Jan 2008]
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0050012

U.S. Lags in Health Care Improvement
Health care can also make a difference, but the United States is not doing well on at least one measure. Statisticians tracked down deaths that could have been prevented with appropriate and timely medical care and ranked countries according to the rates. France had the lowest rate, with just under 65 preventable deaths per 100,000 people. Japan and Australia each had just over 71 deaths per 100,000 people. But the United States came in 19th at more than 109 deaths per 100,000 people. The researchers speculate that the large number of Americans with no health insurance contributed to the country's poor showing.
[Health Affairs , Jan. 8, 2008]
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/27/1/58

Health Headlines 01/04/08

January 4, 2008 2:24 PM 1 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Flu Medicine Saves Lives
Cured Meats Raise Risk for Lung Trouble
Low-Fat Diet No Barrier to Breast Cancer
Coffee and Tea May Protect Kidneys
Are Calcium Recommended Intakes Too High?
Ibuprofen Does Not Prevent Muscle Soreness

New! Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 661 Apitherapy and Acupuncture:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/audio/PP-614.mp3
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 662 Health News Update
The Food and Drug Administration is charged with ensuring the safety of our medications, but over the past several months it has endured mounting criticism. We discuss the criticism, morale at the agency, and what needs to be done with...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/662_health_news_update.php

Acid Mantle For Dry, Cracked Skin
Q. You have had questions from people with skin cracking on their fingertips. I have another option to add to your suggestions: Acid Mantle from Doak Dermatologics. I learned about it many years ago from the cook at my children's...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/acid_mantle_for_dry_cracked_skin.php

Probiotic Yogurt Helps Ease Digestive Woes
Q. I had chronic diarrhea for several years, so I was interested in the coconut macaroon cookie remedy when I read about it in your column. I ate two each morning and got good benefit for a while, but then...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/probiotic_yogurt_helps_ease_digestive_woes.php

Simple Solution For Doggy Hot Spots
Q. I read somewhere of a solution for "hot spots" on dogs: 1/3 Listerine, 1/3 baby oil and 1/3 water. Shake these up in a spray bottle and spray it on the dog, rubbing it into the spot. If you...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/simple_solution_for_doggy_hot_spots.php

Big Pharma Fails To Deliver
The pharmaceutical industry is breaking its promise to the American public. People in the United States pay far more for prescription drugs than people anywhere else in the world. Drug companies vowed to use the proceeds from pricey prescription drugs...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/big_pharma_fails_to_deliver.php

Lower Blood Pressure Without Side Effects
Q. A few months ago, I finally yielded to my doctor’s pressure and went on a blood pressure medication, against my better judgment. I am a 63-year-old female. The medication is metoprolol succinate. If you could tell me some of...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/lower_blood_pressure_without_side_effects.php

Disposing Of Drugs Safely
Q. How do you advise people to dispose of their prescription and over the counter drugs safely? I worry about this stuff being flushed down the toilet and contaminating the water supply. A. Flushing unused or outdated medications down the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/disposing_of_drugs_safely.php

Bar-Of-Soap Trick Just Superstition?
Q. I read again in today's column about the bar of soap cure for leg cramps. I think there is a huge psychological component to these cramps. If the soap cure works, it is just superstition. Anyone can learn to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/barofsoap_trick_just_superstition.php

Plant Stanol Esters To Lower Cholesterol
Q. I was surprised that you didn't include a reference to plant stanol esters in your answer to a question about lowering cholesterol. Six years ago my husband's cholesterol was at 385. We didn't want him to take statins because...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/plant_stanol_esters_to_lower_cholesterol.php

Curcumin And Pineapple Juice Ease Pain
Q. After listening to your radio show and reading about the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric, I called a local health food store to get some. I had been having lower back pain and hip pain chronically off and on (mostly...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/curcumin_and_pineapple_juice_ease_pain.php

Liquid Bandage Banishes Skin Tags
Q. I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for removing skin tags. The dermatologist has lopped off some of them, but I’m hoping for a less expensive solution. A. Several readers have reported success in making their skin tags shrivel...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/liquid_bandage_banishes_skin_tags.php

Featured Q & A

Contraceptive Spoils Honeymoon
Q. About a week ago I got married. I used Conceptrol gel for the first time as a back-up birth-control method.

I had such a bad reaction that I was unable to have intercourse, and I'm still out of the game because it's way too painful.

At the emergency room the doctor suggested trying another brand of spermicide on my skin before I ever put anything in my vagina again.

While not life-threatening, this side effect is a very big deal. I ought to have tried it a month before I was married so it didn't wreak such havoc on our vacation! The packaging should say as much.

A. Some women are extremely sensitive to spermicides and develop stinging, burning, itching or irritation. Nonoxynol-9 is the most common spermicide in products such as Conceptrol gel, Gynol II, K-Y Plus, Delfen, Koromex, Semicid and Encare. Some lubricants for condoms also contain nonoxynol-9.

Although you may be allergic to one of the "inactive" ingredients in Conceptrol, there is a possibility that your delicate tissues cannot tolerate spermicides. You may need to rely on a completely different form of contraception.

Featured Home Remedy

Coconut Prevents Montezuma's Revenge
I have read on your site about diarrhea being relieved by coconut macaroon cookies. Apparently there is something in coconut that acts as a "binder."

My husband and I traveled through Mexico for four months, visiting small towns and out of the way places. We spent several weeks in one village where the local economy was based on coconuts. The kids were always around us, offering coconut juice--a coconut with a straw poked in it. I loved the flavor of the juice and drank several cups a day. Then, contrary to what many tourists experience in Mexico, I became constantly constipated!

My husband didn't care for the juice much and he had several bouts of "Montezuma's revenge." We always ate the same things, but he got diarrhea and I didn't. The only difference was, I drank coconut juice!

Hope this helps explain the macaroon mystery.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Flu Medicine Saves Lives
Antiviral medication appears to help older people survive an influenza attack. Over the last several years, researchers have been debating the value of flu shots, especially for senior citizens. Some studies suggest that the vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization and death in older people. Other research does not demonstrate a benefit. Investigators suggest that healthier elders tend to be the ones who get vaccinated, which introduces potential bias into the studies.
Now Canadian scientists report that senior citizens with severe influenza benefited from Tamiflu. This oral medication was given within 3 to 4 days of symptoms appearing and it cut their risk of dying from the infection by 80 percent. Nearly three fourths of the people in the study had been vaccinated, so in this study at least, flu shots do not always protect seniors against severe influenza infections.
[Clinical Infectious Diseases, December 15, 2007]

Cured Meats Raise Risk for Lung Trouble
Smokers who like bacon, ham, or hot dogs may be at substantially increased risk for lung problems. That's because nitrite preservatives that are frequently found in cured meats have been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. Smoking, of course, is one of the leading causes of COPD, but researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have found that eating a diet rich in cured meats increases the risk even further. Such foods may also increase the risk for certain cancers and probably should not be a regular part of anyone's diet, least of all smokers.
[American Journal of Epidemiology, Dec. 15, 2007]
http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/12/1438

Low-Fat Diet No Barrier to Breast Cancer
The relationship between diet and breast cancer has long been controversial. Women are often advised to stick to a low fat diet to reduce their risk. A Swedish study contradicts that wisdom. Investigators followed more than 44,000 women for 13 years. After analyzing the data the researchers could not detect any difference in fat consumption between the women who developed breast cancer before menopause and those who did not. This is not the first study that failed to find a link between fat consumption and breast cancer. Nevertheless, women should follow a prudent diet for its other health benefits.
[British Journal of Cancer, November 27, 2007]
http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v97/n11/abs/6604033a.html

Coffee and Tea May Protect Kidneys
An analysis of previous studies suggests that people who drink coffee or tea are less likely than others to develop kidney cancer. The 13 studies included in the meta-analysis had a total of 775,000 participants among them. The volunteers were followed for 7 to 20 years. Those who drank just one cup of tea daily were 15 percent less likely to be diagnosed with kidney cancer during the follow-up period. People who drank at least three cups of coffee a day had a similar reduction in risk. The Harvard epidemiologists who conducted the analysis suggest that the antioxidants found in tea and coffee might be responsible for the benefit, but they admit that further studies will be needed to clarify the connection.
[International Journal of Cancer, Nov. 15, 2007]
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/114281867/ABSTRACT

Are Calcium Recommended Intakes Too High?
Women are often encouraged to take 1200 to 1500 milligrams of calcium daily to keep their bones strong. A new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition challenges that recommendation. A review of research involving over 170,000 women and more than 68,000 men suggests that there is no significant reduction in hip fracture risk associated with high calcium intake. Vitamin D, on the other hand, does appear to lower both the risk of falls and fractures in older people. The lead author of this research suggests that the standard dietary recommendations may be too low for vitamin D and too high for calcium.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/6/1780

Ibuprofen Does Not Prevent Muscle Soreness
Many serious athletes as well as weekend warriors rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to get through their workouts. Many believe that if they take NSAIDs before a heavy workout they can prevent damage to muscles and won't feel sore the next day. To find out whether there is any truth to this belief, researchers at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina studied marathon runners participating in the Western States Endurance Run. During this event, competitors run 160 kilometers in roughly three days. Almost three fourths of the marathoners took NSAIDS before or during the race. There was no evidence that the medications reduced muscle damage, oxidative stress or soreness. If anything, people who took drugs like ibuprofen experienced more oxidative stress and muscle soreness the following day.
[International Journal of Sports Medicine, November 2007]

Health Headlines 12/28/07

December 28, 2007 2:20 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Covering the Uninsured
Green Tea May Protect against Prostate Cancer
Home Blood Pressure Monitor Means Less Medication
Exercise and Longevity
Walk Off Metabolic Syndrome

New! Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 661 Apitherapy and Acupuncture:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/661_apitherapy_and_acupuncture_podcast.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. During the holiday season we ship signed copies of Best Choices by Priority Mail.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 614 Health News Update
Vitamin E has been very controversial. A number of studies have shown that supplements don’t protect people from heart attacks or cancers. But a new study shows people who get plenty of vitamin E from foods are less likely to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/614_health_news_update.php

Bar-Of-Soap Trick Just Superstition?
Q. I read again in today's column about the bar of soap cure for leg cramps. I think there is a huge psychological component to these cramps. If the soap cure works, it is just superstition. Anyone can learn to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/barofsoap_trick_just_superstition.php

Plant Stanol Esters To Lower Cholesterol
Q. I was surprised that you didn't include a reference to plant stanol esters in your answer to a question about lowering cholesterol. Six years ago my husband's cholesterol was at 385. We didn't want him to take statins because...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/plant_stanol_esters_to_lower_cholesterol.php

Curcumin And Pineapple Juice Ease Pain
Q. After listening to your radio show and reading about the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric, I called a local health food store to get some. I had been having lower back pain and hip pain chronically off and on (mostly...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/curcumin_and_pineapple_juice_ease_pain.php

Liquid Bandage Banishes Skin Tags
Q. I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for removing skin tags. The dermatologist has lopped off some of them, but I’m hoping for a less expensive solution. A. Several readers have reported success in making their skin tags shrivel...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/liquid_bandage_banishes_skin_tags.php

Cold Remedy Ads Fool Parents
Parents ought to be outraged. They have been betrayed by drug companies as well as the Food and Drug Administration. For decades the FDA has allowed hundreds of cough and cold remedies to be sold for treating kids with sniffles...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/cold_remedy_ads_fool_parents.php

Pain Reliever Caused Kidney Damage
Q. Over-the-counter ibuprofen was my friend. I thought it was a miracle drug for pain and inflammation. I have osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, and I took ibuprofen often to relieve pain. Then I went for a routine physical, which included blood...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/pain_reliever_caused_kidney_damage.php

Cholestyramine As A Statin Alternative?
Q. I have tried many statin drugs for high cholesterol but had muscle pain with all of them. Two years ago my doctor prescribed cholestyramine. It is in powder form and I take one packet a day in juice or...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/cholestyramine_as_a_statin_alternative.php

Treating Flakes With Milk Of Magnesia
Q. I have been using milk of magnesia on my face for the past two months since reading it in your column. My face flakes are gone! I pour it in my hand and massage it on my face--forehead, eyebrows,...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/treating_flakes_with_milk_of_magnesia.php

Campho-Phenique For Smelly Feet
Q. I recently read your answer to the person with smelly feet. I’d like to tell you what worked for me for 30 years. I was a waitress and had to wear solid shoes and nylons for long hours. My...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/camphophenique_for_smelly_feet.php

Getting Rid Of Gas
Q. A lot of my friends are vegetarians. That means social gatherings are heavy on beans, hummus, broccoli and other foods that cause me a great deal of gas. I really suffer afterwards. I cannot avoid these events and it...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/getting_rid_of_gas.php

Featured Q & A

Oral Medicine Works Against Influenza
Q. My pharmacist said that there are effective oral medicines for the flu but they require a prescription. I didnÕt manage to get a flu shot this year before they ran out. What can you tell me about flu drugs?

A. Your pharmacist was probably referring to prescription antiviral medications. Symmetrel (amantadine) was first approved to treat ParkinsonÕs disease in 1966. It was also found to prevent Type A influenza or speed recovery. The FDA approved it for this purpose in 1976, though relatively few doctors prescribed it.

A chemical cousin, Flumadine (rimantadine) was introduced in 1993. Like amantadine, it is effective against Type A flu when taken within 24 to 48 hours of first symptoms. Side effects such as insomnia, nausea or dizziness are less common than with amantadine.

Tamiflu is newer and works against Type B influenza as well as Type A. It too can prevent flu or speed healing if taken within 48 hours and seems reasonably well tolerated.

Featured Home Remedy

Tea Tree Oil Solves Split Nail Problem
I had a fingernail that split to the quick from fungus. My doctor said there was nothing he could do to help. My daughter, an RN, suggested putting tea tree oil on the nail. This did the trick perfectly.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Covering the Uninsured
Expanding health coverage to the uninsured improves overall health, especially for patients with heart problems. This result may seem obvious, but some researchers have questioned the assumption that health insurance automatically improves health outcomes. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, compared patients who had continuous health insurance with those who lacked regular coverage. Over 7,000 participants were surveyed every two years between 1992 and 2004. Once the uninsured patients became eligible for Medicare, their overall health and physical functioning improved significantly. Those with continuous health insurance experienced no significant difference when they transitioned to Medicare. Results were especially impressive for uninsured patients with a history of cardiovascular complications such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes or high blood pressure. These results suggest that health insurance is cost effective. It can improve health outcomes and reduce expenses later when most people are covered under the federal Medicare program.
[Journal of the American Medical Association, Dec. 26, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/298/24/2886

Green Tea May Protect against Prostate Cancer
Green tea continues to demonstrate impressive anti-cancer activity. For years scientists have been reporting that green tea may offer protective benefits against prostate cancer. This beverage contains a compound called EGCG (Epi-Gallo-Catechin-Gallate). In test tube and animal studies EGCG makes prostate cancer cells die. Now epidemiologists in Japan have reported on a study of nearly 50,000 men who were followed for up to 14 years. Those who drank five or more cups of green tea daily were half as likely to develop advanced prostate cancer compared to those who only consumed one cup or less a day. There is no data to suggest that drinking green tea can cure prostate cancer once it is diagnosed. But for men who may be at risk for prostate cancer, regular consumption of green tea might help and is unlikely to hurt.
[American Journal of Epidemiology, Jan. 1, 2008]
http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/1/71

Home Blood Pressure Monitor Means Less Medication
People with high blood pressure should probably invest in a home blood pressure monitor. A new study published in the journal Hypertension suggests that when blood pressure is measured regularly at home people often need less medication. Investigators randomly assigned 430 hypertensive patients to either of two regimens. One group received treatment based primarily on blood pressure readings that were obtained in the doctorÕs office. The other group measured their own blood pressure at home or at work. At the end of a year the groups were compared and it was found that self-measurement led to less medication usage. There was no significant difference in blood pressure values between the two groups. Kidney and heart function were also similar in both groups. The investigators concluded that home blood pressure monitoring could serve as a useful tool in addition to office measurement when it comes to controlling high blood pressure.
[Hypertension, December 2007]
http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/50/6/1019

Exercise and Longevity
Regular physical activity helps people live longer. A joint study involving the National Institutes of Health and the American Association of Retired Persons demonstrates that 30 minutes of moderate activity daily or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise three times a week is associated with a reduced mortality risk. Over 250,000 men and women between the ages of 50 and 71 were surveyed. Vigorous physical activity was the most beneficial, but even moderate exercise produced measurable improvement in mortality statistics. The best results were achieved in individuals who were initially inactiveÉthose who spent a lot time watching television or videos. Vigorous exercise led to striking reductions in mortality risks for this population. The study adds to a clear consensus that regular exercise of any sort is good for our health.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, Dec. 10/24, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/167/22/2453

Walk Off Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a growing problem in America. It is associated with a big belly, above normal blood sugar levels, hypertension, high triglycerides and low levels of good HDL cholesterol. People with metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. A new study called STRRIDE, which stands for Studies of a Targeted Risk Reduction Intervention through Defined Exercise, suggests that a brisk walk for half an hour daily can dramatically reduce metabolic syndrome. At the begging of the study, 41 percent of the volunteers had metabolic syndrome. After eight months of exercise, only 27 percent met the criteria.
[American Journal of Cardiology, December 15, 2007]
http://www.ajconline.org/article/PIIS0002914907016736/abstract

Health Headlines 12/21/07

December 21, 2007 2:16 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Super-Cold Causes Severe Illness
Honey to Calm Kids' Coughs
Mediterranean Diet Prolongs Life
Diet Rich in Deli Meat Boosts Colon Cancer Risk
High Insulin Increases Risk of Colon Polyps
Sleep Scarce in Hospitals
Science Is Suffering at FDA

New! Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 660 Health News Update:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/660_health_news_update_podcast.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. During the holiday season we ship signed copies of Best Choices by Priority Mail.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 661 Apitherapy and Acupuncture
Apitherapy, particularly the use of bee venom, has a history that stretches back thousands of years. It may sound flaky, but some medical doctors are reporting excellent results for the relief of pain from arthritis, tennis elbow or even post-herpetic...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/661_apitherapy_and_acupuncture.php

Fish Oil To Combat Diarrhea?
Q. Has anything shown that fish oil is effective in reducing chronic diarrhea? It worked instantly for me, although I started taking it for heart health. The results were startling--no more runs or trots. A. The only research we could...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/fish_oil_to_combat_diarrhea.php

Extended Interview with Dr. Joshua Sharfstein
Listen to an extended interview with Dr. Joshua Sharfstein about cough and cold remedies for children. Dr. Sharfstein appeared on our December 15 program, 660 Health News Update....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/extended_interview_with_dr_joshua_sharfstein.php

Vinegar And Cinnamon Linked To Weight Loss
Q. I've lost close to 30 pounds in the last six months by adding vinegar, lime juice and cinnamon to my diet. I have a little bit before I eat. Other than that, I haven't changed my diet or amount...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/vinegar_and_cinnamon_linked_to_weight_loss.php

Cracked Fingertips Add To Winter's Misery
Compared to most health problems, cracked fingertips seem trivial. But anyone who has ever struggled with sore painful fingers will tell you they can turn normal daily activities into agony. A reader confided: “It is very frustrating and sometimes depressing...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/cracked_fingertips_add_to_winters_misery.php

Can Girlfriend's Libido Be Tamed?
Q. I read your article on suppressing sex drive in men. Are the same options effective for women? My new girlfriend has an extremely high sex drive (yes, I am blessed), but we’d like to hold off until we know...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/can_girlfriends_libido_be_tamed.php

Keep Aspirin Away From Kids
Q. Recently on two separate prime-time TV shows I heard the character playing the parent of a young child suggest giving the youngster a baby aspirin. It has been some time since I worked as a pediatric nurse, so maybe...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/keep_aspirin_away_from_kids.php

Natural Solutions For Arthritis Pain
Q. I'm only 38, but have had a lot of pain in my knees lately that I assume is arthritis. Sometimes at night in bed my knees really ache. I walk three to five miles per day, every day. I'd...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/natural_solutions_for_arthritis_pain.php

Blood Pressure Meds Lead To All-Night Coughing
Q. I was interested in a column about a person who developed cough while taking lisinopril. I myself was put on this medicine for high blood pressure and immediately began having violent coughing spells. If they started in a meeting,...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/blood_pressure_meds_lead_to_allnight_coughing.php

Pycnogenol For Hot Flashes
Q. I have to admit I was skeptical about Pycnogenol, but after about only four days of use, my severe hot flashes have completely disappeared. I take 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg in the evening. I used...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/pycnogenol_for_hot_flashes.php

Additional Interview with Dr. Jonathan Cohn
Listen to Dr. Jonathan Cohn discuss his book, SICK: The Untold Story of America’s Health Care Crisis. Dr. Cohn appeared on our December 7, 2007 radio program, 659 Health Care in America....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/additional_interview_with_dr_jonathan_cohn.php

Featured Q & A

Medications That Cause Insomnia Make Driving Dangerous
Q. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some other health problems. I am wondering if any of my medicines (Avapro, Norvasc, Zebeta, Zoloft, Pravachol, Estrace, Celebrex) can cause insomnia. If I don't take a sleeping pill, I wake up after two or three hours and can't get back to sleep.

I don't feel safe driving 40 miles to work on so little sleep. If one of my prescriptions is causing the problem I would like to discuss it with my doctor.

A. Many medications can interfere with normal sleep. Antidepressants such as Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil are notorious for this reaction. Other medications that you are taking occasionally contribute to insomnia. They include Celebrex, Zebeta, Pravachol and Norvasc.

Inadequate sleep can interfere with driving ability as much as excess alcohol. It can also affect the immune system and memory.

Featured Home Remedy

Baking Soda and Vinegar for Stings
Yesterday I was sitting outside not bothering anyone and a wasp stung me on the elbow. I immediately followed your advice on a home remedy for stings: I made a foaming paste of baking soda and vinegar and smeared it on my elbow. Voila! Within a few seconds the pain had eased. A second application five minutes later took away all remaining discomfort. Thanks for the suggestion.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Super-Cold Causes Severe Illness
A new virulent strain of cold virus is making some people very sick. This time of year influenza is common. Flu viruses can cause high fever, muscle aches and illness for a week to ten days. Colds caused by rhinoviruses and adenoviruses are usually milder and rarely result in serious illness. But adenovirus 14 appears to be an exception. It can cause life-threatening illness with cough, high fever and difficulty breathing. Even young, healthy people may be affected. Over 1,000 people have been infected and many have been hospitalized. At least 10 deaths have occurred. Anyone who gets really sick after catching a cold should consult a physician promptly.

Honey to Calm Kids' Coughs
When a child gets a cough, parents used to pour a spoonful of cough syrup. Now scientists say that over-the-counter cough remedies don't work for kids, and may have undesirable side effects. So what is a parent to do? A team of researchers at Penn State College of Medicine compared the usual cough medicine, called dextromethorphan, to buckwheat honey and no treatment at all. The dextromethorphan, which is the DM in many cough and cold remedies, was ineffective. A dose of honey, on the other hand, was better. Babies younger than a year of age should never be given honey, because of the risk of botulism poisoning. But for older children, a spoonful of honey half an hour before bed might be a sweet way to calm a cough.
[Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dec. 2007]
http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/161/12/1140

Mediterranean Diet Prolongs Life
The Mediterranean diet has been praised as a sensible, heart healthy way of eating. But how well does this approach translate from southern France or Italy to the United States where lifestyles are quite different? New research suggests that Americans can also benefit from this regimen rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, nuts and fish. Nearly 400,000 people between 50 and 71 were included in this study sponsored by the AARP and the National Institutes of Health. During the five-year follow-up, those whose diets were most similar to the Mediterranean ideal were least like to die of heart disease, cancer or any other cause.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, December 10/24, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/167/22/2461

Diet Rich in Deli Meat Boosts Colon Cancer Risk
A diet high in red and processed meat, on the other hand, such as salami or bologna, may increase the risk of cancer. Over 500,000 people were tracked for eight years. Those who consumed a lot of lunch meats were at higher risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer. The high risk foods include cold cuts, bacon, sausage, ham, and hot dogs. Other studies have also reported a higher incidence of colorectal cancer associated with high consumption of such foods.
[PLoS Medicine, Dec. 2007]

High Insulin Increases Risk of Colon Polyps
People with high insulin levels and mildly elevated blood sugar may be at greater risk for colon polyps. Researchers at the University of Minnesota determined baseline blood sugar and insulin levels in people who had a polyp removed during a colonoscopy. They had repeat colonoscopies four years later. Those with the highest insulin and blood sugar levels were twice as likely to have an advanced polyp that required removal. Even though these patients were not diagnosed as diabetic, the investigators suggest that even mild blood sugar elevation may contribute to the risk of colon cancer.
[Gastroenterology, Nov. 2007]
http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/PIIS0016508507014965/abstract

Sleep Scarce in Hospitals
Quality sleep is essential for healing but in hospitals, patients may often find it hard to get the sleep they need to recover. This is especially true in intensive care units where noise and disruption interrupt sleep. Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern monitored patients in the ICU and found that their sleep was fragmented and not restorative. They encouraged their hospital colleagues to reorganize the ICU environment and schedules to allow patients to complete full 90 minute sleep cycles.
[Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care]

Science Is Suffering at FDA
The Food and Drug Administration has received a bad report card from the agency's own Science Board. The Commissioner of the FDA asked this panel to examine the agency's performance on issues like contaminated food and recalled drugs. The group concluded that the FDA is under funded, poorly staffed and way behind when it comes to scientific technology. As a result, the American public is at risk because "reports of product dangers are not rapidly compared and analyzed [and] inspectors' reports are still hand written." FDA staffers lack the latest in information technology and do not have a good way of communicating with scientists outside the agency. It's past time that Congress funded the Food and Drug Administration adequately so that it can protect the public health.

Health Headlines 12/14/07

December 14, 2007 2:12 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Heartburn Drugs Pose No Heart Risk
Avandia May Raise Fracture Risk
High Calcium Linked to Diminished Cognitive Function
Plastic Water Bottles Pulled Off Shelves
Vinegar May Help Control Blood Sugar
Will FDA Allow Cholesterol-Lowering Drug to Go OTC?

New! Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 659 Health Care in America:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/659_health_care_in_america_podcast.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. During the holiday season we ship signed copies of Best Choices by Priority Mail.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 660 Health News Update
Experts have told us that cough and cold remedies don’t work for kids, and may pose unexpected hazards. We talk with the Baltimore Commissioner of Health, pediatrician Joshua Sharfstein, MD, about his petition to the FDA asking the agency to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/660_health_news_update.php

Natural Solutions For Arthritis Pain
Q. I'm only 38, but have had a lot of pain in my knees lately that I assume is arthritis. Sometimes at night in bed my knees really ache. I walk three to five miles per day, every day. I'd...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/natural_solutions_for_arthritis_pain.php

Blood Pressure Meds Lead To All-Night Coughing
Q. I was interested in a column about a person who developed cough while taking lisinopril. I myself was put on this medicine for high blood pressure and immediately began having violent coughing spells. If they started in a meeting,...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/blood_pressure_meds_lead_to_allnight_coughing.php

Pycnogenol For Hot Flashes
Q. I have to admit I was skeptical about Pycnogenol, but after about only four days of use, my severe hot flashes have completely disappeared. I take 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg in the evening. I used...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/pycnogenol_for_hot_flashes.php

Additional Interview with Dr. Jonathan Cohn
Listen to Dr. Jonathan Cohn discuss his book, SICK: The Untold Story of America’s Health Care Crisis. Dr. Cohn appeared on our December 7, 2007 radio program, 659 Health Care in America....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/additional_interview_with_dr_jonathan_cohn.php

Handwashing Answer Gets Us In Hot Water
Q. In your column you said that warm water is no more effective than cold for removing germs. You are way off the mark. We wash to remove germs, not kill them. Dirty hands are oily and oils are more...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/handwashing_answer_gets_us_in_hot_water.php

Stop-Smoking Drug Linked To Suicidal Thoughts
We first heard about the stop-smoking drug Chantix earlier this year. A physician called our syndicated radio show in February to tell us that this pill was working miracles for his patients. He was extremely enthusiastic. Anything that can help...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/stopsmoking_drug_linked_to_suicidal_thoughts.php

Sugar Cure Helps Stubborn Wound
Q. I want to thank you for the "sugar cure" column. I had a toe amputated in March, 2006, and here it is November, 2007, and it still is not healed. I read your column about using sugar for wound...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/sugar_cure_helps_stubborn_wound.php

Borage Seed Oil For Hot Flashes
Q. You recently had a question from a woman suffering hot flashes due to menopause. I am a cancer patient and avoid soy because it acts like estrogen. I have found borage seed oil nearly eliminates my hot flashes. The...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/borage_seed_oil_for_hot_flashes.php

Non-Statin Solutions For Cholesterol
Q. I have been battling statin side effects for years. My doctor has prescribed Lipitor, Crestor, Pravachol, Lescol and Zocor, but I cannot tolerate any of them because of muscle pain and weakness. It is imperative for me to keep...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/nonstatin_solutions_for_cholesterol_.php

Home Remedies For The Holidays
Q. I’ve been reading your column in the newspaper and enjoy sharing your wonderful tidbits with friends. They laugh, but sometimes they will ask about a remedy weeks or months later, when I no longer have it at my fingertips....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/home_remedies_for_the_holidays.php

Featured Q & A

Caffeine Pills Can't Overcome Sleep Deficit
Q. I am a 41-year-old man in a push-push blue collar job. I work from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM all week plus Saturday. Also I get up about 3:00 AM and do a morning paper route on weekdays.

I never get to bed before 9:30 or 10:30 PM. I need to continue working like this to provide for my wife and our 2-year-old child. But I am always tired and sleepy.

I consume coffee every morning and drink wine or beer to relax at night. These habits won't help me live long enough to see my kid off in life but they do keep me a little more alert in the day and less stressed in the evening.

I have started taking No-Doz in the afternoon to help get through the last leg of work. Is this too much caffeine and is it dangerous? Or should I not worry and just take it when I feel tired in the afternoon?

A. With the work schedule you have, no wonder you are exhausted! Consuming caffeine to keep going and alcohol to calm down is common in this country, but it isn't good for your body.

Excessive caffeine can cause irregular heart rhythms, muscle twitching, nervousness, restlessness, digestive problems, insomnia and irritability. There is no substitute for sleep. Your immune system and mental function will suffer if you continue to deprive yourself.

Featured Home Remedy

Thyme Extract May Be Magic Ingredient in Vicks
There has been much conjecture as to why Vicks seems to be beneficial in use against nail fungus. There is a compound in Vicks--thymol-- which is now listed as an inactive ingredient.

When I was a pre-med student at UCLA in 1951, I met a mycologist (an expert on fungus). During WW II he devised a preparation to treat the fungal infections that apparently were common among the troops in the North African campaign. It was an ointment that relied heavily on thymol as the most effective anti-fungal agent, and reeked of thyme.

Vicks contains three active ingredients and 22 considered inactive. One or more of these might help thymol penetrate the tissues. I suspect that a pure preparation of diluted thymol, without other ingredients except a solvent, would be a good antifungal nail treatment.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Heartburn Drugs Pose No Heart Risk
Popular heartburn drugs like Prilosec and Nexium have come under scrutiny in recent months. These medications and other acid-suppressing drugs are among the most popular pills in the pharmacy. In August, two small, long-term studies suggested that these drugs might increase the risk for heart attacks and heart failure compared to surgery for reflux.
The FDA has now completed a more thorough review of the data and determined that neither Prilosec nor Nexium poses a significant heart risk. Physicians are being reassured that they should continue to prescribe these medications for people with gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
Despite this reassurance, however, the FDA is continuing an investigation into a link between such acid suppressors and the risk of hip fractures. Research published a year ago in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggested that older people taking such medications long-term were 44 percent more likely to suffer broken hips. The scientists theorized that low levels of stomach acid might impair calcium absorption necessary for strong bones. Until this issue is resolved, some caution with these acid-suppressing medications may still be warranted.

Avandia May Raise Fracture Risk
Certain diabetes drugs may also increase the risk of fractures in older patients. Research at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California, suggests that Avandia may increase the rate at which cells break down bone. Although the research was carried out in mice, it adds an additional concern to the cloud over Avandia. Earlier this year scientists determined that Avandia could increase the risk of heart attacks and congestive heart failure. A new Canadian study of over 150,000 senior citizens also confirmed a link with heart failure and heart attacks. If Avandia also increases the risk for osteoporosis, it may tip the balance of benefit and risk. Patients are urged to discuss their medication for type 2 diabetes with their physicians rather than stopping the drug on their own.
[Nature Medicine, Dec. 2, 2007]
http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v13/n12/abs/nm1672.html

High Calcium Linked to Diminished Cognitive Function
Dutch scientists have found that elevated levels of calcium circulating in the blood seem to be linked to more rapid loss of mental alertness. They began looking at the issue because small elevations of calcium in nerve cells can damage them over the long term. In two separate studies, elderly people had their calcium levels measured and their cognitive ability tested repeatedly. More than 8,000 senior citizens of Rotterdam participated in one study, while the other included 600 people in Leiden studied from age 85 to age 90. Those with higher levels of calcium fared worse on the tests of mental performance.
[Journal of the American Geriatrics Association, Nov, 2007]
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01418.x

Plastic Water Bottles Pulled Off Shelves
A major retail chain in Canada has pulled polycarbonate water bottles off its shelves. Mountain Equipment Co-Op is Canada's largest camping goods company. It acknowledged that concerns over bisphenol A, a component of polycarbonate plastic, were behind the decision. This compound, also called BPA, may leach into food and water stored in such containers. BPA mimics estrogen, and some scientists worry that it might upset the balance of hormones in the human body. The manufacturer of Nalgene disagrees with the move, claiming that polycarbonate bottles pose no danger to human health.

Vinegar May Help Control Blood Sugar
A swig of vinegar at bedtime may help keep blood sugar in check overnight, at least for people with type 2 diabetes. A very small study at Arizona State University compared two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to two tablespoons of water at bedtime. Both liquids were taken with a small snack, an ounce of cheese. The next morning, blood sugar was significantly lower after people had taken the vinegar. The effect was stronger in those whose fasting glucose levels were high. More research is needed to see how beneficial this vinegar treatment may be, but investigators are encouraged that it is both cheap and readily available.
[Diabetes Care, Nov. 2007]
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/extract/30/11/2814

Will FDA Allow Cholesterol-Lowering Drug to Go OTC?
The FDA is reviewing testimony on a proposal to allow lovastatin to be sold without a prescription. The manufacturer, Merck, has proposed over the counter sale under the brand name Mevacor Daily. But some experts question whether consumers are sufficiently sophisticated to use this drug wisely without medical guidance. In one company-sponsored study, not quite three-fourths of the study subjects were able to determine if they should be taking the medication. Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group, has argued that high cholesterol has no symptoms, and thus is inappropriate for over the counter treatment. Statin-type cholesterol-lowering medications can interact dangerously with several other drugs and can cause side effects such as muscle weakness pain and nerve damage.

Health Headlines 12/7/07

December 7, 2007 8:59 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Some Sinusitis Prescriptions Ineffective
Fitness Can Help Compensate for Fatness
Pedometer Inspires Better Fitness
Handwashing to Fight Flu
Quick Test for Chlamydia
CT Scans Use Radiation

New! Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 658 Children's Health:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/free_podcast/658_childrens_health_podcast.php
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. During the holiday season we ship signed copies of Best Choices by Priority Mail.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 659 Health Care in America
Health care has been hotly debated in the last few years, and many people have theories about what is wrong and how to fix it. Some 47 million people have no health insurance, but even those who think they are...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/659_health_care_in_america.php

Home Remedies For The Holidays
Q. I’ve been reading your column in the newspaper and enjoy sharing your wonderful tidbits with friends. They laugh, but sometimes they will ask about a remedy weeks or months later, when I no longer have it at my fingertips....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/home_remedies_for_the_holidays.php

Getting Enough Vitamin D?
Q. My physician recently found that my vitamin D level is very low. I find this hard to believe since I drink nearly a gallon of milk weekly and take a multivitamin and supplement of calcium plus D each day....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/getting_enough_vitamin_d.php

Determining Cinnamon Dose For Reducing Blood Sugar
Q. I tried making a cinnamon extract with hot water to help with blood sugar as described in your column. I ended up with a gooey glob. Please provide exact proportions of spice to water so I don't have to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/determining_cinnamon_dose_for_reducing_blood_sugar.php

Tasty Tea May Trigger Muscle Cramps
Q. Is it Earl Grey or English breakfast tea that can cause sore muscles? A. There is one case report of a man who developed significant muscle pain and cramping in reaction to Earl Grey tea (The Lancet, April 27,...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/tasty_tea_may_trigger_muscle_cramps.php

Quinine Ban Spotlights Remedies For Leg Cramps
Leg cramps hurt like hell. They can wake you up out of a sound sleep and make you scream in agony. The pain can bring tears to the most stoic individual. What causes such cramps remains mysterious. And doctors have...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/quinine_ban_spotlights_remedies_for_leg_cramps.php

Heartburn Drug Conquers Stubborn Wart
Q. I had a wart surgically removed, but it came back. I then spent a nine-month period seeing a dermatologist and trying many different treatments he recommended. I had finally given up and told him I would not be returning....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/heartburn_drug_conquers_stubborn_wart.php

Tricks For Banishing Bad Foot Odor
Q. My 17-year-old daughter has very smelly feet. I convinced her to try the urine trick, and IT WORKED! Her foot odor is completely gone! A. We have heard from veterans that urinating on smelly feet can help clear up...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/tricks_for_banishing_bad_foot_odor.php

Ketroprofen Gel For Joint Pain
Q. I have a lot of swelling and pain in my joints. A cousin with arthritis recommended a compounded cream called ketoprofen gel. What can you tell me about this medicine, its side effects and interactions with other drugs? A....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/ketroprofen_gel_for_joint_pain.php

Rooibos Tea For Allergies?
Q. While in Africa I started drinking rooibos tea every day. Now that I am back home in Houston, my usual fall allergies have not appeared. Have you heard of this before? A. We have heard of rooibos tea (“red...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/rooibos_tea_for_allergies.php

Decoding The Warnings About Statins And Grapefruit
Q. I have gotten conflicting information from my doctor, a couple of pharmacists and patient information inserts about how to avoid interactions between statins and grapefruit: Don't take the medication with grapefruit juice. Don't have grapefruit products at the same...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/decoding_the_warnings_about_statins_and_grapefruit.php

Featured Q & A

Pepto-Bismol Eases Flatulence Problem
Q. My husband has an abnormal amount of gas and the odor is terrible. He has tried about every gas remedy on the market with little or no relief. He has asked his doctor about this every time he goes in, but the only suggestion he gets is to try one of the over-the-counter gas pills. They don't work. Do you have any other suggestions?

A. Think pink. Most people think of Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea, indigestion or upset stomach, but it can also reduce unpleasant smells. Scientists at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Hospital discovered that bismuth subsalicylate (the ingredient in Pepto-Bismol) dramatically reduced the amount of hydrogen sulfide in gas. This is the compound responsible for rotten egg smell. We wouldn't suggest he take Pepto-Bismol every day, since too much bismuth could be dangerous. But it might be helpful for his problem.

Featured Home Remedy

Coconut Conquers Chronic Diarrhea
I read in your column that coconut macaroon cookies could help control diarrhea. I have had chronic intermittent diarrhea once or twice a week for 20 years. The doctors have never been able to solve or prevent it. I didn't want to eat coconut cookies since I avoid sugar, so I bought flaked coconut and mixed two teaspoons into my oatmeal as I was cooking it each morning. Results: 100 percent elimination of diarrhea! Thank you for this remedy.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Some Sinusitis Prescriptions Ineffective
Some common treatments for sinusitis may be ineffective. British researchers writing in the Journal of The American Medical Association studied two common medications. They compared the antibiotic amoxicillin and the steroid nasal spray budesonide to placebo treatments in a trial of 240 adults. After 10 days of treatment, there was no significant difference. The investigators concluded: "among patients with the typical features of acute bacterial sinusitis, neither an antibiotic nor a topical steroid alone or in combination are effective in altering the symptom severity, the duration, or the natural history of the condition."
One of the problems with treating sinusitis is that doctors do have an easy test to distinguish between viral, bacterial or fungal infections. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Overuse can lead to resistant strains.
[JAMA Dec. 4, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/298/21/2487

Fitness Can Help Compensate for Fatness
What matters most, fitness or fatness? In recent years experts have focused on fat as a major risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and other chronic health conditions. A new study in The Journal of The American Medical Association suggests that fitness may be the more important, especially in senior citizens. The investigators followed 2600 people over 60 years old for about 12 years. All participants had an initial health exam, a treadmill test to assess fitness and measurements taken to determine adiposity,the medical term for fatness. The 450 people who died during the study were older and less fit than average, but there were no differences in adiposity. People who were more fit generally had fewer cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension or diabetes. Both normal-weight and overweight subjects who were fit had approximately half the risk of dying than those who were less fit. Obese people who were fit had a lower risk of death from any cause than those who were lean but out of shape.
[JAMA Dec. 4, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/298/21/2507

Pedometer Inspires Better Fitness
One good way to improve fitness is to walk and a pedometer can be a very helpful tool to increase physical activity. A review of 26 studies involving more than 2500 participants revealed that people who use a pedometer to count daily steps increased their activity by nearly 2500 steps a day. They also decreased their body mass index and blood pressure. Setting a step goal, such as 10,000 steps a day, helped subjects increase their physical activity.
[JAMA, Nov. 21, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/298/19/2296

Handwashing to Fight Flu
Public health officials remain worried about the eventual possibility of a flu pandemic. A lot of effort has been directed towards vaccine development. Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu that might help against regular influenza or bird flu are also being stockpiled. But, an analysis of 51 studies suggests that plain old handwashing with soap and water may be one of the best ways to protect against the spread of respiratory viruses. Wearing masks, gowns and gloves may also help contain a pandemic. Getting health care workers and the public to wash hands regularly may be our best defense against a flu disaster.
[BMJ, Nov. 24, 2007]

Quick Test for Chlamydia
The most common sexually transmitted infection in the world is Chlamydia. It can be hard to diagnose, but left untreated, Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and lead to infertility. If women do become pregnant, scarring of the fallopian tubes can lead to ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening condition. Now, British researchers have developed a rapid test for chlamydial infections. It takes less than half an hour and uses a self-administered vaginal swab. This will allow a rapid test-and-treat approach, which may be especially useful in third world countries. Chlamydia can be cured with simple antibiotic treatment.
[J. Clin. Microbiol., Oct. 17, 2007]

CT Scans Use Radiation
Most people are cautious when it comes to X-Rays. They recognize that this diagnostic tool is extremely helpful, but too much radiation exposure may increase the risk of cancer. When it comes to CT scans, however, many patients do not realize that they are also being exposed to radiation. Researchers, writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest that patients and physicians may be underestimating the risk of cancer associated with multiple CT scans. More than 62 million scans are carried out each year and many may not be medically necessary. The investigators encourage their colleagues to reduce the amount of radiation used to perform a CT scan and substitute other kinds of imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRIs when possible.
[New England Journal of Medicine, November 29, 2007]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/22/2277

Health Headlines 11/30/07

November 30, 2007 10:59 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Many Children's Medicines Untested
Flu Drugs May Cause Hallucinations in Children
Asthma Medicine Can Trigger Breathing Problems
Low B12 Speeds Mental Decline
High-Carb Diets Boost Diabetes Risk
Whole Grains Help Prevent Pancreatic Cancer

New! Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 634 The Art of Diagnosis:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/shows/PP-634.mp3
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 658 Children's Health
A majority of drugs that doctors prescribe for kids have never been tested in children. Even over-the-counter cough and cold remedies that used to be marketed to parents for sniffly tots are no longer considered effective or even safe for...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/658_childrens_health.php

Rooibos Tea For Allergies?
Q. While in Africa I started drinking rooibos tea every day. Now that I am back home in Houston, my usual fall allergies have not appeared. Have you heard of this before? A. We have heard of rooibos tea (“red...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/rooibos_tea_for_allergies.php

Decoding The Warnings About Statins And Grapefruit
Q. I have gotten conflicting information from my doctor, a couple of pharmacists and patient information inserts about how to avoid interactions between statins and grapefruit: Don't take the medication with grapefruit juice. Don't have grapefruit products at the same...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/decoding_the_warnings_about_statins_and_grapefruit.php

Benefits Of Turmeric
Q. I have arthritis and some patches of psoriasis on my skin. I would like to try turmeric, but want to know if this would be worthwhile and if there are any interactions with prescription drugs. A. Turmeric has been...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/benefits_of_turmeric.php

Vinegar And Listerine For Nice Nails
Q. I've had toenail fungus on all my toes for a number of years and would like to know the most effective treatment. A. There are no studies to show effectiveness of home remedies, so it is very hard to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/vinegar_and_listerine_for_nice_nails.php

Can Cough Remedy Lead to Alcoholism?
Q. I want to respond to your reader who wanted to know why you would disagree with using bourbon as an effective cough suppressant for children.When I was a child, my mother would give me a tablespoon of whiskey when...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/can_cough_remedy_lead_to_alcoholism.php

Cold Remedies Pose a Dilemma for Parents
When a child has a drippy nose or a nasty cough, parents are caught in a bind. They want to do something to ease cold symptoms, but pediatricians and now the FDA warn against giving kids cold medicines.Research shows the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/cold_remedies_pose_a_dilemma_for_parents.php

Extended Interview with Dr. Lisa Sanders
Listen to our complete audio interview with Dr. Lisa Sanders. An edited version of this interview appeared in our May 26 radio program, The Art of Diagnosis.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/extended_interview_with_dr_lisa_sanders.php

Dealing With The Quinine Ban
Q. Do you know any doctors who will write prescriptions for quinine sulfate to prevent leg cramps? I am desperate to find one. I have taken quinine for this for 20 years with miraculous results and no problems. Now with...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/dealing_with_the_quinine_ban.php

Getting Rid Of Toenail Fungus
Q. My husband's toenail fungus was terrible. I read your article about using vinegar and water to heal the fungus. My husband started this treatment a few months ago, soaking his feet almost every night. The toenails on one foot...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/getting_rid_of_toenail_fungus.php

Dangers Of Potassium
Q. Be careful taking over-the-counter potassium! It can build up in your body and eventually stop your heart. Consult your doctor about the proper dosage before starting. I nearly killed myself taking potassium on my own a few years ago....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/dangers_of_potassium.php

Featured Q & A

Vaginal Cream Clears Up Armpits
Q. My husband gets fungus infections in his armpits. We have found that a prescribed vaginal cream called Terazol 3 clears this up quickly even though it is for yeast infections.

