Healthy Update is a bi-monthly electronic newsletter from HealthWorld Online providing you the latest information, news and resources from the world of natural health. All summaries in Healthy Update link to full articles or expanded resources and services in HealthWorld Online: http://www.healthy.net

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HealthWorld Online to be Featured at IBM's Solutions for a Small Planet Exhibit at Disney's Epcott Center
HealthWorld Online will be part of IBM's "Solutions for a Small Planet" exhibit in the "Innoventions" pavillion at Disney's Epcott Center in Florida. Described by the IBM exhibit manager as an "exciting, innovative and educational site," HealthWorld Online will be linked on demonstration computers intended to help people understand and explore the Internet. The Epcott Center is visited by some 10 million people annually.

Acupuncture Helps Addict Beat Habit
According to an article in the Medical Tribune News Service, receiving acupuncture along the external parts of the ear may help addicts beat their drug and alcohol problems. Inserting five needles into certain points on the outside of the ear for about 45 minutes helps crack, alcohol and cigarette addicts reduce their cravings and eases drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Doctors Can Learn From Alternative Practitioners
In many situations, if patients are cared for by alternative practitioners anxious to prove the validity of their services--with more sympathy, patient involvement and "style" than what patients get from today's stressed out, running scared doctors--it shouldn't be a surprise to find patients without critical illness bailing out from orthodox medicine.

Dr. Galland's Integrated Medicine

Eating Safely in a Polluted World: You Don't Have to Choose Between Microbes and Chemicals!": Part III: Hazards of Organochlorines
Recent alarms have been raised by worldwide pollution with these chemicals, which include: the pesticide DDT, banned in the U.S. in 1972 but still sold by U.S. corporations to other countries and still found in our own soil and water; the herbicide dioxin; and PCBs, which have been widely used in making electronic equipment, plastic, inks, adhesives, rubber and carbonless duplicating paper. Food, milk and water everywhere contain organochlorines. In this column, Dr. Galland offers solutions to these troubling health hazards.

News from the Village

Children's Health Update
Chickenpox is a highly contagious childhood disease that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpes family. Very few children escape chickenpox infection. It spreads quickly. Coughing and sneezing-even laughing and talking-spread the illness. A child with developing chickenpox will be contagious for one or two days before any symptoms show. A child who plays with an infected child during this period will almost certainly catch the disease. An infected child is contagious from a few days before symptoms develop until all of the blisters are dry and have formed scabs.

In her article "Chickenpox," excerpted from her book, Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child, Dr. Janet Zand outlines a comprehensive program for helping to deal with your child's chickenpox, including guidelines for conventional treatment, as well as dietary guidelines, recommended nutritional supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies, acupressure and Bach Flower remedies.

Women's Health Update
Women who are anemic or have a problem with heavy menstrual bleeding tend to be very tired; they often find that moderate to brisk exercise is difficult for them because they lack stamina and endurance. The fatigue problem tends to resolve as the anemia and bleeding are corrected nutritionally. In the meantime, women with these conditions may completely stop their regular exercise program in an attempt to avoid feeling tired, states Susan Lark, M.D., in her article Exercises for Heavy Menstrual Flow Anemia. In this excellent article, excerpted from The Menopause Self Help Book, Dr. Lark offers a comprehensive exercise program to deal with anemia or tiredness due to heavy menstrual bleeding, including deep breathing, progressive relaxation, and exercises for joint flexibility.

Medical Cybrarian Corner
Looking for an authoritative book about Fibromyalgia or a good Web site on ovarian cancer? The Medical Cybrarian Service's (www.medicalcybrarian.com) free "Health Collections," offer compilations of annotated Web site information and selected MEDLINE citations designed to give useful information on vibrant clinical subjects. The same level of detail can be obtained on your own health care inquiry. Whether looking for transplantation techniques for pulmonary fibrosis or naprapathic treatment for Parkinson's--the Cybrarian's new hourly rates offer a reasonable avenue for finding difficult healthcare information on the Internet. You can now also telephone the Cybrarian at (847) 475-5480 and receive a quote regarding your inquiry.

Natural Medicine Research Update - Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Aspirin Halts the Niacin Flush
The B vitamin niacin has been found effective in reducing serum lipids, including cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, niacin has unpleasant side effects--many patients flush and itch within an hour of swallowing the pill. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, done at the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at Auburn University in Alabama, showed that the symptom scores for flushing, itching, tingling, and warmth were all significantly reduced by aspirin regimens. The researchers conclude, "An aspirin regimen of 325 mg is effective in suppressing niacin-induced cutaneous reactions."

New Releases in our Bookstore
Ardell's new book The Book of Wellness: A Secular Approach to Spirituality, Meaning & Purpose Donald B. Ardell, Ph.D.

Global Health Calendar -- Hot Picks
"United Plant Savers Conference on Medicinal Plant Conservation and Cultivation of 'At Risk' Native Medicinal Plants of the United States", Kealakekua, HI USA, January 17, 1998/ Contact: United Plant Savers (802) 479-9825

Association Network -- Hot Pick
The International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT) was established to heighten the awareness of the colon hydrotherapy profession, ensure continuing and progressive education in the field of colon hydrotherapy and implement professionalism beyond reproach. I-ACT advocates the highest standards of education and professional conduct to assure property administered colon hydrotherapy. Visit International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy.

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HealthWorld Online Advisory Board

Editor, Healthy Update: James Strohecker

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To subscribe to email version of Healthy Update, send email to: [email protected] and type just the word "subscribe" in the body text of the email.