January 14
Polymer Technology Systems Receives Over-The-Counter Clearance from FDA for HDL-Cholesterol Test. http://www.diabetes-testing.com
"Roller coasters can cause blood clots in brain." Japanese researchers have received four reports of blood clots developing on the brain after high-speed roller coaster rides. Blood vessels close to the surface of the brain rupture and leak, creating pressure between the brain and the skull. The scientists think the blood clots may have been caused by the up-and-down, back-and-forth motions or the acceleration force.
January 15
"Forget low-fat. A Mediterranean diet based on fruit, vegetables, grains, olive oil and moderate fat is the best way to lose weight and stay healthy." experts from 17 countries said that accumulating scientific evidence is showing that low fat diets are not healthy for the majority of the population.
Bigplanet's "iphone" is a way to enjoy email without a computer 801 345-7000
"Syndrome W Flags Insulin Resistance in Perimenopause" This condition involves weight gain, waist size increase and hypertension. Eating a diet like the Salad and Salmon diet will help regulate insulin levels and prevent diabetes. Diet and exercise usually help patients to avoid medications for high blood pressure.
A recent article in The American Journal of Medicine describes patients' expectations that bronchitis requires antibiotics. In fact, most bronchial infections are viral. Antibiotics are prescribed at high rates of 60%-80% even though their use in the treatment of bronchitis in patients without lung disease in not recommended. Volume 198, Number 1 pp.83-85, 91-92.
January 17
A new product called ProstaQ has proven effective in chronic prostatitis according to the journal Urology. It contains quercetin, papain, bromelain, zinc, and cranberry. Enlarged prostates, known as BPH, are helped by saw palmetto, flax and flax oil, pumpkin, pygeum and nettles.
Freedom of Cancer Choice Bill number 9289. Call 914 632-5122 for information.
Seizure medications can cause nutritional deficiencies. Tegretol increases the need for vitamin E supplementation. Phenobarbitol creates folic acid deficiency. Depakot may deplete carnitine.
Cataracts can be slowed by riboflavin supplementation along with the antioxidants C, E, zinc, mixed carotenoids, n-acetylcysteine, selenium and alpha lipoic acid.
Morning Sickness can be helped by adding fresh ginger to ginger ale; 50 mg. of B6; acupuncture; and "C-bands" from a drug store. Women who eat a diet lower in saturated fats prior to conception, have fewer problems with morning sickness.
January 21
Nutrients to take before surgery include bromelain, curcumin, vitamin C, zinc and arginine. Mederma is a good product to help prevent scarring. Prior to surgery, take less or no fish oil, garlic, vitamin E and ginkgo to avoid excessive bleeding.
A new product from St. Ives claims to diminish dark circles. It contains vitamin K which has long been used to minimize bruising because it is an antioxidant healer and a bleaching agent. St. Ives Dark Circle Diminisher.
Brain Scan Confirms Acupuncture Relieves Pain Presented by Drs. Lee and Liu at the Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America [www.rsna.org]
Researchers measured brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The results showed decreased brain activity in subjects who received acupuncture. Acupuncture appears to have raised the threshold of pain in patients.
Calcium citrate was found to be 2.5 times more bioavailable than calcium carbonate.
The researchers found that for each hour except the first, calcium citrate produced significantly higher serum calcium levels compared with calcium carbonate. Serum calcium levels are direct measures of calcium bioavailability. Serum calcium levels were, on average, 2.5 times higher with calcium citrate. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology [1999;30:1151-1154]
February 3, 2000
Ulcer Drug and Alcohol Don't Mix
The American Journal of Gastroenterology 2000;95:208-213
Zantac (ranitidine) which is an ulcer and heartburn medication used by millions of people can cause blood alcohol levels to reach dangerously high levels even when an individual drinks moderate amounts.
Social drinkers need to be warned that when they take Zantac there is the possibility of developing functional impairment when drinking moderate amounts of alcohol they usually consider safe.
Fats and Smoking are Associated with Risk for ALS
American Journal of Epidemiology 2000;151:156-173.
Researchers found that people who had ever smoked cigarettes had a twofold increase in ALS risk and that current smokers had more than a threefold risk. Alcohol had no effect.
Intake of dietary fat was associated in an increased risk of ALS.
February 5, 2000
Some Bodybuilders Driven by Mental Illness
Archives of General Psychiatry.
What drives some bodybuilders is a form of mental illnesses that can be treated with drugs, These people have a type of body dysmorphic disorder, a condition which is characterized by preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance. This disorder, also known as bigorexia, probably affects 1 to 2 percent of the US population. This affects mostly men and they believe they are too small, no matter how big they get. Bodybuilding can be a healthy competition, but these people make muscle development to the point at which it interferes with ordinary living, including holding a job or staying healthy.