A. Fungus and yeast are similar. Many vaginal yeast products contain the same ingredient used in athlete's foot remedies. Clotrimazole, for example, is found in both Gyne-Lotrimin and Lotrimin AF and miconazole is in Monistat as well as in Micatin.

Featured Home Remedy

Magnesium Eases Insomnia and Muscle Pain
I have had a lot of trouble with constipation. I tried Metamucil, but it made things even worse. I tried Citrucel but I'm sensitive to citrus fruits, so I became more bloated.

Finally a nutritionist suggested I take 800 mg of magnesium daily. This balances my calcium intake.

After the second day of the magnesium supplements I became "like a normal person." It has also helped my fibromyalgia. I have read that people with fibromyalgia usually require a higher intake of magnesium. I am no doctor, but I know my own body and the magnesium has made a world of difference.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Many Children's Medicines Untested
There is an alarming gap in drug knowledge when it comes to children's medicines. Although federal regulators have known about this problem for many years, there is still a huge lack of information about drug safety, effectiveness or even the proper dosing of drugs for children. Of the thousands of medications that doctors prescribe to children, it is estimated that only about one third have actually been tested in kids.
That means that physicians often do not know if the medicines they are prescribing will even work for children. One study revealed that a migraine drug that worked quite well in adults was ineffective when given to children. Recently, the FDA has warned that most over-the-counter cough and cold remedies are not likely to be helpful for kids under the age of six. This came after decades of use.
It will take many years before drug companies and independent researchers can test most of the medications that are being prescribed to children. In the meantime, physicians will have to be extra careful about weighing the benefits and risks of the medicines they prescribe to youngsters.
[Washington Post, Nov. 23, 2007]

Flu Drugs May Cause Hallucinations in Children
Speaking of drugs and children, an expert panel for the Food and Drug Administration has recommended adding stronger warnings to the labels of the influenza medicines Tamiflu and Relenza. There have been rare reports of abnormal behavior and hallucinations linked to these antiviral drugs. In Japan, the official label for Tamiflu warns about delirium and self injury, especially in children. The makers of Tamiflu and Relenza say that their influenza medicine is not responsible for neuropsychiatric side effects. Rather, they suggest that influenza itself can cause abnormal behavior or even psychiatric symptoms. The FDA will consider the panel's recommendations and make a determination about labeling changes over the next several months.

Asthma Medicine Can Trigger Breathing Problems
Another product that has come under close scrutiny of late is the long-acting bronchodilator called Serevent. This asthma drug is also found in the popular medicine Advair. The Food and Drug Administration has reported nine cases of adverse reactions in children under 16. There were five deaths associated with the medication.
Salmeterol, the ingredient found in both Serevent and Advair, has been controversial for years. The FDA has warned since 2005 that this drug can sometimes trigger severe asthma attacks or even life-threatening episodes. Although the reactions are extremely rare, physicians should be aware of the potential breathing problems associated with Serevent, especially in children.

Low B12 Speeds Mental Decline
Low levels of Vitamin B12 may be related to cognitive decline as people age. Researchers in England followed over 1600 men and women for more than a decade. These senior citizens were monitored for two markers of vitamin B12 activity--holotranscobalamin and methylmalonic acid. The subjects were also tested for mental function three times over the ten-year study period. The lower the levels of vitamin B12, the faster the mental decline. The investigators suggest that correcting vitamin B 12 deficiency with oral supplements might help slow cognitive decline as people age.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/5/1384

High-Carb Diets Boost Diabetes Risk
African-American and Chinese women who eat a diet high in refined carbohydrates may be at higher risk for diabetes. One group of researchers at Boston University School of Public Health Reviewed data from more than 40,000 black women in the United States. They had participated in a food questionnaire survey conducted in 1995. Over the next eight years nearly 2,000 women were diagnosed with diabetes. Those who ate foods with a high glycemic index, such as bread, crackers, candy, potatoes or white rice, were at greater risk than those who ate foods with a low glycemic index, such as high-fiber grains. Another study involving more than 64,000 Chinese women also found that those who consumed greater quantities of carbohydrates, such as noodles, rice and bread, were more likely to develop diabetes. Such high-glycemic index foods cause a rapid rise in blood sugar and insulin levels. This metabolic response may ultimately precipitate type 2 diabetes in susceptible individuals.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, November 26, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/167/21/2304
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/167/21/2310

Whole Grains Help Prevent Pancreatic Cancer
Eating more whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates may help protect people from pancreatic cancer. A study from San Francisco compared 500 patients with pancreatic cancer with 1,700 matched controls. Those who ate diets high in fiber were 35 percent less likely to have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
[American Journal of Epidemiology, November 15, 2007]
http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/10/1174

Health Headlines 11/23/07

November 23, 2007 12:29 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Diet Pill Dinged for Causing Depression
Oats May Cause Itches
Eating Fish Delays Cognitive Decline in Elderly
Airplane Noise Raises Blood Pressure
Stressful Life Events Increase Risk of Heart Disease
Chinese Children Suffer Obesity and Diabetes
Low Levels of Vitamin B12 Associated with Cognitive Decline

New! Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 657 Indoor Air Pollution:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/shows/PP-657.mp3
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 634 The Art of Diagnosis
Solving medical mysteries has been turned into entertainment on TV's popular series "House." Dr. Gregory House may be a curmudgeon, but somehow he manages to unravel the disparate threads of a patient's story just in time to save a life, and complete the episode. In real life, the drama may not be compressed into such a short time, but the outcome is just as important. Our guest, Dr. Lisa Sanders, writes the column on Diagnosis in The New York Times Sunday magazine section. She tells us how doctors think when they need to figure out what is wrong.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/634_the_art_of_diagnosis.asp

Solutions For Split Fingertips
Q. When the skin on my fingertips cracks open, the splits are painful and take a long time to heal. I went to a dermatologist for a series of different pills and lotions but nothing has worked. This problem seems...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/solutions_for_split_fingertips.php

Laxative Fights Underarm Odor
Q. I have had a problem with underarm odor for the past several months. It occurs even when I am not active. I use an antibacterial soap and have increased the strength of my antiperspirants. First I switched to Mitchum...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/laxative_fights_underarm_odor.php

Cheap Drugs May Be No Bargain
“Made in America” used to be both a sign of quality and a source of pride. But Americans care much more about saving money. That’s why so many of our consumer products—from clothes to electronics to toys—are coming from China...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/cheap_drugs_may_be_no_bargain.php

Washing Hands Doesn't Kill Germs
Q. With flu season and MRSA staph infection upon us, we are urged to wash our hands frequently, usually “with warm soapy water.” My memories of Bacteriology 101 some 50 years ago aren’t crystal clear, but I can’t recall that...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/washing_hands_doesnt_kill_germs.php

Treating Stinky Feet
Q. Is there any home remedy or over-the-counter product that will permanently eliminate the strong odor of my husband's smelly feet? Bathing them daily does not help. A. Smelly feet may not be a sign of poor hygiene. Instead, the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/treating_stinky_feet.php

Listerine For Warts?
Q. My daughter had several plantar warts on her sole. We treated them with duct tape for several months with limited success. Listerine has been used for eliminating fungus, so I thought it might also kill wart viruses. I put...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/listerine_for_warts.php

Annoyances Of Drug Advertising
Q. I find many prescription drug commercials to be totally inappropriate. My kids and I are watching TV when suddenly we see a commercial for Cialis for erectile dysfunction. I am also fed up with all these intials! ED, RLS?...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/annoyances_of_drug_advertising.php

Benefits Of Resveratrol Without Overdoing It On Wine
Q. I’ve read that resveratrol is good for us, but I don’t know the right dose. I know it is found in red wine, but more than one glass a day is over my limit. Are there any other sources...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/benefits_of_resveratrol_without_overdoing_it_on_wine.php

Don't Give Kids Bourbon For Cough
Q. I think you do your readers a disservice by failing to mention a very old but effective cough suppressant. The pediatrician told my mother about it in 1960, and I have used it on myself and for my own...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/dont_give_kids_bourbon_for_cough.php

Inhaled Insulin Becomes Billion Dollar Blunder
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer recently announced it will stop selling Exubera, a relatively new inhaled insulin product. The tab for this marketing mistake is $2.8 billion, one of the biggest boondoggles in the history of the industry. Exubera is not being...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/inhaled_insulin_becomes_billion_dollar_blunder.php

Featured Q & A

Aspirin Triggers Tinnitus
Q. Several years ago I developed tinnitus from taking aspirin. Once I stopped taking it the ringing in my ears stopped, but I think people should know about this side effect.

A. Thank you for reminding everyone that aspirin can cause tinnitus. This side effect is uncommon except at high doses, but it deserves prompt medical attention.

Featured Home Remedy

Vicks Foils Squirrels
I am 80 years old so I am very familiar with Vicks VapoRub. Here is a use that will not cure you of anything, but it might make you feel better.

I have a bird feeder that the squirrels used to raid. Since the feeder sits on a pole I thought if the pole were greasy they couldn't climb it. I thought I would make it smell bad to them, too. I put Vicks VapoRub on the pole and for the past four years I have delighted in watching squirrels sit at the bottom of the pole, look up and satisfy themselves with what the birds throw out.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Diet Pill Dinged for Causing Depression
A new diet pill called rimonabant has come under increased scrutiny because of psychiatric side effects. Danish researchers reviewed data from four previous studies and concluded that weight loss was significant. People taking rimonabant lost about 10 pounds more in a year than those on placebo. But they also experienced more anxiety and depression. People who suffered from depression or anxiety were not included in the studies and might react even more strongly to the drug. At this time, rimonabant is not approved for use in the United States, although it is available in Europe. This new review in The Lancet is not likely to improve the drug's chances for FDA approval anytime soon.
[The Lancet, Nov. 15, 2007]
http://www.thelancet.com/audio

Oats May Cause Itches
Eczema is a common problem in children, and the cause is often perplexing. A French study suggests that oat proteins frequently used as ingredients in skin lotion may be responsible for some children's itchy rashes. Nearly one-third of 300 youngsters tested had a positive skin reaction to oats, identified by skin patch or skin prick tests. Some children were also tested with food challenges. Three fourths of the kids with oat sensitivities had been treated with oat containing moisturizers, and the parents had no idea that oats were a problem. The scientists recommend that oat-containing skin products not be used on babies less than two years old, since they may be susceptible to sensitization.
[Allergy, Nov., 2007]
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01527.x

Eating Fish Delays Cognitive Decline in Elderly
An old wives' tale holds that fish is brain food. Perhaps the old wives were Eskimos or Scandinavians who ate fish their entire lives. Two new studies suggest that people who eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may retain better brain function as they age. One study was conducted in a West Norwegian population. People ages 70 to 74 were given cognitive tests and asked about their fish consumption. Those who ate less than 10 g of fish daily did worse on the tests. The other study, conducted in the Netherlands, measured blood levels of omega 3 fats and compared baseline cognitive test scores to those after three years. Those with higher blood levels were less likely to show declines in their scores. Better studies are needed to confirm the value of fish in slowing cognitive decline, but in the meantime, a few weekly meals of fish are good for the heart and might help the brain as well.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Nov., 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/5/1470
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/5/1479

Airplane Noise Raises Blood Pressure
Noise, especially from airplanes taking off and landing may be harmful to your health. Swedish researchers followed over 2000 men for roughly 10 years. Those who lived near an airport were more susceptible to hypertension. The men who were exposed to the highest levels of noise were one-fifth more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. The investigators speculate that loud sounds create stress that makes it much harder to relax or get a good night's sleep.
[Epidemiology, November 2007]

Stressful Life Events Increase Risk of Heart Disease
Noise isn't the only source of stress. A new study of nearly 7,000 men and women followed for 20 years suggests that the more sources of stress in a person's life, the more likely he or she is to develop heart diseases. The researchers considered a variety of stressors such as divorce, death of a spouse, unemployment or high anxiety. People who had one stressor were 28 percent more likely to be diagnosed with heart problems. Those who had two or three challenging life events were 56 percent more likely to have heart problems. And when people had four or more stressors going on at the same time, their risk nearly tripled. The effect was especially strong for women.
[Psychosomatic Medicine, October 2007]
http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content/abstract/69/8/748

Chinese Children Suffer Obesity and Diabetes
American children are not the only ones who are suffering from obesity and Type-2 diabetes. Reports from China suggest that the incidence of obesity is growing rapidly and along with it comes Type-2 diabetes. A survey of over 17,000 children between the ages of 8 and 18 in Beijing found that one fifth were obese and more than 2 percent had diabetes. This problem is increasing at an alarming rate. Researchers speculate that China's economic boom allows families to buy more food, which in turn contributes to the overweight problem.

Low Levels of Vitamin B12 Associated with Cognitive Decline
Evidence is accumulating that vitamin B12 is essential to maintain strong cognitive function as people age. Researchers at Oxford University in England studied more than 1500 people 65 and over for 10 years. Those who had the lowest levels of vitamin B12 in their blood were 50 percent more likely to demonstrate cognitive decline on tests of mental function. The scientists suggest that correcting a vitamin B12 deficiency would be prudent, but they point out that it is too soon to say whether adding B12 supplements would protect otherwise healthy senior citizens.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Nov., 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/5/1384

Health Headlines 11/16/07

November 16, 2007 1:20 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Coming Home Can Be Hard for Vets
ADHD Associated with Brain Development Delay
Beta-Carotene May Help Protect Brain
Vegetables, Fish & Fruit Delay Dementia
STDs Increasing
FDA May Establish Behind-The-Counter Drugs

New! Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 656 Health News Update:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/shows/PP-656.mp3
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 657 Indoor Air Pollution
Air pollution increases the risk of breathing problems, which is why many cities alert citizens when ozone is high. But how safe is the air inside your home? Better insulation may mean that people are exposed to more indoor air...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/657_indoor_air_pollution.php

Listerine For Warts?
Q. My daughter had several plantar warts on her sole. We treated them with duct tape for several months with limited success. Listerine has been used for eliminating fungus, so I thought it might also kill wart viruses. I put...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/listerine_for_warts.php

Annoyances Of Drug Advertising
Q. I find many prescription drug commercials to be totally inappropriate. My kids and I are watching TV when suddenly we see a commercial for Cialis for erectile dysfunction. I am also fed up with all these intials! ED, RLS?...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/annoyances_of_drug_advertising.php

Benefits Of Resveratrol Without Overdoing It On Wine
Q. I’ve read that resveratrol is good for us, but I don’t know the right dose. I know it is found in red wine, but more than one glass a day is over my limit. Are there any other sources...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/benefits_of_resveratrol_without_overdoing_it_on_wine.php

Don't Give Kids Bourbon For Cough
Q. I think you do your readers a disservice by failing to mention a very old but effective cough suppressant. The pediatrician told my mother about it in 1960, and I have used it on myself and for my own...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/dont_give_kids_bourbon_for_cough.php

Inhaled Insulin Becomes Billion Dollar Blunder
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer recently announced it will stop selling Exubera, a relatively new inhaled insulin product. The tab for this marketing mistake is $2.8 billion, one of the biggest boondoggles in the history of the industry. Exubera is not being...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/inhaled_insulin_becomes_billion_dollar_blunder.php

Statins And Lou Gehrig's Disease?
Q. My mother was on Lipitor for less than two years when she developed muscle weakness and started having trouble speaking. She was initially diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis and told to continue on her Lipitor. Her condition deteriorated rapidly...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/statins_and_lou_gehrigs_disease.php

How Effective Is Generic Oxycodone?
Q. I am a physician who treats many patients in chronic pain. I am convinced that generic oxycodone is only about half as effective as the brand name OxyContin. This is a huge problem for my patients. How can we...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/how_effective_is_generic_oxycodone.php

Extended Interview with Dr. Joan Lappe
Listen now to an extended interview with Dr. Joan Lappe, Professor of Nursing and Medicine and holder of the Criss-Beirne Endowed Chair in Nursing at Creighton University. She discusses the benefits and risks of vitamin D, the difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 and how much vitamin D to take.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/extended_interview_with_dr_joan_lappe.php

Dealing With Vitamin D Deficiency
Q. I've just learned that many people over 50 are vitamin D deficient. My doctor called with my test results: I have about 7 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin D in my body. I've got all the symptoms...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/dealing_with_vitamin_d_deficiency.php

Cinnamon For Type 2 Diabetes
Q. I have been interested in your articles about cinnamon for use by type 2 diabetics to lower blood sugar. I was concerned that the cinnamon I buy might be contaminated with coumarin, so I called the distributor. The woman...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cinnamon_for_type_2_diabetes.php

Featured Q & A

Man Swipes Wife's Hormone Pills
Q. Four months ago my wife discontinued her hormone supplement, Prempro. I read that hormone treatments may decrease migraine headaches in some people. Because I am a long-time migraine sufferer, I began taking Prempro myself and have been migraine-free ever since.

My wife is concerned about the possible long-term effects I might experience, and I know I can't continue to take a prescription intended for her. Is Prempro prescribed for men with migraines? I have tried many headache remedies as well as watching what I eat.

A. Some women find that hormone replacement therapy helps headaches, but for others such treatments make migraines worse.

Doctors don't prescribe Prempro for men because estrogen can cause side effects such as breast enlargement, lowered libido, depression and possibly even blood clots.

We suggest you find a headache specialist who can tailor a treatment program for you. Taking someone else's medicine is a prescription for trouble.

Featured Home Remedy

Almond Oil for Brittle Nails
I've been reading your responses to questions about brittle nails both in your column and on your Web site. I could find no reference to almond oil. This inexpensive oil is available at pharmacies or health food stores. Just a drop several times a day will make a huge difference in the condition of dry nails.

Take a small paintbrush and "paint" your nails with a drop, then massage it into nails, around cuticles and on hands. Follow with your favorite hand cream. Your nails will reward you by growing stronger and longer than you're used to.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Coming Home Can Be Hard for Vets
Veterans returning from Iraq frequently have mental health problems that don't show up for months. Army medical researchers surveyed more than 80,000 veterans immediately after they returned to the United States. The vets completed another health assessment questionnaire roughly six months later. The investigators found significantly more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in the follow-up survey. The combined screening identified one fifth of active duty and two fifths of reserve soldiers needing mental health treatment. Alcohol abuse was a common problem, but few veterans were referred for treatment. The authors of the research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association conclude that assessment of mental health problems immediately upon return from a combat zone may miss some important issues and leave veterans without adequate support.
[JAMA, Nov. 14, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/298/18/2141

ADHD Associated with Brain Development Delay
Researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health and McGill University in Canada report that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, does not necessarily lead to abnormal brain development. The scientists used sophistical brain imaging techniques to track over 400 children. Half were diagnosed with ADHD and half were not. They found that while there were differences in the rate of brain development, the pattern normalized after about three years. By the time the children were about 10 and a half years old, the area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex had matured. In kids without ADHD this occurred about three years earlier. This region of the brain is thought to be important for focusing attention.
[Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Nov. 12, 2007]

Beta-Carotene May Help Protect Brain
The dietary supplement beta-carotene, a building block for vitamin A, has received a lot of bad press over the last several years. Expectations that it would prevent cancer and heart disease were dashed in a number of studies. But now, scientists report that long-term beta-carotene supplementation might be good for the brain. The Physicians' Health Study was initiated in 1982 to determine the effects of aspirin, beta-carotene or placebo on heart disease and cancer. Aspirin performed well, demonstrating early benefit against heart attacks. But beta-carotene struck out against both heart disease and cancer. Nonetheless, the scientists convinced 4,000 men to continue in a follow-up study. An additional 1,900 men were added to the study, which began in 1997. The men were tested every year over the telephone for verbal memory. Those who had taken beta-carotene for decades were slightly better at verbal recall. Even a modest improvement could help delay dementia, according to the researchers.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, Nov. 12, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/167/20/2184

Vegetables, Fish & Fruit Delay Dementia
Another way to reduce your risk of dementia may be to eat your vegetables. Fruit and fish are also helpful according to a study conducted by French scientists. They followed more than 8,000 senior citizens for four years. Those who got more omega-3 fatty acids in their diets from fish and green leafy vegetables were less likely to develop dementia. Diets rich in omega-6 fatty acids from meat, eggs or soy, safflower and corn oils were associated with a greater risk of cognitive decline. People who ate vegetables and fruits every day were 28 percent less likely to develop dementia.
[Neurology, Nov. 13, 2007]
http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/69/20/1921

STDs Increasing
Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise after years of decline. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there were more than one million cases of Chlamydia last year. Although this is the first time we have topped the million mark, experts in the field believe that the actual numbers are closer to three million. Chlamydia infections can lead to infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Sexually transmitted diseases are especially common in young people between the ages of 15 and 24. Experts for the CDC estimate that there are nearly 19 million new infections in this age bracket annually. Public health officials are concerned about this alarming trend.

FDA May Establish Behind-The-Counter Drugs
The FDA is considering a new category of drugs called BTCs or behind-the-counter medications. Unlike over-the-counter drugs that can be purchased without any professional guidance in groceries, convenience stores or pharmacies, behind-the-counter medicines would require a pharmacist's recommendation and counseling. Drugs that might be considered for BTC status include cholesterol-lowering drugs like lovastatin or simvastatin. Other drugs that are under consideration include the stop-smoking pill called Chantix and anti-viral flu medicine called Tamiflu.

Health Headlines 11/09/07

November 9, 2007 11:08 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Birth Control Pills Increase Plaque in Arteries
Blood Pressure Is Higher in Winter
Study Shows Obesity Is Harmful, Overweight Not So Much
Public Defibrillators Save Lives
Too Much Candy Is Bad for Kids--Duh
High Carb Diet Boosts Breast Cancer Risk

New! Free Podcast Of The People's Pharmacy Radio Show

Miss the People's Pharmacy radio show last week? Now you can download our podcast! Every week we'll post the radio show as a free audio podcast. You can subscribe to our podcast using a program such as iTunes, and receive it automatically each week. Or you can visit our website and download a particular show you want to hear again. Each People's Pharmacy radio show is a 1 hour audio file which will be posted on Mondays.

Click here to download the podcast of last week's show, 655 Overtreated:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/shows/PP-655.mp3
Click here to learn more or subscribe to our podcasts:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/podcast/

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 656 Health News Update
There have been conflicting headlines lately about vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, and whether it can ward off cancer. Dr. Joan Lappe, a scientist who did a placebo-controlled trial in postmenopausal women, found it could help. How much vitamin D...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/656_health_news_update.php

Cinnamon For Type 2 Diabetes
Q. I have been interested in your articles about cinnamon for use by type 2 diabetics to lower blood sugar. I was concerned that the cinnamon I buy might be contaminated with coumarin, so I called the distributor. The woman...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cinnamon_for_type_2_diabetes.php

Petroleum Jelly In The Nose Can Be Dangerous
Q. I read in your column that putting petroleum jelly in the nose could cause chemical pneumonia. I have been putting Vaseline in my nose every day for years to prevent nosebleeds. Now I'm worried. I do have a chronic...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/petroleum_jelly_in_the_nose_can_be_dangerous.php

For Leg Pain, How Much Magnesium Is Too Much?
Q. I started getting muscle movements in my legs in the mornings while lying in bed. It wasn't "restless leg syndrome" because I did not feel like I had to move my legs. I just had an unusual feeling of...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/for_leg_pain_how_much_magnesium_is_too_much.php

Interview with Shannon Brownlee
Listen now to Shannon Brownlee discuss her new book, Overtreated: Why Too Much Medicine Is Making Us Sicker and Poorer.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/interview_with_shannon_brownlee.php

Curry Spice Clears Skin Condition
Q. I want to thank you for writing about turmeric. I had psoriasis on my feet and my hands so bad that I lost all my nails on my fingers. I went to doctor after doctor to heal my psoriasis,...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/curry_spice_clears_skin_condition.php

Contradictory Conclusions On Flu Shots
If you’ve been reading headlines this fall you are likely confused about flu shots. Several weeks ago you were told: “Proof Lacking for Flu Vaccine,” or “Flu Vaccine Mortality Benefits For Elderly Vastly Overstated.” One week later headlines proclaimed: “Flu...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/contradictory_conclusions_on_flu_shots.php

A Cork Won't Solve Excessive Gas
Q. I need information about flatulence. I am 92 years old and usually there is no odor when I pass gas. It is loud enough to be heard, though, and I cannot hold it back. This is very embarrassing! Are...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/a_cork_wont_solve_excessive_gas.php

Applying Vinegar To Warts
Q. My daughter is 23 and has had warts on her thighs all the way to her knees for five years. She couldn't wear shorts or bathing suits because of this condition. She had over 50 warts at all times....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/applying_vinegar_to_warts.php

Avoiding Dangerous Potassium Build-Up
Q. What kind of diet should a person adopt if they wish to avoid potassium build-up? During a recent stay in the hospital my husband’s test for potassium revealed a reading of 7. The medications enalapril and Aldactone were eliminated...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/avoiding_dangerous_potassium_buildup.php

Military Secret For Stinky Feet
Q. I read that if you had really bad foot odor that all you had to do was urinate on your feet to make it go away. I tried this and not only did the odor go away, but the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/military_secret_for_stinky_feet.php

Featured Q & A

Don't Waste Money on Expensive Vitamins
Q. I have been buying an expensive brand of vitamins that I am supposed to take eight times a day. That's inconvenient and I'm beginning to wonder if I need to spend $40 a month on this brand.

A. Experts such as Walter Willett, MD, Dr. P.H., Chairman of Nutrition at Harvard, and Jeff Blumberg, Ph.D., of Tufts do recommend a daily multi-vitamin supplement. But there is no reason to spend a bundle taking eight pills daily, unless your doctor prescribes them. Any balanced formula should be adequate. To find out if the vitamin pills you select are of good quality, you may want to check the ratings on www.consumerlab.com.

Featured Home Remedy

Vinegar Soak Fights Fungus
Thank you for recommending a 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water solution for foot fungus. My husband has had so-called jungle rot since his days as a soldier in Viet Nam. It's been incurable, but now it is all but gone, with only a few soaks needed every so often to keep it from coming back.

My father, an eye doctor, told an elderly patient about vinegar. She was about to have a toenail amputated by another doctor because the fungus could not be cured. She started soaking it and saved her toenail.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Birth Control Pills Increase Plaque in Arteries
Birth control pills may build arterial plaque in women. The link between hormones and heart disease has been controversial for decades. Initially, women were told that estrogen would protect them from heart attacks and strokes. Then, research showed that hormone replacement therapy after menopause actually increased cardiovascular risk. But younger women were thought to be protected by hormones. Now, a new European study suggests that birth control pills may pose a problem. Over 1300 women between the ages of 35 and 55 were found to have more plaque in their femoral and carotid arteries if they had used oral contraceptives. The investigators estimated that 10 years on the Pill increased plaque formation by 20 to 30 percent. Doctors have known for decades that oral contraceptives can raise blood pressure and increase the chance for blood clots. This new observation is likely to add to the controversy about hormones and cardiovascular risk.
[American Heart Association Meetings, Nov, 2007]

Blood Pressure Is Higher in Winter
People with high blood pressure may have a harder time keeping it under control at this time of year. A five-year study of more than 400,000 military veterans found higher blood pressure during the winter compared to the summer. The investigators collected data from vets in 15 cities, from Anchorage, Alaska to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sixty percent of the vets had higher blood pressure in winter, and they had more difficulty getting it down with medication. Scientists are not sure how to explain this finding, since it was not linked to temperature or sunlight. Vets also tend to gain weight during the winter, and the researchers suspect that weight gain may be pushing blood pressure up. Other data suggest that heart attacks and strokes that may result from hypertension are also more common in winter.
[American Heart Association Annual Meeting, Boston, MA Nov., 2007]

Study Shows Obesity Is Harmful, Overweight Not So Much
A little extra weight may not be quite as dangerous as previously thought. Americans have been admonished to lose excess pounds because they increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. But a new study shows that being slightly overweight does not increase a person's risk for dying of heart attack or cancer. In fact, people who were a bit over their ideal weight parameters were less likely to die from conditions like pneumonia and other infections. Because this was such a large epidemiological study involving over two million adults, it tends to carry more weight than smaller analyses. Being obese, however, is clearly linked to increased mortality. And not all epidemiologists agree that being zaftig is OK. Dr. Walter Willett, Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, says, "It's just ludicrous to say there's no increased risk of mortality from being overweight."
[JAMA, Nov. 7, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/298/17/2028

Public Defibrillators Save Lives
Airports and other public places are increasingly displaying emergency defibrillators that can be used if a person has a sudden cardiac arrest. These devices shock the heart back into action. They come with such simple instructions that any good Samaritan can use the portable defibrillator without prior training. The paddles are placed on the chest and detect whether the abnormal heart rhythm requires a jolt of electricity. A study of more than 10,000 heart attack victims in 11 cities found that bystanders offered CPR in 30 percent of the cases and used a defibrillator in just over 2 percent. Those who received the electrical shock had much better survival rates, about 36 percent. The overall survival rate of those not getting defibrillation averaged 7 percent. The lead investigator estimates that more than 500 people have their lives saved every year by automated external defibrillators.
[American Heart Association Annual Meetings, Nov. 2007

Too Much Candy Is Bad for Kids--Duh
Does diet affect blood lipids? There is evidence that a diet with lots of refined carbohydrates can raise triglycerides and affect cholesterol in adults. Now a study of Swiss children shows that kids who eat a lot of fructose, a sugar found in soft drinks and candy, are more likely to be overweight and also more likely to have bad LDL cholesterol particles that are small, dense and dangerous. Small LDL particles are associated with a risk of metabolic syndrome, which in turn increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oct., 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/4/1174

High Carb Diet Boosts Breast Cancer Risk
There's bad news from Italy for women who love pasta. Italian scientists report that women who ate a diet high in refined carbohydrates were more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oct. 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/4/1160

Health Headlines 11/02/07

November 2, 2007 1:15 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Confusion over Value of Vitamin D
Vitamin D May Reduce Knee Pain
FDA Secret Meeting Questioned
Siesta May Benefit Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure Pill May Delay Dementia

Generic Drug Equality Questioned

The People's Pharmacy has received hundreds of complaints about a generic antidepressant. The independent analytic organization ConsumerLab.com agreed to collaborate, and determined through testing that the generic product has a very different pattern of dissolution from the original Wellbutrin XL 300. This difference, with much more active ingredient being released early from the generic, might account for reports of side effects and lack of sustained antidepressant activity.
http://www.consumerlab.com/results/wellbutrin-bupropion.asp
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/generic_drug_problems/generic_drug_equality_questioned.php

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 655 Overtreated?
We usually assume that the primary problem with health care in the U.S. is that so many people don’t have good access to it. But while many Americans suffer because of lack of medical care, others undergo unnecessary procedures or...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/655_overtreated.php

Military Secret For Stinky Feet
Q. I read that if you had really bad foot odor that all you had to do was urinate on your feet to make it go away. I tried this and not only did the odor go away, but the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/military_secret_for_stinky_feet.php

Acupressure Wristbands For Antidepressant Withdrawal
Q. Zoloft was prescribed for me after I complained to my gynecologist of feelings of great despair. He recommended Zoloft because he heard positive things about it for menopausal symptoms and believed there were few side effects. Zoloft did take...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/acupressure_wristbands_for_antidepressant_withdrawal.php

Cherries For Joint Pain
Q. I have been told to take cherry juice for joint pain. Where can I find it? A. Cherries have anti-inflammatory activity, and one study found that 280 grams (about 10 ounces) of cherries a day reduced inflammatory markers in...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cherries_for_joint_pain.php

Soap Remedy Is Ridiculed
Q. You folks are ridiculous, superstitious and ignorant. How can you recommend a bar of soap under the bottom sheet for leg cramps? It's just plain dumb. Please spare us such silliness. A. We agree that putting a bar of...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/soap_remedy_is_ridiculed.php

Analysis Raises Generic Drug Question
For decades the FDA has been telling everyone—physicians, pharmacists and patients—that generic drugs are just as good as their brand name counterparts. According to the feds there’s no need to worry about quality control just because a generic medicine costs...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/analysis_raises_generic_drug_question.php

Once Is Enough For Cleansing Colon
Q. I recently took my husband for a consultation before his colonoscopy. He wants to get the drink now to clean his colon and then take it again the day before the procedure. Is there any danger to this? I...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/once_is_enough_for_cleansing_colon.php

Cause For Cornstarch Cravings?
Q. What are the health implications of consuming large quantities of cornstarch? A. A person who craves cornstarch might have pica. This condition is frequently triggered by iron or zinc deficiency. We have heard from readers hooked on carrots, radishes,...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cause_for_cornstarch_cravings.php

Cetaphil For Head Lice
Q. Is there a safe and easy improvement on the method of removing head lice? My wife is a kindergarten teacher and this annual ritual is wearing us both out. Her students bring lice from home, and they spread to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/cetaphil_for_head_lice.php

DHEA Not Shown To Help Bulk Up Muscle
Q. I have a teenage son who takes after my side of the family and is small boned. This has had a negative effect on his self-confidence. Because I do not believe my children should use drugs of any kind,...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/dhea_not_shown_to_help_bulk_up_muscle.php

Is Atenolol Safe For Treating Anxiety?
Q. I have had anxiety attacks several times in the past 15 years. Always before I have been given Xanax and in several days I would be okay. Then I would take the pills as needed occasionally. Last week when...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/is_atenolol_safe_for_treating_anxiety.php

Featured Q & A

Antidepressant May Add Pounds
Q. I started taking Prozac six years ago and have gained 100 pounds. I never realized there might be a connection. Do all antidepressants cause weight gain? My family physician is very unsympathetic about my weight problem. She has been downright derogatory, but my insurance limits my choice of doctors.

I am very concerned about being so heavy but need medicine for depression. After my second child was born I tried St. John's wort but was unsuccessful.

A. Changes in weight are listed as possible side effects of Prozac, but individuals differ in their response. For one reader, Prozac had the opposite effect: "When I took Prozac I lost weight like butter melting in the sun. After stopping Prozac, alas, the pounds came back."

Other people find that one antidepressant causes weight gain but another does not: "When I took Zoloft, I nicknamed it 'Zaftig.' No matter what I did, how much I exercised, or how little I ate, the weight still kept piling on. I gained 20 pounds and it took me four years to get back to my normal weight of 117 pounds.

"I needed antidepressant therapy again last year and this time I went on Prozac. To my amazement, my weight has not changed. So different drugs don't always have the same side effects."

Please speak to your doctor about trying a different antidepressant.

Featured Home Remedy

Cabbage Eases Breast Pain
When my baby was born two months ago, I had planned to breastfeed. I was unable to do so, and as a result my breasts became swollen and extremely painful.

I called the lactation specialist at my OB/GYN office. She suggested that I apply raw cabbage leaves to my breasts, wear a form-fitting bra and replace the leaves throughout the day as they wilt. I didn't believe her, but I was so desperate for relief from the pain of engorged breasts that I tried it anyway.

After just one day, I was experiencing very little pain, throbbing or fever in my breasts and within three days my breasts had returned to their natural state. I was truly amazed and grateful. I don't know what healing properties cabbage possesses but it worked!

P.S. We had the rest of the cabbage for dinner that week.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Confusion over Value of Vitamin D
The role of vitamin D in preventing cancer is confusing. Last week a report in the American Journal of Epidemiology indicated that women who get more sun exposure are less prone to advance breast cancer. Now research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that there is no connection between blood levels of vitamin D and a person's risk of developing cancer. The one exception seems to be colon cancer. The investigators analyzed data from more than 16,000 adults between 1988 and 2000. Blood samples were taken at the beginning of the study and records were used to determine who was subsequently diagnosed with cancer. Those with high levels of vitamin D were 72 percent less likely to die from colon cancer compared to those with low levels of this nutrient. Other cancers, however, were not related to vitamin D levels in the blood stream. Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D is still important for healthy bones and muscles. A few minutes of sun exposure three or four days a week can be helpful. Otherwise, a dietary supplement providing up to 2000 International Units can be a safe alternative.
[Journal of the National Cancer Institute, November 7, 2007]
http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/djm204

Vitamin D May Reduce Knee Pain
Despite the controversy over cancer prevention, Vitamin D may turn out to be helpful against pain from osteoarthritis. Scientists at Tufts University outside of Boston studied 100 volunteers with arthritis in their knee joints. Blood levels of vitamin D were measured at the outset of the study, and nearly half the subjects were found to be deficient. Those who were deficient in vitamin D had significantly higher pain scores and took longer to walk 20 meters than those who had normal levels of the vitamin. The study, which is ongoing, will assess whether vitamin D supplements can reduce knee pain and functional limitations.
[American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, Boston, MA October 30, 2007]

FDA Secret Meeting Questioned
Senator Charles Grassley wants to know what is going on inside the FDA. As the ranking Republican on the Senate finance committee, he is interested in "the way the FDA monitors and assesses drug risks and decides whether to let the public know about emerging risks." Apparently, committee investigators have been told that the agency's Drug Safety Oversight Board met secretly early in October and took a vote on whether to let the diabetes drug Avandia stay on the market. The medication has been implicated as increasing the risk for heart attacks and strokes.
The vote was reportedly very close, with 7 voting to pull the drug and 8 voting to keep it on the market. Senator Grassley has written to FDA Commissioner von Eschenbach to ask for confirmation and inquire why the public has not been informed of this meeting or its outcome.

Siesta May Benefit Blood Pressure
A short nap in the afternoon just might help reduce blood pressure. A small study in Liverpool found that healthy young adults have a measurable reduction in blood pressure and dilation of blood vessels when they took a 10-minute snooze. Their sleep had been restricted to just 4 hours the night before, to make it easier for them to fall asleep. Just lying down and resting quietly did not make blood pressure drop. The scientists speculate that the habit of afternoon siestas might help account for lower heart attack rates among Mediterranean populations.
[Journal of Applied Physiology, Oct. 2007]

Blood Pressure Pill May Delay Dementia
Lowering blood pressure may have an additional benefit. Researchers have long known that hypertension is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and that lowering high blood pressure may help reduce the risk for dementia. Animal research now suggests that some blood pressure medications could be especially helpful. Scientists at Mount Sinai School of Medicine screened 55 blood pressure lowering drugs for their ability to disrupt the formation of beta-amyloid plaque in specially bred mice. These rodents develop a condition that mimics Alzheimer's disease when plaque forms in their brains. The medication Valsartan, also known as Diovan, was the most effective in preventing beta-amyloid buildup. When low-doses of the drug were given to mice in their drinking water for 11 months, the mice maintained their ability to learn how to navigate a maze. Untreated mice did poorly on this test. Although this research is preliminary, it does suggest that controlling blood pressure with certain medications may be beneficial in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
[Journal of Clinical Investigation, Oct. 26, 2007]
http://content.the-jci.org/articles/view/31547

Health Headlines 10/26/07

October 26, 2007 10:32 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Cold Remedies Are Not for Kids
Hearing Loss Associated with ED Drugs
Psychological Effects of Sleep Loss
Insomnia and Hypertension
Sun Exposure Reduces Advanced Breast Cancer Risk
Broccoli Extract Protects Skin
Years ago Dr. Judah Folkman came up with a revolutionary idea for fighting cancer.

Generic Drug Equality Questioned

The People's Pharmacy has received hundreds of complaints about a generic antidepressant. The independent analytic organization ConsumerLab.com agreed to collaborate, and determined through testing that the generic product has a very different pattern of dissolution from the original Wellbutrin XL 300. This difference, with much more active ingredient being released early from the generic, might account for reports of side effects and lack of sustained antidepressant activity.
http://www.consumerlab.com/results/wellbutrin-bupropion.asp
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/generic_drug_problems/generic_drug_equality_questioned.php

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

---------------

This Week's Radio Show: 654 Health News Update
Wellbutrin XL is a once-a-day antidepressant that has become quite popular. Some patients have found that a generic substitute does not work in quite the same way. An investigation by ConsumerLab.com showed a striking difference in the way the two...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/654_health_news_update.php

DHEA Not Shown To Help Bulk Up Muscle
Q. I have a teenage son who takes after my side of the family and is small boned. This has had a negative effect on his self-confidence. Because I do not believe my children should use drugs of any kind,...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/dhea_not_shown_to_help_bulk_up_muscle.php

Is Atenolol Safe For Treating Anxiety?
Q. I have had anxiety attacks several times in the past 15 years. Always before I have been given Xanax and in several days I would be okay. Then I would take the pills as needed occasionally. Last week when...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/is_atenolol_safe_for_treating_anxiety.php

Quick Tips For Hiccups
Q. When I was in college a fellow student gave me this silly remedy for hiccups. Place a paper napkin over the top of a glass of water. Have the hiccupper take sips of water through the napkin. It works!...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/quick_tips_for_hiccups.php

Raisin Remedy Led To Miraculous Recovery
Q. A neighbor of mine was so crippled with arthritis she had to use a walker. She and her husband had over a hundred beautiful azaleas that she could no longer care for. Then I walked by her house and...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/raisin_remedy_led_to_miraculous_recovery.php

FDA Considers Easier Drug Access
Once upon a time you could buy just about anything at the neighborhood drug store. “Doc,” as the pharmacist was called a century ago, could dispense medications like marijuana or opium. The neighborhood pharmacist was frequently consulted about a range...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/fda_considers_easier_drug_access.php

Bad Breath And Bugs In The Belly
Q. I have a problem with bad breath though I brush my teeth three times a day and use mouthwash. My dentist said, “It’s not your mouth, which is very clean.” I have read that a stomach infection with H....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/bad_breath_and_bugs_in_the_belly.php

Turmeric To Ease Leg Cramps
Q. Mustard works for leg cramps. But I really don't like mustard straight up, especially at night. Turmeric is the "active" ingredient in mustard. When I get leg cramps, I mix 1/4 tsp turmeric in four ounces of water and...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/turmeric_to_ease_leg_cramps.php

Tips For Dealing With The Donut Hole
Q. I have reached the donut hole in my Medicare Part D plan and my medications are costing me a fortune. I would like to know what online pharmacies could help me with the cost so I can afford my...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/tips_for_dealing_with_the_donut_hole.php

Ginger To Treat Vertigo
Q. I had vertigo for 17 months, a very severe case. The doctor put me through tests, including an MRI, a test that put me in a black cabinet and spun me around while I answered questions and one that...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/ginger_to_treat_vertigo.php

Scary Side Effects of Chantix?
Q. The story about the person who became depressed on Chantix caught my eye. My husband and I were both on Chantix to quit smoking back in June. Neither of us has a history of depression, but after he was...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/scary_side_effects_of_chantix.php

Featured Q & A

Q. Our family has been plagued recently with an annoying dry cough. We have been using Robitussin to stop coughing so we could get to sleep.

