Current Research from Top Journals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last Updated: 2008-8-8  :: Physical Activity Found to Decrease Loss of Cognition and Development of Vascular Dementia

Loss of cognition and dementia are common and often incurable conditions associated with aging. An Italian study found that regular activity may provide some protection for the brain.

Last Updated: 2008-8-8  :: Muscular Strength and Rates of Death in Men 20-80 Years of Age

Strength training is known for helping build better physiques but it may also prove to be vital to your health. Researchers found that despite age and weight, men with higher strength levels were less likely to die from cancer or heart disease.

Last Updated: 2008-8-8  :: Topiramate Treatments Improve Quality of Life for People with Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol addiction recovery involves social, psychological, and physiological change. A seizure medication has shown potential to help physical and psychological problems in alcohol addiction recovery.

Last Updated: 2008-8-8  :: Western Diet Increases Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease some of the leading killers in the US. Researchers found a definite link between a western style diet and the development of this syndrome.

Last Updated: 2008-8-8  :: Long-term Cellular Use Not Clearly Associated with Increased Risk of Brain Tumors

Recent news reports have raised concerns about cell phone use and brain tumor development. A review of several studies found that there is no conclusive evidence that cell phones increase risk of brain tumor.

Last Updated: 2008-8-8  :: Effectiveness of Diets for Weight Loss

There are hundreds of diets and diet products all claiming to be the best method to lose weight. This study attempted to find the best diet by comparing weight loss and health changes in three of the most popular diets. Unfortunately, there was no clear winner.

Last Updated: 2008-8-8  :: Magnet Therapies Appear Ineffective for Muscle Soreness and Back Pain but May Reduce Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis

There are several products that claim to help manage your pain with magnets, but researchers found that magnets may not be as effective as they are claimed to be.

Last Updated: 2008-8-8  :: Yoga in Pregnancy May Improve Labor Discomfort

Researchers in Thailand set out to determine if yoga can provide benefits for pregnant women. The study found that yoga may help mothers through the delivery process.