James Rosen, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Vermont, uses a cognitive-behavioral approach. He teaches patients to realize when their thoughts are unrealistic, helps them to recast their self-image into more neutral terms, and teaches them to adapt to situations that could set off the compulsion to exercise beyond good health.
Diet of Young Pregnant Smokers Low in Antioxidants
Journal of Epidemiology Community Health 2000;54:17-23
Daily Smokers At Increased Risk of First Occurrence of Panic Attack
Archives of General Psychiatry 1999;56:1141-1147
In a sample of HMO members, daily smokers were 3 times more likely to have a first panic attack than nonsmokers.
Twins Face Higher Cancer Risk Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Fraternal twin sisters face more than twice the risk of developing breast cancer after menopause that women who aren't twins, a Mayo Clinic researcher reported. A study found that women who were fraternal twins were 2.1 more likely to develop breast cancer than women who were not. The risk for identical twins was no different from the risk for women born solo.
"The importance of this study is that it adds to a small but growing body of research that suggests that intrauterine exposures may influence later breast cancer risk," James Cherhan said, an epidemiologist with the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.
LYME VACCINE MAY NEED TO BE MODIFIED TO PREVENT INDUCTION OF ARTHRITIS.
Infectious Immunology 2000;68:658-663 After being vaccinated with recombinant out surface protein A (rOspA) of Borrelia burgdorferi, hamsters challenged with the Lyme disease bacteria developed severe Lyme arthritis.
February 10, 2000
Oral Enzymes Are Safe And Effective Alternatives to NSAIDS in Osteoarthritis
Clin. Drug Invest. 2000;19:15-22
Doctors in Saalfeden compared pain relief from NSAIDS and oral enzymes containing bromelain, trypsin and rutin. They used Phogenzym. Dr. Hoffman uses a product called Wobenzym [800 4-MARLYN]. The patients were suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. Based on assessments by both patients and physicians, nearly 95% rated the pain relief from oral enzymes "very good" or "good".
Use of Alternative Medicine Very Prevalent Among Prostate Cancer Patients
Cancer 1999;86:2642-2648
Researchers at the University of Virginia used a questionnaire to ask about use of alternative medicine in patients with prostate cancer. 43% of the patients who responded reported using some form of alternative medicine. Up to 72% of patients using alternative medicine therapies do not inform their physicians. The researchers advise that patients should be questioned carefully regarding alternative medicine. Interactions between the therapies are a possibility.
February 11, 2000
LDL May Not Be Best Predictor of Heart Risk In Healthy
Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association 2000;101.
Researchers examined the 5-year histories of nearly 7,000 men and women. They were healthy with no sign of heart disease. The study results showed that blood levels of LDL cholesterol didn't predict heart attack risk at all. Rather, the best predictors were apoB found in LDL and apoA1 found in HDL.
Brain Protein Is Real Cupid's Arrow
Science 2000;287:1053-1056
Researchers say that a little brain protein named DARPP-32 is key to sexual arousal in female rodents. The researchers suggest that how these brain pathways interact should be taken into account when people take certain drugs. It may also be possible to develop drugs that stimulate these pathways to regulate sexual behavior.
Effect of Micronutrient Status on Natural Killer Cell Immune Function in Healthy Free-Living Subjects aged Equal to or Greater Than 90 Years.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000; 71:590-8
The results of this study strengthen the hypothesis that individual micronutrients may affect the number and function of NK cells in old age. The study confirms the high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in healthy and apparently well-nourished persons.
February 16, 2000
Icelandic Population Does Not Show Seasonal Mood Change
American Journal of Psychiatry 2000; 157:234-238
Many people suffer depression during the winter months and require special lights or medication to help them. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. Recent research finds that Icelanders, who live in darkness a good deal of a long winter, show no significant seasonal variation in anxiety and depression. This reflects the possibility of a genetic component.
Lethargy that lasts for days after sex may have a metabolic component wherein the parasympathetic nervous system is stuck in that mode. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for erections, agitation and nervousness; the parasympathetic is responsible is for orgasm, relaxation and lethargy. Metabolic testing at The Hoffman Center can ascertain imbalances and correct them with diet and supplementation.
/ Exposure To Food Contaminants May Reduce Asthma Risk
British Medical Journal 2000;320:412-417
People exposed to food-contaminating organisms may be less likely than others to develop asthma or hay fever. There is a "hygiene hypothesis" which says that the relatively recent drop in childhood infections due to vaccinations and better hygiene is linked to the rise in allergy-related illnesses, such as asthma.