My husband does something that seems to be a bad idea; he takes the cough syrup directly from the bottle instead of pouring it into the little cup that comes with it or using a teaspoon.

I am concerned that his germs could live in the bottle so that the next person using the cough syrup could get the bug from it. It also makes for a very inexact dose to just take a "swig." Could a virus live for a time under these conditions?

A. We checked with a microbiologist who suggested that little cup is provided for a good reason. For one thing, it makes it possible to measure the dose.

In addition, he thinks your fears may be justified. It is theoretically possible that bacteria could contaminate the sweet cough syrup, or that viruses could survive for a time.

If your husband doesn't want to "clean up his act," get him his own bottle of cough syrup. It's better not to expose everyone else to his germs.

Featured Home Remedy

Plagued with Psoriasis
For over 30 years I have been plagued with psoriasis. Then I added salsa, Cajun style foods and cayenne pepper capsules to my diet. This appears to have wiped out my skin disease within a few weeks. My legs, arms, body and face have been smooth and clear for six months now. The only remnants are red knuckles and elbows. I hope you will tell other psoriasis sufferers.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Cold Remedies Are Not for Kids
Parents are puzzled about how to treat children with colds. An expert panel for the FDA determined that most cough and cold remedies should not be given to children under 6. Nevertheless, around 800 products for children remain on pharmacy shelves. That's because the FDA has not yet taken action. It can take weeks or months for the agency to act on recommendations from an outside panel of experts. In the meantime, parents need to resist the urge to medicate young children. As hard as it may be to listen to a child coughing and sneezing, cold symptoms usually go away in about a week regardless of what medication is used.

Hearing Loss Associated with ED Drugs
Erectile dysfunction drugs will now carry an additional warning. The FDA received a number of reports of sudden hearing loss associated with the use of Viagra, Levitra or Cialis. It has been known for some time that such drugs may affect vision in a small number of cases. Now attention has shifted to hearing. About one-third of the cases were reversible when the drugs were discontinued. But partial or complete loss of hearing in one ear has been permanent for others. Another symptom to be alert for is tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. Anyone who experiences visual changes or hearing problems while taking a drug for erectile dysfunction should consult a physician immediately.

Psychological Effects of Sleep Loss
Lack of sleep may lead to a range of psychological disturbances. Researchers have long debated whether psychiatric disorders lead to sleep problems or whether insomnia triggers irritability and depression. Now a new study suggests that healthy young adults who are sleep deprived react more emotionally to disturbing photographs. The MRI images showed 60 percent more activity in the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain, among people who had been awake for 35 hours straight compared to those who had been allowed to sleep the night before. In rested individuals, the amygdala relayed its reactions to the cortex, an area of the brain that can make rational assessments. But in the sleep-deprived subjects, the amygdala relayed its heightened responses to an area in the brain stem involved in producing fight-or-flight reactions. This research offers scientific evidence for sleep loss producing emotional instability and may explain why sleep problems might also contribute to diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. [Current Biology, Oct. 23, 2007] http://www.current-biology.com/content/article/abstract?uid=PIIS0960982207017836

Insomnia and Hypertension
Women who regularly get too little sleep are at an increased risk for hypertension. Researchers followed over 10,000 British civil servants for approximately five years. The women who usually slept less than 7 hours a night were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. The investigators speculate that too little sleep leads to nervous system hyperactivity that could raise blood pressure, but they were unable to explain why the effect was not observed among men who skimped on sleep. [Hypertension, Oct. 2007] http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/50/4/693

Sun Exposure Reduces Advanced Breast Cancer Risk
Researchers have long noted that women who live in areas sunny climates are less likely to develop breast cancer. Now researchers report that light-skinned women who get plenty of sunshine are only half as likely to develop advanced breast cancer compared to women who shun the sun. The scientists believe that it is the vitamin D produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight that offers the protective benefit. The researchers were quick to discourage sunbathing as a way of getting adequate vitamin D. Vitamins supplements, fatty fish and fortified foods are other ways of boosting vitamin D levels. [American Journal of Epidemiology, Oct. 2007, Epub ahead of print]

Broccoli Extract Protects Skin
An extract derived from broccoli sprouts may turn out to be beneficial against the sun's damaging rays. Researchers smeared different strengths of the extract on patches of skin and then exposed people to enough ultraviolet radiation to make untreated skin turn pink. The broccoli formula reduced redness and swelling by about 37 percent. The investigators point out that broccoli extract is not a sunscreen, but this research may lead to new ways to reduce the risk for skin cancer. [Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences]

Years ago Dr. Judah Folkman came up with a revolutionary idea for fighting cancer.
He hypothesized that depriving a tumor of its blood supply could represent a safer and more effective way to treat the disease. Since then drugs that prevent blood vessel formation have become some of the most exciting new treatments for cancer. One called Avastin is usually prescribed for colon cancer. Now researchers at Duke University have used it for patients with a hard-to-treat brain malignancy called glioblastoma multiforme. In the small pilot study, patients getting Avastin had better survival statistics and were less likely to experience tumor growth during treatment. Although this study is preliminary, it holds out some promise for the future of anti-angiogenesis cancer therapy. [Journal of Clinical Oncology, Oct. 2007] http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/abstract/25/30/4722

Health Headlines 10/19/07

October 19, 2007 10:35 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Cough and Cold Products for Kids Recalled
Children's Health Care Is Lacking
Less Vitamin D Means More Colds
Benefits of Cholesterol-Lowering Medicine Long-Lasting
Getting (Just) Enough Sleep
Generic Drug Equality Questioned
Hormone Maker Loses Suit

Generic Drug Equality Questioned

The People's Pharmacy has received hundreds of complaints about a generic antidepressant. The independent analytic organization ConsumerLab.com agreed to collaborate, and determined through testing that the generic product has a very different pattern of dissolution from the original Wellbutrin XL 300. This difference, with much more active ingredient being released early from the generic, might account for reports of side effects and lack of sustained antidepressant activity.
http://www.consumerlab.com/results/wellbutrin-bupropion.asp
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/generic_drug_problems/generic_drug_equality_questioned.php

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 627 Probiotics for Health
We host huge numbers of bacteria in our bodies—so many, in fact, that there are more bacterial cells than human cells in each of us. What are those bacteria doing there, and what happens when our personal ecological systems get...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/627_probiotics_for_health.php

Ginger To Treat Vertigo
Q. I had vertigo for 17 months, a very severe case. The doctor put me through tests, including an MRI, a test that put me in a black cabinet and spun me around while I answered questions and one that...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/ginger_to_treat_vertigo.php

Scary Side Effects of Chantix?
Q. The story about the person who became depressed on Chantix caught my eye. My husband and I were both on Chantix to quit smoking back in June. Neither of us has a history of depression, but after he was...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/scary_side_effects_of_chantix.php

Probiotics For Children With Eczema?
Q. My one-year-old son has been suffering from eczema. It hasn't improved in spite of numerous visits to different dermatologists and the use of OTC creams and antibiotic regimens. We have tried removing soy and gluten from his diet to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/probiotics_for_children_with_eczema.php

Cobwebs Help Dog's Ear Stop Bleeding
Q. While cutting a mat from my dog's ear I cut a little chunk off the tip of her ear accidentally. I lost it, and held her and screamed for my husband. He went outside and got some spider web....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cobwebs_help_dogs_ear_stop_bleeding.php

Congress Caves In On TV Drug Ads
Does anyone like prescription drug ads on TV? We've taken several informal, unscientific polls and discovered that no one we know seems to like commercials about erectile dysfunction, overactive bladder or prostate enlargement. Most people we ask express annoyance at...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/congress_caves_in_on_tv_drug_ads.php

Keep Vicks VapoRub Out Of The Nose
Q. I was rubbing some Vicks VapoRub on my daughter and by accident I touched my nose after sneezing. A miniscule amount of it went into my nostril. Will this be harmful to me? For a few hours I could...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/keep_vicks_vaporub_out_of_the_nose.php

Generic Drug Equality Questioned
The People's Pharmacy and ConsumerLab.com Find Generic Antidepressant Behaves Differently from Original Drug. May Explain Complaints by Patients.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/generic_drug_problems/generic_drug_equality_questioned.php

Fluid and Fiber For Constipation
Q. Do you have any suggestions for relieving constipation? I have tried many different things but nothing really seems to work for long. A. For controlling constipation, the basics are fluid and fiber. If you can’t get enough fiber from...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/fluid_and_fiber_for_constipation.php

Red Yeast Rice And Muscle Pain
Q. I took red yeast rice to control my cholesterol. It worked wonders for me. My doctors couldn't believe my perfect readings. After taking the red yeast rice for eight months, I started having an ache in my leg. I...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/red_yeast_rice_and_muscle_pain.php

Should Shellfish Lovers Worry About Cholesterol?
Q. There seems to be conflicting information on the relationship between consuming shellfish and cholesterol. What does the latest research show? If shellfish is a high-cholesterol food, how much is too much? A. For years dietitians counseled people to avoid...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/should_shellfish_lovers_worry_about_cholesterol.php

Featured Q & A

Solutions for Hard-to-Swallow Pills
Q. I have a hard time swallowing pills. I nearly choke on big ones and sometimes feel like they get stuck in my throat.

I have asked my doctor not to prescribe big pills, but he doesn't seem to take my problem seriously. I often get to the pharmacy, pick up my prescription and then discover the pills are too large. Isn't there a way to find out in advance what size the pill will be?

A. Ask your doctor to show you the Physicians' Desk Reference, which has a photograph of the pill he is planning to prescribe. These pictures are actual size and should give you a good idea if you can swallow a pill.

Your doctor may be able to prescribe some medicines in liquid formulations. If not, inquire whether it is possible to break pills into smaller pieces.

To make it easier to swallow pills, drink out of a narrow-necked bottle of carbonated water. The sucking motion required carries the pill down more readily.

Featured Home Remedy

Tasty Way to Banish Canker Sores
I have suffered with mouth ulcers all my life. I have tried many home remedies, over-the-counter cures, and a few prescriptions. Eating one kiwi cures my canker sores as fast as the prescription steroid cream, and the kiwi doesn't come with warnings about the danger of putting it in your mouth.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Cough and Cold Products for Kids Recalled
Many cough and cold medicines for infants are being recalled. Makers of popular products such as Concentrated Infants' Tylenol Drops Plus Cold & Cough, Pediacare Infant Dropper Decongestant, Dimetapp Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops and Robitussin Infant Cough DM Drops are taking them off pharmacy shelves because of the danger of overdose in young children. The Food and Drug Administration is considering whether such products pose too much risk for children under the age of 6.

Children's Health Care Is Lacking
Children frequently do not get appropriate health care. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that more than half of the 1,500 children in a two-year study did not get quality treatment. Children with unexplained fevers should have urine cultures done to rule out urinary tract infections. This was done less than 20 percent of the time. Fewer than half of the children with persistent asthma were prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines that can reduce asthma attacks and hospitalizations and improve lung function. Care for acute health problems was slightly better, but preventive care such as immunization was less likely to be carried out as indicated. Overall, the authors conclude, health care for children suffers from many of the same problems as health care for adults.
[New England Journal of Medicine, Oct. 11,2007]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/15/1515

Less Vitamin D Means More Colds
No one knows if high levels of vitamin D could help people avoid colds, but Finnish investigators have found that people with low levels of the vitamin have more respiratory infections. They studied 800 young men conscripted into the military and found that those with low levels of vitamin D missed twice as many days on duty as those with higher levels of the vitamin. Smokers had lower vitamin D levels than nonsmokers. Men who exercised regularly had higher levels, perhaps because they spent more time outside in the sunshine. The scientists suggest clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation to see if it protects people against infection.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Sept. 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/3/714

Benefits of Cholesterol-Lowering Medicine Long-Lasting
The cholesterol-lowering drug pravastatin offers benefits for years after people stop taking it. Nearly 6,500 middle-aged men in western Scotland were included in a five-year study a decade ago. Ten years of follow-up after the study ended show that those who originally took pravastatin were less likely to have heart attacks than those assigned to placebo. The researchers conclude that the benefits of statin-type cholesterol medications such as pravastatin are durable over the long term.
[New England Journal of Medicine, Oct 11, 2007]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/357/15/1477

Getting (Just) Enough Sleep
When Goldilocks went tromping into the bears' house, she found one bowl of porridge was too hot, one was too cold and one was JUST right. When she tested the beds, she found one was too soft, one was too hard and the little one was just right. When it comes to sleep, the Goldilocks principle may also hold. Too much or too little sleep can be bad for your health. We need to get it just right.
A 22-year study of over 20,000 Finns found that both long sleepers and short sleepers were more likely to die during the course of the follow-up period. Those who normally slept less than seven hours a night were 26 percent more likely to die during the study compared to those who got 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Those who slept more than eight hours had a comparable increase in mortality. The researchers couldn't explain the reason for these results. Maybe grandma was right when she suggested eight hours of sleep a night is just about right.
[Sleep, October 1, 2007]
http://www.journalsleep.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?citationid=3351

Generic Drug Equality Questioned
The People's Pharmacy has received hundreds of complaints about a generic antidepressant. The independent analytic organization ConsumerLab.com agreed to collaborate, and determined through testing that the generic product has a very different pattern of dissolution from the original Wellbutrin XL 300. This difference, with much more active ingredient being released early from the generic, might account for reports of side effects and lack of sustained antidepressant activity.
http://www.consumerlab.com/results/wellbutrin-bupropion.asp
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/generic_drug_problems/generic_drug_equality_questioned.php

Hormone Maker Loses Suit
Wyeth, the maker of Premarin and Prempro hormone replacement therapies (HRT), has just lost a huge lawsuit in Nevada. Three women who attributed their breast cancers to taking HRT were awarded combined damages of $134 million dollars. The jury found that the manufacturer acted with malice or fraud and concealed a material fact about the safety of these hormones. The company claims that it told doctors and patients that the drugs could increase the risk of breast cancer. Another 5,000 lawsuits are pending against Wyeth.

Health Headlines 10/12/07

October 12, 2007 4:54 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Tough Job May Harm the Heart
Strained Close Relationship Boosts Heart Risk
Topamax May Help Alcoholics
Stored Blood Loses Essential Gas
Hot Peppers May Offer Anesthesia Advance
Antidepressants Linked to Bleeding Ulcers

Generic Drug Equality Questioned

ConsumerLab.com reported on Thursday that its tests of a generic version of the popular antidepressant drug Wellbutrin showed differences between the generic and original that might explain recent consumer complaints about the generic product. In February, readers of The People's Pharmacy syndicated newspaper column began reporting problems with a generic version of once-a-day Wellbutrin XL 300. Prior to generic competition, annual U.S. sales of Wellbutrin XL 300 mg were nearly one billion dollars.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/generic_drug_problems/generic_drug_equality_questioned.php

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 653 Hypnosis for Health
People have been using hypnosis, or something very much like it, for thousands of years. Franz Anton Mesmer is credited with bringing it to public attention for medicinal purposes in the 1700s, but his charisma and showmanship threw the technique...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/653_hypnosis_for_health.php

Red Yeast Rice And Muscle Pain
Q. I took red yeast rice to control my cholesterol. It worked wonders for me. My doctors couldn't believe my perfect readings. After taking the red yeast rice for eight months, I started having an ache in my leg. I...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/red_yeast_rice_and_muscle_pain.php

Should Shellfish Lovers Worry About Cholesterol?
Q. There seems to be conflicting information on the relationship between consuming shellfish and cholesterol. What does the latest research show? If shellfish is a high-cholesterol food, how much is too much? A. For years dietitians counseled people to avoid...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/should_shellfish_lovers_worry_about_cholesterol.php

Natural Remedies For Hot Flashes
Q. Help! My menopausal hot flashes are becoming unbearable and debilitating. I have tried many remedies. Some helped a little (like cutting down on caffeine), but others, like soy, did nothing. I work with liver transplant patients, and the specialists...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/natural_remedies_for_hot_flashes.php

Dill Pickle Juice For Hiccups And Leg Cramps
Q. The best hiccup remedy I have found is dill pickle juice. One to two ounces does the trick. A. You are not the first reader to sing the praises of pickle juice for hiccups. Perhaps the salt or the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/dill_pickle_juice_for_hiccups_and_leg_cramps.php

Stopping Heartburn Medicines Pose Challenge
Messing with Mother Nature sometimes leads to unintended consequences. This is especially true when it comes to your body. Drug companies are quite adept at developing medications that make us feel better. They often have a harder time dealing with...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/stopping_heartburn_medicines_pose_challenge.php

Old-Time Wound Treatment Helps Pets
Q. You recently wrote about using sugar for slow-healing wounds and bedsores. As a nurse, I learned years ago that the best way to use this home remedy is to make a thick paste of antibiotic ointment and sugar and...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/oldtime_wound_treatment_helps_pets.php

Going Easy On The Brazil Nuts
Q. Earlier this week I ate a large quantity of Brazil nuts (about 20) and suddenly began to feel a constriction in my lungs. My skin then felt very hot, and I saw in the mirror that I had turned...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/going_easy_on_the_brazil_nuts.php

Featured Q & A

Is Anxiety Drug Addictive?
Q. Over 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder. After nine years of therapy, six psychologists and several ineffective prescriptions, I was given Ativan. This drug was a miracle for me. I experienced absolutely no side effects and taking it made a difference like day and night.

I was told from the beginning that Ativan is addictive, so I have been careful not to take more than the recommended dose. I've never taken it for more than seven days in a row, and it has allowed me to live an almost normal life.

Now my primary care physician wants to switch me to BuSpar or some other "non-addictive" drug. My question is, what's the big deal with Ativan? Why is it so strictly controlled and what's the concern with addiction anyway? If it makes my life tolerable, why shouldn't I use it when I need to?

A. Agoraphobia can keep people trapped at home because they panic in public places. If Ativan has allowed you to function well with this debilitating condition and you have not experienced side effects, we don't understand why your doctor wants to change your regimen.

Ativan (lorazepam) is an anti-anxiety agent in the benzodiazepine class of drugs. That means it is related to Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).

Some people become dependent on such medications and find it extremely difficult to stop using them. One man wrote us about his difficulties:

"I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety from childhood abuse. My psychiatrist started me on a long pharmaceutical odyssey that ended with Xanax. After behavioral therapy, I feel it's time to get off Xanax but I can't. Taking it causes memory loss and urinary and sexual problems. I've tried cutting the dose gradually, but the withdrawal symptoms (anxiety and insomnia) are excruciating."

Featured Home Remedy

Sour Cherries Relieve Gout Pain
I want to tell you how much I have benefited from eating cherries to combat gout. I read a letter in your column from a reader who described how helpful they had been for him.

At the time I was suffering from a painful lingering attack to my left foot; I had to stick my foot out of the bed to keep the sheet off it.

I immediately bought a can of tart red cherries and ate 30 of them. A few hours later, I felt a cooling sensation in my foot, and the pain began to go away. It was like a miracle! I immediately ate another dozen cherries. By bedtime my foot was no longer swollen and felt cool to the touch.

Since then I have had NO debilitating gout attacks. I eat a few cherries (5 or so) every morning, and that seems to keep things right. Once in a while I'll feel a warning twinge, eat a dozen cherries, and the twinge goes away.

[Editor's note...Cherryflex capsules are another way to get the anti-inflammatory activity from cherries. Information at www.cherryflex.com]

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Tough Job May Harm the Heart
Job strain and stress can be hard on the heart! Canadian researchers recruited nearly 1000 subjects under 60 years of age who had recently experienced a heart attack. These people went back to work and the investigators interviewed them about the demands of their jobs. They were surveyed at 6 weeks, 2 years and 6 years after returning to work. Jobs that made high demands but offered little decision latitude or control were twice as likely to be associated with a recurrent heart attack or severe angina.
Cardiologists may want to start considering job stress as a potential risk factor for heart disease. The Canadian researchers suggest that collaborative rather than competitive work environments might be healthier for those at high risk for heart disease.
[JAMA Oct 10, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/298/14/1652

Strained Close Relationship Boosts Heart Risk
Stressful relationship at home can also increase a person's risk for heart disease. British researchers questions roughly 9,000 civil servants about their intimate relationships. Those who reported a lot of conflict and hurtful exchanges with a partner were one third more likely to experience heart attacks, chest pain or other cardiac consequences over the course of 12 years. The more stress people experienced in their close personal relationships at home the more likely they were to develop cardiovascular complications. If someone has a difficult job and conflict at home the strain on the heart may hard to overcome.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, October 8, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/167/18/1951

Topamax May Help Alcoholics
A drug frequently prescribed to prevent seizures or migraine headaches may also do double duty in the treatment of alcoholism. Topamax was found to help heavy drinkers resist the temptation to drink. The subjects in the study attended brief counseling sessions in which they were encouraged but not required to stop drinking. They were randomized to receive either Topamax or placebo. Those on the active drug had fewer days in which they drank heavily over the 14 week study.
Adverse reactions to Topamax include tingling due to nerve damage, headache, changes in taste perception, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and insomnia. Scientists don't know how Topamax compares to other drugs that are approved for treating alcoholism, such as ReVia or Campral. No matter what drug is used to help in the fight against alcohol dependence, patients need support, counseling and personal motivation to overcome this hard-to-treat disease.
[JAMA Oct 10, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/298/14/1641

Stored Blood Loses Essential Gas
People who need blood transfusions must depend on blood that has been stored for days or weeks. A new study suggests that as blood is stored it loses a critical blood gas called nitric oxide. Levels of this compound drop as much as 70 percent within one day.
Without nitric oxide, blood has a harder time delivering oxygen and other crucial nutrients to tissues. Scientists at Duke University found that when they restored nitric oxide to banked blood before transfusing it to dogs, the animals fared much better. Blood flow to the heart doubled when they used the nitric-oxide rich blood.
This research may explain why some people who receive blood transfusions do not do as well as expected. Some appear at triple the risk for heart attacks or even death when compared to those who did not receive a transfusion. If the research on nitric oxide replenishment holds up, thousands of lives may be saved.
[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences]

Hot Peppers May Offer Anesthesia Advance
Research in rats may offer a new way to provide local anesthesia with few complications. Harvard scientists have found that injecting capsaicin, the hot stuff in hot peppers, together with an inactive derivative of lidocaine, can provide impressive pain relief without causing numbness. If this preliminary research holds up, this combination could be used by dentists, obstetricians and surgeons to provide local anesthesia without causing numbness or paralysis.
[Nature, Oct 4, 2007]
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v449/n7162/edsumm/e071004-08.html

Antidepressants Linked to Bleeding Ulcers
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin are known to increase the risk for stomach irritation or even bleeding ulcers. Researchers have now established that SSRI-type antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft also pose a risk to the digestive tract. Scientists combined data from four studies involving over 150,000 patients. Those taking the SSRI medications were roughly twice as likely to experience gastrointestinal bleeding. If the patients were also taking an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, the risk jumped to six times higher than people taking neither drug. Since digestive tract hemorrhage can be life-threatening, such drug combinations are cause for serious concern.
[Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Online, October, 2007]
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03541.x

Health Headlines 10/05/07

October 5, 2007 11:56 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Flu Shots Fizzle for Seniors?
Cough and Cold Remedies Don't Help Tots
Cell Phone Safety Called into Question
Alcohol Boosts Breast Cancer Risk
Low Levels of HDL Carries Danger
Anger and Stress Boost Blood Pressure

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 652 Health News Update
The FDA is considering whether to change the dosing guidelines for children on over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. Some experts suggest these drugs should not be given to children at all.Blueberries are surprisingly rich in antioxidants. An extract containing these...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/652_health_news_update.php

Listerine For Smelly Feet
Q. I've had success with Listerine for smelly feet. If it kills germs that cause bad breath, it might k.o. germs that cause stinky feet. I applied Listerine to clean feet and wiped out the insides of my shoes as...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/listerine_for_smelly_feet.php

Solutions For Low Sex Drive In Menopausal Women
Q. Is there a solution for menopausal women who have lost their desire for sex? I am 54 and have talked to my OB/GYN about this. Over-the-counter DHEA prohormone tablets were suggested, but they didn't work. I could go to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/solutions_for_low_sex_drive_in_menopausal_women.php

Can Gluten Be Toxic?
Q. I heard a woman call in to your radio show and say that her allergies went away when she maintained a gluten-free diet. I have had a similar experience. I had battled allergies for most of my life. I...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/can_gluten_be_toxic_.php

Smear Laxative On Face To Fight Flakes
Q. A friend who is an internist recommended a mixture of milk of magnesia (MoM) and Lotrimin AF to combat seborrheic dermatitis on my face and the backs of my ears. She suggested mixing roughly half a 12-oz bottle of...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/smear_laxative_on_face_to_fight_flakes.php

Pineapple Juice Postpones Joint Pain
Q. Years ago, you wrote about an enzyme in pineapple juice that helps with arthritis pain. At that time I was in my early 40s and already having pain in my hands and feet from arthritis. I started drinking one...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/pineapple_juice_postpones_joint_pain.php

Legible Drug Labels Could Save Lives
Americans love to plug and play. Reading instructions takes time and is incompatible with our fast paced life.Does anyone bother to read the instruction booklet that comes with a cell phone? Most people just want to hit the buttons and...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/legible_drug_labels_could_save_lives.php

Interview with Dr. Tieraona Low Dog
Listen now to Tieraona Low Dog, MD, discuss the use of DGL by people who want to stop taking acid-suppressing drugs.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/audio_files/interview_with_dr_tieraona_low_dog.php

Alternatives to Ibuprofen For Pain Relief
Q. How much ibuprofen can a person take and for how long before needing to talk to a doctor? I have read that stomach upset may indicate problems. I can't really take any NSAID or aspirin unless I eat a...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/alternatives_to_ibuprofen_for_pain_relief.php

Featured Q & A

Q. I have ugly, thick yellow toenails. Clipping them is difficult. My doctor has said they are infected with fungus but he doesn't want me to take Sporanox because it could interact with other medicine.

I have tried every remedy, including Vicks VapoRub, and none has worked. The podiatrist wants to remove the nails surgically, which makes me nervous. I know you have written about urea paste to dissolve away the infected nail, but I haven't been able to find any. Where do I get it and how do I use it?

A. Surgical removal of nails can be painful and lead to infection. Stanford dermatologist Eugene Farber discovered the urea treatment many years ago while traveling in Russia. He wrote up the results of his research in the journal Cutis (Dec. 1978).

Urea (40 percent) is available only by prescription (Ureacin-40, Carmol 40, Gordon's Urea 40). Treatment should be supervised by a physician.

Featured Home Remedy

MSM for Hair Loss
I went through menopause early, at age 42, and was distressed to find my hair falling out. I read that MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) might reverse this problem and started taking it. My hair stopped falling out and has been fine ever since. I know this isn't science, but maybe someone else can benefit from my experience.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Flu Shots Fizzle for Seniors?
Flu shots do not appear to provide much protection for older people. This is the time of year that senior citizens are urged to get a flu shot. The goal is to reduce the risk of illness and serious complications such as pneumonia and death. The track record for influenza vaccination, however, is not impressive. The most recent study published in The Lancet seems to show that increased use of flu vaccine over the past 20 years did not reduce the risk of flu-related deaths.
This is not the first study to reach this conclusion. An independent analysis last year that reviewed all previous influenza vaccination studies concluded that there was little, if any benefit. Deaths were not reduced, hospital stays were not shorter and people still needed time off work due to flu-related illness. The authors of The Lancet study stress that older people should probably continue to get flu shots, but the immunization needs improvement.
[The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Oct, 2007]
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473309907702360/abstract

Cough and Cold Remedies Don't Help Tots
Cold and cough remedies are not very effective for young children and appear to pose some risks. The FDA is considering whether to strengthen warnings and perhaps even advise against the use of such drugs for children under the age of two. According to the agency, 54 kids have died after swallowing decongestants. Another 69 deaths have occurred in relationship to antihistamines. Pediatricians have been cautioning against such cold medications for years. Although it is hard to predict what the FDA will decide, parents of young children may want to use traditional remedies such as chicken soup when a child catches a cold.

Cell Phone Safety Called into Question
The safety of cell phones has been controversial for decades. Many studies have shown little if any risk, but they did not have long-term follow-up. Now a new Swedish study suggests that long term use of a cell phone may double the risk for certain brain tumors. People who had used a cell phone for more than 10 years had a significantly higher likelihood of developing acoustic neuromas or gliomas. The danger was greatest on the side of the head where people held the mobile phone.
This study will not resolve the question of whether cell phones are safe. Because they are now so popular, it is unlikely that most people will consider giving them up. Nevertheless, researchers may be spurred to conduct longer-term studies to clarify the actual risks of using mobile phones.
[Occupational and Environmental Medicine, September 2007]
http://oem.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/64/9/626

Alcohol Boosts Breast Cancer Risk
Alcohol consumption has long been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, but scientists have not known the degree of danger. Research from the Kaiser Permanente health care system demonstrates that as women drink more, their risk of breast cancer increases. The scientists questioned 70,000 women about their habits and followed them for nearly 20 years. Those who consumed 3 alcoholic beverages a day had their risk of breast cancer increase by 30 percent. Those who had one or two drinks daily had a 10 percent greater risk than teetotalers. It made no difference whether the women drank wine, beer or hard liquor. Any alcohol increased the risk.
[European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, Spain, Sept. 2007]

Low Levels of HDL Carries Danger
High levels of good HDL cholesterol have long been thought to be protective for the heart. A new study reinforces the value of HDL cholesterol. Nearly 10,000 patients taking the cholesterol-lowering drug called Lipitor were tracked. The medication was able to lower dangerous LDL cholesterol dramatically. Nonetheless, people with low levels of good HDL cholesterol were still at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is much harder to raise HDL cholesterol than it is to lower LDL. Exercise, moderate alcohol consumption and niacin are the traditional approaches to raising HDL. Niacin requires medical supervision because of its potential to cause liver toxicity.
[New England Journal of Medicine, Sept. 27, 2007]

Anger and Stress Boost Blood Pressure
One risk factor that cardiologists often overlook is stress. But a new study confirms that a hot temper and chronic stress are particularly dangerous for people with borderline high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 120/80. The study considered more than 2,000 people whose blood pressure was higher than normal but below 140/90, or frank hypertension. Over the next 4 to 8 years, men who were particularly anger prone were 70 percent more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension. Their risk of heart disease was also double that of men with more placid temperaments. Both men and women under chronic stress were 68 percent more likely to develop heart disease.
[Annals of Family Medicine, September/October 2007]
http://www.annfammed.org/cgi/content/abstract/5/5/403

Health Headlines 9/28/07

September 28, 2007 11:47 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Combination Exercise Improves Blood Sugar Control
Acupuncture Beats Conventional Therapy for Back Pain
Fish Oil for Tots May Ward Off Diabetes
Differences Appear Between Diabetes Drugs
Which Drugs Work Best for Type 2 Diabetes
Diet Debate: Low Fat or Low Carb?
Pomegranate Slows Prostate Tumor Growth

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 650 Heart Health Update
Heart disease is still our number one killer, but how can you keep your heart healthy? Some cardiologists would like to put statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs in municipal water supplies, but there are patients who don't tolerate them well. What are...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/650_heart_health_update.php

Fighting Fear of Flying
Q. I experience overwhelming anxiety and have problems flying and riding in elevators. This problem has gotten worse lately. My doctor prescribes an anti-anxiety drug when I occasionally fly. Is there an alternative to taking prescription drugs to get relief...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/fighting_fear_of_flying.php

Cayenne Pepper Powder To Stop Bleeding Fast
Q. A freak razor blade accident sliced the edges of my nose. The bleeding wouldn't stop. Before going to the emergency room I checked "Stop Bleeding" on the computer. I read that one can make a paste of cayenne pepper--enough...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cayenne_pepper_powder_to_stop_bleeding_fast.php

Gin-Soaked Raisins Not Right Remedy For Alcoholic
Q. I am a recovering alcoholic and do not want to do anything to jeopardize my sobriety (since 2001). Is there any way you can find out the alcoholic content of the raisins after they're soaked for a week? I...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/ginsoaked_raisins_not_right_remedy_for_alcoholic.php

Patients Pay For Doctors' Lunches
Q. I sat in the waiting room at a local doctors' office for hours while a relative was having tests. An amazing number of pharmaceutical reps waltzed in all day pushing dollies of samples. They waved to the front desk...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/patients_pay_for_doctors_lunches.php

Earn The Right To Eat What You Like
Everyone knows you are supposed to eat right to stay healthy. That usually translates into lots of vegetables, fiber, low-fat dairy products and fish instead of red meat. Reducing sodium by avoiding table salt and processed foods is considered the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/earn_the_right_to_eat_what_you_like.php

Treating Giardia
Q. A friend of mine traveled in Costa Rica and now doctors think she has something called "jardia." What can be done to cure it? A. Giardia lamblia is a single-celled intestinal parasite that is a common hazard for travelers....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/treating_giardia.php

Featured Q & A

Mixing Ginkgo and Ibuprofen is a Dangerous Combo
Q. I found out the hard way that taking ginkgo while on ibuprofen may cause internal bleeding.

I have degenerative disc disease for which I take ibuprofen, the only medicine that helps control my pain. My daughter encouraged me to try ginkgo a few years ago to improve my mental acuity.

A routine occult blood test showed internal bleeding. Though I was convinced the problem was caused by the ginkgo, my doctor insisted on eliminating all other possibilities. I underwent many procedures, including colonoscopy, but all results were negative. The bleeding stopped as soon as I discontinued the ginkgo.

People should be warned about the dangers of taking ginkgo and ibuprofen together.

A. Ginkgo interferes with platelet aggregation, which is necessary for normal blood clotting. To reduce the risk of hemorrhage, ginkgo should not be taken with anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin) or with anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen. Interaction warnings could be stronger on OTC drugs as well as on herbs.

Featured Home Remedy

White Vinegar for Lice
Last year it seemed every kid in the state contracted lice, and I caught them from my granddaughter. She and I tried every possible shampoo, rinse and remedy and combed our hair with special combs, all to no avail. It was awful!

What finally worked was white vinegar. Wet the hair and towel it partly dry. Pour the white vinegar all over the hair and let it set there awhile. That's all we had to do to end the nightmare.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Combination Exercise Improves Blood Sugar Control
Experts have been debating what kind of exercise is best for type-2 diabetics...aerobics or strength training? New research demonstrates that both are effective for improving blood sugar control. When they are combined, however, results are even more impressive. The authors conclude that aerobic training and resistance training each improved glycemic control and that a combination of the two forms of exercise is superior to either exercise alone.
[Annals of Internal Medicine, Sept. 18, 2007]
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/147/6/357

Acupuncture Beats Conventional Therapy for Back Pain
Acupuncture may be more effective than conventional treatments for lower back pain. German scientists randomly assigned over 1000 patients suffering from chronic back pain to either true acupuncture, sham acupuncture or standard therapy. The sham acupuncture involved placing needles superficially into skin in places that did not correspond to acupuncture meridians. Conventional treatment was defined as medication, exercise and physical therapy. After six months, 47 percent of the patients getting acupuncture had improved compared to 44 percent of those getting sham acupuncture. Only 27 percent of the people receiving conventional therapy achieved a satisfactory improvement. The authors conclude that acupuncture was almost twice as effective as conventional therapy and offers a promising treatment option for chronic low back pain with few side effects.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, Sept. 24, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/17/1892

Fish Oil for Tots May Ward Off Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a mysterious disease in which the body attacks its own insulin-producing cells. Investigators suspect that there is a genetic predisposition, but recognize that environmental factors, such as infection, may also play a role. New research in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that diet may also be important. More than 1700 children at increased risk for Type 1 diabetes were followed for more than six years. Those who had more omega-3 fats in their diets were less likely to develop Type 1 diabetes. If these results are confirmed, children with a family history of Type 1 diabetes may benefit from fish oil supplements throughout childhood.
[Journal of the American Medical Association, Sept. 26, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/298/12/1420

Differences Appear Between Diabetes Drugs
The battle between the diabetes drugs Avandia and Actos has been heating up. Several months ago, a study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggesting that people taking Avandia had a higher than average risk of heart attacks. Actos is the same type of drug, so some doctors and patients wondered if it too would carry the same type of danger. More recent studies have suggested that although both drugs can cause congestive heart failure, Actos does not increase the likelihood of a heart attack. A preliminary report suggests that Actos may be better than Avandia in controlling blood sugar and lowering blood fats. The apparent duel between the two drugs points up the need for more information about how medications affect patients' overall health.
[European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Sept. 2007]

Which Drugs Work Best for Type 2 Diabetes
Health care professionals have long been worried by the difficulty in evaluating which medicines are best in treating type 2 diabetes. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality commissioned a group of experts to review the scientific evidence that could be used to make a decision. After evaluating more than 200 controlled trials and two major reviews, the expert panel concluded that older, less expensive drugs like metformin or glyburide are usually better for controlling blood sugar and related problems.
[Annals of Internal Medicine, Sept. 18, 2007]
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/147/6/386

Diet Debate: Low Fat or Low Carb?
The great diet debate rages on and pits a low-fat approach against a low-carb approach. The latest research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that the low-carb advocates may be winnng. 93 people who needed to lose weight were randomly assigned to either a low-carb or low-fat diet for two months. In addition to weight, scientists measured mood and cognitive function.
The people on the low-carb diet lost significantly more weight during the study but both groups of dieters had an improvement in mood and cognitive functioning. Those on the low-fat diet, however, were a little faster on a test of visual processing. Overall the researchers conclude that the low-carb diet is slightly better than a conventional diet for weight loss.
[Am. J. Clin. Nutrition, Sept. 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/3/580

Pomegranate Slows Prostate Tumor Growth
Pomegranate juice may slow the development of prostate cancer. Pomegranates contain compounds called ellagitannins. So do raspberries, strawberries and muscadine grapes. During digestion, ellagitannins are converted to urolithins, which concentrate in prostate tissues. The UCLA researchers grafted human prostate cancer cells into mice, then gave the mice either pomegranate extract or placebo solution. Mice receiving pomegranate had smaller prostate tumors at the end of the study. Research is needed to determine if pomegranate juice has similar benefits in human males. In the meantime, men have a great excuse to enjoy some tasty fruit!
[Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Sept., 2007]
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/2007/55/i19/abs/jf071303g.html

Health Headlines 9/21/07

September 21, 2007 11:15 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
British Doctors to Shed Long White Coats
Soap and Water May Be Best Defense Against Viruses
Early Warning System Needed for Drug Effects
Viral Infection May Contribute to Chronic Fatigue
Pine Bark Eases Menopause Discomfort
Combination Exercise Improves Blood Sugar Control

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 650 Heart Health Update
Heart disease is still our number one killer, but how can you keep your heart healthy? Some cardiologists would like to put statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs in municipal water supplies, but there are patients who don't tolerate them well. What are...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/650_heart_health_update.php

Surprising Solutions For Muscle Cramps
Q. My mother suffers a lot with cramps, not only in her legs. She had been on quinine but now her doctors won't prescribe it and she has nothing to help with her daily pain. The doctors don't really seem...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/surprising_solutions_for_muscle_cramps.php

Yohimbine For Orgasm?
Q. I am taking Chantix to quit smoking. I have had no urge to smoke, but I am seriously depressed. In the past I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I attempted suicide 10 years ago and was hospitalized for...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/can_chantix_cause_depression.php

Sugar Speeds Wound Healing
Q. My father developed a bedsore on his back around the beginning of the year. It became infected months ago and has healed somewhat. My dad is on hospice care. They were using a "wives'-tale" remedy of applying sugar to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/sugar_speeds_wound_healing.php

Vacuuming May Make Cat Allergy Worse
Q. My sister is highly allergic to cats. I have an indoor cat, so when my sister comes to visit she is miserable. I vacuum before and during her visit but she still suffers. Is there anything she could take...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/vacuuming_may_make_cat_allergy_worse.php

Inhalers To Rise In Cost
Q. I'm surprised you haven't mentioned an important issue facing asthmatics. The FDA has decided that generic albuterol inhalers should be taken off the market. The result is that these stalwarts of asthma relief will no longer be available. Instead,...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/inhalers_to_rise_in_cost.php

Featured Q & A

Snorting Ritalin is Risky Business
Q. I have a son who takes the medication Ritalin for his behavior problems. He started on Adderall when he was 14 years old, and was switched to Ritalin at 16, with the dosage gradually increased. He is now 18.

He came to me a few days ago and confessed he is severely addicted to this medication. When I give him his pill before school in the morning, he cheeks it, takes it to school, crushes it up and snorts it.

He's always sniffling and frequently has nosebleeds. I used to think it was just allergies, but now I can see it is probably the result of snorting Ritalin.

I don't want to just stop his prescription, because without the medicine he's a total maniac and gets into all kinds of trouble. What can we do to help him break this addiction before he harms his health?

A. When Ritalin (methylphenidate) is used appropriately, it can be helpful for people with attention deficit disorder. But this stimulant is pharmacologically similar to amphetamine and abuse has been reported. In one case, a teenager died as a consequence of snorting Ritalin.

Your son needs professional help to overcome his drug dependence. Look for an addiction specialist in your town who can help him deal with this serious problem. He may well need another medicine to help control his attention problem, but doctors now have several alternatives to prescribe instead of Ritalin.

Featured Home Remedy

Chocolate for Happy Babies
I was interested to hear that chocolate is good for blood vessel flexibility. I thought you might be interested in a study at the University of Helsinki about chocolate and expecting moms.

They monitored 300 women and found that babies born to women who indulged in chocolate on a daily basis laughed and smiled more than those of the moms who abstained. They also said that the babies of stressed women who ate chocolate showed less fear than those of stressed women who didn't have any chocolate. I was as excited about this news as I was when I found out about the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate!

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

British Doctors to Shed Long White Coats
Britain's Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, has declared that professionals in the National Health Service will have to shed their jewelry and their white coats. Superbugs such as Clostridium difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus cause terrible infections that are extremely hard to treat. Each year thousands die from these germs that are antibiotic resistant. Good hygiene is essential in reducing the spread of these bacteria. That's why British doctors and nurses will no longer be allowed to wear long-sleeved white coats or neckties. Watches, bracelets and rings will also be banned. These measures are supposed to improve hand washing effectiveness and keep bacteria from hitching a ride on cuffs, jewelry or neckties. American hospitals would likely have a hard time enforcing such a rigid dress code for doctors, but if hospital-acquired infections keep increasing, patient safety might need to trump fashion.

Soap and Water May Be Best Defense Against Viruses
Speaking of hand-washing, everyone should know by now that washing hands frequently during cold season is important in reducing the spread of cold viruses from one person to another. One company claimed that its product, Vicks Early Defense Foaming Hand Sanitizer, could help prevent colds by killing germs. The FDA has sent Procter and Gamble a stern letter objecting to this promotion. According to the FDA, the foaming hand sanitizer is a new drug because it is intended to prevent disease. The agency also objects to the idea that young children are instructed to put the product on their hands and let it dry without wiping or rinsing. The FDA pointed out in its warning that colds are caused by viruses and that there is no evidence that the product is effective in preventing colds. The bottom line is that good old-fashioned soap and water is probably the best defense against colds and other infections.

Early Warning System Needed for Drug Effects
Recent research published in journals like the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association have raised serious questions about heart risks linked to the diabetes drug Avandia. Although these findings were surprising to many physicians and patients, it now turns out that both the FDA and the drug's manufacturer were aware of early warning signals well before the reports surfaced in the medical literature. This raises questions about how adverse drug reactions should be reported to health professionals and the public. There is no easily accessible central database that provides insight into the details of drug trials. According to Dr. Jeffrey Drazen, editor of the New England Journal of Medicine, the current arrangement is like "delivering a wheelbarrow full of telephone books to somebody and telling them, 'What you want to know is in here somewhere.'" To better alert physicians and patients about potential drug problems we need a better system for assessing the results of clinical trials.

