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Cancer Patients Report Wide Use of Alternative Medicine
About a third of cancer patients report that they have used some form of alternative medicine such as meditation, hypnosis, food supplements or homeopathy, according to a new study. Yet because alternative medicine can be defined so broadly, studies have reported that as few as 7 percent or as many as 64 percent of cancer patients try such complementary therapies, according to an analysis of 26 studies published in the American Cancer Society journal Cancer.

Study Finds Widespread Deficiency of Vitamin C
Many Americans may be consuming diets that leave them with dangerously low levels of vitamin C, new research shows. In a study of 494 healthy, middle-class people, Arizona researchers found serious vitamin C deficiency in more than 6 percent, while another 30 percent had borderline low levels of the nutrient, according to the report published this month in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Prolotherapy Pain Treatment Gains Adherents
A small, yet growing group of patients and doctors, including former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, swear by prolotherapy as often a better and more affordable alternative to cortisone injections, expensive surgery and narcotic pain killers. A trained prolotherapist injects an irritant solution into damaged ligaments and tendons. The theory is that such injections, usually a sugar or salt solution, are helpful because they prompt the body's inflammation response or the process by which we heal. The body increases the supply of blood and nutrients to the bothered area and, eventually, constructs new tissue. Estimates place the number of experienced practitioners in the United States at only between 300 and 1,500

Dr. Galland's Integrated Medicine
Epidemics of parasitic infection from contaminated water and of bacterial food poisoning from chicken or hamburger serve notice that the U.S. food and water supply is not safe. Pesticides and preservatives provide no protection from the current crop of microbes and pose health hazards of their own, according to Leo Galland, M.D., in his latest column, "Eating Safely in a Polluted World: You Don't Have to Choose Between Microbes and Chemicals!": Part II: Maintain a Safe Supply of Food and Drink". There are several simple, effective measures you can follow to protect yourself and those you love from the effects of eating contaminated food and water, avoiding both microbial and chemical contaminants in food and drink and building resistance to them if you are exposed. Dr. Galland provides guidelines that will significantly reduce your exposure to disease provoking microbes in food and drink.

Mind Body Health Newsletter
In spite of a growing body of research over the last decade documenting the economic burden of depression on individuals and on society, efforts to curb skyrocketing medical costs usually start with cuts in mental health services and benefits. Insurance coverage of mental health treatment in recent years has become more and more restrictive. Most health care reform proposals impose stricter limits on mental health care than on general medical services. One recent study - the first to look beyond the direct cost of treating depression to the use of medical services in general - suggests that in the long run these cuts may be costing the health-care system far more than they save, reports Dr. David Sobel in his latest column, "Depression and Health Care: The High Cost of Saving."

Ask Annie: Solutions for Less Toxic Living
People frequently seek advice for safe alternatives to toxic carpets and flea treatment from less-toxic living expert Annie Berthold-Bond. These are two areas where the wrong choices can cause serious long-term indoor air pollution problems. In this column, "More Tips for the Home," Annie, offers flea repellents that work, choices for those with toxic carpets, and also some helpful tips and formulas for cleaning windows, and removing candle wax and soot.

Chinese Medicine Newsdesk
The legalization of acupuncture in California was a watershed event, subsequently effecting jurisdiction across the country. Since California in 1975, about 30 other states have legalized acupuncture. The process is an arduous one, according to the American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM), an advocate group acting on the behalf of acupuncturists. It is based on strong individuals who have the drive to do the work involved in changing the system. This column, "Legalizing Acupuncture in California: The Story of a 'Suffragette'," is a story of a woman, Barbara Bernie, who decided she wanted to make a difference, and demonstrates the hurdles, and more importantly, the personalities that helped create an important chapter in the history of complementary and alternative medicine in the U.S..

Discussion Forums
HealthWorld Online's discussion forums, moderated by experts in their respective fields, include: "Vaccination," "Mind/Body Approaches to Chronic Illness," "Issues in Integrated Health Care," "Legal/Legislative Issues," and Qigong." Interact with our forums leaders: Elliot Dacher, MD; John Travis, MD; William Collinge, PhD, MPH, Emmett Miller, MD; Randall Neustaedter, OMD; Roger Jahnke, OMD; and William Dailey, Esq. Let your voice be heard!

Children's Health Update
Every year, over 10 million children in the United States are treated for ear infections. Chances are that by the time a child reaches the age of six, he will have suffered otitis media, an infection of the middle ear. Ear infections are most common in children between the ages of six months and three years. In her article "Ear Infections", excerpted from her book, Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child, Janet Zand, LAc OMD, outlines a comprehensive program for Ear Infections, including guidelines for conventional treatment, as well as dietary guidelines, recommended nutritional supplements, herbs and homeopathic remedies.

Association Network -- Hot Pick
The American Alliance of Aromatherapy is a non-profit organization established to strengthen, inspire and advance the field of aromatherapy. AAOA offers the following publications to keep you updated with aromatherapy developments worldwide: The Alliance NewsQuarterly, The Aromatic Thymes, The International Journal of Aromatherapy, The aromatherapy Guide - 2nd Edition, and The Aromatherapy Records.

Visit American Alliance of Aromatherapy.

Global Health Calendar -- Hot Picks

SupplySide 98 - A show designed exclusively for suppliers and manufacturers in the health supplement industry. November 12-14, 1998, Phoenix, AZ -- Pointe Hilton Resort on South Mountain - presented by Virgo Publishing - For more information call: (602) 990-1101, ext. 1082.

4th Annual Florida Health Show- Focus: Living Longer & Quality of Life. November 12-14, 1998, Lake Buena Vista, FL -- presented by InterShow - The Health Show - 800-226-0323

Body & Soul San Francisco: A weekend conference of keynotes and workshops presented by national leaders in mind/body healing, spirituality, creativity & contemplative practices. November 13-16, 1998, San Francisco, CA -- presented by New Age Publishing, Inc. - 800-937-8728

American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) - Fall Convention: Cardiovascular Disease in the 21st Century: Prevention, Reversal and Permanent Restoration. November 19-22, 1998, Phoenix, AZ -- presented by American College for Advancement in Medicine - 949-583-7666

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