Patients With Kidney Disease: Beware Noni Juice
American Journal of Kidney Diseases 2000;35:310-312
The reports that a patient with kidney disease who was taking noni juice had blood tests that indicated that potassium and other markers of kidney disease were dangerously high.
February 17, 2000
Androgenic Hormone Improves Symptom and Bone Density In Lupus
8th International Scientific Conference on Lymphocytic Activation and Immune Response.
Dr. Philip J. Mease of the University of Washington in Seattle found that GL701 [the pharmaceutical grade of DHEA] improves symptoms if arthritis and fatigue, improves quality of life and decreases disease flares in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Negative Thinking Is Counterproductive, Does Not Change Behavior
Society For Personality and Social Psychology
A University of Arkansas team has determined that mulling over daily events that had negative outcomes is not productive.
February 19, 2000
No More Nausea
The FDA has approved a painless new way to relieve motion sickness. The product is called ReliefBand. It is a wristwatch-like device which uses a mild electricity to stimulate acupuncture points in the wrist. The cost is about $80-$95 for up to 144 hours of use.
Women Are Stronger Believers In Health Hazards Than Men
Women are more likely than men to worry about threats to individual and public health. This was reported at Harvard School of Public Health.
Celebrate President's Day With Cancer-Fighting Cherries
Cherries may contain natural substances that can help fight cancer. They also contain fiber that can help to lower cholesterol. This information came from Jeff Prince vice president of education at the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Eating Star Fruit May Be Fatal In Uremic Patients
American Journal of Kidney Disease 2000;35:189-193
Patients with kidney disease may develop serious or fatal neurologic complications from star fruit. The problem is the high potassium content which is dangerous for people with kidney disease.
St. John's Wort and Drug Interactions
The Lancet Volume 355 February 12, 2000 pp. 547-550, 575-578
Researchers Probe Cell-Phone Effects
The Bioelectromagnetics Society conducted a symposium in Washington DC. Monica Sandstrom of the Swedish National Institute for Working Life unveiled data that linked troubling conditions such as headache, nausea and recurring fatigue to cell phone use.
February 21, 2000
Information on TRANS FATTY ACIDS: www.enig.com Viagra May Help Treat Esophageal Disorder
Gastroenterology 2000;118:253-257
Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus where people have trouble swallowing. Viagra has been found to relax the esophagus.
Initial Antibiotics Not Warranted In Young Children With Acute Otitis Media
British Medical Journal 2000;320:350-354
Giving children a prescription for amoxicillin the first time they have an ear infection improves outcome in one of every seven to eight children younger than 2 years old. At The Hoffman Center we find that control of allergies, specifically food allergies, helps control reoccurrence of ear infections. Read "No More Amoxicillin" by Mary Ann Block.
Look For Lutein To Reduce The Risk of Cataracts
Schepens Eye Research Institute
New studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoid antioxidants found in dark green, leafy vegetables and many dietary supplement ,may help reduce the risk of cataracts as well as macular degeneration.
Chocolate May Help The Heart
Flavonoids that are found in cocoa may act as an antioxidant blocking arterial damage caused by free radicals.
Dr.Carl Keen of the University of California, Davis.
February 25, 2000
Dr. Hoffman speaks at a HEAL meeting March 4. 212 517-5937
FAIM Symposium "Integrative Medicine-The Bridge to Vitality in the 21st Century" 201 634-9400.
Gentle Weight Training Recommended For Older Hearts
The Lancet. Volume 355. February 19, 2000 p.629
Mild-to-moderate weight training can modify coronary risk factors. An advisory board from the American Heart Association recommends a single set of eight to ten different exercises, two to three times a week.
Lauric Acid Found in Certain Oils Has Been Found To Fight Viruses
February 29, 2000
COX Deficiency Linked To Intestinal Damage
Journal of Clin. Invest. 2000;105:469-478
For patients who have intestinal inflammation, the new anti-inflammatory drugs called COX-2 inhibitors may cause further problems. Vioxx and Celebrex may not be appropriate for people with bowel disease.
GLA Accelerates Responses To Tamoxifen In Breast Cancer
Int. Journal Cancer 2000;85:643-648
GLA is an omega-6 essential fatty acid. It is found in borage, evening of primrose and black currant seed oils. This research found that when breast cancer patients took 2.8 grams per day of GLA in addition to 20 mg tamoxifen daily their response to treatment was more rapid than the control group which took tamoxifen alone.