Viral Infection May Contribute to Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been controversial for decades. Some doctors insist that it is mostly psychosomatic, while others are certain that this debilitating condition has a physical, possibly infectious, origin. Now a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology suggests that enteroviruses may be involved. An infectious disease expert reports evidence of chronic enteroviral infection in 80 percent of the more than 100 patients he studied. Only 20 percent of healthy controls showed evidence of the same infection.
An expert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that no viruses or other pathogens have yet been proven to cause chronic fatigue syndrome. Although the CDC does recognize chronic fatigue as a real condition, their experts have not been able to track down the agent that is responsible.
[J. Clin. Pathol. Sept. 13, 2007. Epub ahead of print]

Pine Bark Eases Menopause Discomfort
A pine bark extract called Pycnogenol(R) may help reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. The placebo-controlled trial included 155 women between 45 and 55 years of age. Half of them received placebo capsules and half received Pycnogenol(R). At the end of six months, the women who had been taking the active pine bark extract reported fewer hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. In addition, their cholesterol levels were better and they had more antioxidants in the blood. The investigators concluded that Pycnogenol(R) may provide an alternative to hormone replacement treatment for troublesome symptoms of menopause.
[Acta Obstet. Gynecol. Scand. Aug, 2007]

Combination Exercise Improves Blood Sugar Control
Experts have been debating what kind of exercise is best for type-2 diabetics...aerobics or strength training? New research demonstrates that both are effective for improving blood sugar control. When they are combined, however, results are even more impressive. The authors conclude that aerobic training and resistance training each improved glycemic control and that a combination of the two forms of exercise is superior to either exercise alone.
[Annals of Internal Medicine, Sept. 18, 2007]
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/147/6/357

Health Headlines 9/14/07

September 14, 2007 1:59 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Prescription Drug Deaths Up
Doctors Debate Dangers of Avandia
More Evidence on Vitamin D Benefits
Does Vitamin C Fight Cancer?
Vitamin E Protects Women from Blood Clots
Resveratrol May Slow Prostate Tumors

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 649 Health Care and Medicare Update
Michael Moore's movie Sicko made a big splash in the theaters this summer. But how much did he exaggerate the problem of getting access to health care? We discuss the issues of access for ordinary people in three countries: the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/649_health_care_and_medicare_update.php

Do Gin-Soaked Raisins Really Help Arthritis Pain?
Q. My mother read somewhere that vodka-soaked white raisins might be good for arthritis. She is now eating nine a day. Mom has taken quite a bit of ribbing from the family. What is the benefit from this formula? Can...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/do_ginsoaked_raisins_really_help_arthritis_pain.php

Can Statins Cause Debilitating Muscle Pain?
Q. My doctor insists I must take statins to lower my cholesterol even though I experience pain with all of them. Sometimes the pain gets so bad that I struggle not to cry when I walk down the hall of...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/can_statins_cause_debilitating_muscle_pain.php

Can Coconut Ease Digestive Woes?
Q. Your Web site mentions that eating two Archway Coconut Macaroon cookies daily can control chronic diarrhea. While this tip might be helpful for some, it may carry too high a health cost for others. These cookies are high in...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/can_coconut_ease_digestive_woes_.php

Doctors Deny Drug Side Effects
Doctors hate side effects. After all, physicians are supposed to follow the adage first, do no harm. Yet every medication they prescribe can cause problems.That poses a dilemma for any doctor prescribing drugs. Perhaps that's why many physicians discount patient...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/share_experiences/doctors_deny_drug_side_effects.php

Do B-Vitamins Discourage Black Flies?
Q. I was hiking high in the Canadian Rockies and the black flies were voracious. I didn't have insect repellent with me because mosquitoes, fleas and other critters never bite me. I think that's because I take B-complex and garlic,...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/do_bvitamins_discourage_black_flies.php

Sugarless Gum May Harm Dogs
Q. I am a veterinarian and read your advice about the benefits of using sugarless gum containing xylitol for dental health. I have seen several canine patients with toxicity from this sweetener. Your astute readers should be very cautious with...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/sugarless_gum_may_harm_dogs.php

Seeking Ways To Suppress Sex Drive
Check your email and chances are you will find spam. Even with a filter to block out unwanted messages, some junk slips through. These ads frequently offer to enhance your sex life. But what if you don't want a more...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/seeking_ways_to_suppress_sex_drive.php

Fiber One To Fight Constipation
Q. I've been troubled with irregularity most of my life until I discovered Fiber One cereal. I take it with me everywhere, on cruises, to Europe, even to the hospital. Fiber One bars come in handy when there's no milk...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/fiber_one_to_fight_constipation.php

Featured Q & A

Don't Overdose on Pain Relievers
Q. I work in a greenhouse and have to do a lot of lifting and digging. Ibuprofen eases the aches and pains pretty well, but I find I am taking the maximum dose almost every day. Sometimes I need another two by bedtime even though the label says not to go over six pills. Is there any harm in taking the extra dose? I always take ibuprofen with food because it gives me a stomach ache if I don't.

A. You may be asking for trouble. Ibuprofen, like other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be very irritating to the stomach. It is estimated that 76,000 people are hospitalized each year because of bad reactions to NSAIDs. Over 7,000 die from bleeding ulcers and similar complications.

Just because ibuprofen is available without a prescription does not mean it is safe. At the dose you are using you should have medical supervision. Labels on over-the-counter pain relievers specify that they should not be used for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor.

Featured Home Remedy

Odd Ways to Eliminate Plantar Warts
A reader in Buffalo suggests this painless way to cure plantar warts (warts on the sole of the foot): "Mix baking soda and castor oil into a paste. Put a little on the wart every night before going to bed and cover with a sock. Wipe the residue off in the morning. After three or four weeks the wart falls off."

Another home remedy comes from a physician who suggested weekly hot water soaks of 30 to 90 minutes. This approach requires six to eight weeks to see the response.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Prescription Drug Deaths Up
Deaths from prescription drugs have increased dramatically over the last eight years. A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that fatalities from drug side effects nearly tripled. Researchers tracked data collected by the Food and Drug Administration between 1998 and 2005. There were 5,500 deaths reported in 1998, but in 2005 that number had increased to more than 15,000.
The investigators tried in vain to figure out why serious drug reactions have increased so significantly. Although the number of prescription dispensed has gone up during that time, the increase in deaths and serious injuries is disproportionately high. It is also important to recognize that this probably represents the tip of a much larger iceberg. That's because the FDA estimates that it receives reports on only about 10 percent of adverse drug reactions. The investigators conclude that the existing system is not adequately protecting patients from serious drug complications.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, Sept. 10, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/167/16/1752

Doctors Debate Dangers of Avandia
Diabetologists have been debating the safety of two drugs used to lower blood sugar. Avandia and Actos are in the same category called THIA-ZOLADENE-DIONES. In May, Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Steven Nissen published a controversial analysis showing that Avandia increased the risk for heart attacks by 43 percent. Ever since, specialists have been trying to figure out whether there is a significant difference between Avandia and Actos. Now, two studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association seem to confirm that Avandia poses a risk, whereas Actos may actually protect against heart attacks. The manufacturer of Avandia disputes these conclusions, however. GSK maintains that the drugs have never been compared in head-to-head trials and that there's not enough data to prove that Actos is safer than Avandia. Nevertheless, this new analysis will put increasing pressure on the Food and Drug Administration to scrutinize the safety of Avandia. [JAMA Sept. 12, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/298/10/1189
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/298/10/1180

More Evidence on Vitamin D Benefits
A new review of 18 randomized clinical trials reveals that vitamin D seems to improve longevity. Researchers examined the effects of the sunshine vitamin on mortality statistics. Doses ranged from 300 to 2000 International Units of vitamin D daily. Those who took this dietary supplement were 7 percent less likely to die during the study period than subjects receiving placebos. The authors conclude that the intake of ordinary doses of vitamin D supplements seem to be associated with decreases in total mortality rates. An accompanying editorial notes that the analysis demonstrates no serious side effects from normal doses of vitamin D.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, Sept. 10, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/16/1730

Does Vitamin C Fight Cancer?
Decades ago, Dr. Linus Pauling suggested that Vitamin C might have anti-cancer benefits. Scientists have challenged this theory however, and some research has discounted the usefulness of vitamin C supplements against cancer. Now, a new study in mice implanted with human cancer cells, suggests that vitamin C may be beneficial after all. It seems to keep certain tumors from growing at their expected rate. The scientists caution that taking large doses of vitamin C during cancer treatment is not advisable. Nevertheless, the new research suggests that Dr. Linus Pauling may have been going in the right direction after all.
[Cancer Cell, Sept. 2007]

Vitamin E Protects Women from Blood Clots
Vitamin E has been discredited as a dietary supplement against heart disease. But a new study suggests that vitamin E shouldn't be written off so quickly. The Women's Health Study included nearly 40,000 women over the age of 45. They were given either 600 International Units of Vitamin E or a placebo every other day. After ten years, women taking vitamin E had fewer blood clots than those on the inactive sugar pills. These blood clots can become fatal if they lodge in the brain, the heart or the lungs. The difference was greatest among women who had a genetic predisposition to developing such clots in their veins.
[Circulation Sept. 11, 2007]

Resveratrol May Slow Prostate Tumors
Red wine has captured headlines for its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. Now a new study suggests that an ingredient in grapes and berries might be beneficial against cancer. The active ingredient in grapes is thought to be resveratrol. It was fed to mice that are genetically susceptible to prostate tumors. The mice receiving resveratrol in their chow were eight times less likely to develop dangerous prostate tumors. The investigators hope that further studies will demonstrate benefit in humans as well. If resveratrol slows prostate tumor growth in men as well as it does in mice, this would be an important advance in cancer prevention.
[Carcinogenesis, August 3, 2007]

Health Headlines 9/6/07

September 6, 2007 11:06 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Doctors Dismiss Drug Reactions
Confusion Over Drug-Coated Stents
Smoking Ban Helps Hearts
Fountain Spreads Infection
Tai Chi May Boost Immune Response
Women Go Online for Health Information

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 648 CrazyBusy
Multi-tasking is the order of the day, but can you really pay attention to five things at once? With cell phones, pagers and PDAs, we can stay connected all the time, but we may feel that we are pulled in......
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/648_crazybusy.php

Keeping High Blood Pressure Under Control
Q. I am desperate for non-drug ways to lower blood pressure. The medications my doctor has prescribed have way too many side effects. Do you have any information about this problem? A. High blood pressure puts people at risk for heart...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/keeping_high_blood_pressure_under_control.php

Monitoring Changes In Thyroid Medication
Q. I had my thyroid removed due to cancer more than a decade ago. Since then I have been on Synthroid. The past few years I was switched to Levoxyl.My doctor has lowered my dosage twice in the last six...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/monitoring_changes_in_thyroid_medication.php

Possible Pitfalls Of St. John's Wort And Black Cohosh Combo
Q. I have been taking St. John's wort and black cohosh to relieve symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. This combination works really well. Are there any negative effects that should concern me? A. The combination of...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/possible_pitfalls_of_st_johns_wort_and_black_cohosh_combo.php

Soy Sauce Experiment Beats Burn
Q. I was an unwitting guinea pig in an unplanned experiment involving soy sauce. Two days ago I foolishly stuck a mug into the microwave to heat up some lukewarm coffee. I had forgotten that mug has a metal glaze...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/soy_sauce_experiment_beats_burn.php

Dead Grass Raises DEET Safety Question
Q. A few months ago, I sprayed insect repellent containing DEET on my legs to keep mosquitoes away. Then I lay down on the grass on my stomach to pull weeds out of my pond. Two days later the grass...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/dead_grass_raises_deet_safety_question.php

Stop Bleeding Fast With Low Or High Tech
There is something about the sight of blood that really gets your attention--especially if it is your own. Stopping the bleeding can be a challenge. When your father nicked himself shaving, the chances were good that he either tore off some...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/stop_bleeding_fast_with_low_or_high_tech.php

Digging Out Of The Donut Hole
Q. I am about to fall into the Medicare Part D "donut hole" and would like to buy my drugs from Canada to save money for the remainder of this year. How do I know which online pharmacy to select?...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/digging_out_of_the_donut_hole.php

FDA Should Listen to Patients
The Food and Drug Administration has one overarching mandate from Congress: Make sure that all drugs are safe and effective.Sounds simple, but it's far trickier than it seems. For one thing, there is no such thing as a drug that...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/joe_and_terrys_blog/fda_should_listen_to_patients.php

Featured Q & A

How Dangerous is Licorice Fetish?
Q. I was alarmed to read that eating licorice can lead to high blood pressure, weakness, fatigue, loss of libido and mineral imbalance. Is this only true of black licorice? I eat a good deal of strawberry licorice (Twizzler's). Besides the obvious excess sugar, are there any problems with this product?

A. You have nothing to worry about (except for the calories). The ingredient that can cause so many serious side effects is glycyrrhizin. This is the natural flavor found in black licorice, but it is absent from red "licorice."

An occasional treat rarely causes people any trouble, but those who eat black licorice regularly can experience hormone imbalance and potassium loss. This is especially dangerous for those taking diuretics, prednisone or Lanoxin (digoxin).

Featured Home Remedy

Cetaphil Works for Jock Itch
In your column a fellow wrote about jock itch he had been treating for 20 years. I was similarly plagued with jock itch for over ten years and treated it with numerous dermatologist-prescribed and nonprescription medications.

The last dermatologist I saw said I had developed reactions to all of them. He had me discontinue them and instead use a mild cortisone cream (0.5 percent) and Cetaphil cleanser. Almost at once I found the Cetaphil alone eliminated the condition and I was soon able to discontinue it too.

Jock itch may not sound serious, but when something lasts ten years it has an impact. I was depressed about the problem and even thought about having my scrotum removed. Hope my solution works for the poor guy who wrote to you.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

Doctors Dismiss Drug Reactions
Doctors don't always pay close attention to the side effects of medicines they prescribe. A survey of 650 patients taking statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs found that many people experienced problems such as muscle pain or weakness, memory impairment, or nerve pain called neuropathy. When they consulted their physicians about these issues, about half the doctors denied that the problems could be caused by the cholesterol medication. The investigators were surprised by how often doctors did not take patient complaints about side effects seriously. This was true even for some complications that are fairly well documented as drug related and potentially harmful, rather than simply annoying. As a result, say the scientists, patients need to be well-informed about possible side effects of the drugs they take, and be prepared to change doctors if their concerns are dismissed.
[Drug Safety, August 2007]

Confusion Over Drug-Coated Stents
Cardiologists have been quarreling over the benefits and risks of drug-coated stents for more than a year. These tiny mesh tubes are inserted in an artery to prop it open. The stents with small amounts of immunosuppressing drugs on them are less likely than bare wire stents to have artery tissue grow back over them, narrowing the artery. But the more scientists learn about these devices, the more confused the picture becomes. Researchers at the European Society of Cardiology reported that drug coated stents are much more dangerous for patients who have had a particular type of heart attack. But other scientists reported new findings that contradict their own previous report that drug-coated stents are associated with a higher risk of blood clots and heart attacks. It appears that a lot more research is needed to determine whether and when these more expensive stents make sense.
[European Society of Cardiology, Vienna, Sept. 2007]

Smoking Ban Helps Hearts
Another report at the European Society of Cardiology offers a much clearer message. Ireland banned smoking in all workplaces starting in March of 2004. The following year, 10 percent fewer people were admitted to Irish hospitals with heart attacks. That lower rate held steady during the subsequent year. Based on this research the lead investigator from Cork University Hospital concludes that other countries should consider smoking bans in public places. The World Health Organization has called for such bans in work places and enclosed public spaces.
[European Society of Cardiology, Vienna, Sept. 2007]

Fountain Spreads Infection
The sight and sound of running water is intriguing and often soothing, so many public places have decorative water fountains. Such fountains can be a source of serious health problems, however. An outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in Rapid City, South Dakota, was traced to the decorative water fountain in a restaurant there. This bacterial infection can cause fever, headache, muscle pain, digestive distress and breathing difficulties. Once the fountain was identified as the source of the infection and removed from the restaurant, the outbreak stopped.
[BMC Infectious Diseases, Aug, 2007]
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/7/93/abstract

Tai Chi May Boost Immune Response
Older people are at higher risk of complications from influenza, so they are urged to get their flu shots every year. Not all older people benefit from the vaccination, however. Now scientists suggest that traditional Chinese practices may help improve the immune response to immunization. 25 people in their 70s were randomized to learn tai chi and chee-gung in three hour-long classes each week. This instruction included gentle movements as well as meditation practice. Another 25 volunteers served as the comparison group. All volunteers had a flu shot at the start of the study. Blood tests showed that five months later the tai chi students were producing more antibodies to the flu virus. The next step will be to see if they are less likely to come down with the flu.
[American Journal of Chinese Medicine, Aug, 2007]
http://www.worldscinet.com/cgi-bin/details.cgi?id=jsname:ajcm&type=current

Women Go Online for Health Information
Women are more likely than men to see a doctor, so it should not be a surprise that more women than men look for health information on the Web. Four surveys conducted between 2000 and 2004 included more than 1400 women and 1300 men. In 2001, half the men and three fourths of the women sought health information online. By 2004, it was three-quarters of the men and four-fifths of the women. Although women visit more health sites than men, the investigators found that men were more likely to seek out sensitive health information that might be embarrassing to discuss with a doctor.
[American Psychological Association annual meeting, San Francisco, August 2007]

Health Headlines 8/31/07

August 31, 2007 9:51 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
High-Carb Diet May Aggravate Acne
Stars for Sunscreen Effectiveness
Does Vitamin D Help Prevent Falls?
Vitamin D Linked to Cancer Risk
Prayer Does Not Prevent Second Heart Attack
Screen Time Before Bed May Impair Sleep

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 603 Allergies (Archive)
Pollen, peanuts, dust mites and animal dander are just a few of the many possible triggers for sneezing, wheezing or hives. During the fall, millions of people suffer from "seasonal rhinitis," more commonly known as hay fever. What can be......
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/603_allergies_archive.php

Digging Out Of The Donut Hole
Q. I am about to fall into the Medicare Part D "donut hole" and would like to buy my drugs from Canada to save money for the remainder of this year. How do I know which online pharmacy to select? A....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/digging_out_of_the_donut_hole.php

Solutions for Stinky Feet
Q. I have read many questions about toenail fungus but not much about our issue. My daughter has hot sweaty feet that smell. She hates wearing socks because she says they make her feet too hot.What can we do to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/solutions_for_stinky_feet.php

Estring For Vaginal Dryness
Q. I am a 58 year-old woman, and I suffered from severe vaginal dryness after menopause. I have found great relief from Estring. It has stopped the everyday irritation I was experiencing.My libido is still a problem but I find...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/estring_for_vaginal_dryness.php

Can Arthritis Supplements Raise Cholesterol?
Q. I've lost the source of research I read indicating some people experience elevated cholesterol from using glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis. Were you the source of this information, or do you know of the study? Months ago my doctor...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/can_arthritis_supplements_raise_cholesterol.php

Vodka Works For Sweaty Armpits
Q. I used to work backstage for the wardrobe department in a theatre. Actors sweat, and clothes that are not machine-washable are dry cleaned only once a week. Clothes get sweaty and smell.The solution that I was taught is to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/vodka_works_for_sweaty_armpits.php

Learning Lessons From Drug Disasters
Americans are justifiably bewildered. On the one hand they are told to "take your medicine--it's necessary to maintain good health." On the other, they read that many of their medicines may cause the very problems they are trying to prevent....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/learning_lessons_from_drug_disasters.php

Daughter Down On Diabetes Drug
Q. My 86-year-old father was taking Avandia for diabetes. When concerns began to appear in the news, I did my own research and asked his doctor to take him off the drug because of fluid retention.The difference is amazing. While...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/daughter_down_on_diabetes_drug.php

Soften Hair And Skin With Olive Oil
Q. Years ago my dermatologist suggested I stop using all topical creams and lotions since I am allergic to them all. Twice a day I rub olive oil on my skin instead. On the weekends I also use it as...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/soften_hair_and_skin_with_olive_oil.php

Featured Q & A

Antidepressant Combination May Be Dangerous
Q. I had a bad experience on antidepressant medicines.

I had been on Ativan, Tofranil and Paxil for a month when I flipped and went into a rage. I was sick of my parents and felt everyone hated me.

I was taken to the hospital in a police car because I scared my family so badly. While in the hospital I was considered a danger to myself and others.

I am now on Zoloft and doing better. It helps my depression, but my panic disorder is worse and I'm having trouble sleeping.

Why aren't people better informed about the side effects? Doctors should not discount an unusual symptom as being in our heads. I had never been on medication before and my reaction frightened all of us.

A. Antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft may produce anxiety, nervousness, agitation and insomnia. The combination of Tofranil with Paxil might have contributed to your unusual response. Paxil may lead to a toxic buildup of Tofranil.

Ask your physician whether an old-fashioned antidepressant alone might be appropriate for you. Drugs such as amitriptyline, desipramine or doxepin are less likely to cause insomnia or nervousness.

Featured Home Remedy

Gin-Soaked Remedies Relieve Pain in Neck
I've had chronic neck pain for years, and learned to live with it. I watched my Mom for years hobble off the couch and walk funny until loosened up. I just noticed recently that I've been doing the same for some time now.

Up until last week I was taking 800mg of Motrin just about every day, because the pain was so intense and I couldn't sleep.

A friend of mine in conversation mentioned that a patient told her about this gin and raisin remedy he tried because he had been taking Motrin every day for about a year for his arthrits.

I figured it was worth a shot. Within three days I felt remarkably better. It's been about six days and I feel 80% better. I can't wait to see what happens in a month... I just called my Mom and told her about it. I'll keep you posted.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.php

Health Headlines:

High-Carb Diet May Aggravate Acne
People with acne may need to watch what they eat. Decades ago, teenagers were told to avoid French fries, milkshakes, chocolate and other high-fat foods. Then dermatologists determined that diet did not make a difference when it came to blemishes. Now several studies suggest that diet does matter. Australian researchers randomly assigned men with acne to two groups. One was encouraged to cut out the carbs to achieve a low-glyemic load diet. They were instructed to eat more protein and eliminate sugar and foods with refined starches. The other group was told to eat as usual and make sure that they continued to get refined carbohydrate in their diet. After three months, the low-glycemic load group had substantially fewer pimples than men in the high-carb group. The investigators believe that foods that promote high levels of insulin may trigger other hormones that lead to acne. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that avoiding foods like candy, cookies, potatoes, pasta, pizza and bread may be helpful for avoiding acne.
[Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, August 2007]
http://www.eblue.org/article/PIIS0190962207004148/abstract

Stars for Sunscreen Effectiveness
Americans have encouraged to slather on the sunscreen. But SPF numbers can be confusing. Consumers can't tell which sunscreens protect against the more damaging UVA in sunlight. This wavelength can lead to deep damage to the skin including aging and cancer. Now, the FDA is proposing rules that would require sunscreen manufacturers to provide information on UVA protection. A star system will allow consumers to tell at a glance which products provide the most effective protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. They will also be reminded that even with sunscreen, too much time in the sun can be dangerous, increasing the risk of premature aging and skin cancer.

Does Vitamin D Help Prevent Falls?
Older people are often cautious about sun exposure. They are less likely to sunbathe and more conscientious about applying sunscreen before they go outside. Many just stay indoors. All this might add up to lower levels of vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin. A study from the Netherlands last year suggested that senior citizens with low levels of this nutrient were more susceptible to falls. Scottish scientists followed up by giving some patients in a geriatric medical unit 800 IU of vitamin D a day together with 1200 mg calcium. The control group got only calcium. During their stays (average one month), the patients taking vitamin D were only a little less likely to fall. There was no statistical difference. The supplementation did not raise serum levels of the vitamin. The scientists concluded that vitamin D doesn't help, but we expect some experts would quibble with the level of supplementation and short time for follow up.
[Age & Ageing, July 2007]

Vitamin D Linked to Cancer Risk
A new study has compared the risk for colon and breast cancer to vitamin D levels. Data from 15 countries showed that those with the least sun and the most cloud cover also had people with the lowest blood levels of vitamin D. They also had the highest rates of these common cancers. The investigators conclude that if everyone got enough vitamin D 600,000 cases of cancer could be prevented each year worldwide. In the United States they predict that 150,000 cancer cases would be avoided.
[Nutrition Reviews, Aug, 2007]

Prayer Does Not Prevent Second Heart Attack
Many people believe that prayer is good medicine and that it can help people recover from serious illness. Some research has even supported that view. But a new study from Duke University shows that attending worship services did not reduce their risk of a second heart attack. More than 500 men and women were questioned about their religious beliefs and practices within a month of having a heart attack. They were then followed for a year and a half. All were depressed as they entered the study, but those who worshipped more often became less depressed as time went on. That didn't seem to make any difference for their physical recovery, however.
[Psychosomatic Medicine, July/Aug, 2007]
http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content/abstract/69/6/501

Screen Time Before Bed May Impair Sleep
We are told that Americans don't get enough sleep. That leaves them tired the next day and more vulnerable to illness, accidents and bad judgment. Research from Japan suggests that television and the Internet may be contributing to this problem. Nearly 6,000 subjects were surveyed. Those who used electronic media such as computers or watched television for 3 hours or more before bed were far more likely to report sleeping problems. Perhaps we need to wind down at the end of the day rather than rev up by surfing the Web.
[Sleep and Biological Rhythms, July 2007]
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1479-8425.2007.00276.x

Health Headlines 8/24/07

August 24, 2007 9:44 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Seniors Still Having Problems With Drug Prices
Living In The Southeast Raises Risk For Strokes
Too Much Alcohol Increases Stroke Risk
Green Tea May Protect Against Cancer
Olive Oil Compounds Prevent Clotting
New Technology May Ease Diagnosis Of Celiac Disease

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 647 Health News Update
With toys, toothpaste and pet food from China coming under scrutiny, consumers have a right to wonder whether the FDA is monitoring imported medications more carefully. Former Associate FDA Commissioner Peter Pitts provides an inside look.Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac are...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/647_health_news_update.asp

Fish Oil Helps Control Triglycerides
Q. Last year, my triglyceride level was 300. I took no medication (except for a baby aspirin daily), but I did start taking fish oil capsules. I also added nuts and seeds to my diet. This year when I saw...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/fish_oil_helps_control_triglycerides.asp

Lipitor May Lower Libido
Q. What can I do about a flagging libido? I'm 66 years old and in very good health, with no bad habits. My only medication is Lipitor to lower cholesterol.My much younger wife and I used to have a vigorous...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/lipitor_may_lower_libido.asp

Cinnamon Helps Control Blood Sugar
Q. When my daughter learned that I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she did some research on the Internet. She found out that cinnamon capsules would be helpful. I have used cinnamon for about three years. My family doctor...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cinnamon_helps_control_blood_sugar.asp

Desert Rangers Treat Sting with Tenderizer
Q. I was in the high desert of Oregon several years ago, looking for arrowheads. I saw an arrowhead lying beneath some sagebrush and picked it up. I felt a sharp prick on the back of my hand. Later that...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/desert_rangers_treat_sting_with_tenderizer.asp

Complications Arise From Cholesterol Drugs
Millions of people swallow a little white oblong pill called Lipitor every day. Others take Zocor, Crestor or some other statin-type cholesterol-lowering drug.These medications work extremely well to lower bad LDL cholesterol. They prevent heart attacks and strokes. For those...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/complications_arise_from_cholesterol_drugs.asp

Liquid Bandage Eases Earring Irritation
Q. I have had pierced ears for over 25 years, yet I still can't wear most of my earrings. After about an hour my earlobes itch and become red and swollen with certain pairs, even expensive ones.A few weeks ago...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/liquid_bandage_eases_earring_irritation.asp

Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs and Muscle Pain
Q. I have read about how people experience muscle pain with Zetia and statin-type cholesterol drugs. That happened to me as well.My doctor prescribed TriCor instead and it has lowered my cholesterol and triglycerides. Maybe this will help someone else....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/cholesterollowering_drugs_and_muscle_pain.asp

Fighting Inflammation Naturally
Q. I have had patches of itchy dermatitis for years. More recently I developed "mildly inflammatory arthritis." Then I came down with carpal tunnel syndrome. In my dealings with doctors, these have always been treated as separate problems.I was recently...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/fighting_inflammation_naturally.asp

Featured Q & A

How to Solve Stage Fright Dilemma
Q. I have just heard that I have been chosen teacher of the year for my school district. I am thrilled, but this means I will have to give an acceptance speech in front of a large audience.

I hate giving speeches. My heart pounds, my hands shake and I get so scared I make a fool of myself. The last time I had to address the PTA I got my doctor to prescribe a tranquilizer, but that knocked me out. Isn't there something that will calm my nerves without making me drowsy?

A. Congratulations! You should feel proud without having to worry about the presentation. There may be a solution for your stage fright.

Drugs like Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam) are often prescribed for anxiety, but they can interfere with performance. Beta blockers, which are normally used to treat high blood pressure, and heart problems, have been surprisingly effective, however.

Many studies show that medications like Inderal (propranolol), Corgard (nadolol) and Tenormin (atenolol) help relieve tremor, palpitations and other signs of nervousness. Singers, musicians, test takers and public speakers have all benefited.

This is not an approved use of beta blockers, though, and doctors need to be aware that the lowest possible dose is best. Higher doses can cause forgetfulness and impair performance.

Featured Home Remedy

Ice Tea For Burns
I was incinerating papers in the back yard one day when the wind changed and my hand was badly burned. I rushed into the house, and my daughter, who did not know anything had happened, handed me a glass of iced tea she had just made. I took it and put my hand down into it.

The pain of the burn soon eased and the burn healed with no scarring. Without the treatment, I'm sure it would have left a scar.

I have tried this on other occasions with great success. I have also tried using ice water, but the pain lasts longer and there is a scar. There must be something about tannic acid that heals as well as reducing the pain. We almost always keep iced tea in the refrigerator, so it takes almost no time.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Seniors Still Having Problems With Drug Prices
The Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit was supposed to solve the problem of high drug prices for senior citizens. But a new survey suggests that one in five participants still have trouble with prescription drug prices. Part of the problem is the infamous donut hole. When Medicare beneficiaries drug costs reach $2400 they no longer qualify for prescription drug assistance. They must pay 100 percent of the prescription drug bills out of pocket. That can mean hundreds of dollars a month up to an additional $3,000. Many people on fixed incomes cannot swing that kind of payment and so many skip or skimp on their medicine.
[Health Affairs, Aug. 21, 2007, online]
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/hlthaff.26.5.w630

Living In The Southeast Raises Risk For Strokes
The Physicians' Health Study was designed to study the effects of aspirin on male physicians. The investigators learned that aspirin reduced the risk of a heart attack by over 40 percent in healthy middle-aged men. The doctors enrolled in the study have continued to provide valuable information about how lifestyle affects health. A new analysis of the data reveals that living in the southeast increases the risk for a stroke. This area has long been known as the stroke belt. Researchers thought that this geographic effect might be related to poor health habits or possibly even inadequate health care. But the subjects were primarily healthy, white physicians who presumably take pretty good care of themselves. Living in states like Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia seems to boost the risk of experiencing a stroke due to a blood clot by 30 percent. Until researchers find out what it is about the stroke belt that is so dangerous, people in that region should be particularly careful to watch their weight, keep their blood pressure and cholesterol under control and avoid smoking.
[Stroke, August 2007]
http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/38/8/2221

Too Much Alcohol Increases Stroke Risk
Speaking of strokes, another risk factor is alcohol. Although moderate drinking may have some cardiovascular benefits, there is clear evidence that too much is dangerous. A study from China involving more than 64,000 men reveals that the men who drank the most were 30 percent more likely to die of a stroke. Those at greatest risk were heavy drinkers, consuming at least three drinks a day. The men who limited their alcohol consumption to less than one drink daily experienced no increased risk of stroke.
[Annals of Neurology, Aug, 20, 2007]
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/115805579/ABSTRACT

Green Tea May Protect Against Cancer
Green tea is another popular beverage in China. Previous research has suggested that it may have anti-cancer activity. A new study suggests how that might work. After a month of abstaining from supplements and tea, 42 healthy volunteers took capsules of EGCG, the active ingredient in green tea. Levels of glutathione S-transferase enzymes rose in response. These enzymes are important in fighting against toxic carcinogens. The capsules provided the equivalent of 8 to 16 cups of green tea daily. Such concentrated supplements are not commercially available.
[Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, August, 2007]
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/16/8/1662

Olive Oil Compounds Prevent Clotting
Olive oil has long been touted as a heart healthy fat, but studies have been inconsistent. Spanish scientists now think it is the phenols in virgin olive oil that explain the variable results. The researchers gave 21 people with high cholesterol bread with either high-phenol virgin olive oil or low-phenol olive oil for a week. The high phenol olive oil resulted in a much lower level of blood clotting factors. Phenols give olive oil its distinctive flavor.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, August 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/86/2/341

New Technology May Ease Diagnosis Of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is far more common than doctors once believed. It is an intolerance to a protein called gluten found in wheat, rye and barley. Undianosed celiac disease can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, dementia, and even cancer. Diagnosis can be tricky because symptoms are sometimes subtle and nonspecific. The only truly definitive test is a biopsy of the small intestine. Such testing is invasive and sometimes uncomfortable. Now, Italian researchers have developed an alternative. A tiny video camera enclosed in a capsule is swallowed and transmits pictures of the small intestine. Intestinal atrophy shows up in the images and matches biopsy results in the vast majority of cases. If this new technology holds up, it will make diagnosis of celiac disease much easier.
[American Journal of Gastroenterology, August, 2007]

Health Headlines 8/17/07

By Alena on August 17, 2007 2:42 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Heart Failure Warning on Diabetes Drugs
Poor Diet Contributes to Colon Cancer
Diet Foods May Backfire for Youngsters
Big Waist Signals Heart Hazard

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 646 Diabetes Dilemmas
Over 20 million Americans have diabetes. As many as 40 million may have pre-diabetes. Controlling blood sugar is key to preventing the complications of this widespread metabolic disorder. But recent headlines have a lot of people worried that their medicine...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/646_diabetes_dilemmas.asp

Soy Sauce Eases Burn
Q. When we were at the beach a friend of ours burned her hand on a very hot pan handle. (I had just pulled the pan out of the broiler.) I grabbed the soy sauce and had her soak her...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/soy_sauce_eases_burn.asp

Special Chewing Gum Prevents Cavities
Q. On my last visit to the dentist our hygienist recommended we chew gum containing xylitol. She raved about its potential to stop the formation of cavities. Is this true? Is xylitol safe? A. Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/special_chewing_gum_prevents_cavities.asp

Vinegar and Water Fight Swimmers Ear
Q. Many years ago, I used vinegar and water to treat my son's swimmers ear. I cannot remember the correct vinegar and water ratio and I hope you can help. A. Doctors sometimes recommend using ear drops made of one...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/vinegar_and_water_fight_swimmers_ear.asp

Soap Works for Card Player's Cramps
Q. I read your column about using soap in the bed for leg cramps. It really works. My husband had leg cramps for years since he is a fisherman and on his feet 18 hours a day. They brought tears...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/soap_works_for_card_players_cramps.asp

Drug May Provoke Painful Nighttime Erections
Q. During sleep I am awakened five or six times a night by erections. I'm 53 years old and take Flomax, venlafaxine, fosinopril, trazodone and vitamin B12. Can any of these medications cause this problem? A. Men frequently experience erections...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/drug_may_provoke_painful_nighttime_erections.asp

Saving Money Shouldn't Be Life Threatening
People will do almost anything to save a buck. They clip coupons, drive miles out of their way to get cheaper gasoline and line up at the crack of dawn for special sales.Not surprisingly, most people are more than happy...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/saving_money_shouldnt_be_life_threatening.asp

Fish Oil Lowers Triglycerides
Q. I cannot take statin-type drugs. Is there a natural way to get triglycerides down? A. Triglycerides have just been shown to increase the risk of heart attacks (JAMA, July 18, 2007). Fish oil is a natural way to lower...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/fish_oil_lowers_triglycerides.asp

Healthful Diet May Cause Gas
Q. My husband has excessive gas. We eat a very healthy diet and he drinks no soda or carbonated beverages, not even beer. He takes medicine to lower his cholesterol.We eat lots of vegetables but we have eliminated the ones...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/healthful_diet_may_cause_gas.asp

Featured Q & A

Break Nasal Spray Addiction
Q. My girlfriend has been using a long-acting nasal spray daily for 12 years. She admits she is addicted. She keeps a bottle under her pillow in case she wakes up and can't sleep. If we leave the house and she realizes she forgot her spray, we have to turn around and go back.

Her doctor has warned her that she could be damaging her nasal passages but she can't seem to kick her habit. Can you offer any suggestions?

A. Nasal spray addiction is more common than most people realize. The rebound stuffiness that occurs as the decongestant effect wears off can be unbearable. The anxiety this provokes may keep a person using nose spray far longer than is healthy.

To break this vicious cycle, your girlfriend should try weaning one nostril at a time. She might need a prescription for a steroid spray though over-the-counter saline can also be helpful. An ear, nose and throat specialist will best be able to help her overcome her dependence on nasal spray.

Featured Home Remedy

Castor Oil for Warts
When I was a child I had warts on both hands. We tried many home remedies . This one worked perfectly: For two weeks, each night at bedtime, I rubbed my hands thoroughly with castor oil and my mother tied a sock over each hand.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Heart Failure Warning on Diabetes Drugs
Some popular diabetes drugs will now come with a black box warning. The FDA requires this type of alert only for the most serious side effects. Avandia and Actos as well as combination drugs that include them-Avandaryl, Avandamet and Duetact-can increase the risk for heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart loses pumping power. This can be a life-threatening condition. Symptoms may include fluid retention, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, and a nighttime cough. People taking these medicines should not discontinue them on their own but should discuss them with their physicians.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01683.html

Poor Diet Contributes to Colon Cancer
The American diet has been accused of contributing to heart disease, obesity and diabetes. New research suggests it may also contribute to colon cancer. A five year study of 1000 patients diagnosed with colon cancer found that those who ate more meat, fat and desserts were more likely to suffer a recurrence. Refined grains are also part of this risky dietary pattern. The investigators hypothesize that this type of diet encourages higher levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors that stimulate tumor growth. They conclude that this observational study suggests that "a diet characterized by higher intakes of red and processed meats, sweets and desserts, French fries and refined grains increases the risk of cancer recurrence and decreases survival."
[Journal of the American Medical Association, August 15, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/298/7/754

Diet Foods May Backfire for Youngsters
Despite the concern about childhood obesity, research from Canada suggests it might be a mistake to feed kids diet foods. Young rats that were given reduced calorie-foods tended to overeat when offered normal rat chow. The scientists think that the low-calorie foods may have interfered with the animals learning to sense satiety. They worry that youngsters given access to diet sodas and low-calorie snacks might not learn to regulate their food intake normally. The rat study showed that juvenile rats bred for obesity were especially susceptible to being tricked into overeating. As a result, the researchers are concerned that diet foods might be particularly counterproductive for kids at the highest risk of becoming overweight.
[Obesity, August 2007]

Big Waist Signals Heart Hazard
Although excess weight is certainly an important risk factor for heart disease and other health problems, waist measurement may be even better at predicting problems. Scientists at the University of Texas studied 2,700 middle-aged people. Those whose waists approached the size of their hips were most likely to have calcification in their arteries. This is a marker of atherosclerosis that can increased the risk of heart attack or stroke. The waist-to-hip ratio was a better indicator than a high body-mass index, which takes weight and height into account.

Health Headlines 8/10/07

August 10, 2007 2:41 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Caffeine Slows Cognitive Decline
Coffee Prevents Twitchy Eyelid
Energy Drinks Provide Caffeine
How Hard Must You Work Out?

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 645 Sexual Solutions
s your libido lagging or perhaps in overdrive. What can you do to improve your sex life? According to a new survey there are 237 reasons people have sex...ranging from boredom to loftier motives. Dr. Irwin Goldstein is one of the world's leading experts on human sexuality. He brings us up to speed on the latest research on erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, circumcision and female sexual response....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/645_sexual_solutions.asp

Success Stopping an Antidepressant
Q. After reading about the difficulties people have getting off certain antidepressant medications, I want to tell you about my success. I planned a weekend at home with no distractions or plans and took Dramamine all weekend to stay somewhat...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/success_stopping_an_antidepressant.asp

Nutritional Approaches May Help Preserve Vision
Q. I have been diagnosed with the onset of macular degeneration. The eye doctor said there is no cure.Are there any vitamins or other nutritional supplements that might slow the process down? I'd like to keep my vision for as...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/nutritional_approaches_may_help_preserve_vision.asp

Listerine Eases Nasty Skin Condition
Q. I had a bout with folliculitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the hair follicles. My dermatologist prescribed an antibiotic ointment that was messy and hard to use.I decided that if Listerine killed germs in a person's mouth, it...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/listerine_eases_nasty_skin_condition.asp

Chocolate is Champion for Good Health
If there were a medicine that could make your blood vessels more flexible, lower your blood pressure, prevent blood clots and improve insulin sensitivity, it would be phenomenally successful. The company that produced this wonder drug would likely charge an...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/chocolate_is_champion_for_good_health.asp

Are Cholesterol Drugs Linked to Lou Gehrig's Disease?
Q. I have been fascinated with letters from people reporting that Lipitor weakened their muscles. I believe Lipitor triggered my ALS. Until last month, my doctors wouldn't listen to me, but then a report from the World Health Organization (WHO)...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/are_cholesterol_drugs_linked_to_lou_gehrigs_disease.asp

Zetia May Cause Muscle Problems
Q. I have tried many statin drugs for cholesterol, but all gave me muscle pain and cramps. My doctor put me on Zetia and insists it can't cause muscle pain since it is not absorbed into the blood stream. I
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/zetia_may_cause_muscle_problems.asp

Potato Against Wart
Q. I had a wart on my finger for 15 years. A few doctors said they could cut if off, but I don't like the idea of surgery.My mother told me of an old gypsy remedy, but I would never...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/potato_against_wart.asp

Featured Q & A

Stay Out of Sun on Septra
Q. I recently had a urinary tract infection and was prescribed Septra. The instructions said not to go out in the sun. This was quite inconvenient, but I followed the directions. What would have happened if I had gone swimming as planned?

A. You could have come down with a terrible sun burn. Antibiotics like Septra (co-trimoxazole) sensitize the skin to ultraviolet radiation. Although a sunblock is essential it might not provide complete protection.

