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No one looks forward to the cold and flu season. Americans catch an estimated 1 billion colds each year. In fact, the common cold is among the leading reasons for visiting a doctor and for missing school or work. The flu, with its potential complications, can be an even greater concern. Each year, an estimated 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu. Although most recover without incident, flu-related complications result in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually.

In an effort to prevent or treat these all-too-common illnesses, some people turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches. This fact sheet provides basic information on colds and flu, as well as "what the science says" about some of these CAM approaches. If you are considering using a CAM therapy for colds or flu, this information can help you talk to your health care provider about it.

Related Articles

Effects of audio relaxation programs for blood pressure reduction in older adults.

Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2009 Dec;8(5):329-36

Authors: Tang HY, Harms V, Speck SM, Vezeau T, Jesurum JT

BACKGROUND: Stress management is one element of the lifestyle modification that is recommended for blood pressure control. Reduction in sympathetic arousal may be achieved through a series of audio relaxation training. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of two audio relaxation programs for blood pressure reduction in older adults. METHODS: This clinical randomized study consists of 12-sessions of intervention, with one-month and three-month follow up measures. 41 older adults were randomly assigned to either listening to a 12-minute audio relaxation program or a 12-minute Mozart andante. At each session, blood pressures were recorded. RESULTS: For both groups, the reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures after the 12-session intervention training was statistically and clinically significant. The reduction in systolic blood pressure was greater in the audio relaxation group than the Mozart group. The adherence to the program at one-month and three-month was 54% and 66% respectively. The blood pressure at one-month and three-month were not significantly different than the initial measurement. CONCLUSIONS: Significant blood pressure reduction can be achieved through a brief 12-minute audio relaxation program with older adults. Guided relaxation may be more effective in lowering blood pressure than plain music.

PMID: 19574102 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles

The male sexual partners of adult versus teen women with sexually transmitted infections.

Sex Transm Dis. 2009 Dec;36(12):768-74

Authors: Thurman AR, Holden AE, Shain RN, Perdue ST

OBJECTIVES: We compared the male sexual partners of teen girls of age 15 to 19 years, currently infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) versus the male partners of adult women of age 20 to 41 years, with an STI to determine risk factors in these high-risk sexual dyads related to the male partner. STUDY DESIGN: Interview of 514 men who were partnered with 152 teen girls and 362 adult women, enrolled in Project Sexual Awareness for Everyone, a randomized controlled trial of behavioral intervention to reduce recurrent STIs. RESULTS: Compared to the male partners of adult women, male partners of teen girls were significantly more likely (P < 0.05) to be infected with any STI at intake. Men partnered with teens were younger and had significantly more sexual partners per year sexually active, shorter relationship length, and shorter length of monogamy with the index girls. They were more likely to report that it was "really important" for the teen to have their baby (P = 0.04) and were slightly more likely to be the father of her children (P = 0.17). Young age independently predicted STI infection in men. CONCLUSIONS: Although all women had an STI at intake, important differences were noted among the male partners of teens versus adults. Clinicians with similar populations may use this data to understand the characteristics of male partners of teens with STIs, in order to more effectively counsel adult and teen women on partner notification, treatment and STI prevention.

PMID: 19704393 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The effect of multisensory stimulation on persons residing in an extended care facility.

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2009 Dec-2010 Jan;24(6):450-5

Authors: Ward-Smith P, Llanque SM, Curran D

BACKGROUND: Non-pharmacological interventions, such as multisensory stimulation environments (MSSE), have demonstrated the ability to reduce inappropriate behavior among individuals with Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: In this study, we compared the incidences of problematic behavior among individuals with Alzheimer's disease residing in a long-term care facility who were and were not exposed to an MSSE. Retrospective data were obtained using the Psychotic Behavior Assessment Record (PBAR), mandated by Medicare to be used when antipsychotic medications are administered. Psychotic Behavior Assessment Record data were collected using the first and sixth month of admission for residents after appropriate consent was secured. RESULTS: Documented disruptive behavior included pacing, exit-seeking activities, hitting, yelling, and aggressive talking. The use of the MSSE resulted in a decrease in the number of incidences of disruptive behavior, but not the behaviors present. CONCLUSION: The use of MSSE, as a non-pharmacological intervention, demonstrates the ability to decrease the number of incidences of disruptive or problematic behavior. The use of these interventions, where feasible, should be considered prior to the use of pharmacological methods.

PMID: 19846683 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles

Europe's hepatitis challenge: defusing the "viral time bomb".

J Hepatol. 2009 Dec;51(6):1068-73

Authors: Piorkowsky NY

Since its foundation in 2005, the European Liver Patients' Association (ELPA) - a not-for-profit-organisation with 21 members across Europe - has been at the forefront of raising awareness of liver diseases, in particular hepatitis, throughout the EU. In line with the main challenge for hepatitis carriers, which is to "become a patient", ELPA calls for targeted screening of risk groups in order to facilitate early diagnosis and, if appropriate, treatment. To this end, ELPA and its members have embarked on a multi-level lobbying campaign, involving EU and national policymakers, liver specialist associations and public health experts. First successes include the adoption of the European Parliament's Written Declaration on Hepatitis C and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's (ECDC) decision to include viral hepatitis in its annual work plan as of 2008, as well as a compilation of expert recommendations on screening, which were endorsed by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). For a sustainable change in the perception of liver diseases by the public and decision-makers in public health and a subsequent improvement of the situation for patients and specialists, it will be important for both to move beyond the immediate doctor-patient relationship and address jointly a wider audience. Essential in this context is the link to cancer. Policymakers have to know that by taking preventative measures (primary and secondary) against liver disease they prevent liver cancer, one of the few cancers on the rise in Europe.