March 3, 2000
Cannabinoids Reduce MS Symptoms In Animal Model
Nature 2000;404:84-87
Dietary Supplement Called L-Arginine Plus Exercise Improves Heart Failure
Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2000;35:706-713
This is the first clinical trial to show that exercise and taking L-arginine improves blood vessel dilation more than either factor alone. Patients treated with L-arginine had a fourfold increase in blood vessel dilation. But when combined with exercise, the effect was even greater.
Beta-blocker/Riboflavin Combination May Increase Migraine Prophylaxis Efficacy
Headache 2000;40:30-35
Patients were given metoprolol or bisoprolol. Other patients were given riboflavin. Both groups experienced some relief. Based on these findings, researchers suggest that the combination of beta-blockers and riboflavin ma increase the efficacy compared with therapy with either, alone..
March 9, 2000
Healthy Docs Beget Healthy Patients
Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine 2000;10:40-48.
"It is evident that education of all physicians, especially those who practice primary care, is needed to emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity in all patients."
Magnet Therapy May Not Relieve Low Back Pain
The Journal of the American Medical Association 2000; 283:1322-1325
Tune in March 16 at 9 pm to hear Dr. Michael Weintraub, neurologist, discuss his research and success with magnet therapy. He will be speaking at the FAIM conference.
FAIM Symposium "Integrative Medicine-The Bridge to Vitality in the 21st Century" 201 634-9400.
Restaurants Try to Eliminate Genetically Modified Food
Wall Street Journal, Marketplace, March 9, 2000.
March 11, 2000
Revivogen: (888) 616-4247; help@Revivogen.com; hair loss remedy that some of Dr. Hoffman"s patients have found helpful.
"The Dogs Have It Right. Its Better To Drink Out Of The Toilet>"
Chuck Gerba, University of Arizona professor speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting.
Tea May Be Good For Your Heart
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;54:87-92.
March 14, 2000
Spencer David Kobren on hair loss.
The Truth About Women's Hair Loss
www.thebaldtruth.com
April 1, 2000
Vitamin C Foundation: www.vitaminCfoundation.org
Breast-fed Babies Have Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Archives of Disease in Childhood 2000;82:248-252
Evidence That Yogurt Benefits Immune System
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;71:861-872; European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;54:263-267
Level of Alpha-linolenic Acid In Breast Tissues Inversely Linked to Breast Cancer Risk
Eur J Cancer 2000;36:335-340
Celiac Disease Linked To Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Dig Dis Sci 2000;45:403-406
April 6, 2000
White Tea May Help Fight Cancer
From the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University
Drinking Tea May Reduce Fractures In The Elderly
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;71:1003-1007
Tofu Linked To Mental Decline In The Elderly
Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2000;19:207-209, 242-255 April 8, 2000
Looking To Vitamin C in Cataract Prevention
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology March 2000
NSAIDS Cause Heart Problems in Elderly
Arch. Intern. Med. 2000; 160:777-784
Stress Reduction Through the Transcendental Meditation Program May reduce Atherosclerosis and Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
[the journal] Stroke, March 2000
Vitamin C May Help Prevent Nerve Disorder
The Journal of Family Practice 2000;49:268-269.
Walnuts May Help Lower Harmful Cholesterol
Annals of Internal Medicine 2000;132:538-546.
April 13, 2000
"The Wrinkle Cure"
www.nvperricone.com
888 823-7837
April 15, 2000
Comparison of Kava Kava to Benzodiazepines in Patients With Anxiety
www.healthnotes.com/hnr
www.healthnotes.com/hnce
Weight Loss Kit for Dogs
www.purina.com
Chewing Sticks Provide An Alternative To Toothbrushes
Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry March 20, 2000
April 17, 2000
Raisins may be an important weapon in the colon cancer battle
"When inulin from raisins ferments in the colon, beneficial bacteria grow, and harmful bacterial growth is limited," explains Julie Jones, Ph.D., licensed nutritionist and college professor of nutrition.
Olive Oil May Help Prevent Colon Cancer
Gut 2000;46:191-199
Vitamin C May Help Women Steer Clear of Gallstones
Archives of Internal Medicine 2000;160:931-936
April 21, 2000
FDA Issues Second Warning to Glaxo for Relenza Promotion
Low Weight Increases Death Risk in Elderly
Archives of Internal Medicine 200;160:494-500
Fish Oil and Vitamin B12 Effective For Dysmenorrhea
Nutr. Res. 2000;20:621-632
Nutrients In Fruit and Vegetables Linked To Bone Health
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;71:142-151
April 22, 2000
High-Fiber Diet May Not Prevent Colon Cancer
The New England Journal of Medicine 2000;342:1149-1155, 1156-1162, 1206-1207
US Snacking Needs Attacking
Claire Zizza and Lisa Jahns from U. NC, Chapel Hill speaking at Experimental Biology 2000 conference.