Featured Home Remedy

Tea Soaks for Nail Fungus
I completely cured toe nail fungus with a soak in lapacho tea, (Pau d'Arco). I soaked my feet daily for several weeks with warm water. I broke up 4 capsules in a pan of water and the fungus eventually went away. Pick a time wher you can do this everyday. It worked for my mother-in-law as well.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Caffeine Slows Cognitive Decline
Coffee is slowly gaining ground as a health drink. Not only does coffee wake you up in the morning, it may keep you sharp as you age--at least if you are female. French researchers studying people over 65 found that women who consumed 300 mg of caffeine a day in coffee or tea had better test scores. More than 4000 women were tested at the beginning, after two years and at the end of a four-year study. Those who consumed the most caffeine performed better on verbal retrieval and memory tests. Unfortunately, the men in the study did not appear to benefit from caffeine. Although caffeine did not prevent dementia in women, it did appear to slow cognitive decline.
[Neurology, Aug. 7, 2007]
http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/69/6/536

Coffee Prevents Twitchy Eyelid
Speaking of coffee, a daily cuppa joe may help prevent the development of an eyelid twitch. Italian researchers interviewed 166 people with uncontrollable eyelid twitching and more than 400 people without the condition. They determined that the more coffee people drink, the less likely they are to develop eyelid twitch, known to doctors as late-onset blepharospasm. The scientists don't know why coffee might be preventive, and they say it won't help once an eyelid twitch has developed.
[Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, August 2007]
http://jnnp.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/78/8/877

Energy Drinks Provide Caffeine
People who don't like coffee may look elsewhere for their caffeine. A new category of soft drink is supposed to provide extra energy, and that usually means extra caffeine. A comparison of 12 energy drinks by Consumers Union found that most of these beverages provide about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Red Bull, for example, has 80 mg of caffeine and Sobe No Fear has 85 mg in 8 ounces. An 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has 65 to 120 mg of caffeine. Of course, this would suggest that children should avoid such energy drinks. If parents wouldn't serve their kids a double cappucino, they certainly shouldn't give them highly caffeinated soda.
[Consumer Reports, Sept. 2007]

How Hard Must You Work Out?
There's no question that exercise is good for your health, but how intense does the workout have to be? A new study shows that moderate exercise may be just as good as heavier exercise in improving blood fats. More than 200 middle-aged overweight adults participated in a study at Duke University. Both triglycerides and good HDL cholesterol improved with moderate exercise. But participants who did not exercise had their bad LDL cholesterol rise. The bottom line appears to be that the duration of your exercise program may be at least as important as its intensity.
[Journal of Applied Physiology, Aug. 2007]
http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/103/2/432

Health Headlines 8/3/07

August 3, 2007 4:14 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Avandia to Stay Despite Dangers
Vioxx Hazard Shows Up Sooner Than Expected
AM Radio Towers and Childhood Leukemia
Caffeine Plus Exercise Fight Skin Cancer
Sodium Depletion Is Dangerous For Athletes
Rinse Sinuses with Saline

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 644 Health News Update
Soft drinks aren't high on anyone's list of healthy beverages, but at least diet sodas are better...or are they? Data from the Framingham Heart Study casts doubt on that assumption.Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor and other cholesterol-lowering drugs are widely prescribed. Now...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/644_health_news_update.asp

Leg Cramps May Signal Celiac Disease
Q. I have been diagnosed with celiac disease. One of the early symptoms was leg and foot cramps, often screamers, early in the morning. The tonic water was by my bed at all times, just in case, as it would...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/leg_cramps_may_signal_celiac_disease.asp

Soap Is Strange Remedy for Restless Legs
Q. I finally fell asleep last night but woke back up an hour and a half later. I had started getting cramps and a creepy-crawly feeling in my legs.I know some people who have RLS (restless leg syndrome) so I...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/soap_is_strange_remedy_for_restless_legs.asp

Statins and ALS-Like Syndrome
Several months ago we heard from Duane Graveline, MD, (aka "Spacedoc") that people had been reporting cases of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) associated with statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs. Dr. Graveline has had personal experience with Lipitor and TGA (total global amnesia)...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/share_statin_experiences/statins_and_alslike_syndrome.asp

Sexy Senior Scorns Prostate Drugs
Q. I read that Proscar and Avodart both cause impotence. My boyfriend is on Proscar and recently said he would rather have a backrub than sex! He used to worship me and now we are just pen pals. He still...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/sexy_senior_scorns_prostate_drugs.asp

Pills Can't Cure Losses in Life
In the 1960s Alka-Seltzer came up with a new reason for people to plop-plop and fizz-fizz. The company invented a new disease called the "blahs." It wasn't exactly clear what the blahs were, though. The TV commercial described the blahs...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/pills_cant_cure_losses_in_life.asp

Bee Sting Against Arthritis Pain
Q. I'm a nurse in a rural hospital. Some of the mountain folk I care for tell me that a bee sting every two years or so will significantly decrease arthritis inflammation and pain. They attribute this remedy to the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/bee_sting_against_arthritis_pain.asp

Supermarket Remedy Fights Arthritis
Q. I have read about combining something called Certo with grape juice for arthritis pain. I suffer something awful and have never heard of Certo. My pharmacist was no help.Is it an herb, a home remedy, a drug or a...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/supermarket_remedy_fights_arthritis.asp

Home Remedies Help Nail Fungus
Q. I have battled toenail fungus off and on for the past 25 years. I have been on Lamisil three times and tried all sorts of OTC and prescription topical medicines. I decided to try two of the remedies I...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/home_remedies_help_nail_fungus.asp

Antiperspirant Banishes Jock Itch
Q. My husband suffered with jock itch for a long time. He would use medicine to clear it up but it always returned. Then he tried applying antiperspirant daily to the affected areas, and this solved the problem. A. Jock...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/antiperspirant_banishes_jock_itch.asp

Featured Q & A

Hormone Therapy Led to Movement Disorder
Q. I took Premarin, Provera and then Prempro for the past 8 years as hormone replacement therapy. During this time I developed a movement disorder and saw 20 doctors at well-known clinics. Not one could help me.

I could not sit down, sleep in a bed, play the piano or go out to dinner. A month ago an alternative care therapist told me something was poisoning my body. I came home, read up on Premarin and discovered that uncontrollable body movements can be a side effect.

I have lived in hell for the past 8 years. At times my husband had to feed me. I stopped taking Prempro and I am now getting better.

My gynecologist was very upset that I would go off Prempro. She said I would get Alzheimer's, osteoporosis and heart problems.

My 95-year-old aunt and 88-year-old mother live independently, still drive and have their wits about them, so I'm not worried. What do you think?

A. Chorea, a disorder characterized by jerky involuntary movements, is listed as a side effect of Premarin and Prempro. It is an uncommon complication of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

There is no evidence that estrogen can prevent Alzheimer's disease or heart problems. In fact, studies of HRT suggest that estrogen and progestin may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.

Featured Home Remedy

Maalox for Diaper Rash
Have you heard that Maalox can be very helpful to prevent diaper rash? They told me at the hospital when my baby was born that I should coat her bottom with liquid Maalox and let it air dry. It counteracts the acid that causes the rash.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Avandia to Stay Despite Dangers
The controversial diabetes drug Avandia is likely to stay on the market but it will likely have new warnings. A panel of experts for the FDA reviewed the available evidence and voted to keep Avandia on pharmacy shelves despite a forceful presentation by FDA safety officer Dr. David Graham. Dr. Graham called for the withdrawal of Avandia because of a risk of heart attacks and strokes associated with the medication. According to his calculations, more than 200,000 such events may have been precipitated by the drug since it was introduced in 1999. Others within the FDA disagreed with Dr. Graham and pointed out that physicians need a broad range of medicines to treat diabetes. Avandia will almost assuredly carry stronger warnings about the risks of congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.

Vioxx Hazard Shows Up Sooner Than Expected
Another controversial drug linked to heart attacks and strokes is Vioxx. This arthritis medication was removed from the market almost three years ago. The manufacturer of Vioxx maintains that it takes more than a year of continued use before patients experience serious cardiovascular events. But a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that people taking Vioxx had a higher risk of blood clots, chest pain, heart attacks and strokes than those in a placebo group. These complications occurred within several months of starting Vioxx and led the investigators to conclude that even short-term treatment with this drug might result in cardiovascular toxicity. Merck objects to this conclusion on the grounds that the study was too small to be definitive.
[New England Journal of Medicine, July 26, 2007]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/357/4/360

AM Radio Towers and Childhood Leukemia
There has been an ongoing debate about the danger of power lines and electromagnetic radiation. Decades ago, epidemiologists reported a link between the risk of childhood leukemia and proximity to high-voltage power lines. Now, researchers in South Korea report that AM radio towers are linked to a higher risk of lymphocytic leukemia in children. Kids who lived within about a mile of a transmitter were twice as likely to develop this cancer as children who lived more than twelves miles away. Children with the least exposure to electromagnetic waves had the lowest risk of developing leukemia.
[American Journal of Epidemiology, August 1, 2007]
http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/3/270

Caffeine Plus Exercise Fight Skin Cancer
Combining caffeine with exercise may help prevent skin cancer. At least that's the preliminary conclusion from a study of hairless mice. Researchers at Rutgers University compared four groups of animals exposed to ultraviolet B radiation. These are the rays that are most likely to cause sunburn. One group got plain water. Another received caffeine-laced water. A third group had exercise wheels in their cages and a fourth group got both exercise and caffeine. The scientists found that the mice who received the human equivalent of a couple of cups of coffee and a morning jog were much less likely to develop cellular changes linked to skin cancer. This research adds to evidence that exercise and caffeine in combination may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, July 31, 2007]

Sodium Depletion Is Dangerous For Athletes
Speaking of exercise, athletic coaches used to recommend salt pills during intense workouts in hot weather. In recent years, salt pills have been mostly discarded in favor of plain water. Now, a sports medicine expert has raised the concern that vigorous daily workouts during intense heat could lead to sodium depletion. That's because sweat contains sodium as well as water. When this crucial electrolyte gets too low it can have devastating consequences. He suggests that athletes who sweat off more than five pounds during a workout get a little extra salt in their diet. Sports drinks that contain sodium and other electrolytes can also replenish lost minerals.
[Current Sports Medicine Reports, August 2007]
http://www.current-reports.com/article_frame.cfm?PubID=SR06-4-1-03&Type=Abstract

Rinse Sinuses with Saline
The ancient Ayurvedic practice of washing out the nasal passages with salt water has just gotten a nod from modern medicine. The Cochrane Collaboration reviewed multiple studies of nasal irrigation for chronic inflammation of the nose and sinuses. The Cochrane Collaboration analyzes medical interventions by looking at all the studies that meet minimum standards of quality. This review found that nasal saline irrigation was not better than prescription treatments such as inhaled steroids but that it was significantly better than no treatment. The leader of the study suggests that squeeze bottles and pressurized sprays may be the best way to get saline solution into the nose and sinuses.
[Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, July 18, 2007]
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab006394.html

Health Headlines 7/27/07

July 27, 2007 2:29 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Diet Pop Doesn't Protect Health
Vitamin D And Blood Pressure
Mercury Hazards From Sushi
New Yorkers High In Mercury
Less Hormone Use Leads To Lower Breast Cancer Rates

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 643 Eye Care Alternatives
The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but they are also a reflection of our health. Common causes of vision loss include glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. New research suggests that nutrition can help prevent age-related macular degeneration. We'll explore prevention and treatment for cataracts, glaucoma and dry eyes as well.
http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-307-643-eye-care-alternatives.aspx

Thyroid Treatment Linked to Osteoporosis
Q. I have been on thyroid hormone replacement for more than 20 years. Now I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.My doctor prescribed Fosamax and then Actonel. I have heard that such drugs can cause jaw bone deterioration. This happened to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/thyroid_treatment_linked_to_osteoporosis.asp

Cherries May Help Ease Joint Pain
Q. I would like some info about cherries for a friend who suffers from arthritis and gout. A. A small study in the Journal of Nutrition (June, 2003) suggested that sweet cherries could lower uric acid levels that cause gout...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cherries_may_help_ease_joint_pain.asp

Meat Tenderizer Against Stings
Q. Let's talk about the crawling wasps and hornets of the American Southwest--fire ants and scorpions. These critters give a wallop of a bite or sting without the warning of a buzz. Years ago, when I moved to Texas with...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/meat_tenderizer_against_stings.asp

Stay Safe in the Hospital
A trip to the emergency room is stressful. The only reason you go is because of a health crisis. These days you almost have to be at death's doorstep to make a trip to the ER. That's because the waits...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/stay_safe_in_the_hospital.asp

Solving the Expiration Date Puzzle
Q. I read your column about a person concerned about a prescription that was a couple of months past its use-by date. Whenever I receive a prescription from a pharmacy, I ask for the date on the bottle the medication...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/solving_the_expiration_date_puzzle.asp

Listerine Fights Blemishes
Q. Several years ago I noticed that gum irritations healed more quickly after I used Listerine. I decided to try it on facial blemishes. If it is applied as soon as a blemish begins, the spot fades quickly without becoming...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/listerine_fights_blemishes.asp

FDA Nixes Weight Loss Pill
Q. Months ago I heard about a new prescription drug for weight loss that also lowered cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It was awaiting approval. Has it become available? A. The drug is rimonabant. Although it is now available in...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/fda_nixes_weight_loss_pill_.asp

Hormone Research Creates Confusion
Q. I am totally confused about hormone therapy. I used to take Premarin to keep my bones stronger and reduce the risk of a heart attack. Then a friend who is a nurse pleaded with me to stop taking hormones...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/hormone_research_creates_confusion.asp

Featured Q & A

Caffeine Withdrawal Causes Misery
Q. I have been under intense pressure at work lately and coffee helped me muster the energy to complete the project on deadline. I have become addicted to caffeine.

Now that work has eased off, I have tried to cut back on caffeine, but I get horrible headaches and feel disoriented. My concentration is no good until I have a cup of coffee. How can I break this habit?

A. You are describing classic caffeine withdrawal symptoms. One reader shared his experience:

"I'd drink coffee all week at the office. Since I didn't care for it all that much I would drink something else on weekends. Sunday I'd come down with a splitting headache and nausea.

"I wasted thousands of dollars with drugs and doctors trying to figure out what was going on. I finally linked the caffeine withdrawal to the headaches, eliminated it entirely and have not suffered this agony since then."

Cutting back gradually on caffeine might help. Substituting decaf for half your regular coffee is one approach. Tea contains only a third as much caffeine as coffee, so alternating with tea is another approach.

Easing off coffee makes sense. According to Dr. James Lane of Duke University, the amount of caffeine in two cups of coffee in the morning combined with the same amount at lunch (500 mg total) can elevate stress hormones and blood pressure into the evening.

Featured Home Remedy

Vinegar Soaks Away Nail Fungus
Some time ago you answered a question about vinegar for fungus infections. Indeed, dilute vinegar soaks work effectively for controlling fungus in toenails and fingernails.

I am a professional footcare nurse who sees about 200 clients per month. I find a large percentage are plagued with fungus in their nails. Many have used expensive prescription medications without relief; often for long periods of time.

Since learning about the vinegar remedy (a few years ago) I have shared the information, and asked my clients to make sure there were no medical contraindications before using it. Daily vinegar footbaths are essential for this remedy to work effectively. It takes months for the new nail to grow out completely, and during this time, the old diseased nail may gradually be trimmed away. When they see the new healthy nail coming into view, they realize this works. (I personally know a lot of happy new fungus free clients.)

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Diet Pop Doesn't Protect Health
Diet soft drinks offer no advantage over regular soda pop. Millions of people regularly consume diet sodas on the assumption that avoiding calories is good for their health. But a new study published in Circulation, the Journal of the American Heart Association, calls into question this belief. Investigators studied more than 2400 people living in Framingham, Massachusetts. This is a group that has been carefully monitored for decades to determine how lifestyle and eating habits affect the risk of heart disease. In this particular analysis, the scientists found that people who drank at least one soft drink a day, regardless of its calorie content, were at 44 percent higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome over the next four years. This condition is associated with bigger bellies, higher blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. It frequently leads to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. There are competing hypotheses to explain this surprising observation. Some people speculate that soda drinkers may have less healthy lifestyles regardless of whether they choose diet drinks or regular soft drinks. Others suggest that sweetened drinks increase the craving for sweet-tasting foods. That can lead to more calories. Still another idea is that drinking a large amount of liquid at meal time may throw the appetite control sensor off. The lead researcher for the study advises, "Consume in moderation and stayed tuned for more research."
[Circulation, July 24, 2007]

Vitamin D And Blood Pressure
One of the largest diet and health surveys of recent years is called NHANES, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Thousands of American adults have been tracked for many years. A new analysis of the data shows that people with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to have high blood pressure. African Americans tended to have the lowest levels of this nutrient circulating in their bloodstreams. Skin makes vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. Skin pigmentation can interfere with adequate vitamin D production. The investigators point out that vitamin D is also available as an affordable supplement. Since it is also crucial for strong bones and the prevention of many cancers, it makes sense to get adequate levels of vitamin D to also help control blood pressure.
[American Journal of Hypertension, July 2007]

Mercury Hazards From Sushi
Sushi has long been popular in Japan but in recent years it has become a favorite food for sophisticated Americans. This treat usually includes raw fish and tuna is one of the most popular offerings. Now, concerns are growing that our love of tuna in sushi may be contributing to elevated mercury levels in Americans. The FDA does little testing for mercury in fish and it is hard to track fresh tuna before it hits sushi bars. The FDA warns pregnant women to limit their intake of tuna, but the rest of us may also be getting more mercury than we bargain for if we frequently indulge in sushi.

New Yorkers High In Mercury
Speaking of mercury, a new report shows that 25 percent of adults in New York City have elevated levels of this heavy metal in their bodies. The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said its results do not suggest a serious health risk for adults, but may pose a problem for developing fetuses and newborns. The more fish people eat, the greater the likelihood their mercury levels would be elevated. Those who consumed seafood more than four times a week averaged mercury levels above the safety threshold. Swordfish, sushi-grade tuna and fish caught in the Hudson River were all relatively high in mercury.

Less Hormone Use Leads To Lower Breast Cancer Rates
Several months ago scientists reported a dramatic drop in breast cancer rates that coincided with a reduction in the use of hormone replacement therapy. Some scientists concluded that the sudden decline in HRT exposure was the likely explanation. Others, however, countered that the reduction in breast cancer cases might be attributed to fewer women getting mammograms. Fewer mammograms could mean that fewer tumors are detected. Now, researchers from Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Oregon report that mammography rates in their area did not change, but breast cancer rates still went down. They conclude that this drop in cancer is best explained by reduced use of hormones by menopausal women.
[JNCI, July, 2007]

An expert FDA panel has just recommended that the osteoporosis drug Evista be approved for preventing breast cancer. This compound blocks estrogen in the breast while mimicking estrogen in bone.

Health Headlines 7/20/07

July 20, 2007 2:25 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Healthy Diet Fizzles On Cancer Recurrence
Dairy Products Reduce Risk Of Diabetes
Do Diabetes Drugs Raise Risk Of Cancer?
Low LDL May Be Linked To Cancer
Curry Spice May Reverse Alzheimer's
Vitamin C Won't Chase Common Cold

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expansion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: #642 Health News Update
Chocolate has a surprising number of health benefits. Previous studies have shown it can even lower blood pressure, but the dose was quite high. Now we know even a little bit of chocolate a day may help keep high blood...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/642_health_news_update.asp

Trouble Stopping Antidepressant
Q. I have just been through detox hell after stopping the antidepressant Cymbalta. After a week of dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, sweats, chills, itching, disorientation, mood swings and headaches, I am angry! My doctor did not tell me that this might...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/trouble_stopping_antidepressant_.asp

Colon Cleansing Not Recommended
Q. I am looking for a home recipe for colon cleansing without having to use expensive over-the-counter detox programs. I've seen your recipes for constipation, but I'm specifically looking for a thorough cleansing of the colon. A. We really can't...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/colon_cleansing_not_recommended.asp

Wild Sex Can Cause Injury
Q. I have an embarrassing question. What are your suggestions regarding penile fracture? I admit to being too wild and crazy one night. I bent a fully erect penis about 90 degrees. It was very painful and turned purple, black...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/wild_sex_can_cause_injury.asp

Generic Antidepressant Raises Questions
The first email message in February piqued our interest: "I have been taking Budeprion XL 300 mg for 3 months instead of Wellbutrin XL 300 mg. I find that I am easily upset and cry very easily. Sometimes I feel...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/generic_antidepressant_raises_questions.asp

Vinegar Is Secret Weapon Against Dandruff
Q. A few weeks ago someone reporting using Miracle Whip on her scaly flaky scalp. She said that after a couple of hours she had a flake-free scalp and wanted to know why it worked so well. I think the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/vinegar_is_secret_weapon_against_dandruff.asp

Magnesium Eases Constipation
Q. I had constipation for five years. I was using Citrucel and extra bran on my cereal. I drank lots of water but still had very hard rabbit-like stools. At water aerobics a friend told me about taking magnesium. It...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/magnesium_eases_constipation.asp

Old-Fashioned Thyroid Drug Best for Some
Q. You once had an article about some people needing Armour Thyroid because Synthroid doesn't contain T3. I want to thank you for saving my sanity and life.Since 1993, I have been on Synthroid and more recently, Levoxyl. I have...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/oldfashioned_thyroid_drug_best_for_some.asp

Featured Q & A

Chocolate Dangerous For Dogs
Q. Please settle a family feud. My husband keeps giving our dog chocolate chips as treats when she does some stupid tricks he taught her. I keep telling him that chocolate is bad for dogs. He says it hasn't killed her yet and she loves chocolate chips almost as much as he does. Isn't chocolate a problem for pets?

A. According to our veterinarian consultant, dogs vary tremendously in their susceptibility to chocolate. In general, however, chocolate is poisonous to dogs. They have a difficult time metabolizing the active ingredient, theobromine, which is related to caffeine.

Dark chocolate is especially hazardous, and five ounces can kill a 55 pound dog. One pet died of convulsions after getting into its owner's bag of chocolate chips.

A few chips probably won't kill your pooch but why not tell your husband to lay off the chocolate and invest in doggie treats instead?

Featured Home Remedy

Corn Huskers As Personal Lubricant
I want to thank the person who wrote to you about Corn Huskers lotion. After menopause, I started using a vaginal cream, but the Corn Huskers lotion is much better. It had never occurred to me to use a hand lotion for vaginal dryness, but it has been a big help.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Healthy Diet Fizzles On Cancer Recurrence
There's disappointing news about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. When women are diagnosed with breast cancer they are sometimes admonished to clean up their dietary act: eat less fat andconsume more vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Now, a study involving more than 3,000 women shows that healthy eating can't ward off a recurrence. Half the women in the group were given cooking classes, telephone counseling and regular newsletters designed to increase vegetable and fruit consumption. Although the women changed their eating habits, over the next seven years women eating lots of fresh produce were just as likely to develop another breast cancer as women who made no dietary changes. Although these results are disappointing, there's no reason to give up on fruits and vegetables. Scientists recognize that such foods have many other benefits even if they don't prevent breast cancer recurrence or extend survival.
[JAMA July 18, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/298/3/289

Dairy Products Reduce Risk Of Diabetes
A diet that is high in dairy products, calcium and vitamin D may reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes. A new analysis of prior research suggests that people who get more of these nutrients are 18 percent less likely to develop this metabolic disorder. The investigators believe that vitamin D and calcium may enhance the body's ability to use insulin efficiently. Although these researchers are cautious about recommending dietary changes, there is little doubt that both nutrients are essential for good health and many Americans do not get enough in their diet.
[Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, June 2007]
http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/92/6/2017

Do Diabetes Drugs Raise Risk Of Cancer?
The diabetes drug Avandia has had some bad press lately. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine linked this medication to a higher risk of heart failure. Then a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported that older and less expensive diabetes drugs such as metformin were just as effective as newer medicines such as Avandia and Actos. Now, another study of nearly 9,000 diabetic patients suggests that there may be more bad news regarding the expensive newer medicines. People taking Avandia had a significantly higher risk of developing cancer than people taking other types of diabetes medicine. People taking Actos also trended higher on cancer diagnosis, but it was not statistically significant. The researchers call for caution in interpreting their results, but in light of the ongoing controversy, people on Avandia may want to discuss these questions with their doctors.
[BMC Medicine, June 21, 2007]
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/5/17/abstract

Low LDL May Be Linked To Cancer
Cardiologists are enthusiastic about lowering bad LDL cholesterol with statin-type medications. The lower the levels of LDL, the lower the risk of heart disease. A new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology raises a troubling question, however. The researchers reviewed data from more than 40,000 patients in a number of previous well-controlled studies. They found that patients with the lowest LDL levels were more likely to have a new diagnosis of cancer. The investigators were quick to point out that their data do not prove that statins cause cancer. Nevertheless, the study raises some important questions about long-term safety of statins and will doubtless lead to further research.
[Journal of the American College of Cardiology, July 31, 2007]

Curry Spice May Reverse Alzheimer's
Turmeric, the yellow spice in curry, may offer hope for treating Alzheimer's disease. Research in the laboratories of the Greater Los Angeles Veteran's Affairs Medical Center shows that treating immune system cells called macrophages with a component of turmeric gives them the power to clear away amyloid from the brain. Amyloid plaques are a distinctive feature of Alzheimer's disease. The active ingredient in turmeric, bis-de-methoxy-curcumin, supercharges the macrophages. Clinical trials will be needed to determine if this treatment will help people with Alzheimer's disease. In the meantime, it won't hurt to enjoy a little curry.
[Early Edition, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, July 16, 2007]

Vitamin C Won't Chase Common Cold
Vitamin C has been controversial for decades. Many people are convinced that regular doses of ascorbic acid can prevent the common cold. Others insist that if they load up on this vitamin when they catch a cold, it helps them recover more quickly. Researchers reviewed 30 studies of vitamin C covering more than 11,000 people for the Cochrane Collaboration. Their analysis shows that taking at least 200 mg of vitamin C a day did shorten colds, but by only a tiny amount. The authors conclude that it is not rational to take vitamin C routinely to prevent the common cold.
[The Cochrane Library 2007]
http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD000980/frame.html

Health Headlines 7/13/07

July 13, 2007 2:22 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Corrupt FDA Head Put To Death In China
Dial 911 For Stroke
Stop-Smoking Drug May Also Help Alcoholics
Cola Fans Risk Kidney Problems
Pumpkin Restores Rat Blood Sugar
Folate Deficiency Linked To Depression

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce a new edition of our book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices is filled with natural healing approaches for dozens of common conditions including:

arthritis
high blood pressure
constipation
insomnia
diabetes
leg cramps
headaches
menopause
heartburn
nail fungus
high cholesterol
osteoporosis

We also rate prescription drugs so you can get the best buys for your money. Best Choices is packed with remedies that will surprise you, statistics that will shock you, ratings to help assess your treatment options and drug information that could save your life. Purchases from the web site receive over a 25% discount off the list price of $31.95.

This special edition (524 pages) is not available in any bookstore. It contains an expantion of our People's Pharmacy Favorite Picks (home remedies) and a new chapter on Desert Island Drugs and Dietary Supplements. Some of the country's leading experts have contributed their insights on the best treatments for what ails you. This edition is not in stores or on other Internet sites. It is only available from Rodale Books and directly from The People's Pharmacy. We ship book orders Media Mail (5-10 day delivery expected).

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 641 The Loss of Sadness
Some experts estimate that up to a quarter of those who might be diagnosed as depressed under current criteria are actually suffering from normal reactions to loss. Psychiatrists take bereavement into account, but what about divorce or losing a job?
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/641_the_loss_of_sadness.asp

Drugs May Raise Risk of Heart Failure
Q. You had a letter from a woman worried about her husband's lack of energy. He was on atenolol, Norvasc and furosemide for high blood pressure. She asked about his low potassium.As I read her letter, I became concerned that...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/drugs_may_raise_risk_of_heart_failure.asp

Can Home Remedies Top Prescription Drugs?
Most doctors dismiss home remedies as unscientific at best or harmful at worst. They have a hard time understanding why anyone would choose an unproven folk treatment over an FDA approved prescription drug.Several years ago a furious podiatrist chastised us...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/can_home_remedies_top_prescription_drugs.asp

Can Herbs Cause Bruising?
Q. I have been taking curcumin for the inflammation of arthritis. I have noticed that I bruise easily. I also take ginkgo and I wonder if taking both of them is causing this. A. Animal research suggests that curcumin (the...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/can_herbs_cause_bruising.asp

Take Tape to Trap Ticks
Q. I live near a national park and walk my dogs in the woods. There are ticks everywhere. I stop and pull ticks off myself every few minutes, but I hate to just throw them back in the bushes where...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/take_tape_to_trap_ticks.asp

Are Wife's Pantyhose Safe for Hubby?
Q. I suffer from chronic leg pain. My doctors have tested me and all they can say is that it might be due to nerve damage. They suggest support hose.I bought some medical support hose but they are very expensive...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/are_wifes_pantyhose_safe_for_hubby.asp

Natural Alternatives to Ambien
Q. My husband has had a terrible time with the sleeping pill Ambien. One night he got up and wandered out of the house. A stranger had to bring him home. Another time he poured coffee on the computer in...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/natural_alternatives_to_ambien.asp

Pricey Prescriptions Pose Problem
Q. My husband and I are 63. I am on nine prescriptions and my husband is on four prescriptions for his asthma. Our insurance does not cover prescriptions.We estimate our prescription cost this year is approximately $11,000. Do you have...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/pricey_prescriptions_pose_problem.asp

Featured Q & A

Can Women Benefit From Viagra?
Q. What would happen if a woman were to take Viagra? Do any female genital structures (such as the clitoris) respond with increased blood flow like the penis in males? Would women have side effects similar to those of men?

A. In theory, Viagra (sildenafil) might increase blood flow to the clitoris. There is no research to confirm this, however, and even if it did, we don't know whether this would be beneficial. Viagra is no aphrodisiac.

There have been anecdotal reports that some women who have had trouble achieving orgasm were able to reach climax while taking Viagra. But the manufacturer discourages use of Viagra by women until a planned study of the drug in females has been completed.

Side effects in men include headache, indigestion, flushing, stuffy nose and visual changes. There is no reason to expect women would react differently.

Featured Home Remedy

I have a new use for Vicks VapoRub. It keeps ants away from my hummingbird nectar feeder!

I used to coat the wire hanger of the feeder with Vaseline. The ants would walk right to the edge of the Vaseline, then retreat, until dust made the Vaseline less sticky.

Now that I put Vicks on the wire hanger, those ants don't even go near the feeder. They turn back at least 8 to 10 inches from the wire hanger. Of course, this isn't a medicinal use for Vicks, but some of your readers have hummingbird feeders.

Don't get the Vicks close to the feeder itself. Vicks is probably not tasty or safe for hummers.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Corrupt FDA Head Put To Death In China
China has taken an unusually harsh measure to crack down on corruption within its Food and Drug Administration. The former head of the agency was executed for accepting bribes. Other officials who took bribes to approve questionable drugs have also been punished. A spokesperson for the agency admits that the cases have brought it shame. The pet food scandal and tainted toothpaste have highlighted international worries about quality control of food and drug products from China. Now that so many US drug companies are purchasing pharmaceuticals from China, the weakness of its regulatory agency is of great concern here as well as in China.

Dial 911 For Stroke
Hospital operators are missing important opportunities when people call with possible stroke symptoms. Serious consequences of stroke may be reduced, but only if people are treated promptly. Doctors in West Virginia were concerned that too many patients were brought to their stroke treatment center too late to be helped. They called 46 health help-lines around the country with a hypothetical scenario: a 65-year-old man was having trouble speaking and weakness in his left arm and leg. The operator was then asked which of four choices would be best: wait for the symptoms to go away, call the primary care doctor, drive to a local hospital or call 9-1-1. Unfortunately, more than one out of five operators referred this imaginary patient to his primary care doctor rather than encourage a 9-1-1- call. Even worse, one out of four of these help-line operators could not name any symptoms of stroke such as sudden loss of vision, difficulty communicating or sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body. The sooner a stroke victim is seen in an emergency department, the better the prognosis.
[Stroke, August 2007]

Stop-Smoking Drug May Also Help Alcoholics
Last year the FDA approved a new kind of medicine to help people quit smoking. Chantix grabs on to nicotine receptors in the brain so that smokers no longer get the same pleasure from inhaling. Now, researchers report that rats given Chantix are less likely to maintain alcohol consumption. The researchers are hopeful that this drug will help people kick a variety of addictive behaviors from drinking to gambling. Clinical research will be necessary before the FDA gives Chantix a green light for other uses beyond smoking cessation.
[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, July 9, online, 2007]
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/0705368104v1

Cola Fans Risk Kidney Problems
Heavy cola drinkers may be putting themselves at risk of kidney disease. Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences compared a sample of 465 people with kidney disease to 467 healthy control subjects. Those with kidney problems were more than twice as likely to be in the habit of drinking at least two colas a day. The researchers speculate the the phosphoric acid used as a preservative in cola may be the culprit. Other soft drinks tend to use citric acid instead. High levels of phosphoric acid are associated with kidney damage. This research will need to be confirmed before people make major dietary changes. Nevertheless, moderation in cola consumption is not necessarily a bad thing.
[Epidemiology, July 2007]

Pumpkin Restores Rat Blood Sugar
Extract of pumpkin may have effects similar to insulin, according to animal research. Pumpkin is a traditional treatment for diabetes in some parts of Asia. The new study shows that diabetic rats treated with pumpkin extract had better blood sugar control and higher levels of insulin in their blood stream. These rats normally have 40 percent less insulin circulating in their bodies than healthy rats. The pumpkin product helped them restore insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. No one knows whether this would help humans with diabetes but the animal research is intriguing.
[Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, July 2007]
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/114229325/ABSTRACT

Folate Deficiency Linked To Depression
There have been reports that people who are deficient in B vitamins may be at increased risk for depression. Now a new study has pooled data from other investigations and concluded that low folic acid levels are linked to an increased risk for depression. The investigators reviewed 11 studies involving more than 15,000 subjects. Those who were deficient in folate were 55 percent more likely to be diagnosed with depression. Folic acid is found in many foods such as green leafy vegetables, liver, peas and brewer's yeast. Supplements are also inexpensive and widely available.
[Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, July 2007]
http://jech.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/61/7/631

Health Headlines 7/6/07

July 6, 2007 11:44 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Antidepressants During Pregnancy
New Drug for Fibromyalgia
Whole Grains Prevent Asthma and Arthritis
Training Helps Reduce Falls
Fish Oil Makes Babies Sharper
Checkmate Dementia by Playing Chess
Hypnosis Against Kids' Headaches

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 640 Health on the Internet
People are turning to the Internet increasingly often to look for the answers to their health questions. How are people using the Web for health information, and how reliable is the information they find? Will the Internet empower patients or overwhelm them?
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/640_health_on_the_internet.asp

Olive Oil Combats Vaginal Dryness
Q. I've read that olive oil can be used for vaginal dryness. I couldn't tell if I should include olive oil in my diet or actually apply it directly to the vagina.A. This remedy calls for topical application of olive...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/olive_oil_combats_vaginal_dryness.asp

Licking the Bowl Is Risky Business
Q. When I was a child, my sister and I used to compete for first dibs on licking the bowl and beaters when Mother baked. It was a part of growing up.Recently, I was baking with my grandchildren and asked...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/licking_the_bowl_is_risky_business.asp

Natural Treatments for Doggy Diarrhea
Q. Can I use coconut milk and rice milk or coconut macaroon cookies for my boxer dog's diarrhea? Would it be harmful to her?A. Many years ago we heard from a reader that coconut macaroon cookies could alleviate chronic diarrhea...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/natural_treatments_for_doggy_diarrhea.asp

Sexual Intercourse Can Trigger Drug Reaction
Q. I am currently taking amoxicillin for a sinus infection but my wife is allergic to penicillin. Is there any possibility that she would have a bad reaction if we had unprotected sex? A. There are reports in the medical...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/sexual_intercourse_can_trigger_drug_reaction.asp

Miracle Whip Scrubs Scales
Q. For several months now I have had a problem with a scaly flaky scalp. I finally went to the doctor who prescribed medicated shampoo and mometasone topical solution. Nothing worked. Then a friend suggested I try Miracle Whip..
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/miracle_whip_scrubs_scales.asp

How Bad Is Past-Date Medicine?
Q. The expiration date on all my medicine is one year after the prescription is filled. Does this mean the Percocet I have on hand for a bad back becomes toxic after that time or is it just ineffective? ...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/how_bad_is_pastdate_medicine.asp

Featured Q & A

Low Potassium Is Life Threatening
Q. A few months ago, I had to go into the emergency room with severe muscle cramps in my hands and legs. The doctors there discovered that my potassium level was extremely low (only 2.7).

They gave me IV potassium and for a few months my cramps were completely gone, but a few days ago they came back very suddenly. Since then I've been taking potassium supplements, but my cramps are no better. How much potassium is safe for me to take? I don't want to go back to the E.R., but I have the exact same symptoms now as the last time I went in.

A. See your doctor immediately. Potassium imbalance can be life-threatening. Either too much or too little of this vital mineral is dangerous and could lead to irregular heart rhythms. Without close monitoring there is no way anyone can determine how much potassium you should be taking.

You should also ask your doctor why you developed such low potassium. Diuretics can sometimes create such an imbalance. To keep from experiencing this problem again, you should address the underlying cause.

Featured Home Remedy

Vicks VapoRub for Fire Ants
I have enjoyed reading about the unusual ways people utilize Vicks VapoRub. Here is another incredible use: fire ant bites.

I was viciously attacked by fire ants in my yard in Florida one day while I was talking with some Mexican gardeners. They told me to put Vicks VapoRub on the bites, and the itch and stinging went away immediately. A small blister appeared at each site but healed quickly. Ever since then, I've kept Vicks at the ready when I work in the yard.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Antidepressants During Pregnancy
Women who need to take antidepressant medication during their pregnancies have been faced with a distressing dilemma. On the one hand, depression can be debilitating or even life threatening. Depressed women have a harder time coping with the challenges of pregnancy and nurturing a newborn infant. On the other hand, there have been reports that Prozac-like antidepressants might be associated with birth defects. Two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest that the risks of birth defects due to SSRI-type antidepressants are very small. Women who need antidepressant treatment during pregnancy should feel relieved and should discuss this new research with their doctors.
[New England Journal of Medicine, June 28, 2007]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/356/26/2675

New Drug for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be a difficult condition. It typically causes intense pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness, and chronic sleep deprivation. Fibromyalgia can be hard to diagnose because there is no simple test to verify the diagnosis. Until now, there have been no drugs approved for treating fibromyalgia, but the FDA has just changed that. Lyrica is a medication that has been used for neuropathic pain, such as the leg pain that may occur with diabetes or the pain following shingles. Now the FDA says doctors can prescribe Lyrica for fibromyalgia. Not all patients in the clinical trials benefited, however. Side effects of Lyrica include drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, blurred vision, dry mouth and swelling of the hands or feet.

Whole Grains Prevent Asthma and Arthritis
People are frequently told to eat more fiber. That's because studies have shown that people who consume a diet high in whole grains are less likely to develop diabetes or heart disease. A new study suggests that they may also be protected in part from inflammatory conditions such as asthma and arthritis. Researchers followed 42,000 women in Iowa between 1986 and 2001. Women who ate at least 11 servings a week of food such as oatmeal, whole-grain breakfast cereal, bran, brown rice, popcorn or bulgur wheat were a third less likely to die of an inflammatory disease during those years. The investigators suggest that including more whole grains in the diet may provide more anti-oxidants and could benefit most of us.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June, 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/85/6/1606

Training Helps Reduce Falls
Some elderly people restrict their activity because they are afraid of falling. A fall, especially one that results in a broken hip, can indeed be devastating for an older person. Restricting activities or exercise, though, can aggravate balance problems. Canadian scientists have just reported on training that can improve balance in the elderly. The researchers used a special safety harness to keep volunteers from falling. They then threw them off balance by changing their center of gravity suddenly. The volunteers learned to recover their balance or grab a support. The investigators don't know if this challenging training will actually reduce falls, but it appears to improve confidence so that older people can continue to exercise, which itself can help with fitness and balance.
[BMC Geriatrics, online May 31, 2007]

Fish Oil Makes Babies Sharper
Fish oil supplements during pregnancy may improve the problem solving abilities of babies. A small study conducted at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge gave some women cereal bars with extra omega 3 fatty acids for the last weeks of pregnancy. The control group got bars with corn oil. At nine months, babies were tested to see how well they could find a toy that had been covered with a cloth. The infants whose mothers had gotten the omega 3 supplements did better. The investigators admit, though, that they don't know whether this mental advantage will carry through into later life.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June, 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/85/6/1572

Checkmate Dementia by Playing Chess
Studies have suggested that fish oil can also help older people stay mentally sharp as they age. A new study indicates that mental activity such as going to plays or the library, reading a newspaper or playing chess can also be beneficial for the brain. More than 700 people with an average age of 80 were tested annually for five years. People who were cognitively active were half as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease when compared to people who were less engaged.
[Neurology, online, June 27, 2007]

Hypnosis Against Kids' Headaches
When children suffer repeated headaches doctors have trouble treating them. Nobody wants to prescribe heavy-duty pain killers to kids. A new study from Minnesota suggests that self-hypnosis can be an effective way for youngsters to cope with headaches. The children, who averaged 11 years old, were trained to induce a hypnotic state and encouraged to practice at home. The self-hypnosis reduced the frequency, the intensity and the duration of the children's headaches.
[Journal of Pediatrics, June 2007]
http://www.jpeds.com/article/PIIS0022347607001333/abstract

Health Headlines 6/29/07

June 29, 2007 11:41 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Anti-Narcotic Also Conquers Itch
Lyme Disease Rates Soaring
Cinnamon Brings Blood Sugar Down
Short-Term Stress Okay For Blood Sugar
Drug Industry Insiders Gossip Online
Epilepsy Linked To Nutritional Deficits

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 639 Medical Errors
The Institute of Medicine reports that the average patient experiences at least one error every day he is hospitalized. The annual death toll from medical errors is estimated at 44,000 to 98,000 Americans. How can you protect yourself or a loved one from a dangerous mistake? Learn how one woman discovered that her doctors had covered up a serious surgical error they made when she was a teenager.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/639_medical_errors.asp

Natural Approaches to Lower Blood Sugar
Q. I am a type 2 diabetic, taking metformin, glipizide and Avandia. I have begun taking cinnamon, alpha-lipoic acid and chromium picolinate in an effort to get off the drugs. It seems to be working, as I stopped taking Avandia...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/natural_approaches_to_lower_blood_sugar.asp

Grapefruit Intensifies Statin Side Effects
Q. A few weeks ago I could not get out of my chair to go to bed. I was telling my body "stand up" but my back and legs just wouldn't respond. I eventually managed to lever myself up with...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/grapefruit_intensifies_statin_side_effects.asp

How Dangerous Is Brazil Nut Gluttony?
Q. I was taken aback by your remarks about limiting the number of Brazil nuts eaten. Many years ago when I was growing up, my parents bought nuts at Christmastime. Brazil nuts were my favorites and I ate tons of...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/how_dangerous_is_brazil_nut_gluttony.asp

Turbo-Charged Rogaine Grows Hair
Q. I've been using Rogaine (minoxidil) for more than 12 years to slow hair loss. I started taking the oral medicine Proscar when I heard that this drug could also help grow hair. (Proscar was cheaper and stronger than Propecia.)...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/turbocharged_rogaine_grows_hair.asp

Extended Interview with Dr. Bruce Wilson
Listen to our complete audio interview with Dr. Bruce Wilson. An edited version of this interview appeared in our June 16 radio program, Managing High Blood Pressure.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/637_managing_high_blood_pressure.asp

Coumadin Interactions Pose Dangers
Q. Does aspartame affect bleeding if you are taking a blood thinner like Coumadin? I know that cranberry juice poses a potential problem with this drug. How can I keep up with Coumadin interactions? A. Coumadin (warfarin) is a life-saving...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/coumadin_interactions_pose_dangers.asp

Featured Q & A

Banish Jock Itch With Common Cleanser
Q. I liked your article on relieving jock itch by using Cetaphil skin cleanser. I tried it and it works great. My family doctor recommended an alternative to Cetaphil: Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo. Apply it to the affected region and work up a lather. I leave the lather in place for five minutes and then rinse it off. This also works very well.

A. Jock itch is caused by a fungal infection and can pain and itching. There are a variety of over-the-counter anti-fungal creams that are quite effective. They contain the same ingredients as athlete's foot treatments.

Cetaphil contains propylene glycol, which has antifungal activity. The selenium sulfide in Selsun Blue fights the yeast that causes dandruff. Because yeast is a type of fungus, we're not surprised that dandruff shampoo also works for jock itch.

Featured Home Remedy

Prickly Pear Cactus Lowers Blood Sugar
I am a family practitioner and want to share an herbal remedy with you. A 60-year-old male Hispanic diabetic patient has had trouble controlling his blood sugar. Despite intensive diet changes and a prescription for Glucovance, his blood sugar still ran in the 160's to 180's.

One day he came in with his diary showing blood sugars of 90 to 100 consistently. I asked what he was doing differently and he said in a low voice, "I got me a new girlfriend. She's from Mexico, and she makes me tea from nopalito (prickly pear) cactus. She has me drink it three times a day. Now my sugars are doing better."

I did some checking, but all I could find is that possibly the pectin in the cactus may affect the absorption of food. Let me know if you run across any information on this prickly pear remedy.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Anti-Narcotic Also Conquers Itch
There may soon be a new drug to combat chronic itching. Millions of people suffer unbearable itching for no apparent reason. Until now, there have not been very many good treatments. European researchers now suggest that a drug used to combat addiction may also be helpful against itching. The medication is called naltrexone. It is used to block the effects of powerful narcotics. Doctors can also prescribe this oral medicine under the name ReVia to help alcoholics stay off booze. A cream containing 1 percent naltrexone helped more than 70 percent of patients suffering from chronic itching. In another study, topical naltrexone was 30 percent more effective than placebo. This discovery may offer welcome relief for people who have not found any other way to alleviate this distressing condition.
[Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2007]
http://www.eblue.org/article/PIIS0190962207000722/abstract

Lyme Disease Rates Soaring
Lyme disease is on the rise. This tick-borne illness can cause headache, fever and fatigue in the early stages of infection. Later, people can experience arthritis and cognitive problems and cardiac complications. Because the deer ticks that carry the disease are so tiny, they can be hard to detect. Many people may not even realize that they have been bitten.
Because the deer population has exploded in so many areas, it is not surprising that lyme disease is also on the increase. Approximately 20,000 cases are reported each year, about double the number 15 years ago. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease is the most common disease linked to bites in the United Sates. It is especially common in the northeast, mid-Atlantic and north central states.