PMID: 19854528 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Novel and emerging treatments for autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review.

Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2009 Oct-Dec;21(4):213-36

Authors: Rossignol DA

BACKGROUND: Currently, only one medication (risperidone) is FDA-approved for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Perhaps for this reason, the use of novel, unconventional, and off-label treatments for ASD is common, with up to 74% of children with ASD using these treatments; however, treating physicians are often unaware of this usage. METHODS: A systematic literature search of electronic scientific databases was performed to identify studies of novel and emerging treatments for ASD, including nutritional supplements, diets, medications, and nonbiological treatments. A grade of recommendation ("Grade") was then assigned to each treatment using a validated evidence-based guideline as outlined in this review: A: Supported by at least 2 prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or 1 systematic review. B: Supported by at least 1 prospective RCT or 2 nonrandomized controlled trials. C: Supported by at least 1 nonrandomized controlled trial or 2 case series. D: Troublingly inconsistent or inconclusive studies or studies reporting no improvements. Potential adverse effects for each treatment were also reviewed. RESULTS: Grade A treatments for ASD include melatonin, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, naltrexone, and music therapy. Grade B treatments include carnitine, tetrahydrobiopterin, vitamin C, alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, hyperbaric oxygen treatment, immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory treatments, oxytocin, and vision therapy. Grade C treatments for ASD include carnosine, multivitamin/mineral complex, piracetam, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin B6/magnesium, elimination diets, chelation, cyproheptadine, famotidine, glutamate antagonists, acupuncture, auditory integration training, massage, and neurofeedback. CONCLUSIONS: The reviewed treatments for ASD are commonly used, and some are supported by prospective RCTs. Promising treatments include melatonin, antioxidants, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, naltrexone, and music therapy. All of the reviewed treatments are currently considered off-label for ASD (ie, not FDA-approved) and some have adverse effects. Further studies exploring these treatments are needed. Physicians treating children with an ASD should make it standard practice to inquire about each child's possible use of these types of treatments.

PMID: 19917212 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles

Cognitive behavior therapy for adults who stutter: a tutorial for speech-language pathologists.

J Fluency Disord. 2009 Sep;34(3):187-200

Authors: Menzies RG, Onslow M, Packman A, O'Brian S

This paper explores the relationships between anxiety and stuttering and provides an overview of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) strategies that can be applied by speech-language pathologists. There is much support for the idea that adults who stutter (AWS) may need CBT. First, approximately 50% of AWS may be suffering from social anxiety disorder. A difficult developmental history marked by problematic peer relationships and bullying may contribute to this. Stereotypes in the general community lead AWS to have occasional experiences that confirm their fears of negative evaluation. This can leave AWS with significant social and occupational avoidance and can impact on their quality of life. Second, in a recent large study of behavioral treatment for AWS, participants who had a mental health disorder, including social anxiety, failed to maintain the benefits of treatment. Available evidence supports the contention that CBT can effectively decrease anxiety and social avoidance, and increase engagement in everyday speaking situations for AWS. The components of CBT presented here are drawn from a model widely used in clinical psychology, and existing supportive data reviewed. Worksheets for speech-language pathologists undertaking CBT in this population are provided. CBT procedures, in their essentials, are straightforward to implement. Hence, the present authors suggest that speech-language pathologists who have had training in conducting CBT should be able to apply the techniques described in this paper. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: The reader will be able to explain: (1) the relation between stuttering and anxiety; (2) the nature of Social Anxiety Disorder; (3) why those who stutter are often diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder; (4) the four components of cognitive behavior therapy; (5) how cognitive behavior therapy is adapted for the management of speech-related anxiety in those who stutter.

PMID: 19948272 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles

[Energy-saving strategies in the treatment of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis]

Rev Neurol. 2009 Dec 16-31;49(12):672

Authors: Molina-Rueda F

PMID: 20013723 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence victimization among men and women entering substance use disorder treatment.

Violence Vict. 2009;24(6):744-56

Authors: Schneider R, Burnette ML, Ilgen MA, Timko C

Intimate partner violence victimization was examined in men (N = 4,459) and women (N = 1,774) entering substance use disorder treatment. Nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 10 men reported lifetime victimization by an intimate partner. Entering treatment for alcohol, as compared to drug abuse and history of childhood abuse, were each associated with intimate partner violence victimization. Victimization by an intimate partner was also associated with mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and attempted suicide. Although victimization was linked to physical health problems, the nature of these problems varied by gender. Women and men with a history of intimate partner victimization present to substance use disorder treatment with a complex array of mental and physical health problems.

PMID: 20055212 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Therapeutic conversation to improve mood in nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease.

Res Gerontol Nurs. 2009 Oct;2(4):267-75

Authors: Tappen RM, Williams CL

Few studies have tested strategies to address the mental health needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). To test a newly developed, empirically based modified counseling approach, 30 nursing home residents with AD were randomly assigned to a modified counseling (Therapeutic Conversation) treatment group or usual care control group. Mini-Mental State Examination mean scores were 10.60 (SD = 6.99) for the treatment group and 12.26 (SD = 7.43) for the control group. Individual treatment was provided three times per week for 16 weeks. On the posttest, treatment group participants evidenced significantly less negative mood than the control group on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Sadness and Apathy subscales of the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Mood Scale. The differences approached significance on the Dementia Mood Assessment Scale. Results suggest that a therapeutic counseling approach can be effective in treating the dysphoria commonly found in individuals with AD.

PMID: 20077983 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]