"Safer" Cigarette Claims Draw Fire
American Lung Association called on R.J.Reynolds immediately to withdraw the product from the market. The cigarette is called Eclipse
Easter Eggs Spell Danger For Dogs
Dogs should not be eating chocolate because of the chemical theobromine. It is fine for humans, but can kill a dog if eaten in large quantities.
Report: Dead Harvested For Products
Orange County Register Sunday 16, 2000
State of Mind May Influence Lower Back Pain
[the journal] Spine December 1999
QLT Phototherapeutics, Ciba Vision Win FDA Approval for Blindness Drug
Wall Street Journal April 14, 2000
Also: Stuart Marcus at www.dusapharma.com
April 24, 2000
Stress Slows The Healing of Cuts and Bruises
Professor Janice Kiecolt-Glaser from Ohio State University of Medicine speaking to the British Psychological Society. Reuters April 14.
Magnetic Fields May Destroy Malaria Parasites
Dr. Henry Lai is the study director a scientist at the University of Washington, Seattle.
Bursts of High-Intensity Exercise Can Stunt Adolescent Growth
Dr. Michael Kleinman from the University of California, Irvine, speaking at the Experimental Biology 2000 conference.
High -Load Exercise May Damage The Knees
Study done by Dr. Mustasim Rumi, an orthopedic surgery resident at Pennsylvania State University and presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, March, Florida.
Internet Sites Peddle Lousy Lice Treatments
So says the FTC and suggests checking out www.consumer.gov.
April 26, 2000
Drop In Prostate-Cancer Deaths Fuels A Debate Over Blood Test
Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2000.
Trying To Lose Weight? Calcium May Help
As reported at the Experimental Biology 2000 conference. Dr. Michael Zemel of the University of Tennessee.
FDA Grants Marketing Approval to CAMPTOSAR For First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.
Pharmacia Corporation: 908 901-8770
April 27, 2000
France Launches Campaign Against Cigarettes and Alcohol
Secretary of State for Health Dominique Gillot is backing a campaign to curb smoking and alcoholism because of its huge social cost to France.
Fruits And Vegetables:Quality Matters
Christopher Taylor of Arizona State University in Tempe says that most people are choosing foods that are low in folate and vitamin C. This may result in a deficiency in these essential nutrients.
Macadamia Nut diet Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Archives of Internal Medicine 2000;160:1154-1158.
Fatty Acids Plus Antioxidants Relieve Recurrent Inflammatory Injuries
This information comes from Denmark's Olympic Committee. Soren Mavrogenis is the physiotherapist.
April 28, 2000
FTC Agrees To Multi-Million Dollar Settlement Over Diet Ad Complaint
Federal Trade Commission reached a $10 million settlement with Enforma Natural Products concerning Fat Trapper and Exercise in a Bottle. McDonald's, Other Fast-Food Chains Pull Monsanto's Bio-Engineered Potato
Wall Street Journal. April 28, 2000. Written by Scott Kilman April 29, 2000
Xylitol And Ear Infections In Children
www.xlear.com; 877 599-5327; nathan@xlear.com
Dr. Lon Jones of Hale Center, Texas has seen greater than a 90% reduction of ear infections in children who previously had chronic ear infections.
Immune Properties of Arabinogalactan-Polysaccharide From Larch
Alternative Medicine Review 1999; Vol.4, No.2, pp. 96-103
Product available as ARA 6 from 212 779-1744 ext. 113.
NeoControl For Female Incontinence
Patients sit fully clothed in a treatment chair which houses the advanced magnetic technology. Treatment is totally non-invasive and painless.
Midtown Urologic Associates 212 686-1140; FAX 212 213-0516
Gyneflex is the first medically designed pelvic resistance exerciser that helps women improve the tone, strength and endurance of their vaginal muscles. www.gyneflex.com
Vitamin In Beer May Reduce Heart Disease Risk
The Lancet 2000;355:1522
Breast Milk May Make Babies Smarter
Enriching bottle formula with two essential fatty acids found in mother's milk can cause a significant improvement in the mental development of babies.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
Toddler Diet Influences Adolescent Test Scores
Michelle Mendez; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; Experimental Biology 2000 conference.
May 1, 2000
Secret of Attraction May Be in Male Scent
Dr. Nick Neave of the University of Northumbria in Newcastle upon Tyne reported at the annual meeting of the British Psychological Society.
Fish Oil Helps Dogs With Lymphoma
Cancer 2000;88:1916-1928.
St. John's Wort May Weaken Birth Control
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