Cinnamon Brings Blood Sugar Down
Cinnamon has been shown to help lower blood sugar in people with type-2 diabetes. Now research shows that even healthy people react to cinnamon with a reduced rise in blood sugar. Investigators fed subjects rice pudding, which is a high glycemic index food. That means that it makes blood sugar rise very quickly, which is not a good thing. Adding 6 grams of cinnamon to the rice pudding delayed and reduced the rise in blood sugar. It also slowed stomach empyting. The Swedish scientists concluded that a little cinnamon may help keep blood sugar on an even keel.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June, 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/85/6/1552

Short-Term Stress Okay For Blood Sugar
People with type-1 diabetes depend on insulin for their blood sugar control. Scientists have warned them that chronic stress can make blood sugar control much trickier. A new study shows, though, that short-term stress does not seem to throw blood sugar out of whack. The Swiss investigators came up with a unique experiment to measure the impact of short-term stress on blood sugar. 20 patients were monitored continuously for blood sugar, pulse and blood pressure on two different days. One day they were in the laboratory and another day they were taken on rollercoaster rides.
During the rollercoaster experience, heart rate went from 82 beats per minute to 158. Blood pressure went up from 124/79 to 160 over 96. A stress hormone in saliva also doubled during the roller coaster ride. This proves that riding the rollercoaster was stressful. Even so, blood sugar did not change significantly. The conclusion was that sort-term stress does not appear to have a major impact on glucose control.
[Diabetes Care, June 2007]
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/extract/30/6/1599

Drug Industry Insiders Gossip Online
Ever wonder what drug company insiders say to eachother? There's now a way to find out. The Web site cafepharma.com offers juicy tidbits along with pharmaceutical news and plenty of blogs. Sales representatives for drug companies let their hair down and share insights about marketing strategies and gossip. The only problem is that you have to be a little savvy about the industry to sort out what's puff and what's proven. Because people can post comments anonymously they can tell the truth...or lie through their teeth. Not surprisingly, the pharmaceutical industry is not too thrilled with CafePharma.com. Drug companies normally prefer to keep their dirty laundry well hidden.
http://cafepharma.com/

Epilepsy Linked To Nutritional Deficits
Young children with hard-to-control epilepsy may be suffering from nutritional problems. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania compared youngsters who suffered at least one seizure a month to healthy kids. Those with intractable epilepsy were more likely to have low levels of folic acid, vitamins D, E and K, the fats linoleic and alpha-linoleic acid and the mineral calcium. The scientists urge health care professionals caring for these kids to be aware of these potential nutritional deficiencies.
[Journal of the American Dietetic Association, June 2007]
http://www.adajournal.org/article/PIIS0002822307004397/abstract

Health Headlines 6/22/07

June 22, 2007 11:54 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Counterfeit Colgate Hits Canada
Medicine From Marijuana Fights Cancer Pain
Medical Marijuana Vetoed In Connecticut
Babies Of Smokers Exposed To Nicotine
Many Sunscreens Not Deemed Safe And Effective
Costs Of Diabetes Care Soaring
TV Makes Diabetes Worse

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Cheap Chinese Chemicals Pose Risks
"Follow the money." This famous line, written by William Goldman for the movie "All the President's Men," was the key to unlocking the mysteries behind Watergate.If you follow the money, you can discover the motivation behind skullduggery. Who profits and..
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/cheap_chinese_chemicals_pose_risks.asp

Generic Drugs From India and China May Not Be Safe
It's worse than we imagined. For the last five years or so we have been sounding an alarm about generic drugs. That's because we've been hearing from readers and listeners that sometimes their generic medicine has not worked as expected...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/joe_and_terrys_blog/generic_drugs_from_india_and_china_may_not_be_safe.asp

Does Lipitor Affect Memory and Nerves?
Q. I have taken Lipitor for several years. I've begun to notice numbness in my feet along with sporadic memory loss and difficulty balancing my checkbook and using the computer. I have a PhD, so this is alarming. My doctor...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/does_lipitor_affect_memory_and_nerves.asp

Looking for Licorice to Aid Digestion
Q. I have heard that licorice is helpful with digestion. All I have been able to find is artificially flavored licorice. I assume this won't work. Where can I find real licorice? A. Real licorice can be found in health...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/looking_for_licorice_to_aid_digestion.asp

Can Antiperspirants Cause Alzheimer's?
Q. I have read that aluminum seems to be associated with Alzheimer's disease. Could the aluminum in antiperspirants increase the risk? What else can you use to reduce underarm sweating and odor? A. The aluminum-Alzheimer's connection has been debated for...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/can_antiperspirants_cause_alzheimers.asp

Tonic Water Eases Cramps, but Not without Risk
Q. Since quinine sulfate is no longer available for leg cramps, I wonder if there is any danger in drinking "tonic water" just for the flavor. Quinine is an ingredient, I believe. A. Although the FDA has banned the use...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/tonic_water_eases_cramps_but_not_without_risk.asp

Looking for Licorice to Aid Digestion
Q. I have heard that licorice is helpful with digestion. All I have been able to find is artificially flavored licorice. I assume this won't work. Where can I find real licorice? A. Real licorice can be found in health...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/looking_for_licorice_to_aid_digestion.asp

Certo and Grape Juice Ease Joint Pain
Q. I have been using Certo in purple grape juice for arthritis pain and it really works. But I wonder if there are any side effects. For example, since Certo is a thickening agent, does it thicken the blood? This...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/certo_and_grape_juice_ease_joint_pain.asp

Listerine Used to Fight Lice
Q. Both of my boys were sent home from school with head lice. The checklist given to me by the school nurse said that in order for them to return to school, I must treat their scalps with an insecticide. I...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/listerine_used_to_fight_lice.asp

Featured Q & A

Caffeine Turbocharges Pain Relievers
Q. Thirty years ago when my daughter was making her first Holy Communion I had a house full of guests. My head was splitting and nothing helped. My sister-in-law told me to try a couple of aspirins with a cup of coffee.

I had tried everything else so I took her advice. A few hours later she asked me how my headache was and I realized the pain was gone. That's how I learned to combine aspirin and caffeine.

A. Caffeine has been shown to boost pain relief from either aspirin or ibuprofen. One study proved that 400 mg of ibuprofen combined with 200 mg of caffeine (roughly two cups of coffee) worked better than ibuprofen alone for tension headaches.

Featured Home Remedy

Vinegar For Dastardly Dandruff
I used to suffer with bad dandruff until someone told me that using vinegar on my scalp could help. Now I rub vinegar on my head for a few minutes before I shampoo. I have not been troubled since.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Counterfeit Colgate Hits Canada
Health Canada, the Canadian equivalent of the FDA, says it's up to consumers to protect themselves from counterfeit toothpaste. At last count, at least 5,000 tubes of Colgate-brand toothpaste have been distributed through discount stores. Like counterfeit Colgate confiscated in the U.S., the Canadian toothpaste is labeled made in South Africa. The Colgate-Palmolive Company does not import toothpaste from South Africa. The fear is that the toothpaste may be contaminated with diethylene glycol, a poisonous ingredient used in antifreeze. This compound has been substituted for the slightly more expensive sweetener, glycerin. Consumers who have any questions about the safety of their Colgate toothpaste are urged to contact the company. Once again we are reminded that regulatory authorities around the world are having an increasingly difficult time protecting consumers from counterfeit products.

Medicine From Marijuana Fights Cancer Pain
Canadian regulators are expected to decide whether a marijuana-based medication can be used to treat cancer pain. The drug is called SATIVEX and is sprayed under the tongue. It is already prescribed in Canada to treat the pain associated with multiple sclerosis. Canadian authorities have been open to the idea of drugs based on marijuana if they are shown to be effective and safe.

Medical Marijuana Vetoed In Connecticut
Speaking of medical marijuana, the governor of Connecticut has just vetoed legislation that would have permitted people with serious illnesses to use marijuana legally. The bill would have permitted patients with cancer, AIDS or multiple sclerosis to grow marijuana for their own use. Twelve states currently have some legislation allowing access to marijuana for medicinal purposes, but federal regulations prohibit any and all uses of this weed. The battle between states rights and federal jurisdiction has put people in pain between a rock and a hard place.

Babies Of Smokers Exposed To Nicotine
We have long heard about the dangers of passive smoking. That is when a non-smoker is exposed to second hand smoke at home or at work. The health effects have been controversial because some people have had a hard time believing that bystanders would be exposed to very much danger. A new study from Britain suggests that babies whose parents smoke do indeed absorb significant nicotine. The investigators found that these infants have more than five times as much COTININE in their urine compared to babies of nonsmokers. Cotinine is a metabolite of nicotine and indicates that these kids are being exposed to substantial amounts of cigarette smoke and its byproducts. There no longer seems to be any doubt that second-hand smoke poses a measurable risk. The research was undertaken because babies of smokers are at higher risk for sudden infant death.
[Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition, online June 19, 2007]

Many Sunscreens Not Deemed Safe And Effective
A new analysis of sunscreens by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group indicates that only 16 percent of the 783 products examined adequately protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB radiation causes sunburn, and most sunscreens do pretty well against UVB. But unless a sunscreen also protects against the UVA rays that cause cancer, skin damage and immune system problems, it provides a false sense of security. The research was based on over 400 peer-reviewed studies of the chemicals commonly used in sunscreens. The investigators fault the FDA for not setting new safety standards for sunscreens. The SPF numbers that are so ubiquitous don't tell consumers about UVA protection, breakdown of chemicals or skin absorption. Some ingredients react with sunlight to create free radicals that can damage skin cells. Others mimic estrogen and can interfere with normal hormone signaling. Certain compounds in sunscreens may build up in the body and the environment. The Environmental Working Group concluded that both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe and effective and provide protection against UVA as well as UVB sun exposure.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php

Costs Of Diabetes Care Soaring
The cost of diabetes care is staggering. A new study of government spending finds that one eighth of the federal health care dollar goes to diabetes. That's almost $80 billion! More Americans are developing diabetes every day. Despite the massive amounts of money Uncle Sam spends each year, the investigators conclude that there are many missed opportunities for the government to prevent, detect and treat diabetes early so that complications can be minimized.

TV Makes Diabetes Worse
TV may be part of the problem at least for young people with type-1 diabetes. A Norwegian study reveals that children and teens who spend more time watching television have less control over their blood sugar and need more insulin.
[Diabetes Care, June 2007]
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/30/6/1567

Health Headlines 6/15/07

June 15, 2007 11:51 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Vitamin D Against Cancer
FDA Ponders New Prescription Diet Pill
OTC Diet Pill Hits The Market
Sugary Drinks Add Pounds
Good Manners Improve Patient Safety
FDA Culture Downplays Caution

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

This Week's Radio Show: 637 Managing High Blood Pressure
More than 65 million Americans suffer from high blood pressure. That means one adult in three is at greater risk of heart disease, kidney damage or stroke. There are many medications that can be used to treat hypertension, but not everyone tolerates the drugs well. Find out about non-drug approaches to managing high blood pressure that can help make the medicines more effectiveÑor even unnecessary.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/637_managing_high_blood_pressure.asp

Is Suppressing Stomach Acid Safe?
The saying goes that when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Doctors may not be carpenters, but when it comes to heartburn, the hammer they wield most frequently is an acid-suppressing drug.Drug companies have been...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/is_suppressing_stomach_acid_safe.asp

Terry's Emergency Appendectomy?
We interview a lot of medical experts on our syndicated radio show but we donÕt usually test their advice ourselves. We just had an opportunity to do that, though. We recently interviewed patients-rights advocate Janet Lynn Mitchell and Pierce Scranton...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/joe_and_terrys_blog/terrys_emergency_appendectomy.asp

Multiple Drugs May Pose Dangers
Q. My husband takes Coreg, Lanoxin, amiodarone, Lasix, metolazone, Lipitor, aspirin, Uroxatral, Renagel, potassium and insulin. He also gets a shot of Procrit weekly for severe anemia caused by kidney problems.He takes so many pills it gets very confusing. Even...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/multiple_drugs_may_pose_dangers.asp

Finding Alternatives for Pomegranate Juice
Q. I was listening to a health show on public radio and heard about the health benefits of pomegranate juice. The juice is pricey. Could you please let me know where I can find pomegranate powder? A. Pomegranate juice is...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/finding_alternatives_for_pomegranate_juice.asp

Are Sunscreens Safe for Kids?
Q. I recently read that some sunscreens contain hormones that might affect young children. I am an avid user of sunscreen. IÕm concerned about any adverse effects on my children, especially my 9-year-old daughter.What specific ingredient should I be avoiding?...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/are_sunscreens_safe_for_kids_.asp

Stopping Effexor Is a Nightmare
Q. I have had great trouble stopping the antidepressant Effexor. I tapered off this medicine as instructed, but I still have a feeling like electrical shocks going through my brain. Getting off this drug has been a nightmare. If for...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/stopping_effexor_is_a_nightmare.asp

Yellow Mustard Is Slam-Dunk Against Leg Cramps
Q. I suffer from leg cramps. Recently while attending a basketball game, I had to leave my seat and try to walk off a severe inner thigh cramp.A security guard, seeing that I was grimacing in pain, approached me to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/yellow_mustard_is_slamdunk_against_leg_cramps.asp

Low-Tech Hiccup Remedy
Q. Here is a cure for hiccups. The person with hiccups plugs up both ears with her fingers and drinks water. This is easiest with the help of another person holding the ears, but by using a bottle of water..
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/lowtech_hiccup_remedy.asp

Featured Q & A

Mystery Herb For Insomnia

Q. A self-confessed mail order addict, I recently ordered a pillow. It is supposedly "used by people all over Europe to prevent nasal discomfort at night." When the package arrived, it included a small envelope of a pleasant smelling herbal concoction. To our surprise, we discovered it was very effective. Of course, I had already discarded the pertinent information.

I would like to get more of the herbs (without the pillow) to replace the fast-fading scent. The health food stores don't know what it is. Do you have any idea?

A. We can only guess, but it is possible your packet contained lavender. This is a time-honored European remedy for insomnia that is frequently sold in a pillow. One study actually found that lavender aroma therapy helped people get to sleep.

Lavender aroma, as steam vapor, has also been used to treat nasal stuffiness due to colds. Your local health food store probably does have some lavender or lavender oil. Let us know if this is the "mystery herb."

Featured Home Remedy

Raw Onion For Bee Stings
I was amused to read about home remedies for bee stings. Don't bother with mud or baking soda if an onion is available!

Slice an onion in half (or cut an end off) and apply the cut surface to the sting. It works every time. I have used this remedy for many of my 75 years and on all our children and grandkids.

A. Thanks for reminding us about the onion remedy for insect stings. Years ago another reader advised us to rub a sting with a cut onion for at least 10 minutes.

When we heard about this, we consulted the country's foremost expert on onion chemistry, Dr. Eric Block of the State University of New York at Albany. According to him, raw onions do contain a chemical that can break down the compounds responsible for pain and swelling.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Vitamin D Against Cancer
The evidence is growing that Vitamin D helps prevent cancer. Scientists had previously noticed that people in sunny climates are less likely to develop a variety of cancers compared to those who live at higher latitudes. Now there is experimental evidence of the vitamin D connection. Researchers at Creighton University in Nebraska studied nearly 1,200 postmenopausal women for four years. One group took 1500 mg of calcium plus 1100 IUs of vitamin D. A second group was given only the calcium, and a third group took placebo pills. Those who received the calcium plus D had a 60 percent lower risk of developing cancer. This new study adds to a growing body of data that suggests vitamin D has valuable anti-cancer activity.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June, 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/85/6/1586

FDA Ponders New Prescription Diet Pill
The Food and Drug Administration is considering whether it should approve a new diet pill called rimonabant. It is already on the market in Europe under the name Acomplia. If the FDA gives rimonabant the green light, it will be sold in the U.S. as Zimulti. This drug has been under review for more than a year and has generated a great deal of controversy. It appears to be fairly effective at helping people lose weight. Compared to placebo, people taking rimonabant lose roughly 10 pounds more over the course of a year. That may not sound like much, but in the world of weight loss drugs, it is actually substantial. The drug has several other benefits lacking in many other diet pills. For one thing, it helps lower blood sugar and may be helpful for overweight diabetics. It also raises good HDL cholesterol and lowers triglycerides.
Rimonabant works differently from past diet pills. It blocks cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors respond to marijuana or tetra-hydro-cannabinol. This has led some researchers to call it the anti-munchie drug. One serious complication, however, is that it makes some people feel depressed. FDA is concerned about reports that rimonabant may double the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. If agency approves this medication, it is likely to require a sternly worded warning about suicide.

OTC Diet Pill Hits The Market
Regardless of what the FDA decides about rimonabant, there is a new weight loss option for consumers. Actually, Alli is not new at all. The active ingredient, orlistat, has been available by prescription for several years under the brand name Xenical. Studies have demonstrated that prescription-strength orlistat helps people lose 5 or 6 pounds more than placebo.
Now this medication will be sold over the counter at half the prescription dose. Alli blocks the absorption of fat from the digestive tract. Over the next few months you will see a lot of advertising for Alli since the manufacturer is planning to spend $150 million on marketing to consumers. A month's supply will cost about $60. The drug does have some unpleasant side effects, however. Since Alli blocks the absorption of fat, it can cause gas and oily discharge. Some people have referred to this as the underwear problem.

Sugary Drinks Add Pounds
In the fight against fat, parents can help children by giving them water rather than sweet drinks when they are thirsty. Weight problems often start early in life. Scientists from Canada report that preschoolers who regularly drink sugary beverages such as soft drinks or juice drinks are twice as likely to be overweight by age 5.
[Journal of the American Dietetic Association, June 2007.]

Good Manners Improve Patient Safety
Doctors are frequently admonished to wash their hands before examining a patient. It might be better if they shake hands first. A new survey shows that most patients appreciate having the doctor introduce herself by first and last name, shake hands and address the patient by name. This kind of interaction sets the tone for good communication between doctors and patients. The authors of this study point out that good manners not only establishes rapport, but can also help with patient safety. Addressing the patient by first and last name reduces confusion and reinforces positive patient identification.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, June 11, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/11/1172

FDA Culture Downplays Caution
The FDA has come under increasing scrutiny because of concerns about drug safety surveillance. The diabetes drug Avandia is just the latest in a string or scandals. Dr. Rosemary Johann-Liang was deputy director of the Division of Drug Risk Evaluation at the agency. More than a year ago she recommended a black box warning about congestive heart failure caused by Avandia. Instead of following her recommendation, her FDA superiors reprimanded her. Now she has left the agency partly because of her perception that the agency has a culture that "The drug is always innocent."

Health Headlines 6/8/07

June 8, 2007 10:01 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Diabetes Drug Still Controversial
Shun Toothpaste With Antifreeze
Coffee Wards Off Liver Cancer
New Drug For Liver Cancer
Don't Count On Shark Cartilage

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Extended Audio
To fit the hour-long format of our radio show, we often have to edit down our guest interviews. Sometimes this means leaving out interesting discussion. We hate leaving these discussions on the cutting room floor, and now we can share them with you through our website. From time to time we will post complete, extended interviews on our site.

Click here for the extended interview with Dr. Curt Furberg, who discussed Avandia and the FDA on our June 2 show:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/635_health_news_update.asp

Click here for the extended interview with Dr. Lisa Sanders, medical consultant for the TV series "House," who appeared on our May 26 show:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/634_the_art_of_diagnosis.asp

This Week's Radio Show:
Experts have been wringing their hands over the epidemic of childhood obesity in this country. Far too many youngsters are developing type-2 diabetes and other complications of being overweight, and nobody seems to know how to address the problem. Lots of kids these days would rather play video games than tag, so exercise is part of the equation. But what are we feeding our children?
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/636_battling_childhood_obesity.asp

Don't Let Drugs Cause Disability
They say that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. That's because they have such different approaches to life. If that's true, then perhaps physicians are from Oz and patients are still in Kansas. They too have difficulty...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/dont_let_drugs_cause_disability.asp

Red Pepper for Constipation?
Q. I have suffered with constipation for more than a year and have had little success finding relief. Someone suggested that I eat an entire red pepper daily. This certainly does not appeal to me, but I am feeling desperate...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/red_pepper_for_constipation.asp

Chocolate for High Blood Pressure?
Q. I have spent more than a year trying one kind of blood pressure medicine after another. I have suffered from all sorts of side effects, including heart palpitations and dizziness but the worst was depression. All I wanted to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/chocolate_for_high_blood_pressure.asp

New Ways to Get Rid of Skin Tags
Q. Some time ago I read in your column about someone who had success removing skin tags with a liquid bandage. I would appreciate hearing about this remedy. I have several of these growths around my neck where the chain...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/new_ways_to_get_rid_of_skin_tags.asp

Coconut Saves Patient's Life
Q. I noticed an article on your Web site (www.peoplespharmacy.com) about coconut macaroon cookies stopping diarrhea. I am a hospice nurse, and one of my patients was literally dying of diarrhea. None of the medical treatments were helping. After reading...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/coconut_saves_patients_life.asp

Featured Q & A

Is Eye Damage Linked To Photo Flash And Herb?
Q. How can I report an adverse reaction to an herb? I believe St. John's wort caused the vitreous in both my eyes to become burned upon exposure to the blinding flash from an industrial-sized camera used to take my passport photo.

As soon as this flash went off, I immediately saw black stuff in my eyes which was subsequently diagnosed as vitreous floaters. In addition to multiple floaters, I have an area of dulled vision containing two grayish circular spots.

The ophthalmologists I've seen have never heard of a camera flash affecting the vitreous, so they have attributed my floaters to "old age." I'm 33 and never had floaters before this.

Since St. John's wort can cause burns to sun-exposed skin, I think it is reasonable to deduce that it might be responsible for my eye problems.

A. St. John's wort can sensitize the skin and cause nerve damage upon exposure to sunlight. Many drugs that cause such photosensitivity can also make eyes more vulnerable to ultraviolet exposure.

We've never before heard of a situation like yours. To report this event, contact MedWatch at the FDA: call (800) 332-1088; write MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane (HF-2), Rm. 1765, Rockville, MD 20852-9787; or visit the Web site: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Featured Home Remedy

Magnesium Overcomes Insomnia
I have suffered from episodes of insomnia for years and have tried many remedies without relief. Cutting down on caffeine and taking valerian didn't work. Over-the-counter sleep aids such as Benadryl and Tylenol P.M. made me groggy the next day. Even prescription drugs like Ambien didn't help.

Then a friend suggested I try taking magnesium at bedtime. Since I was already taking a calcium-magnesium supplement daily, I started taking the calcium in the daytime and the magnesium (250 mg) at night. Magnesium has helped my insomnia more than anything else I've ever tried. There are still occasional nights when I don't sleep well, but they are few and far between.

I have heard that magnesium supplements can cause diarrhea, but I haven't had that problem. I hope this information will help someone else.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Diabetes Drug Still Controversial
The storm of controversy surrounding the diabetes drug Avandia continues to swirl. A few weeks ago research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine linking Avandia to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. This led scientists to publish an unscheduled interim analysis of another study specifically designed to look at relationships between Avandia and heart issues. It was hoped that this long-term investigation called RECORD would demonstrate that Avandia would lead to an improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.
The manufacturer says that the early Avandia results are reassuring because there was no increased risk of heart attacks when their drug was compared to other diabetes medications. On the other hand, there was no cardiovascular benefit either, which was the whole point of the exercise. The authors of the latest study reported that the interim results were inconclusive, though they noted that Avandia more than doubled the risk of congestive heart failure.
No one should stop Avandia without discussing this complicated issue with a physician. New editorials in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest that caution might be prudent until this Avandia controversy gets sorted out.
[New England Journal of Medicine, online June 5, 2007]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMoa073394

Shun Toothpaste With Antifreeze
Chinese bureaucrats are highly critical of the FDA's warning about Chinese toothpaste. The discovery that DEG or diethylene glycol was found in some imported Chinese toothpaste led the FDA to issue its alert.
DEG is an ingredient in antifreeze and is banned from pharmaceutical products. It has a long and tragic history both in the United States and in other countries. Back in the 1930s an antibiotic elixir was made with diethylene glycol. Many people died. As a result, the U.S. Pure Food and Drug Act was changed so that pharmaceutical manufacturers had to prove safety BEFORE they could market a new medicine.
The Chinese maintain that they have not received any reports of death associated with tainted toothpaste and that the U.S. handling of the matter has been neither scientific nor responsible. On the other hand, DEG is not permitted in any imported drugs, so it would seem that this was a violation of U.S. laws. Until the dust settles, consumers may want to stick to standard brands rather than cheaper, Chinese-made toothpaste.

Coffee Wards Off Liver Cancer
There is continued good news about health benefits from coffee. Prior studies have suggested that coffee drinkers may be at lower risk for type-2 diabetes and gout attacks. Now a meta-analysis from Sweden shows that coffee drinkers seem less likely to develop liver cancer. The scientists noted that two cups a day reduced the risk for this serious malignancy by about 40 percent. They speculate that the antioxidants in coffee may be responsible for this beneficial effect.
[Gastroenterology, May, 2007]
http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/PIIS0016508507005689/abstract

New Drug For Liver Cancer
Speaking of liver cancer, there is exciting news about a drug for this hard-to-treat malignancy. Nexavar is the first medication that has been demonstrated to extend life. Patients with liver cancer lived a median of 10.7 months compared to 7.9 months on placebo. That might not seem like much improvement, but for such a life-threatening tumor, a 44 percent improvement in longevity is seen as an important advance. There were some other advantages associated with Nexavar. For one thing, it can be taken as a pill instead of injected over a period of hours the way chemo is normally administered. The drug was well tolerated compared to standard chemotherapy. Nexavar has already been approved by the FDA for kidney cancer. It is also being studied for the treatment of melanoma, breast and lung cancer. It works in part by blocking tumor proliferation and by interfering with blood vessel formation that supplies nutrients to rapidly dividing cancer cells.
[43rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology]

Don't Count On Shark Cartilage
On a less optimistic note, shark cartilage does not appear to be beneficial for patients with lung cancer. For years, promoters of shark cartilage used to advertise that sharks didn't get cancer. The implication was that if humans swallowed shark cartilage they would gain some protective power against cancer. Lab studies have shown that shark cartilage can block cancer cell proliferation and reduce blood supply to tumors. But a clinical trial conducted at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston did not demonstrate any benefit of shark cartilage for the treatment of lung cancer. The average survival time for patients taking shark cartilage was 14.4 months, while the average time for survival of the patients in the placebo group was 15.6 months. The lead investigator concluded that "current clinical data do not support the use of shark-cartilage products as anticancer therapies."
[43rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology]

Health Headlines 6/1/07

June 1, 2007 9:57 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Serious Slip-Ups For TB Traveler
Drug-Resistant Infections Spreading
Death Penalty For Chinese FDA Official
Counterfeit Plavix In Europe
Coffee Reduces The Risk Of Gout
Soy Nuts For Hypertension?
Exercise Works To Raise Good HDL

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Thank you for sharing!
Thanks to all our readers who have posted comments to our website! You can post comments and feedback about a home remedy, Q&A, or any article on our site. Visit the page of any article or home remedy and use the form provided to share your experiences. Your comments will be displayed on the page below the article. You can also read and respond to the comments of other readers.

This Week's Radio Show:
An analysis of studies of the popular diabetes drug Avandia suggests that it may be doing more harm than good. Steve Nissen, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic describes his concerns with this drug. Dr. Nissen's study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. It was accompanied by an editorial. Curt Furberg, MD, one of the editorialists, tells us how the Avandia issue highlights problems at the FDA.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/635_health_news_update.asp

Cancer is one of the scariest words in medicine. Decades ago the diagnosis seemed like a death sentence. Many doctors didn't even tell the patient because they didn't want to deliver such bad news.Today, cancer is still not good news...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/cancer_patients_thrive_online.asp

Americans love being #1. Just watch any sporting event--high school, college or pro--and you will see team members and fans flashing the big #1 sign with their forefinger whenever the camera zooms past them. Obviously, not every team in...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/joe_and_terrys_blog/are_we_really_1.asp

Q. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. I was taking Synthroid for an underactive thyroid, but I just didn't feel well. I found a doctor who prescribed Armour Thyroid instead and now I feel great! A. An...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/armour_thyroid_helps_some_patients.asp

Q. I think I remember reading about some simple remedies for nail fungus in your column. At the time I didn't need the information but now my toenails are discolored and ugly. They want to remove the nails, but that...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/many_options_for_treating_nail_fungus.asp

Q. What is the best thing to do for daily, frustrating, embarrassing gas? I eat high-fiber foods during the week, but I eat various things on the weekends and it doesn't seem to make a difference. I have continuous gas...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/solutions_for_smelly_gas.asp

Featured Q & A

Remember The Alamo With Apple Cider Vinegar
Q. Is it true that apple cider vinegar is good for arthritis? I am a letter carrier and my knees are acting up. I remember reading something a while ago about a juice drink with vinegar. Please tell me the formula.

A. There are a number of popular formulas that combine vinegar with honey or fruit juices. This has been touted as an arthritis remedy for a long time: Dr. D. C. Jarvis popularized it 40 years ago in his book, Folk Medicine, but he claimed he learned it from the farm families he took care of.

Because this is a folk remedy and there is no medical research on its effectiveness, no one formula is "right." Someone sent us a recipe that, they claimed, was used by Sam Houston: five parts grape juice, three parts apple juice and one part cider vinegar. Whether Sam Houston had any special expertise in relieving arthritis, we don't know.

Featured Home Remedy

Epsom Salts For Nail Fungus
You have offered a lot of suggestions about toenail fungus, but you left one out. Soaking feet in warm water with epsom salts makes tired feet feel better, but also improves nail quality and discourages foot fungus. It even controls foot odor. This is a very cheap solution to a nasty problem, and we discovered the benefits by accident.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Serious Slip-Ups For TB Traveler
The traveler with TB should have known better. He captured international attention when it was learned that he had flown to Europe and back again despite being infected with a drug-resistant form of tuberculosis. Airline officials and infectious disease experts are trying to track down other passengers who might have been exposed.
Andrew Speaker, the patient in question, is a personal injury lawyer who presumably knows that people can be prosecuted for recklessly endangering others. He had been warned that he had TB and shouldn't travel. He went to Europe to get married and go on his honeymoon. His wife's father works at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a microbiologist who specializes in tuberculosis.
Mr. Speaker has apologized to his fellow passengers for putting them at risk. Although he appears healthy and is not considered highly infectious, the strain of XDR TB that he has is considered extensively drug resistant and is therefore very hard to treat.

Drug-Resistant Infections Spreading
Tuberculosis is not the only infection developing resistance to drugs. Researchers at a Chicago hospital report that drug-resistant staph infections have become seven times more common over the past five years. While such infections have long been seen in hospitals, public health officials are concerned that methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus is now showing up in people who contract it in places like public housing or prison. Because these bacteria have developed resistance to the usual antibiotics, they are difficult and expensive to treat and dangerous if left untreated.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, May 28, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/10/1026

Death Penalty For Chinese FDA Official
The former head of China's food and drug administration has been sentenced to death. This harsh punishment was meted out because he took more than $800,000 in bribes and gifts from drug companies. As a result, more than 170,000 drug approvals are now under question. Counterfeit drugs are a big problem in China. Corruption at the regulatory agency has cast a cloud over the entire Chinese approval process.
This affects both food and drugs, not only in China but in other countries as well. Melamine in pet food caused thousands of deaths in cats and dogs in this country earlier this spring. Tainted cough syrup killed many Panamanians. The chemical in that syrup, diethylene glycol or antifreeze, has also been detected in toothpaste shipped to Australia, the Dominican Republic and Panama. The FDA says it is now checking toothpaste shipments from China to make sure Americans have not been exposed to this dangerous chemical.

Counterfeit Plavix In Europe
Europe is reeling from a different counterfeiting problem. Regulators have discovered counterfeit Plavix. This is drug is highly advertised in the U.S. to prevent blood clots that can lead to strokes and heart attacks. The British equivalent of the FDA discovered some of the Plavix coming into the country in French packaging only contained 80 percent or less of the active ingredient. Some lots of the schizophrenia drug Zyprexa were also found to be counterfeit.

Coffee Reduces The Risk Of Gout
Coffee lovers have been getting a lot of good news lately. Researchers have reported that java junkies are less likely to develop type-2 diabetes. Now, scientist report that men who drink 4 to 5 cups of coffee daily are 40 percent less likely to come down with gout. This painful inflammatory condition occurs when uric crystals precipitate into joints. The study included 50,000 men and followed them for up to 12 years. Those who drank six or more cups of coffee daily cut their risk of gout even more...50 to 60 percent. Decaffeinated coffee also seemed to be beneficial, so caffeine does not appear to be the magic ingredient.
[Arthritis & Rheumatism]
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/114269884/ABSTRACT

Soy Nuts For Hypertension?
Soy nuts daily may lower blood pressure almost as much as some drugs. Investigators gave postmenopausal women with moderately high blood pressure half a cup of unsalted soy nuts daily for 8 weeks. Those with hypertension saw their systolic blood pressure drop by almost 10 percent. Their diastolic blood pressure decreased by nearly 7 percent. That is as good as many medications. Even women with normal blood pressure to start with saw a modest reduction after eating soy nuts. Bad LDL cholesterol also came down.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, May 28, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/10/1060

Exercise Works To Raise Good HDL
Raising good HDL cholesterol is notoriously difficult. A drug that was supposed to do that very thing flamed out in clinical trials a few months ago and was abandoned by the manufacturer. High levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Now, an analysis of 25 studies shows that two hours or more of vigorous physical activity every week help raise HDL.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, May 28, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/10/999

Health Headlines 5/25/07

May 25, 2007 8:10 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Study Sounds Alarm On Avandia
Chromium Supplements No Help For Diabetics
Erin Brockovich Chemical Found In Water
Lycopene Loses Its Luster
Light Drinking Lowers Risk Of Kidney Cancer
Alcohol Slows Mental Decline
Aspirin Fights Pre-Eclampsia During Pregnancy

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://ppcart.fountainshosting.com/p-249-best-choices-from-the-peoples-pharmacy.aspx

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

We want to hear from you!
We have added a comment box to the home remedies and all the newspaper columns on our site. Visit the page of any article or home remedy and use the form provided to share your experiences. Your comments will be displayed on the page below the article. You can also read and respond to the comments of other readers.

Solving medical mysteries has been turned into entertainment on TV's popular series "House." Dr. Gregory House may be a curmudgeon, but somehow he manages to unravel the disparate threads of a patient's story just in time to save a life, and complete the episode. In real life, the drama may not be compressed into such a short time, but the outcome is just as important. Our guest, Dr. Lisa Sanders, writes the column on Diagnosis in The New York Times Sunday magazine section. She serves as a consultant for the producers of the television show, "House."
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/634_the_art_of_diagnosis.asp

The FDA has a mandate to make sure all drugs (prescription and OTCs) are "safe and effective." This is the law. The only trouble is that FDA's definition of 'safe' is hard to get a handle on. The feds routinely...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/joe_and_terrys_blog/avandia_another_vioxx_debacle.asp

Most doctors think they are way too smart to be influenced by drug companies. Physicians believe that they choose the best medicine for their patients based on science, not bribery.Although almost all doctors in America accept free lunches for staff...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/are_doctors_too_cozy_with_drug_companies.asp

Q. I am a breast cancer survivor. I play tennis and golf five days a week and smear a high SPF sunscreen all over my body. I also wear protective clothing to block the sun. I have heard that some...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/is_sunscreen_safe_for_breast_cancer_survivor.asp

Q. You recently answered a question from a vegetarian blood donor who has trouble with low hemoglobin. He was concerned about caffeinated beverages. I too am a vegetarian and donate blood every 56 days. I do not consume caffeine at...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/blood_donors_may_need_more_iron.asp

Q. My husband and I take black cherry juice concentrate for arthritis aches and pains. I buy it at the local health food store. We take a teaspoon a day, like cough syrup. My finger joints are no longer swollen...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cherry_juice_eases_arthritis_pain.asp

Featured Q & A

DHEA And Breast Cancer
Q. I have recently finished six months of treatment for breast cancer, including mastectomy, chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments.

I had been taking DHEA after reading that it was like a natural fountain of youth. Now I feel that this must have had something to do with my breast cancer. There is a lot of breast cancer in my family, but all six of my aunts were postmenopausal when they got it. I was premenopausal.

I now know that the body turns DHEA into estrogen and testosterone, and it bothers me that it could be on the market without a warning on the label. Should I report this to someone? There's no proof that it caused my cancer, but it does seem suspicious.

A. We are sorry to hear of your ordeal and we share your concern about DHEA. This compound has been hyped as a sexual enhancer and anti-aging hormone. It is a precursor to both male and female hormones.

Research is accumulating that high levels of both kinds of hormone may increase the risk of breast cancer (Annals of Internal Medicine, Feb. 16, 1999). Anyone with a family history like yours should probably be wary of such hormones and the precursor, DHEA.

Please report your experience to the FDA at: (800) 332-1088 or visit the Web site at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Featured Home Remedy

Hot And Sour Soup For Migraines
I have a history of migraines which occur in clusters or cycles. Over the past 40 years doctors have given me a variety of medications, many with side affects more debilitating than the headaches. Between headaches during these cycles, most of the medications kept me feeling drugged or "hung-over."

Several years ago I was in the middle of a migraine cycle, feeling as if my head was under water. I had a bowl of Chinese Hot and Sour soup and my head instantly cleared. In addition, the cycle of headaches ended.

Since then I have used this soup to halt migraines--and the cycle--in mid-stream. I order the soup extra hot and my favorite restaurant provides a small container of extra red pepper in oil. The best part of the soup is that there is no drugged feeling afterwards.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Study Sounds Alarm On Avandia
One of the most widely prescribed diabetes drugs is now under a cloud. About one million Americans take Avandia. The drug, also known as rosiglitazone, is used to help keep blood sugar under control. Scientists from the Cleveland Clinic analyzed data from more than 15,000 patients and 12,000 controls. They discovered an increased risk of heart attacks and deaths from cardiovascular causes among patients taking Avandia. Not surprisingly, these results have stirred controversy within the medical community. After all, one of the reasons for taking diabetes medicine is to reduce the risk of complications, especially heart disease. The FDA doesn't quite know what to do with these findings. The agency is encouraging patients taking Avandia to discuss this new research with their doctors.
[New England Journal of Medicine, May 21, 2007]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMoa072761

Chromium Supplements No Help For Diabetics
When this kind of news strikes, people with Type-2 diabetes may be tempted to look for alternative approaches. Some turn to dietary supplements such as chromium. Some data has suggested that this mineral may help control blood sugar. But new research from the Netherlands demonstrates that chromium supplements do not make any significant difference in long-term blood sugar control. A small study randomized patients to either 400 micrograms of chromium or a placebo. At three and six months there was no difference in fasting blood sugar, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol or insulin response. The investigators concluded that in Western populations adding chromium to the diet probably does not improve diabetes control.
[Diabetes Care, May 2007]
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/30/5/1092

Erin Brockovich Chemical Found In Water
A different kind of chromium called chromium 6 or hexavalent chromium has long been known to cause lung cancer when it is inhaled. This is the pollutant made famous by the movie about Erin Brockovich. Now researchers with the National Toxicology Program suggest that when high doses of chromium 6 are given to lab animals in drinking water the chemical can cause other types of tumors. Since Chromium 6 is sometimes found in drinking water sources, this has implications for human health.

Lycopene Loses Its Luster
Men have been urged to eat more tomatoes as a way of reducing their risk of developing prostate cancer. That is because previous studies showed some benefit from lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes. A new study involving more than 28,000 men suggests that lycopene has no protective power against prostate cancer. The men were followed for up to eight years. Blood samples taken at the beginning of the study showed no difference in lycopene levels between the nearly 700 men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 800 men without the disease. There is no reason to give up on tomatoes, but taking dietary supplements containing lycopene offers no obvious benefit against prostate cancer.
[Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, May 2007]
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/16/5/962

Light Drinking Lowers Risk Of Kidney Cancer
Alcohol has been linked with a lower incidence of heart disease. Now a large study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that light to moderate drinking is associated with a lower risk of kidney cell cancer. Investigators included more than half a million women and over 200,000 men in their analysis. Subjects were followed for anywhere from 7 to 20 years. Moderate drinkers were 25 percent less likely to develop this kind of malignancy. Although it is not clear how alcohol may exert this protective effect, the investigators caution that alcohol consumption increases the risk of several other kinds of cancer including those of the breast, esophagus and liver.
[Journal of the National Cancer Institute, May 16, 2007]
http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/99/10/801

Alcohol Slows Mental Decline
Moderate alcohol consumption, up to one drink a day, may have another health benefit. Researchers from the University of Bari in Italy reported that an occasional drink may slow the progression of dementia in senior citizens. More than 1000 people between the ages of 65 and 84 were followed for three and a half years. Once mild cognitive impairment was noticed, those who consumed alcohol, particularly wine, were significantly less likely to develop dementia during the course of the study compared to those who did not drink. More than one drink a day, however, did not provide any protection.
[Neurology, May 22, 2007]
http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/68/21/1790

Aspirin Fights Pre-Eclampsia During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are usually advised to avoid most drugs, including aspirin. A new analysis suggests, however, that women at risk for pre-eclampsia might actually benefit from aspirin. A review of studies including more than 30,000 women concluded that aspirin reduces the risk of this condition which can lead to high blood pressure, kidney problems and premature birth.
[The Lancet,May 17 2007]
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673607607120/abstract (free registration required)

Health Headlines 5/18/07

May 18, 2007 11:08 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
FDA Under Scrutiny
Uninsured Pay More For Health Care
Heartburn Drugs Increase Risk Of Pneumonia
Fish Oil Fights Macular Degeneration
Vitamin D Protects Against Eye Disease
Fiber And Magnesium Ward Off Diabetes

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://securepp.fountainshosting.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Everyone has heard about the health benefits of garlic, but how many of us are up to speed on the power of curry powder? We discuss culinary herbs and spices with Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, one of the country's foremost experts on the scientific evidence behind botanical medicine. Learn which spices are especially good for you and why.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/633_the_power_of_culinary_herbs_and_spices.asp

This week on Joe and Terry's Blog, they discuss unfair health care costs for the uninsured:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/joe_and_terrys_blog/hospitals_rip_off_uninsured_patients.asp

Our newspaper columns this week discuss controlling high blood pressure, acid-reflux drugs, home remedies for arthritis pain, and the sex differences among couples:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/sex_drive_differences_divide_couples.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/will_lowsalt_diet_control_blood_pressure.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/remedies_may_ease_arthritis_pain.asp

Share Your Experiences
If you have tried any of the home remedies posted on our website, we want to hear from you! Visit the home remedy page on our website and use the form provided to share your experiences. Your comments will be displayed on the page below the home remedy. You can also read the comments of other readers and find out how effective the home remedy was for them.

View a list of all home remedies posted on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Featured Q & A

Antifungal Drug Helps Prostate Cancer Patient

Q. I found an eerie coincidence in one of your columns. A reader described a dandruff problem that was solved with a prescription for Nizoral shampoo. The letter ended by remarking that the use of Nizoral maybe wasn't as dramatic as finding a cure for cancer, but that it was nonetheless truly liberating.

You were actually on to something amazing without even realizing it. I successfully fought prostate cancer for 12 years. Last year I suffered a relapse, and suddenly my PSA [prostate specific antigen] reading went from 7.8 to 35.

My doctor put me in the care of an oncologist who immediately prescribed Nizoral (ketoconazole). My PSA reading began dropping steadily, and today it is 0.7. It's not a cure, but close enough. Are other oncologists using this treatment? Have you heard about this use for Nizoral?

A. The antifungal drug Nizoral has a unique anti-hormonal effect that is being used to treat some patients in late stages of prostate cancer. Your response is exceptionally good, but many other patients have also benefited.

Nizoral has the potential for causing some serious reactions, and it can interact dangerously with certain other drugs. Anyone on such therapy should be monitored closely.

Featured Home Remedy

Our readers have come up with some unusual uses for Listerine. One reader says she found it helpful as a lice preventative:

"The best way to prevent head lice is old-fashioned Listerine Antiseptic Mouthrinse. We were in the Army 33 years and moved a lot, but my kids never got lice.

"Teachers asked me why my children didn't get lice when all the others did. I used to put Listerine on their hair and scalp a week before school started and also put a tablespoon of Listerine in the rinse water when I washed the clothes and sheets. You have to be careful to keep the mouthwash out of eyes."

Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash contains essential oils including thymol, eucalyptol, menthol and methyl salicylate. It also has 26.9 percent alcohol, which is toxic to lice.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

FDA Under Scrutiny
Congress is cracking down on the FDA. The agency has maintained that it has been doing a good job monitoring the safety of America's drugs, but the Institute of Medicine reported last year that the FDA was in disarray. Now the Senate has passed legislation that will beef up safety surveillance after new drugs reach pharmacy shelves. Pharmaceutical manufacturers that do not complete required follow-up studies will be fined $2 million. There will also be fines for companies that do not report contamination problems with pet food. The new legislation will allow FDA to continue charging drug makers user fees for reviewing new products. Critics such as Public Citizen complain that having the FDA depend on fees from the pharmaceutical industry is a serious conflict of interest. They maintain that if the American public wants safer medicines, it should be willing to pay for the necessary oversight.

Uninsured Pay More For Health Care
A new study in the journal Health Affairs shows that patients without health insurance pay a lot more for drugs, procedures and services when they are hospitalized. Hospitals charged patients who paid out of their own pockets an average of two and a half times more than they charged insurance companies for the same services. Uninsured patients have to fork over about three times more than Medicare would pay. What this means is that people who can least afford big hospital bills are the very ones who get charged the most. The study is entitled: "From Soak the Rich to Soak the Poor: Recent Trends in Hospital Pricing."
[Health Affairs, May/June, 2007]
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/26/3/780

Heartburn Drugs Increase Risk Of Pneumonia
Powerful acid-suppressing medications called proton-pump inhibitors have become some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the pharmacy. Products like Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec and Protonix are very good at shutting down stomach acid production and are used to treat acid reflux. Danish researchers report that patients taking such medicines are 50 percent more likely to come down with pneumonia than people who don't. The study included more than 40,000 residents of the County of Funen and found that people who had recently started on the medication were at the greatest risk. The investigators suggest that stomach acid may help protect against bacteria, so suppressing it removes a natural barrier to infection.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, May 14, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/9/950

Fish Oil Fights Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans. There is no proven way to prevent this condition, but a new study in the Archives of Ophthalmology suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can be protective. Investigators studied 4500 senior citizens. Those who consumed the highest levels of omega-3 fats in fish and shellfish had a 40 percent lower likelihood of age-related macular degeneration. The authors conclude that modifying the diet to include more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids could result in a reduction in the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
[Archives of Ophthalmology, May, 2007]
http://archopht.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/125/5/671

Vitamin D Protects Against Eye Disease
Another nutritional factor may also provide protection against age-related macular degeneration. Scientists examined data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected in 1994. They found that higher levels of vitamin D in the blood were associated with a lower risk of early stage macular degeneration. Milk and fish can provide dietary vitamin D, and the investigators found that people who ate more of these foods were less likely to have macular degeneration. People who took vitamin D supplements conscientiously instead of drinking milk were also protected.
[Archives of Ophthalmology, May, 2007]
http://archopht.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/125/5/661

Fiber And Magnesium Ward Off Diabetes
Type-2 diabetes has become one of the most serious and prevalent conditions in the world. Anything that can reduce the risk of this chronic disease is welcome. Now, German researchers report that fiber and magnesium may be critical dietary nutrients in the fight against Type-2 Diabetes. The scientists studied about 25,000 men and women between the ages of 35 and 65. They were followed up for roughly seven years. The subjects filled out questionnaires about their dietary habits at the beginning of the study. Those who ate the most fiber were 27 percent less likely to develop diabetes than those who ate the least fiber. The mineral magnesium was also important. People who consumed the most magnesium lowered their risk of developing diabetes by about one fourth. Coupled with other data, this study suggests that diet can make a difference when it comes to the risk of type-2 diabetes.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, May 14, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/9/956

Health Headlines 5/11/07

May 11, 2007 3:45 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Genital Wart Vaccine Shows Promise
Sleep For Better Memory
Suicide Warning Strengthened For Antidepressants
Pesticides And Parkinson's Disease
TV Watchers Are More Distractible
New Guidelines For Dental Procedures
Vitamin D For Better Muscles And Balance

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://securepp.fountainshosting.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Breast cancer rates have dropped over the past few years. This change highlights the role of hormone replacement therapy in promoting breast cancer in postmenopausal women, now that many women have decided to forgo it.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/632_health_news_update.asp

Our newspaper columns this week discuss antihistamines, treatment for stomach ulcers, alternatives to quinine, health benefits from nuts, and the decline in breast cancer:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/the_secret_behind_the_breast_cancer_decline.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/dont_double_up_on_diphenhydramine.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/quinine_ban_worries_leg_cramp_victims.asp

Share Your Experiences
If you have tried any of the home remedies posted on our website, we want to hear from you! Visit the home remedy page on our website and use the form provided to share your experiences. Your comments will be displayed on the page below the home remedy. You can also read the comments of other readers and find out how effective the home remedy was for them.

View a list of all home remedies posted on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Featured Q & A

Coconut Macaroon Cookies Fight Diarrhea

Q. I am writing to you about the many articles you've written on coconut macaroon cookies since I first wrote you about them. I am amazed at the response you have gotten.

Many years ago I discovered this diarrhea remedy, and it is still working great for me. Every time an article about coconut macaroons appears in my paper I get a wonderful feeling because it also might be helping someone else. And to think it all started by accident.

If anyone asks me about the cookies I am only too happy to tell them of my experience. I always tell them that you took a chance on printing my letter back in November 1998 to get the word out. For years now I've been able to leave for work in the morning and not have to plan ahead to where the next restroom is. Thank you and keep up the good work!

A. We thank you, Donald Agar of Pittsfield, MA, for your original observation that coconut macaroons control chronic diarrhea: "I have had Crohn's disease for 40 years, and during that time I have had a never-ending battle with diarrhea. Lomotil helps some, but it doesn't eliminate the problem.

"Three months ago, I bought a box of Archway Coconut Macaroon cookies. I've been eating two a day and I have not experienced diarrhea in that time. If by chance I eat three in a day, I get constipated. Believe me, I have a new life now."

Because of your letter, many people have found relief from diarrhea. Some have written to tell us about their extraordinary experiences with coconut. A biochemist, Mary G. Enig, Ph.D., suggests the antibacterial action of lauric acid in coconut may be responsible for its benefits.

We often quote Louis Pasteur's famous saying that "chance favors only the prepared mind." And we point to you as a contemporary example of this principle.

Featured Home Remedy

Cayenne To Stop Bleeding
I have a home remedy to share with your readers. If you have a cut that's bleeding put ground cayenne pepper on it. The bleeding will stop very quickly. You can get cayenne at the grocery store.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Genital Wart Vaccine Shows Promise
The new vaccine against human papilloma virus is effective for fighting off infection. Now a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that it can also reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Human papilloma viruses, or HPV, cause genital warts and are associated with cancers of the cervix. When the vaccine is administered to young women before they are exposed to HPV strains 16 or 18, it is extremely effective at preventing related cervical lesions. An editorial in the journal points out that we still need more information about the best age at which to vaccinate and how long the protection lasts, as well as about possible side effects that have not yet shown up.
[New England Journal of Medicine, May 10, 2007]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/356/19/1915

Sleep For Better Memory
Students cramming for finals take note: sleep improves memory. Harvard researchers randomly assigned people to either of two groups. One group was given a list of 20 pairs of words at 9 am. Their recall of the words was tested at 9 pm that evening. The second group was given their list of word pairs at 9 pm. They studied then slept before a 9 am test. Those who had the chance to sleep between their study session and the test remembered 12 percent more of the words on the list. Even when they were distracted with a second list of words, those who'd slept after learning the first list remembered 44 percent more words than students who didn't have a chance to sleep on it. The bottom line seems to be that sleep helps consolidate memory.
[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, online April 20, 2007]
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/short/104/18/7723

Suicide Warning Strengthened For Antidepressants
The Food and Drug Administration is requiring drug companies to strengthen their warnings on antidepressants. For years the FDA denied that there was a link between antidepressant use and suicidal thoughts or actions. In the last few years, however, the agency has required black box warnings about such a connection, especially for children and teenagers. Now the warning will expand to include young adults up to the age of 25. FDA officials admit that they cannot explain why the data seem to suggest that those over 25 are less susceptible to this problem. Dr. David Healy, a pioneering psychiatrist at the University of Cardiff in Wales hailed the new warnings as long overdue. He also expressed doubt that the risk of suicidal thinking would magically disappear at 25.

Pesticides And Parkinson's Disease
Scientists have suspected that pesticide use might be linked to a higher risk of Parkinson's disease, but they did not have a smoking gun. Now, research in people and animals has strengthened the connection. Farm workers who have used the weed killer paraquat are at double or triple the normal risk of this degenerative brain disease. In animal studies, paraquat causes an abnormal buildup of a protein linked to Parkinson's. Still another study shows that this protein selectively kills the brain cells affected in Parkinson's. According to the researchers, the pieces of the puzzle are finally falling into place.
[Parkinson's Disease Environmental Research meetings, April, 2007]

TV Watchers Are More Distractible
Watching a lot of television may put teenagers at increased risk of attention disorders. Epidemiologists tracked nearly 700 families in upstate New York for almost two decades. Kids who spent three or more hours a day watching television were at highest risk for attention difficulties and trouble at school. They were less likely to complete homework assignments, more likely to report being bored at school and less likely to graduate high school. If parents follow the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics that children limit their TV viewing to two hours a day or less they may be able to improve the likelihood that their kids will succeed in school.
[Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, May, 2007]
http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/161/5/480

New Guidelines For Dental Procedures
The American Heart Association has just changed its guidelines for patients undergoing dental procedures. For years, many people with borderline heart conditions were told that they had to take antibiotics before seeing the dentist, even for a routine cleaning. The heart association now concludes that evidence to support that practice is marginal at best. Instead, the American Heart Association now recommends antibiotics before dental work only for patients in the highest risk categories...those who have artificial heart valves, heart transplants, congenital heart defects or a prior heart infection called endocarditis.
[Circulation, April 20, 2007]
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3047083

Vitamin D For Better Muscles And Balance
There is growing evidence that many older people don't get enough vitamin D. A study of nearly 1000 senior citizens found that three fourth of the women and half of the men had insufficient levels of vitamin D in their bloodstreams. This had an impact on muscle strength and balance. Current guidelines for vitamin D intake may be too low.
[Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, April 2007]

Health Headlines 5/4/07

May 4, 2007 3:44 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
FDA Threatens Changes To Chocolate
Pistachios Are The New Health Nut
Green Tea May Protect Joints
Omega-3 Fats Delay Cognitive Decline
Fish In Diet Benefits Brain
DHA Prevents Brain Tangles In Mice
Black Cohosh May Block Breast Cancer

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://securepp.fountainshosting.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

New: Share Your Experiences
If you have tried any of the home remedies posted on our website, we want to hear from you! Visit the home remedy page on our website and use the form provided to share your experiences. Your comments will be displayed on the page below the home remedy. You can also read the comments of other readers and find out how effective the home remedy was for them.

View a list of all home remedies posted on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

The practice of tai chi, a venerable Chinese martial art, can improve balance and prevent falls in older people. It may even benefit the heart and the immune system. Dancers and athletes use therapies like the Feldenkreis Method, the Alexander Technique, Body-Mind Centering and Ideokinesis to heal from injuries and increase strength. Can these approaches help you, too?
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/612_stumbling_on_happiness_archive.asp

This week in their blog, Joe and Terry revisit the ongoing pet food recall and what it says about FDA oversight. Read the blog and post your comments:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/joe_and_terrys_blog/pet_food_disaster_points_up_fda_weaknesses.asp

Our newspaper columns this week discuss the meaning of cocoa's impact on cholesterol numbers, a new possible benefit from cayenne pepper, and understanding seasonal allergies:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/allergy_relief_is_complicated.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/are_cocoa_benefits_exaggerated.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/cayenne_pepper_eases_arthritic_joints.asp

Featured Q & A

Antidepressants Interfere With Sex Life

Q. I am 46 and my husband is 52. I have been on Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor and now Paxil for both PMS and depression. These drugs make it tough for me to reach a climax. Would St. John's wort be better?

My husband has a hard time keeping an erection during intercourse, which makes things even more difficult. We try to make love about once a month, but it is frustrating for both of us. Are there any herbal remedies that could help him?

A. Ginkgo may counteract the sexual side effects of antidepressants like Paxil. If you are not on an anticoagulant, this might be an option.

St. John's wort could relieve your depression without sexual side effects, but this herb can interact with many other drugs. It shouldn't be combined with prescription antidepressants, heart medicines such as Lanoxin or birth control pills.

Your husband should discuss his problem with a physician to see if Viagra or supplements like the amino acid L-arginine or the herbs yohimbine or muira puama would be appropriate.

Featured Home Remedy

Hot Peppers Fight Joint Pain:
I've had severe arthritis since I was 19, more than 48 years ago. I've been treated with dozens of drugs, but they have no effect, help for only a few months or cause allergies. Just one Motrin almost killed me.

An ancient doctor suggested I try hot pepper. Now I chop peppers into a coarse relish, soak them in white vinegar for three weeks to kill the pepper taste, and eat a tablespoon or two several times a week with meals. With the hot pepper, I take two regular-strength Tylenol in the morning and two at bedtime. Before, I needed as many as eight 500-mg Tylenol tablets a day. I hope this helps someone else.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

FDA Threatens Changes To Chocolate
Chocoholics beware! There's a move afoot to change chocolate. Some candy makers are trying to get the Food and Drug Administration to redefine what makes chocolate...chocolate. They want the FDA to allow substitution of less expensive vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter. This would cut costs for chocolate manufacturers but it has chocolate lovers up in arms. Connoisseurs of fine chocolate frequently base their choice on the cacao content of the candy. Substituting vegetable oil for cocoa butter would likely alter the texture and the flavor.
Some nutrition experts are concerned that manufacturers might promote the new vegetable-oil based candy as health food because it would not have the saturated fat found in cocoa butter. There is no evidence, however, that such products would have the same health benefits as real chocolate. Cocoa flavonoids have been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and keep blood platelets from sticking together. Why mess with a good thing just to save money?

Pistachios Are The New Health Nut
Researchers have long noted the health benefits of nuts, especially walnuts and almonds. Now there is a new health nut on the horizon. Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University found that eating three ounces of pistachios a day for a month reduced total cholesterol by about 8 percent and bad LDL cholesterol by more than 11 percent. The ratio of good HDL cholesterol to bad cholesterol also improved. Volunteers ate a heart healthy diet in addition to a handful or two of pistachios each day. The researchers suspect that the changes in cholesterol could be enough to reduce the risk of heart disease, but a larger study is needed to confirm this.
[Experimental Biology Meeting, April, 2007]

Green Tea May Protect Joints
Green tea is a popular beverage in many parts of the world. It's even catching on in the U.S. Now research from the University of Michigan suggests that it may help reduce joint inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The scientists found that green tea polyphenols, especially EGCG (epi-gallo-catechin-gallate), block the formation of some inflammatory compounds. These include prostaglandin 2, interleukin 6 and cyclo-oxygenase 2, all compounds involved in joint destruction. The research was done in tissue culture, so it is very preliminary. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are warned not to rely on green tea to prevent joint degeneration. On the other hand, green tea is nontoxic, not to mention delicious, so drinking it is not likely to do any harm.
[Experimental Biology Meeting, April, 2007]

Omega-3 Fats Delay Cognitive Decline
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may help prevent cognitive decline in the elderly. Two studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a link between higher levels of these unsaturated fats and better performance on cognitive tests. In one study, more than 2,000 Minnesotans between 50 and 65 years old were followed for about a decade. Blood levels of fats were determined, and tests of word recall, verbal fluency and psychomotor speed were administered. Those with higher levels of omega 3 fats were better able to maintain their scores.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April, 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/85/4/1103

Fish In Diet Benefits Brain
In the other study, Dutch researchers examined fish consumption of more than 200 men who were at least 70 years old. The men were tested in 1990 and again in 1995. Those who ate more fish were less likely to experience a significant decline in their test scores. The investigators suggest that the two servings of fish weekly often recommended for heart health also seem to benefit the brain.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April, 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/85/4/1142

DHA Prevents Brain Tangles In Mice
Animal research bolsters the brain benefits of fish. Investigators at the University of California at Irvine report that mice fed a diet high in the omega-3 fat called docosahexaenoic acid or DHA were less likely to form plaques and tangles in their brains. These mice have been genetically engineered to develop a condition that mimics human Alzheimer's disease. Clinical trials will be needed to verify that a diet rich in fish oil can prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease, but in the meantime there is adequate evidence to support eating fish for good health.
[Journal of Neuroscience, April 18, 2007]
http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstract/27/16/4385

Black Cohosh May Block Breast Cancer
A preliminary study suggests that a popular herbal supplement women take to relieve hot flashes might also reduce their risk of breast cancer. Black cohosh has been used for more than a century to ease symptoms of menopause. A case-control study from the University of Pennsylvania found that women taking supplements such as Remifemin, a standardized black cohosh extract, were only half as likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
[International Journal of Cancer, April 1, 2007]
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/114037518/ABSTRACT

Health Headlines 4/27/07

April 27, 2007 3:42 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Chondroitin Missing From Many Supplements
New Arthritis Drug From Merck Hits Speed Bump
New Celebrex Ads Spark Controversy
Bladder Drug May Cause Hallucinations
Telephone Therapy Helps Against Depression
Flavonoids From Fruits And Veggies Fight Off Cancer

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a couple's life together, but it can also be stressful. We talk with Dr. Tracy Gaudet about how mindfulness can help. We often go to great lengths to lower a fever, but are we making a mistake? Many animals that can't regulate their own body temperatures seek out heat when they are sick. A new study suggests there is a good reason.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/630_health_news_update.asp

Our newspaper columns this week discuss the benefit of aspirin for women, a new benefit from gin-soaked raisin, and the sad lesson we can learn from the death of Anna Nicole Smith:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/dont_end_up_like_anna_nicole_smith.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/is_aspirin_good_for_women.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/ginsoaked_raisins_help_rls.asp

Featured Q & A

Can St. John's Wort Hurt Eyes?

Q. Is it really true that St. John's wort can harm eyes exposed to bright sunlight? I have used St. John's wort for two years. On my last visit to the eye doctor he said I seemed to have changes suggesting early cataract development. I'm 47 with no family history of this problem. Could this be related to the St. John's wort?

A. St. John's wort extract contains hypericin. This compound is activated by visible light and creates dangerous chemicals called free radicals. Joan Roberts, Ph.D., of Fordham University has found that hypericin can damage lens tissue and might also damage the retina.

Although it is impossible to say with any assurance that your eye changes are due to this herb, we would urge that you stay away from sunlight and bright indoor lights while on St. John's wort.

Featured Home Remedy

Smelly Feet Solution:
Several years ago my feet were so smelly that I could smell them even with shoes on while I sat at my desk at work. Then I sprinkled baking soda in my shoes before I put them on. After a couple of weeks, the odor was gone. I thought your other readers would like to know.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Chondroitin Missing From Many Supplements
Many popular alternative arthritis remedies lack a key ingredient. Because of concerns about heart attacks and strokes associated with prescription and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, millions of Americans have turned to supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin. Even some orthopedic surgeons are recommending patients try these alternative approaches. But a new analysis from ConsumerLab.com reports that chondroitin was either lacking or low in 40 percent of the products that it tested. One maximum strength supplement contained no chondroitin at all. Three products had less than 8 percent of what was claimed on the label. Roughly three fourths of the glucosamine and chondroitin combinations that were tested by ConsumerLab.com did not pass muster. This demonstrates that the FDA is not monitoring dietary supplements and that consumers must be wary of high-priced alternative arthritis therapies.
[ConsumerLab.com, April 11, 2007]
http://www.consumerlab.com/results/gluco.asp

New Arthritis Drug From Merck Hits Speed Bump
Speaking of arthritis treatments, the FDA is taking a hard stand on a new prescription medication called Arcoxia. This anti-inflammatory drug is in the same class of COX-2 inhibitors as Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex. Although Vioxx and Bextra are gone from the market, Merck had hoped that Arcoxia could take over where Vioxx left off. Such medications were supposed to relieve arthritis pain without causing ulcers and other serious gastrointestinal complications. But FDA officials indicate that the evidence supporting this benefit for Arcoxia did not reach statistical significance. Heart attacks and strokes were no worse with Arcoxia than with another prescription pain reliever called diclofenac. That may not impress the regulators, however, since diclofenac is not considered a particularly safe pain reliever.

New Celebrex Ads Spark Controversy
The maker of Celebrex has restarted an aggressive ad campaign for its COX-2 inhibitor. Ever since the Vioxx scandal, commercials for Celebrex have been hard to find. But now Pfizer is reintroducing this pain reliever to the American public. One reason is that surveys conducted by the company revealed that 40 percent of consumers thought Celebrex had been removed from the market, just like Vioxx. The new TV commercials and print ads are controversial because they emphasize that all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen, naproxen and Celebrex carry the same cardiovascular warnings. The consumer group Public Citizen is criticizing the commercials on the grounds that they are misleading. Dr. Sidney Wolf, spokesman for the Public Citizen health group says that the commercials may encourage consumers to ask their doctors for the more expensive Celebrex when equally effective and possibly safer over-the-counter pain relievers are available. Pfizer maintains that its ads are accurate and supported by the FDA labeling guidelines.

Bladder Drug May Cause Hallucinations
The Food and Drug Administration will require stronger warnings for the bladder medicine called Ditropan. This drug is prescribed for symptoms of overactive bladder. The FDA is concerned about reports of hallucinations, particularly among children and the elderly. Other side effects include confusion, nervousness and insomnia.

Telephone Therapy Helps Against Depression
Scientists at the Group Health Cooperative in Seattle have found that supplementing antidepressant drugs with telephone therapy can improve outcomes. Nearly 400 depressed patients were randomized to receive either usual care or cognitive behavioral therapy over the telephone. All patients were started on antidepressants. Over the first six months, patients in the therapy group had eight phone sessions with a therapist. In the next six months they got two to four booster sessions. The investigators found that patients who received this kind of supplemental phone intervention improved more than with standard care and were more likely to stick with their antidepressant medication.
[Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, April 2007]

Flavonoids From Fruits And Veggies Fight Off Cancer
We have heard that eating fruits and vegetables is good for your health. Now a large study of people living in California and Hawaii suggests that a diet rich in plant flavonoids can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. Investigators followed more than 180,000 people for an average of eight years. Those who ate the most foods such as berries, onions, broccoli, kale and apples were about one-fourth less likely to develop this potentially deadly cancer. Smokers benefited even more from this high flavonoid diet. Because of their increased risk for pancreatic cancer, they reduced their chance of coming down with it by 59 percent. This research confirms yet again that the more colorful vegetables and fruits you eat the healthier you will be.
[Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, April, 2007]

Health Headlines 4/20/07

April 20, 2007 10:18 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Chondroitin Missing From Many Supplements
New Arthritis Drug From Merck Hits Speed Bump
New Celebrex Ads Spark Controversy
Bladder Drug May Cause Hallucinations
Telephone Therapy Helps Against Depression
Flavonoids From Fruits And Veggies Fight Off Cancer

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a couple's life together, but it can also be stressful. We talk with Dr. Tracy Gaudet about how mindfulness can help. We often go to great lengths to lower a fever, but are we making a mistake? Many animals that can't regulate their own body temperatures seek out heat when they are sick. A new study suggests there is a good reason.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/630_health_news_update.asp

Our newspaper columns this week discuss the benefit of aspirin for women, a new benefit from gin-soaked raisin, and the sad lesson we can learn from the death of Anna Nicole Smith:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/dont_end_up_like_anna_nicole_smith.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/is_aspirin_good_for_women.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/ginsoaked_raisins_help_rls.asp

Featured Q & A

Can St. John's Wort Hurt Eyes?

Q. Is it really true that St. John's wort can harm eyes exposed to bright sunlight? I have used St. John's wort for two years. On my last visit to the eye doctor he said I seemed to have changes suggesting early cataract development. I'm 47 with no family history of this problem. Could this be related to the St. John's wort?

A. St. John's wort extract contains hypericin. This compound is activated by visible light and creates dangerous chemicals called free radicals. Joan Roberts, Ph.D., of Fordham University has found that hypericin can damage lens tissue and might also damage the retina.

Although it is impossible to say with any assurance that your eye changes are due to this herb, we would urge that you stay away from sunlight and bright indoor lights while on St. John's wort.

Featured Home Remedy

Smelly Feet Solution:
Several years ago my feet were so smelly that I could smell them even with shoes on while I sat at my desk at work. Then I sprinkled baking soda in my shoes before I put them on. After a couple of weeks, the odor was gone. I thought your other readers would like to know.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Chondroitin Missing From Many Supplements
Many popular alternative arthritis remedies lack a key ingredient. Because of concerns about heart attacks and strokes associated with prescription and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, millions of Americans have turned to supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin. Even some orthopedic surgeons are recommending patients try these alternative approaches. But a new analysis from ConsumerLab.com reports that chondroitin was either lacking or low in 40 percent of the products that it tested. One maximum strength supplement contained no chondroitin at all. Three products had less than 8 percent of what was claimed on the label. Roughly three fourths of the glucosamine and chondroitin combinations that were tested by ConsumerLab.com did not pass muster. This demonstrates that the FDA is not monitoring dietary supplements and that consumers must be wary of high-priced alternative arthritis therapies.
[ConsumerLab.com, April 11, 2007]
http://www.consumerlab.com/results/gluco.asp

New Arthritis Drug From Merck Hits Speed Bump
Speaking of arthritis treatments, the FDA is taking a hard stand on a new prescription medication called Arcoxia. This anti-inflammatory drug is in the same class of COX-2 inhibitors as Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex. Although Vioxx and Bextra are gone from the market, Merck had hoped that Arcoxia could take over where Vioxx left off. Such medications were supposed to relieve arthritis pain without causing ulcers and other serious gastrointestinal complications. But FDA officials indicate that the evidence supporting this benefit for Arcoxia did not reach statistical significance. Heart attacks and strokes were no worse with Arcoxia than with another prescription pain reliever called diclofenac. That may not impress the regulators, however, since diclofenac is not considered a particularly safe pain reliever.

New Celebrex Ads Spark Controversy
The maker of Celebrex has restarted an aggressive ad campaign for its COX-2 inhibitor. Ever since the Vioxx scandal, commercials for Celebrex have been hard to find. But now Pfizer is reintroducing this pain reliever to the American public. One reason is that surveys conducted by the company revealed that 40 percent of consumers thought Celebrex had been removed from the market, just like Vioxx. The new TV commercials and print ads are controversial because they emphasize that all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen, naproxen and Celebrex carry the same cardiovascular warnings. The consumer group Public Citizen is criticizing the commercials on the grounds that they are misleading. Dr. Sidney Wolf, spokesman for the Public Citizen health group says that the commercials may encourage consumers to ask their doctors for the more expensive Celebrex when equally effective and possibly safer over-the-counter pain relievers are available. Pfizer maintains that its ads are accurate and supported by the FDA labeling guidelines.

Bladder Drug May Cause Hallucinations
The Food and Drug Administration will require stronger warnings for the bladder medicine called Ditropan. This drug is prescribed for symptoms of overactive bladder. The FDA is concerned about reports of hallucinations, particularly among children and the elderly. Other side effects include confusion, nervousness and insomnia.

Telephone Therapy Helps Against Depression
Scientists at the Group Health Cooperative in Seattle have found that supplementing antidepressant drugs with telephone therapy can improve outcomes. Nearly 400 depressed patients were randomized to receive either usual care or cognitive behavioral therapy over the telephone. All patients were started on antidepressants. Over the first six months, patients in the therapy group had eight phone sessions with a therapist. In the next six months they got two to four booster sessions. The investigators found that patients who received this kind of supplemental phone intervention improved more than with standard care and were more likely to stick with their antidepressant medication.
[Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, April 2007]

Flavonoids From Fruits And Veggies Fight Off Cancer
We have heard that eating fruits and vegetables is good for your health. Now a large study of people living in California and Hawaii suggests that a diet rich in plant flavonoids can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. Investigators followed more than 180,000 people for an average of eight years. Those who ate the most foods such as berries, onions, broccoli, kale and apples were about one-fourth less likely to develop this potentially deadly cancer. Smokers benefited even more from this high flavonoid diet. Because of their increased risk for pancreatic cancer, they reduced their chance of coming down with it by 59 percent. This research confirms yet again that the more colorful vegetables and fruits you eat the healthier you will be.
[Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, April, 2007]

Health Headlines 4/13/07

April 13, 2007 10:49 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Chocolate Keeps Proving Its Worth
Aspirin Underused to Prevent Heart Attacks
Don't Mix Aspirin and Ibuprophin
Ancient Treatment for UTI Has New Effectiveness
Tai Chi May Improve Immune Response
FDA Cracks Down on Medications

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Dr. Aaron Beck made a revolutionary change in psychology when he developed cognitive therapy. His daughter and colleague, Dr. Judith Beck, has found a way to apply these principles to weight control. Learn how the Beck Solution can train the brain to think like a thin person.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/629_cognitive_therapy_for_weight_control.asp

Our newspaper columns this week discuss reader responses to our previous letter about the "oversexed" husband, a novel treatment for wrinkles, and the ethical implications of doctors receiving payments from drug companies:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/should_doctors_take_money_from_drug_companies.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/oversexed_hubby_needs_more_housework.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/can_preparation_h_reverse_wrinkles.asp

Featured Q & A

Q. I have read in your column that niacin lowers cholesterol. Does it lower the good cholesterol along with the bad?

A. No. Niacin has the advantage of lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol while raising the good HDL cholesterol by as much as 20 percent.

Featured Home Remedy

I had been having constipation for about a year. One doctor recommended a stool softener, but neither that nor powdered psyllium, nor occasional warm water enemas helped much. I have been on blood pressure medicine for 15 years or so but there had not been any changes when this problem started.

When I saw a different doctor for another problem, we talked about a number of issues and I happened to mention that drinking a lot of water caused me to have to visit a restroom too often. I told him that I was having constipation problems.

He said his mother's remedy was to drink a glass of tap water the first thing in the morning. (That's it; that simple.) It sounded too easy, but I tried it. It worked perfectly. Almost every morning, I have the desired result in about two hours. Some mornings I have two or three bowel movements, but it settles down after about an hour or so. About one morning in five, I don't have a bowel movement, but the next day I do. Before I started this remedy, I was drinking coffee every morning and drinking cold water with my regimen of blood pressure medicine, but the room temperature tap water before any food seemed to make the difference.

Since I began this almost a year ago, I have not needed any other constipation medicine or treatments. The advantages are obvious. It is virtually free, simple, and works well. No medicine or equipment is required. It's available almost anywhere. The only requirement is to remember to do it. I don't know if it will work as well for anyone else, but it works for me.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Chocolate Keeps Proving Its Worth
Chocolate keeps proving its worth. A new meta-analysis of older studies confirms that dark chocolate rich in cocoa flavonoids can help lower blood pressure in many people. The scientists, based in Cologne, Germany, considered 5 studies of cocoa with a total of 170 subjects. After at least a week of consuming cocoa or dark chocolate, blood pressure had dropped by an average of nearly 5 points upper and 3 points lower, compared to people not getting dark chocolate. In comparison, 5 studies of black tea including nearly 400 subjects found no blood pressure-reducing benefit.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, April 9, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/167/7/626

Aspirin Underused to Prevent Heart Attacks
There's no shortage of evidence that aspirin can prevent heart attacks. Nonetheless, when scientists polled a representative sample of Americans over 40 years old, they found only 40 percent were taking aspirin to keep their hearts healthy. Even among people who already had heart disease, fewer than 70 percent were on daily aspirin. This means that at least 30 percent of the folks who could benefit most are missing out on this inexpensive, effective treatment. Because aspirin is available without a prescription, doctors may not emphasize its value, and patients may assume that a readily available over-the-counter product is not powerful enough to take daily. The investigators stress that both patients and physicians should be taking aspirin more seriously. No one should ever undertake long-term aspirin treatment without medical supervision. Although aspirin saves lives, it can interact with many other medicines and can also cause life-threatening bleeding ulcers.
[American Journal of Preventive Medicine, May 2007]

Don't Mix Aspirin and Ibuprophin
People who do take low-dose aspirin for its cardiovascular protection might want to hold off on ibuprofen. A new study suggests that ibuprofen might undermine the effectiveness of aspirin against heart disease. Researchers checked records on more than 18,000 people 50 or older. All of them had osteoarthritis, and they were given either a new COX-2 inhibitor called Prexige, or the older NSAIDs ibuprofen or naproxen. People at high risk of a heart attack or stroke who were taking aspirin were nine times more likely to suffer one when they were also given ibuprofen. Prexige is in the same category of drugs as Vioxx, which was taken off the market because it boosted the risk of heart attacks. Prexige did not seem to increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
[Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, April, 2007]

Ancient Treatment for UTI Has New Effectiveness
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that an ancient treatment for urinary tract infections may have some biological plausibility. Forskolin is an extract from Indian Coleus plants. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. Now mouse research demonstrates that this compound can dislodge E. coli bacteria from pouches inside the bladder. When combined with antibiotics, forskolin might help break the re-infection cycle that frequently makes treatment of bladder infections so challenging.
[Nature Medicine, April 8, 2007 online edition]
http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nm1572.html

Tai Chi May Improve Immune Response
Tai Chi is an ancient martial art from China. It involves slow movements and is has been shown to help older people improve balance. Now researchers at UCLA have demonstrated that it can also improve the immune response. Over 100 senior citizens were recruited into the study. Half were taught tai chi three times a week for 16 weeks. The other half were given classes in healthy eating and stress management. Both groups were vaccinated against the virus that causes shingles. Those who had been practicing tai chi had twice as strong a response to the vaccine. The investigators conclude that this traditional Chinese exercise enhances immunity.
[Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, April, 2007]
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01109.x

FDA Cracks Down on Medications
The FDA has cracked down on a couple of medications recently. The agency has asked the maker of Zelnorm to take this drug off the market. It was approved in 2002 for people with irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS. The drug has been advertised frequently on television. Because of reports about serious and life-threatening cardiovascular side effects including heart attacks and strokes, the FDA determined that the risks outweigh the benefits and Zelnorm will no longer be sold in U.S. pharmacies.
The agency has also requested that the manufacturers of the Parkinson's drug pergolide take it off the market too. The brand name is Permax. In this case, heart valve damage was the precipitating factor that prompted the ban. Patients are being warned not to stop their pergolide abruptly because this could be dangerous. A doctor should supervise gradual withdrawal and substite another medicine to treat Parkinson's disease.

And that's the health news from the People's Pharmacy® this week. Thank you for reading! --Joe and Terry Graedon

Health Headlines 4/6/07

April 6, 2007 11:00 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Depression Checklist May Be Misleading
Early Mammograms Questioned
Coffee Wards Off Liver Cancer
Plastic Compound May Raise Risk Of Diabetes
Celebrex Ads Stage A Comeback

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Joe's Blog is back! This week Joe discusses the massive pet food recall, why it happened, and what it means for human medications:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/joes_blog/dog_food_disaster_casts_doubt_on_generic_drugs.asp

Cocoa compounds have been shown to make blood platelets less sticky and to relax blood vessels. Can they improve blood flow to the brain? Garlic has a time-honored reputation for promoting health. One claim, that it can lower cholesterol, was tested in a rigorous double-blind trial. How well did it do? Also, Another look at the Women¹s Health Initiative finds that hormone replacement therapy may be less dangerous for younger women. The People¹s Pharmacy herb expert, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, offers suggestions for menopausal women coping with hot flashes.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/628_health_news_update.asp

Our newspaper columns this week discuss continued problems with Ambien, acupressure bands to prevent nausea, and the skyrocketing cost of cancer drugs:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/cancer_drug_prices_continue_to_soar.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/new_sleeping_pill_warnings_came_too_late.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/acupressure_for_nausea_and_insomnia.asp

Featured Q & A

Q. My husband loves garlic and onions. No one believes me but I have actually caught him making raw onion sandwiches. When he makes a pasta sauce I have to beg him not to use more than three cloves of garlic.

Needless to say, his breath could stop a horse. I love this man dearly but kissing him is a challenge. Is there an herbal mouthwash or home remedy that could calm his dragon breath?

A. Garlic breath goes way beyond mouthwash. The sulfur-containing compounds that cause the distinctive aroma are absorbed into the blood stream, circulated throughout the body and exhaled through the lungs.

The only home remedy we have ever heard about for garlic and onion breath is parsley. Some people maintain that eating fresh parsley can counteract the smell. Others prefer parsley flakes or capsules of parsley seed oil.

Featured Home Remedy

I am now a believer in home remedies. Fifteen years ago I had arthritis so bad I could not hold the steering wheel to drive. The pain was unbearable. Then I heard about eating nine gin-soaked raisins a day. I tried it and to my surprise I was free of pain in a few weeks. As an experiment I laid off the raisins and in due time the arthritis came back. I went back on the raisins regularly for a couple of years with good results. I have started reducing the frequency of the raisins but still take them once in awhile, as needed. I am still pain free! Read more about this home remedy:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/home_remedies/gin_soaked_raisins_for_arthritis.asp

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Depression Checklist May Be Misleading
A surprising number of people diagnosed with depression may not actually be clinically depressed. A new study suggests that many may be down in the dumps for a good reason. A survey of more than 8,000 Americans found that nearly one person in four whose answers on a checklist of symptoms indicate depression were actually reacting normally to an emotional setback like divorce or job loss. Some were feeling sad and having trouble sleeping after losing a loved one. This is generally recognized as a normal response to bereavement. Always treating such symptoms with an antidepressant may not be necessary. Of course serious depression requires careful medical attention. We are learning, however, that there are many ways to deal with this condition. Talking therapy can be highly effective and may even last longer than drug treatment.
[Archives of General Psychiatry, April 3, 2007]
http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/64/4/433

Early Mammograms Questioned
Internists are questioning established guidelines that recommend annual mammograms for women under 50. The American College of Physicians has challenged the routine use of this procedure because of concerns about exposure to excess radiation and unnecessary follow up procedures. The organization's stand conflicts with recommendations from the American Cancer Society but reflects concerns that mammograms in younger women may not produce enough benefit to outweigh the potential harm. Of course a woman who has a family history of breast cancer or knows that she carries a genetic susceptibility may decide with her doctor that mammograms are entirely appropriate starting well before her 50th birthday.

Coffee Wards Off Liver Cancer
Coffee is not usually thought of as a healthy beverage, but evidence continues to mount that it has some unique benefits. Italian researchers noted that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop cirrhosis or chronic liver inflammation, conditions that greatly increase the risk of deadly liver cancer. The popularity of coffee in Italy led them to an epidemiological comparison of 185 liver cancer patients and around 400 healthy controls. What they found is that people who drink at least 28 cups of coffee weekly--that's an average of 4 a day--are 60 percent less likely to come down with liver cancer than those who average only 2 cups a day. Even the modest coffee drinkers are only half as likely to develop liver cancer as those who never touch the stuff. Tea and decaf coffee did not seem to offer any protection. Whether it is the caffeine or some other antioxidant in coffee is still undetermined.
[International Journal of Cancer, April 1, 2007]

Plastic Compound May Raise Risk Of Diabetes
In the classic film The Graduate with Dustin Hoffman, there was a memorable scene about the future. It boiled down to the word Plastic! How prophetic that scene was, since plastic is now ubiquitous in our society. An ingredient in many plastics is now also ubiquitous in us. Phthalates are found in shampoos, cosmetics, pesticides and plastics. Three fourths of us have detectable levels of phthalates circulating in our bodies. A new study links high levels of phthalates in men to reduced insulin sensitivity and increased waist circumference. Phthalates are also endocrine disruptors and are associated with both lowered testosterone levels and reduced sperm counts. If the results of this study hold up, phthalates may turn out to be yet another factor in the obesity and diabetes epidemic affecting America.
[Environmental Health Perspectives, online March 14, 2007]
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2007/9882/abstract.html

Celebrex Ads Stage A Comeback
Celebrex is back! Remember those TV commercials for this arthritis drug? Gray haired people were seen doing tai chi in an idyllic setting. The implication was that Celebrex would ease pain and allow people to participate in activities that might otherwise be difficult.
After the Vioxx scandal, however, the ads for COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex were pulled. That's because there was such a concern that these drugs could increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes.
The new TV commercials for Celebrex will address those concerns upfront. The ads will state quite clearly that Celebrex poses the same cardiovascular risks as competitor products like ibuprofen and naproxen. Viewers will hear an announcer warning that "Any prescription NSAID, including Celebrex, may increase the chance of heart attack or stroke, which can lead to death."
Such a clear caution may relieve the manufacturer of legal liability. On the other hand, consumers may want to think twice about any drug that can lead to death.

And that's the health news from the People's Pharmacy® this week. Thank you for reading! --Joe and Terry Graedon

Heath Headlines 3/30/07

March 30, 2007 11:20 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Medication Works As Well As Angioplasty For Chest Pain
Drug-Coated Stents Raise Risks Of Clots
Hawthore Extract Helps Heart Failure Patients
Dietary Flavonoids Ward Off Cardiovascular Problems
Cocoa Compounds Relax Blood Vessels
Duct Tape No Help For Warts In Grown-Ups

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

We host huge numbers of bacteria in our bodies—so many, in fact, that there are more bacterial cells than human cells in each of us. What are those bacteria doing there, and what happens when our personal ecological systems get disrupted?
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/627_probiotics_for_health.asp

Our newspaper columns this week discuss the food fight between Adkins and Ornish, beeswax for dry, sore hands and the effect of caffeine on iron absorption:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/atkins_trumps_ornish_in_food_fight.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/beeswax_moisturizer_for_dry_sore_hands.asp.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/coffee_tea_cocoa_interfere_with_iron_absorption.asp

Featured Q & A

Q. My daughter had a migraine at least once a month from the age of twelve. Then I heard the TV and radio doctor, Dr. Dean Edell, talk about the herb feverfew for preventing migraines. He said it was worth trying and rarely has side effects.

My daughter started on feverfew right away and hasn't had a migraine since then. It has been over three years! I've told so many people about feverfew and they all say they are grateful for the relief.

A. Feverfew, like chamomile, is a member of the daisy family. Centuries ago, British herbalists used it to treat severe headaches, but it went out of style.

Studies in the early 1970s suggested that this herb might be helpful in preventing migraine attacks. More recent research has produced mixed results, but at least one double blind trial has shown that dried feverfew leaf reduces migraine pain.

Concern has been raised that some feverfew preparations may contain very little active ingredient. Without standards, people have no good way of telling which product is reliable.

Featured Home Remedy

I read about Archway Coconut Macaroons helping relieve diarrhea associated with Crohn's disease. I don't have that problem, but I've had diarrhea for more than two years. Even the Mayo Clinic can't explain why.

I tried all sorts of things with no relief. I really didn't believe cookies could help, but my family nagged me until I finally tried them.

They are nothing short of a miracle. At last I don't have diarrhea any more. I have to eat more than two, though. I rely on four to six cookies a day, seven days a week. My gastro doctors are amazed. I could have saved several thousands of dollars and avoided much weight loss had I known about this sooner. When I can't find the cookies I buy bulk shredded coconut and eat four or five tablespoons a day.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Medication Works As Well As Angioplasty For Chest Pain
The widespread use of angioplasty and cardiac stents has been called into question. Over half a million people undergo this procedure each year, but a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that traditional drug therapy could be just as effective. Medications are less expensive and not as risky as surgery.

More than two thousand heart patients were followed for five years. At the end of that time there were no significant differences between the group that received angioplasty and stents compared to those who took standard heart medicines alone. Many interventional cardiologists believed that stents would reduce the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes and premature death. This research shows, however, that they do not prolong life any better than drug therapy. Of course if someone is experiencing a heart attack, angioplasty can open up a closed coronary artery and reduce the likelihood of damage to the heart muscle.

[N. Engl. J. Med. March 29, 2007]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/NEJMoa070829

Drug-Coated Stents Raise Risks Of Clots
Previous research suggested that high-tech drug-coated stents are no more effective at preventing heart attacks than the old-fashioned bare metal stents. Now a study from Denmark has shown similar results. More than 12,000 patients were randomly assigned to have either plain or drug-coated stents placed in their arteries. Patients given the drug-coated stents were less likely to need a second procedure, but the same number of patients in each group died. Those who had received the drug-coated stents were more likely to have blood clots in the stents and heart attacks as a consequence after a year. The study ran 15 months, so no one knows if the problem will continue or even become worse over the next several months or years. The investigators concluded that the benefits of the drug-coated stents still outweigh the risks.
[American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting, March 26, 2007]

Hawthore Extract Helps Heart Failure Patients
Congestive heart failure is often difficult to treat effectively. A study of more than 2,600 people found that a standardized herbal extract could prolong the lives of people with congestive heart failure. People taking the extract were 20 percent less likely to die from cardiac causes over the course of 18 months. The extract comes from the hawthorn tree, which has traditionally been used for heart problems in Europe. The German maker of the extract suggests that this study shows the product is safe and effective, but it will likely be some time before American physicians adopt its use.
[American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting, March 27, 2007]

Dietary Flavonoids Ward Off Cardiovascular Problems
People who want to prevent heart disease should consider a varied and colorful diet. Food frequency questionnaires from nearly 35,000 women in the Iowa Women's Health Study showed how often the women ate foods rich in flavonoids. Those who consumed the most were least likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The healthy diet is also tasty, with foods such as apples, pears, strawberries, grapefruit, chocolate and red wine.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March, 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/85/3/895

Cocoa Compounds Relax Blood Vessels
Chocolate has been getting attention lately for its ability to relax blood vessels. Although there are skeptics, the evidence just keeps on growing. A small study compared cocoa to a placebo beverage and measured the amount of blood vessel dilation. Blood vessel dilation was worse after people drank the placebo beverage. It was modestly improved after people drank cocoa. The beverage with sugar did not work as well as the artificially-sweetened cocoa, so the investigators caution that people should not start eating more chocolate. Nonetheless, it does indicate that cocoa flavonoids seem to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
[American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting, March 26, 2007]

Duct Tape No Help For Warts In Grown-Ups
One controversial home remedy for warts has just been put to the test in a double-blind trial. Children are more likely to get warts, but their warts also go away more readily. At least one study showed that duct tape applied to children's warts was as effective as removal by freezing and far less traumatic for the kids. Now a study in 90 adults shows that duct tape is no better than moleskin at getting rid of warts in adults. The investigators compared plain moleskin, adhesive pads used to prevent blisters, with duct tape. The treatments were used for two months. Roughly one fifth of the warts in each group disappeared during that time. Many returned after six months. The dermatologists concluded that duct tape doesn't work.
[Archives of Dermatology, March, 2007]
http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/143/3/309

And that's the health news from the People's Pharmacy® this week. Thank you for reading! --Joe and Terry Graedon

Health Headlines 3/23/07

March 23, 2007 11:26 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Exercise Reduces Smoking Urges
Grape Juice to Start Your Day
Cocoa is Good for Your Heart
Pesticides and Diabetes
Antibiotics and Sinusitis
Are You Eating Your Vegetables?

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Dr. Tyrone Hayes has found that a commonly used herbicide has a big impact on how frogs develop. What are the implications for human health?
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/626_pesticides_and_health.asp

Our newspaper columns this week discuss pain relievers, the addictiveness of lip balms and what about grape juice for my dog:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/popular_pain_relievers_pose_dilemma.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/is_lip_balm_addicting.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/no_grape_juice_for_dogs.asp

Featured Q & A

Q. Please tell me about the home remedy for head lice. I remember reading it in your column once before, but I didn't need it at that time.

A. People who have used standard lice shampoos or rinses without success may want to consider suffocating the lice. This is a desperate measure and tends to be messy.

Readers have suggested covering the hair with mayonnaise or petroleum jelly overnight. (A shower cap is essential to protect the pillow.) The next day, try mineral oil to help remove the petroleum jelly.

Along the same lines, a school nurse recently offered the following: "Olive oil on the hair for 8 hours will smother live lice. But ALL the eggs (nits) still need to be removed."

"There are also several natural remedies out. One involves anise oil, coconut and ylang ylang oil (HairClean 1-2-3). Please tell people not to use pet flea shampoos or kerosene!"

One additional ingredient in HairClean 1-2-3 is isopropyl alcohol. We have been told that Listerine, which also contains alcohol, is toxic to lice when applied to the hair.

Featured Home Remedy

I would like to share a home remedy with your readers. It is Vicks VapoRub for paper cuts. It works better than aloe or anything else I have tried. I keep a jar on my desk at work. Everyone who uses it is surprised that it doesn’t hurt and it works fast.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Exercise Reduces Smoking Urges
Exercise can help smokers who want to kick the habit. A review of 12 different studies of smokers and their cravings found that as little as 5 minutes of brisk walking can help smokers fight the urge to light up. More exercise increases the amount of time, on average, that a smoker is able to resist. One of the scientists who reviewed the data has pointed out that a drug with similar effectiveness would be hailed as a valuable aid. Exercise isn't a magic wand, of course, and researchers do not know exactly how it works. But it appears that the benefit goes well beyond distraction and may have to do with the impact exercise can have on biochemicals in the brain.
[Addiction; March 2007]

Grape Juice to Start Your Day
Purple grape juice may be a better choice for breakfast than orange juice. Investigators compared a range of commercially available juices and found that purple grape juice had the highest content of phenolic compounds and other antioxidant flavonoids. It is the phenols in red wine, chocolate and green tea that are thought to provide protection against a range of health problems. High intake of phenol-rich fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes and even Alzheimer's disease. The investigators suggest that people get a range of phenolic compounds by drinking juices made from grapes, grapefruits, cranberries and apples.
[Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry; published online March 16, 2007]
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/asap/abs/jf062970x.html

Cocoa is Good for Your Heart Flavonoid compounds in cocoa may be the key to a medical mystery in Panama. Dr. Norman Hollenberg of Harvard Medical School has been fascinated by the fact that the Kuna Indians who live on islands off the coast of Panama rarely if ever develop high blood pressure and heart disease. When they move to the mainland, however, they are subject to these ills at the same rate as other Panamanians. Hollenberg's team thinks the answer lies in the cocoa beverages that the island Kuna drink several times a day. This cocoa is minimally processed and contains lots of bitter tasting flavonoids. But these compounds increase nitric oxide that relaxes blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.
[report at AAAS meetings, February 15-19, 2007]

Pesticides and Diabetes Women who work with agricultural chemicals during the first trimester of pregnancy have twice the risk of developing diabetes during their pregnancy. The Agricultural Health Study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences followed more than 11,000 women who became pregnant during the course of the study. About 500 of them developed gestational diabetes. Women only indirectly exposed to pesticides had no increased risk of diabetes during their pregnancy. This study points up the need to better understand how environmental factors may influence blood sugar control.
[Diabetes Care March 20, 2007]
http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/13/5/1611

Antibiotics and Sinusitis The usual treatments prescribed for sinusitis are antibiotics and steroids. About 17 million people seek medical care for this inflammatory condition each year, and 70 to 80 percent of them get prescriptions for antibiotics. According to a new study, many of these prescriptions are not based on results of a bacterial culture. Studies suggest that a much lower proportion of sinusitis is due to bacterial infection. Antibiotic overuse can contribute to resistance. The investigators suggest that ear-nose-and-throat doctors need more evidence to guide their prescribing-and should stick closer to the evidence that they have.
[Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, March 19, 2007]

Are You Eating Your Vegetables? Americans have been encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables. Despite a lot of publicity for the "Five-A-Day" campaign, vegetable and fruit consumption did not increase at all between 1988 and 2002. The survey of nearly 15,000 Americans revealed that 62 percent didn't eat fruit and 25 percent didn't eat vegetables on a daily basis. Only 11 percent met the guidelines. Clearly, Americans need to do better when it comes to eating their vegetables.
[American Journal of Preventive Medicine, April, 2007]

Health Headlines 3/16/07

March 16, 2007 11:35 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
New Warnings About Sleeping Pills
New Drug Against Breast Cancer
Danger for Desk Jockeys
Beware Weekend Heart Attacks
Green Tea and Celebrex Fight Prostate Cancer

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

According to the CDC, as many as 1 million Americans have chronic fatigue syndrome. Experts estimate that more than 3 million people have fibromyalgia. Their suffering is real. What can be done to alleviate it?
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/625_fighting_fibromyalgia_and_chronic_fatigue.asp

Our newspaper columns this week address a new way to kill lice, taking care when microwaving your sponges and the importance of verifing your medications:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/trust_but_verify_your_medicine.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/dont_burn_sponges_in_the_microwave.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/kill_lice_by_shrinkwrapping_the_scalp.asp

Featured Q & A

Q. My daughter has just gotten braces, and her mouth is rather tender. The orthodontist gave her a little packet of wax, floss and other supplies, including a small supply of aspirin.

I have read many times that you shouldn't give aspirin to children and teenagers for fear of Reye's syndrome. Is it safe for my thirteen year old to take the aspirin the orthodontist gave out?

A. As long as your daughter is healthy, with no symptoms of flu or chickenpox, there should be no danger in giving her aspirin.

Featured Home Remedy

Some time ago you had a question from a person who wanted to know how to use flax seed to relieve constipation. I purchase it in bulk at a health food store for about $1.50 per pound. I put three quarts of water on to boil, add two tablespoons of flax seed and simmer for fifteen minutes. Then I cool it and strain it into containers. (It makes just over two quarts.)

With two ounces in my orange juice every morning, I am more than satisfied.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

New Warnings About Sleeping Pills
The Food and Drug Administration is issuing new warnings about prescription sleeping pills. Medications like Ambien and Lunesta will now have to alert physicians and patients to rare but troubling side effects such as sleep walking, sleep talking and even sleep driving. There have been reports that some people have taken a sleeping pill, then arisen in the middle of the night, started their cars and driven quite a distance. Some have had accidents and not realized what happened until they awoke in a police station or a hospital. Others have reported eating food, making calls or even having sex under the influence of the medication with no memory of these events the next day. There have also been cases of severe allergic reactions that have made it hard for people to breathe. The FDA will require manufacturers of drugs like Ambien, Lunesta, Restoril and Rozerem to strengthen the warnings about such side effects so that patients and their families can be alert to these unusual and troubling complications.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01587.html

New Drug Against Breast Cancer
On a more positive note, the FDA has just approved Tykerb, a new drug to treat aggressive breast cancer. Tumors with the HER2 genetic marker are susceptible to this medication. When standard therapies such as Herceptin fail, Tykerb may prolong survival. It has another advantage over Herceptin in that it is available in an oral pill form and doesn't have to be injected intravenously.

Danger for Desk Jockeys
Physicians have been warning people about the dangers of deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, for years. This happens when a blood clot occurs deep in a vein in the legs. If it breaks loose and lodges in the lungs, it can trigger a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. Until recently most of the concerns about DVT have centered on long airplane flight. That's because when someone has to sit still for long periods of time there appears to be an increased risk for blood clot formation. Now researchers in New Zealand report that DVT is also associated with long periods of time behind a desk. In fact, there may be a greater risk of blood clots for people who spend long hours at a desk staring at a computer screen than for airplane travelers. The moral of this story seems to be that we should all be moving around rather than sitting still for hours on end. Even on an airplane we can exercise our feet and walk the aisles. Other ways to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis is to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to wear elastic support stockings to enhance blood flow in the legs.
[2007 Annual Meeting of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand]

Beware Weekend Heart Attacks
If you're going to have a heart attack it would be better to have it on a weekday than on a weekend. That's because you may get better, faster, more aggressive treatment during the week when there are lots of skilled interventional cardiologists on duty. Investigators analyzed data on more than 230,000 heart attack patients between 1987 and 2002. Heart attack deaths were roughly one percent higher for patients admitted to New Jersey hospitals on weekends. One possible explanation was that angioplasty, a procedure to open clogged coronary arteries, was performed on about 10 percent of weekday heart attacks but only 6.7 percent of weekend heart attacks. Angioplasty can sometimes reverse the damaging effects of a heart attack before it has a chance to destroy large areas of heart tissue. Another possibility for the discrepancy in heart attack survival is that weekend heart attack patients may be different than weekday patients. On weekends patients may wait longer to go to the hospital with chest pain and may arrive sicker than on weekdays. Regardless of the reasons for the discrepancy between weekend and weekday mortality statistics, people should never delay a trip to the emergency department if they suspect they are experiencing a heart attack.
[New England Journal of Medicine, March 15, 2007]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/356/11/1099

Green Tea and Celebrex Fight Prostate Cancer
A combination of green tea with an anti-inflammatory pain reliever seems to slow the development of prostate cancer. The researchers compared the effects of Celebrex and green tea extract on tissue cultures and on mice implanted with human prostate tumors. Green tea is rich in the polyphenol EGCG that makes prostate cancer cells die. In both the test tube and the animals, the combination of green tea and Celebrex worked much better than either compound alone.
[Clinical Cancer Research March 1, 2007]
http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/13/5/1611

Health Headlines 3/9/07

March 9, 2007 11:43 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
The FDA Has Computer Problems
Many Kids Get Untested Drugs
The More Drugs You Take The More Mistakes You Make
A Little Wine Prolongs Life
Treat Depression And Reduce Alcohol Abuse
Pregnant Women Need More Vitamin D
Driving And Talking Bring Fines In UK

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Popular diet books have dispensed conflicting advice for years--eat less fat, or eat less carbohydrate. Finally, a carefully designed study shows which diet plan is better: Atkins, Ornish, Zone or the health professionals' cautious recommendations. The lead investigator of the A to Z study explains their results. Also, what other options besides aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen should people consider for arthritis and other chronic pain? Finally, the People's Pharmacy herb expert, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, discusses the benefits of culinary herbs and spices.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=jorpqrg4

Our newspaper columns this week address erythromycin and Darvocet interactions, the cleanliness of dogs, potential danger to boys from lavendar and tee tree oil, dietary remedies for high cholesterol, and Americans' attitudes towards sexuality:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/sex_under_siege_in_america.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/doggy_diswasher_disgusts_guest.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/coconut_may_ease_diarrhea.asp

Featured Q&A

My husband has always had trouble with foul-smelling intestinal gas. Doctors haven't been able to help, and it is very embarrassing.

First he tried activated charcoal capsules. It was a little tricky to time them around his prescription medicines since charcoal interferes with absorption. They did help but only a little. Then he tried Mylanta Gas. It worked better but even at the maximum dose was still not perfect.

When I read the letter in your column about fennel seed, I bought a bottle of ground fennel seed capsules. It works much better than either of the other alternatives. He needs fewer fennel capsules than he used to take of over-the-counter drugs, and the problem is rarely noticeable. Others may also find this approach helpful.

Featured Home Remedy

Q. For several years, my wife suffered with gum disease. Her gums hurt constantly, and she got her teeth cleaned three times a year to try to combat the pain.

Occasionally, she would get toothaches, and the dentist would take X-rays. But although suspicious shadows appeared in different places in her mouth, there was never one particular tooth identified as the cause of the problem.

You suggested that taking Coenzyme Q10 might help her. Within two weeks of starting on 50 mg of CoQ each day, her gums stopped hurting. She went back to having her teeth cleaned only twice a year and no longer has any mysterious toothaches. She has remained pain-free for over a year and a half.

While this is not scientific proof that CoQ works for gum disease, we thought our experience might benefit someone else.

A. Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like compound that plays a vital role in many biochemical reactions. It has a reputation for being helpful in periodontal disease as well as for congestive heart failure. We are delighted your wife got such great benefit.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

The FDA Has Computer Problems
The Food and Drug Administration has been criticized for failing to detect serious medication safety problems. Now a new report published in the Wall Street Journal suggests that the computer system the agency relies on to track drug problems is dysfunctional. The FDA is planning to replace its antiquated equipment and software with a new system, but agency bungling has delayed implementation for at least four years. It is now expected to go online in 2009. Consultants from the Breckenridge Institute who analyzed the issue estimate that FDA safety officers waste 45 minutes a day as a result of computer snags. The FDA responded to the report that it commissioned by saying that the current adverse event reporting system is working well despite exploding amounts of data. But the consultants laid the blame on a culture of bureaucratic infighting and inadequate leadership.
[Wall Street Journal, March 3, 2007]

Many Kids Get Untested Drugs
Children are often treated with medicines that have only been approved for adults. Experts recognized that this is a common occurrence, but they did not fully appreciate how widespread this practice is. A new study of more than 350,000 patients (18 years old or younger) carried out at 31 children's hospital reveals some shocking statistics. Nearly 80 percent were given medications that have not been tested and approved for use in children. This off-label prescribing is legal but poses potential problems. Children are not just mini-adults. They can react differently to many medicines and may be more vulnerable to toxicity.
[Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, March, 2007]
http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/161/3/282

The More Drugs You Take The More Mistakes You Make
At the other end of the age spectrum, older people are also at risk. When a doctor changes an older person's drug regimen, the patient is more likely to make a serious mistake in taking his medications. Investigators in Worcester, Massachusetts, followed 30,000 Medicare patients for a year. They detected 129 adverse drug events resulting from patient errors. Two-fifths of these problems occurred soon after the doctor had made an adjustment to the dose or timing of the medicine. Patients taking three or four medications were twice as likely as those on one or two drugs to make such an error. The scientists urge older patients to take all their drugs to doctor visits, have them reviewed, and ask questions to make sure they understand exactly how to take them properly.
[Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Feb. 2007]
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01047.x

A Little Wine Prolongs Life
Dutch researchers report that modest wine drinking may prolong men's lives. For four decades, investigators followed more than 1,000 men in Zutphen, a city in the Netherlands. Those who averaged about half a glass of wine a day had the lowest mortality levels. They lived nearly four years longer than those who did not consume alcohol and two years longer than those who drank spirits or beer. The researchers emphasize that heavy alcohol consumption is deleterious to health.
[American Heart Association conference in Orlando, Florida, March, 2007]

Treat Depression And Reduce Alcohol Abuse
Depressed men tend to drink more alcohol than men in good mental health. A Canadian study has found, however, that if they are treated with antidepressants, men are less likely to abuse alcohol. Researchers surveyed some 14,000 adults and found that antidepressant use had no impact on women's alcohol consumption. The investigators have no explanation for why men seem to drink less during treatment compared to women, who do not change their drinking behavior.
[Canadian Medical Association Journal, February 27, 2007]
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/176/5/633

Pregnant Women Need More Vitamin D
Pregnant women in North America appear not to be getting enough vitamin D. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh tested 200 pregnant black women and 200 pregnant white women along with the newborn babies. They found that 80 percent of the African American mothers had too little vitamin D in their systems. Half of the white mothers also tested low. This, despite the fact that 90 percent of these women were taking pre-natal vitamins. The overwhelming majority of the newborn infants had inadequate levels of vitamin D circulating in their bloodstreams. The investigators were astonished that the rates were so high. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with conditions as diverse as bone problems, cancer, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
[Journal of Nutrition, Feb. 2007]
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/137/2/447

Driving And Talking Bring Fines In UK
British regulators are cracking down on mobile phone use while driving. A new law imposes a fine of 60 pounds, about $116 dollars for any driver caught talking on a cell phone. They also get three penalty points on their license. These strict measures will encourage British drivers to switch their phones off before turning on the ignition. The goal is to reduce distractions that can lead to accidents.
[The British Medical Association]
http://www.bma.org.uk/pressrel.nsf/wlu/STRE-6YSKFM?OpenDocument&vw=wfmms

Health Headlines 3/2/07

March 2, 2007 11:46 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Anti-Oxidant Overview Is Disappointing
Popular Pain Relievers Raise Blood Pressure
New Warnings For ADHD Drugs
Disappointing Results for Garlic and Cholesterol Control
Breath Test Detects Lung Cancer

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Climate scientist Stephen Schneider knows a lot about making decisions in the face of uncertainty. Those skills from his profession were put to use when he came down with a rare kind of lymphoma. Schneider learned how to challenge doctors treating cancer by the book, and he discovered that patients who advocate for themselves get better treatment. Learn how becoming the "patient from hell" could save your life.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/577_the_patient_from_hell_archive.asp

Our newspaper columns this week address an embarrassing possible effect of sugarless gum, help for coughing, more on quinine, no shame in ED, and the potential danger of overmedicating kids:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/cold_remedies_hold_hazards_for_kids.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/erectile_problems_threaten_marriage.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/vanilla_soothes_minor_burns.asp

Featured Q&A

Q. My husband loves garlic and onions. No one believes me but I have actually caught him making raw onion sandwiches. When he makes a pasta sauce I have to beg him not to use more than three cloves of garlic.

Needless to say, his breath could stop a horse. I love this man dearly but kissing him is a challenge. Is there an herbal mouthwash or home remedy that could calm his dragon breath?

A. Garlic breath goes way beyond mouthwash. The sulfur-containing compounds that cause the distinctive aroma are absorbed into the blood stream, circulated throughout the body and exhaled through the lungs.

The only home remedy we have ever heard about for garlic and onion breath is parsley. Some people maintain that eating fresh parsley can counteract the smell. Others prefer parsley flakes or capsules of parsley seed oil.

Featured Home Remedy

Let me add one more word about using salt water as a nasal irrigant. When I was a little girl my allergist recommended it to relieve hay fever. I was too grossed out to try it at that age.

Then the man I married gave me a "netti pot." This is a special vessel for pouring warm salt water down the nasal passages, an ancient yogic practice. Once I mastered the technique, it has provided amazing relief from colds, sinus problems and hay fever. I use fresh warm water each time to avoid bacterial contamination.

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Anti-Oxidant Overview Is Disappointing
A new report suggests that antioxidant supplements do not prolong life. An analysis of 47 clinical trials involving more than 260,000 people concludes that there is no benefit to taking beta-carotene, vitamin A or vitamin E. There is even some suggestion that these nutrients may have some negative effects when taken individually. The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has created confusion in the minds of millions of Americans who thought that these antioxidants were beneficial.
Critics of the research point out that the investigators excluded data from two large trials that demonstrated positive effects from vitamins. Much of the research that was included involved people who were unhealthy to start with. For example many of the subjects were smokers or people who suffered from existing heart disease.
The controversy over vitamins and other dietary supplements is bound to continue. Until we have additional research regarding the use of antioxidants in healthy subjects everyone agrees that people should increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables to get as many of these nutrients as possible from the diet.
[JAMA Feb. 28, 2007]
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/297/8/842

Popular Pain Relievers Raise Blood Pressure
Regular use of pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen can increase blood pressure. Investigators studied 16,000 male health professionals over four years. Men who relied on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs most days of the week had a 38 percent increased risk of being diagnosed with hypertension. Acetaminophen, the ingredient in Tylenol, elevated the risk of high blood pressure 34 percent when it was taken six or seven days a week. Even aspirin had a negative impact. Men who took aspirin daily had a 26 percent increased risk of high blood pressure. The investigators caution that men who have been advised to take aspirin by their physicians should not stop this drug since it has other cardiovascular benefits. Aspirin lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes, something that cannot be said of drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. People with heart disease or existing high blood pressure may have to find other ways to control their pain and inflammation besides Advil, Aleve or Tylenol.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, Feb. 26, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/4/394

New Warnings For ADHD Drugs
Drugs used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are also coming under closer scrutiny by the FDA. The agency is asking manufacturers of such medications to create patient guides that warn about cardiovascular and psychiatric dangers. There have been reports of heart attacks and strokes, especially in patients with underlying heart problems. There are also concerns that these stimulant medications can trigger hallucinations, delusional thinking and other psychiatric symptoms. Medicines that will be affected the FDA¹s new labeling will include Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, Focalin, Ritalin and Strattera.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01568.html

Disappointing Results for Garlic and Cholesterol Control
Garlic pills are among the most popular dietary supplements in the health food store. Many people think that garlic will help control high cholesterol levels. However a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that garlic is worthless when it comes to controlling cholesterol. Investigators compared the commercial preparations Garlicin and Kyolic-100 with raw garlic and placebo. Subjects consumed their garlic preparation six days a week for six months. At the end of the study there was no statistically significant difference in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. The investigators conclude that none of the forms of garlic used in the study, including raw garlic, produced any benefits in cholesterol control.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, Feb. 26, 2007]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/extract/167/4/325

Breath Test Detects Lung Cancer
Detecting lung cancer early has posed a challenge, but new technology may make it easier. Scientists at the Cleveland Clinic report that a breath test detects 75 percent of patients with lung cancer, even those in the earliest stages. Because cancer cells produce different kinds of compounds compared to normal cells, researchers have been looking for ways to detect these novel chemicals in the breath. In this research, the investigators used a small, portable device not much larger than a coin. It had 36 spots with chemicals that change color when they interact with compounds from lung cancers. Until now, one of the most unusual and accurate ways to detect these volatile compounds has been the canine nose. Dogs are 99 percent accurate in determining patients with cancer. Very few clinics use this technique. If this research holds up, it may lead to an affordable and convenient way to screen for lung cancer.
[Thorax]

Health Headlines 2/23/07

February 23, 2007 11:49 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Office Desks Are Germ Magnets
Seafood And Pregnancy
Exercise To Boost Immunity
Olive Oil Good For Gastritis
Coffee For The Heart?

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Media Mail with an expected transit time of 3-9 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

In our Health News Update radio program, we'll learn about a possible higher risk of certain cancers for heavy milk drinkers, research on the heart benefits of aspirin for women, potential problems in the bedroom for men who spend a lot of time cycling, and the relative benefits of drinking coffee, tea, and wine.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/623_health_news_update.asp

Our newspaper columns this week address how to sterilize kitchen sponges, Ambien side effects, symptoms of hyperthyroidism, recurrent sinus infections, and skepticism about the bar of soap treatment for leg pain:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/no_science_behind_soap_remedy.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/sleep_driving_is_scary_side_effect_of_ambien.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/microwave_sponges_to_kill_germs.asp

Featured Q&A

Q. My hands are so dry and rough my wife doesn't like for me to touch her when we make love. Because I am a dentist, I wash my hands dozens of times a day with antibacterial soap. I've tried a variety of moisturizers, but I have yet to find one I like.

I remember reading in your column about dairy farmers using the creams made for chapped udders. Are these worth trying? If so, where can I find them?

A. People in many different professions must wash their hands frequently and suffer red, dry, cracked skin as a consequence. Some praise the prescription moisturizer Lac-Hydrin, which contains alpha-hydroxy acid (12 percent). It will sting, however, if you rub it into open cracks.

Farmers' wives have recommended a different option. They like the udder creams you mentioned to keep their own hands in good shape. Time-honored Bag Balm contains a disinfectant along with lanolin and petrolatum. The other, Udder Cream, also contains lanolin as well as allantoin to help speed healing.

Both are available in agricultural supply or feed stores, or you may order directly from the manufacturers. There is a link to Udder Cream from our Web site: http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/home_remedies/uddercream_for_dry_skin.asp.

Featured Home Remedy

A reader asked for an inexpensive solution to fingernail fungus. I, too, had a problem with nail fungus only it involved my toenails. I asked my doctor for a cure, and he just said they would fall off. I realized that professional nail technicians in beauty shops deal with this problem all the time. So, I asked my beauty operator to recommend something.

She told me to go to a beauty supply store and buy Beauty Secrets 100% pure Australian Tea Tree Oil. It came in a small bottle with a brush like a fingernail polish bottle. It cost $6.00.

You paint the affected nail once or twice a day and it kills the fungus. I continued to use it for about 6 months because toenails take so long to grow in. And, I have only used about 1/2 the bottle. The fungus is definitely gone!

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Office Desks Are Germ Magnets
The average office desk is an incubator for bacteria. According to University of Arizona professor, Dr. Chuck Gerba, your desk probably has 400 times more bacteria than the office toilet seat. Dr. Gerba tested 100 offices around the country. He found that while women's desks tend to look cleaner than men's they actually harbor more germs. That's because women tended to have more food around their desks and food tends to encourage the growth of microorganisms. They also use more hand cream and cosmetics which help transfer germs. On the other hand, men's wallets and personal digital assistants were hot spots for bacteria. Dr. Gerba suggests occasional office disinfection would be a good idea, especially phones, computer keyboards and desktops. He also encourages men and women to sanitize their wallets and pocket books since they are often highly contaminated with germs.

Seafood And Pregnancy
Women have been warned not to eat a lot of seafood during pregnancy as it may cause too much mercury to accumulate in the developing fetus. Scientists worried that this could lead to developmental problems during childhood. Now researches from the National Institutes of Health, The Universitiy of Illinois at Chicago and The University of Bristol in England have reported that this wisdom may be incorrect and even counterproductive. These investigators analyzed data from nearly 9,000 British mothers and their children. The kids were tracked for roughly eight years. Surprisingly, women who followed the guidelines and ate less than 12 ounces of fish a week did not protect their children from neurological or developmental problems. To the contrary, these children did not do as well on verbal IQ, motor control and social development when compared to children whose mother's ate more than two or three fish meals a week during their pregnancies. In light of the new data perhaps the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency will need to revise their recommendations.
[The Lancet, Feb. 17, 2007] (free registration required)
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673607602773/abstract

Exercise To Boost Immunity
Lifting weights before getting a flu shot may boost immunity. Researchers divided 60 people into two groups. 40 men and women lifted weights for about half and hour before getting a flu shot. The others rested quietly before vaccination. The exercisers had an improved immune response to the shot. The effect lasted for several months after the immunization. Although the scientists don't know how exercise affects the immune system, they suspect that it may increase blood flow to the muscles, boost immune cell reactivity and lead to an overall enhancement of the immune response to vaccination.
[Brain, Behavior and Immunity, Feb. 2007]

Olive Oil Good For Gastritis
Doctors have warned people with heartburn or gastritis to cut back on fatty foods. But doctors may want to rethink this advice and encourage such patients to eat more olive oil. A new study from Spain suggests that antioxidants in olive oil have antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is responsible for many cases of gastritis and stomach ulcers each year. The investigators discovered that compounds in olive oil were capable of fighting several strains of H. Pylori, including a few that have developed resistance to standard antibiotics. If this preliminary research is confirmed in clinical trials, people who are prone to gastritis or peptic ulcers may want to include more olive oil in their diets. It may turn out to be good for the belly as well as the heart.
[Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Feb. 7, 2007]
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/2007/55/i03/abs/jf0630217.html

Coffee For The Heart?
Speaking of heart health, coffee may turn out to have an unexpected benefit. For years people have been warned that coffee drinking could increase blood pressure and cholesterol. But a new study from Sweden suggests that even if this were true, it might not have a negative impact on the heart. Researchers studied over 30,000 women between the ages of 40 and 74. They were tracked for roughly 5 years. Women who drank more than 5 cups of coffee a day actually seemed less likely to experience a heart attack when compared to women who drank 0 to 4 cups of coffee a day. Although the trend was not statistically significant, the researchers reported a 32 percent reduction in heart attack risk among the regular coffee drinkers. Perhaps the antioxidants in coffee provide some cardiovascular protection. Another possibility is that coffee improves insulin utilization and reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes. Regardless of the mechanism, it would seem that a few cups of coffee may be an innocent pleasure that provides some heart health as a bonus.
[American Journal of Epidemiology, February 2007]

Health Headlines 2/16/07

February 16, 2007 11:56 AM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Drug-Coated Stents
FDA Oversight
Chinese Drug Scandal
Natural Aphrodisiac?
Myths About Sex
Napping For Heart Health

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Priority Mail with an expected transit time of 1-3 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

Hypnosis has a long history, but in many circles it seems to have a questionable reputation. What is hypnosis and how can it help you? We'll learn about easing stress, relieving pain, stopping smoking and eating mindfully with the aid of hypnosis and self-hypnosis.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/622_hypnosis_for_health.asp

Our newspaper columns this week address a novel approach to flatulence, magnets and arthritis pain, iron and constipation, low cholesterol levels, and new questions about the birth control pill:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/birth_control_pills_effectiveness_questioned.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/lowering_caffeine_in_tea.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/trap_gas_with_carbonized_undies.asp

Featured Q&A

Q. In one of your columns you made a passing comment about gin and raisins for joint pain. A friend of mine has been making and taking this for some time now and swears by it.

All he knows about it is that one of his co-workers told him to try it. My first thought was, it sounds like quite a way to get your morning jolt, sort of like the little old ladies of yore that took a nip of tonic, but insisted they were teetotalers.

Could you please tell me more about it?

A. We first heard about gin-soaked golden raisins in 1994. We have been writing about this arthritis remedy ever since. Some folks tell us it is amazing. Others say it is worthless. We cannot explain why it would work, but the juniper berries that flavor the gin may have some anti-inflammatory activity. Others have suggested that the sulfite preservative in golden raisins might have some unexpected benefit.

This remedy has very little alcohol in it when prepared correctly. We had nine raisins (the official daily dose) analyzed and discovered that there is only one drop of ethanol in nine raisins. For more details on this remedy, visit our Web site: http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/home_remedies/gin_soaked_raisins_for_arthritis.asp

Featured Home Remedy

I have suffered with chronic diarrhea for a long time. My doctor has suggested that it is irritable bowel syndrome. I decided to try the coconut macaroon remedy about two months ago.

It has alleviated the problem almost completely. I have only experienced two or three episodes compared to maybe 20 or so in a similar time frame prior to the macaroon cookies.

I am baffled as to why it works, but aside from a slight change in my diet to account for the extra calories from two coconut macaroon cookies a day, it is a success. Thank you!

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Drug-Coated Stents
Drug-coated stents are back in the news. Five new studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine create more confusion than clarity. Stents are tiny metal tubes inserted into arteries to keep them open after angioplasty. The trouble with the old bare-metal stents was that they often become clogged over time. The drug-eluting stents contain a medication that suppresses inflammation and prevents tissue growth so the arteries remain open. The trouble is that they may be more likely to trigger blood clots that can lead to heart attacks. The new analyses suggest that the drug-coated stents can be helpful for the first year, but with time, any advantage may fade. An editorial in the Journal summed up the frustration of many cardiologists: "Unfortunately, despite the five years that have elapsed since the start of the clinical trials and the implantation of millions of drug-eluting stents, much remains uncertain about the long-term safety of the devices."
[New England Journal of Medicine, March 8, 2007, Early Release on the Web]
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/NEJMe068306

FDA Oversight
The FDA has come under fire for its handling of the antibiotic Ketek. FDA safety officer, Dr. David Graham, told Senators two years ago that the Food and Drug Administration was "incapable of protecting America against another Vioxx." This week he told the House Committee on Oversight and Investigations that "nothing has really changed." The focus of the hearing was on Ketek and what the FDA knew about its potential for toxicity. The antibiotic was approved for sale in 2004 to treat a range of infections including sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. This week the FDA announced that it is no longer safe enough for treating anything but pneumonia. Ketek can cause liver failure. Critics of the agency point out that the liver problems were known before the drug was approved. When asked if there are other drugs that may pose special health risks, Dr. David Graham suggested that off-label use of anti-psychotic drugs in nursing homes may be killing 15,000 older people each year.

Chinese Drug Scandal
Chinese officials have announced legal action against the former head of their Food and Drug Administration. This official has been accused of taking bribes to turn a blind eye to counterfeit medications. Fake drugs are a big problem in China and may pose risks for other countries as well. The Chinese pharmaceutical industry has become a major exporter to the rest of the world. Raw ingredients from China are used by drug manufacturers internationally and in the United States. Production licenses for 170,000 drugs may be affected and are being reviewed by government investigators.

Natural Aphrodisiac?
There may not be any real aphrodisiacs, but perhaps some natural compounds will turn out to be surprisingly effective. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that male sweat could be a turn-on for many women. Just a sniff of a compound found in men's sweat, androstadienone, increased cortisol levels in women's blood and made their hearts beat faster. The women in the study also reported better mood and more sexual arousal. Sniffing baking yeast, in comparison, did nothing for the women's mood or hormone levels.
[Journal of Neuroscience, Feb. 7, 2007]
http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstract/27/6/1261

Myths About Sex
Britons have some odd ideas about avoiding pregnancy. According to a new survey from the Family Planning Association, one third of the population is convinced that a woman who jumps up and down, urinates or washes immediately after sex will not conceive. Half those questioned were clueless about how a woman's cycle affects her likelihood of becoming pregnant. A majority did not know that sperm can survive in a woman's body for several days. The investigators concluded that many Britons are uninformed about the basics of human sexuality and reproduction. This ignorance may lead to many unwanted pregnancies.

Napping For Heart Health
Daytime naps may be good for the heart. A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that nappers who snooze during the day for at least 30 minutes three times a week are a third less likely to die of a heart attack than non-nappers. The research was carried out in Greece. Like other Mediterranean countries, Greece has a cultural history of mid-day siestas. Over 20,000 men and women were followed for more than six years. More than half the group was in the habit of taking daytime naps. The investigators hypothesize that a daytime nap may help ease both short term and chronic stress, which puts a strain on the heart. The lead investigator suggests that a nap may be nearly as beneficial as taking aspirin or exercising. Of course, doing all three may be the best approach to heart health.
[Archives of Internal Medicine]
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/3/296

Health Headlines 2/9/07

February 9, 2007 12:54 PM 0 Vote 0 Votes

In This Issue:

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com
Featured Q&A
Featured Home Remedy
Loneliness And Alzheimer's
Inflammation And Dementia
Grape Juice As A Red Wine Substitute
Selenium For Prostate Health
Vitamin D Fights Cancer
Suicide On The Rise
New Gene Test Predicts Cancer Outcome

Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy

We are pleased to announce our new book, Best Choices from The People's Pharmacy. Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy is a how-to for consumers trying to work out which treatments, including diet, home remedies, dietary supplements and drugs, are best for what ails them. Click the link below to purchase a copy at a discount of $21.95 plus $5 shipping and handling!

Note: We are shipping single book orders Priority Mail with an expected transit time of 1-3 days from shipment, and orders for two or more books by FedEx Ground. Shipping and handling is $5 per book. We also include a FREE copy of Chocolate without Guilt, regularly $14.95, autographed by Terry, with orders for three of more copies of Best Choices shipped to the same address.

http://secure.peoplespharmacy.com/PPcart.asp?pg=products&specific=joppfog0

This Week on PeoplesPharmacy.com:

We are always told to eat a well-balanced diet. But what, exactly, does that mean? Does it really ensure we will get the vitamins we need to stay healthy? Our guest experts will clear up the confusion around vitamin E.
Read a short excerpt of the program or order it on CD by clicking the link below:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/radio_shows/621_clearing_up_vitamin_confusion.asp

Our newspaper columns this week address understanding cholesterol test results, acid reducing drugs and hip fractures, turmeric for psoriasis, preventing the gassy effect of beans and cabbage, and an ingenious hiccup remedy:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/editorial/hiccup_remedies_show_ingenuity.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/pharmacy_qa/do_tangelos_share_grapefruit_effect.asp

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/archives/herb_home_remedy_qa/black_tea_is_more_healthful_without_milk.asp

Featured Q&A

Q. I have read in your column that niacin lowers cholesterol. Does it lower the good cholesterol along with the bad?

A. No. Niacin has the advantage of lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol while raising the good HDL cholesterol by as much as 20 percent.

Q. Since our retirement, my husband has been eager to share our household chores. Kindly help prevent World War III by settling this argument.

When he washes the dishes he refuses to use soap. As a former chemist and engineer he insists that soap will not kill bacteria and using just hot water will suffice. The dish washer is used as a drain board.

I might add that as a husband he is a precious pussy cat.

A. You are a lucky lady to have such a dedicated husband, but we suggest a change in his technique. Even if he is a retired chemist and engineer, his soapless dishwashing leaves a lot to be desired.

We consulted Dr. Chuck Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona. He is the world's leading expert on germs in places like bathrooms and kitchens. Dr. Gerba says that your hubby should "absolutely use detergent." It will help loosen and dissolve food and grease and make it harder for bacteria to grow. Your husband is right that most dish washing solutions do not kill germs, but new products are appearing that have antibacterial action.

Dr. Gerba points out a far greater hazard, however. The sponge can easily become contaminated with germs. In one survey he found that 20 percent of household dishrags carried Salmonella or other disease-producing bacteria. To reduce this risk throw the sponge or dishrag into a hot wash every few days. Another option is to put the damp sponge into the microwave for two minutes. That will kill all the nasties that might be living there.

Featured Home Remedy

You answered a question about passing gas after eating onions, cabbage and the like. In Europe we drink fennel tea. You soak fennel seeds in very hot water for about five minutes and then drink the tea.

I learned also to add fennel and cumin seeds when I'm cooking with bean. It really helps!

You can read more home remedies on our website:
http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp

Health Headlines:

Loneliness And Alzheimer's
Loneliness may have devastating health consequences for older people. A new study publishes in the Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that social isolation may predispose senior citizens to develop dementia. More than 800 people who were at least 80 years old were recruited for this investigation. They were quizzed on loneliness and tested for confusion and memory loss at the beginning of the study. Over the next four years they were tested annually for cognitive function. The loneliest people were twice as likely to develop dementia over the course of the study. The researchers do not understand the mechanism behind this decline, but they speculate that loneliness may increase levels of stress hormones that could harm the brain.
[Archives of General Psychiatry, Feb. 2007]
http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/64/2/234

Inflammation And Dementia
Another study shows that inflammation may be the first step in the development of dementia. The scientists studied mice that were genetically modified to develop brain degeneration that mimics Alzheimer's disease. They found that inflammation preceded the appearance of characteristic tangles in the brain. Immunosuppressant drugs that are used to prevent organ transplant rejection extended the life of these mice and appeared to protect the brain from damage.
[Neuron, Feb. 2007]

Grape Juice As A Red Wine Substitute
Grape juice may be just as heart healthy as red wine. French scientists have found that Concord grape juice affect cells lining blood vessels in the same way that red wine does. They lead to the formation of nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator that helps keep blood vessels flexible. Concord grape juice has many of the same polyphenol compounds that are found in red wine. For people who cannot tolerate alcohol, grape juice may represent a heart healthy alternative.
[Cardiovascular Research, Jan. 15, 2007]

Selenium For Prostate Health
Selenium is a trace element that is found in many foods, including eggs, meat, fish and cereals. Although there have been some studies that have suggested a selenium deficiency may be linked to certain kinds of cancer, the relationship remains controversial. Now new research gives credence to the idea that selenium may have some anti-cancer potential, especially when combined with other nutrients. Researchers tested over 1500 men for selenium and then followed them for roughly eight years. Selenium by itself was not associated with less prostate cancer. But men who had high levels of both selenium and Vitamin E did have less prostate cancer, as did men who took multivitamins. Perhaps it is the combination of selenium and other nutrients that provides anti-cancer power.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2007]
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/85/1/209

Vitamin D Fights Cancer
Two new meta-analyses using data from many smaller studies suggest that vitamin D may have powerful anti-cancer potential. One investigation pulled together results from two large studies including more than 1,700 women and concluded that those with the highest blood levels of vitamin D had the lowest risk of breast cancer. The scientists suggest that women could cut their chance of coming down with breast cancer in half by getting 2,000 International Units of vitamin D3 a day, and spending 10 or 15 minutes daily out in the sunshine when weather permits.
The other study considered the risk of colon cancer. Data from 1,400 people suggest that getting 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily would cut the likelihood of developing colon cancer by two thirds. These investigators suggest that a combination of diet, supplements and 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure would be best for getting this amount of vitamin D. The current RDA for vitamin D falls far below these levels, at just 400 IU per day.
[breast cancer: Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Feb. 2007 online; colon cancer: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Feb. 6, 2007 online]

Suicide On The Rise
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hints at a disturbing rise in suicide among teenagers. Between 2003 and 2004 the suicide rate for people under 20 rose 18 percent. Some experts have suggested that this alarming trend might be linked to FDA warnings about antidepressants. The agency has warned physicians that certain antidepressants may contribute to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Over the last two years, prescriptions for such drugs have declined. Other experts suggest that suicide prevention programs in schools have been curtailed due to lack of funding. They hypothesize that an increase in suicides might be explained by these cuts.
[Pediatrics, Feb. 2007]

New Gene Test Predicts Cancer Outcome
The FDA has just approved a new gene test that could help doctors determine which women with early breast cancer are least likely to suffer a recurrence. The MammaPrint test could help doctors and patients decide how aggressively an early breast tumor should be treated.

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