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New Studies Find Benefits for Some Alternative Therapies
Alternative medicine isn't "alternative" to the almost 40 percent of Americans who used such therapies in 1997, researchers reported in the most recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The total number of visits to alternative health care practitioners -- such as chiropractors or massage therapists -- increased by almost 50 percent from 1990 to 1997, according to a survey of more than 2,000 adults. This means that Americans spent more than $21.2 billion on these visits -- $27 billion when the cost of herbal products, vitamins, diet products and books or classes was factored in.

FTC Guidelines Restrict Ad Claims for Supplements
For the first time, the Federal Trade Commission is issuing advertising guidelines aimed specifically at the nation's booming dietary supplement industry. The guidelines are the commission's second action within a week on claims by the industry, which earned nearly $12 billion in 1997 and is growing at about 20 percent a year. Last week the commission e-mailed warnings to 1,200 Internet sites that it said had made "incredible claims" for drugs, devices and dietary supplements, including herbal remedies that purported to ward off AIDS or cure cancer.

Dr. Galland's Integrated Medicine
Scientists have known for years that major and minor life stresses interfere with immune function and contribute to disease. Stressful life events increase your susceptibility to several types of infections, from the common cold to tuberculosis, and to auto-immune disorders in which your body's immune system attacks its own cells. Although you may not be able to control all the stressors in your life, there are many steps you can take to build your immune resistance in the face of stress. In this column, "Stress and Immunity," Dr. Galland explains how clear thinking, supportive social relationships, moderate exercise, adequate sleep, and immune-boosting nutrients can keep you from becoming a victim of stress.

Mind Body Health Newsletter
Your decision about whether or not to have non-emergency surgery will be influenced by your expectations and understanding as well as the desires and biases of your surgeon. What patient can resist an enthusiastic surgeon? Apparently, the answer is other physicians, reports Dr. David Sobel his latest column, Physicians Have Fewer Surgeries. When faced with a surgical decision, who better to be than a physician? You would be among the best informed consumers. You would be well aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed procedure. And, according to the results of a new study, you would be less likely to have surgery at all.

Natural Medicine Research Update
The November 11, 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association published a comprehensive review article regarding the herbal therapy of benign prostate enlargement. This condition is common in men aged 50 and older. The enlarged prostate leads to frequent urination and nighttime awakenings. Standard therapy has been the use of a medicine called finasteride which helps to shrink the prostate, reports Dr. Sahelian in his latest column, "Study: Saw Palmetto Herb Effective for Enlarged Prostate." A review of the results of 18 studies totaling 2,939 men showed that those who received saw palmetto were twice as likely to have improved urinary symptoms compared to those on placebo.

Discussion Forums
Visit the many HealthWorld Online discussion forums, including, "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; 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
About one in every six children in the United States is allergic to one or more substances. There are a variety of substances, termed allergens, that may trouble your child. Common allergens include pollen, animal dander, house feathers, mites, chemicals, and a variety of foods. Some allergies primarily cause respiratory symptoms; others can cause such diverse symptoms as ache, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, stomachache, and vomiting. Allergies can also contribute to other chronic health problems, such as acne, asthma, bedwetting, chronic ear infections, eczema, irritability, and even difficulty maintaining concentration. In her article "Allergies," excerpted from her book, Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child, Dr. Janet Zand outlines a comprehensive program for helping your child's allergies, including guidelines for emergency treatment, conventional treatment, as well as dietary guidelines, recommended nutritional supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies, acupressure and Bach Flower remedies.

HealthWorld Bookstore
Herbs have been used successfully in cultures worldwide throughout human history to address our health problems and have been particularly helpful in maintaining the health of women. Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health is an excellent resource for both the layperson and health professional seeking guidance in the use of herbal remedies for women's health care. Written by Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., a fourth generation herbalist and botanist with more than 30 years of experience in the field of medicinal herbs and Kathi Keville, director of the American Herb Association, has been working with medicinal herbs for 30 years and lectures throughout North America, this book links conventional medicine, Chinese herbs, and Western plants and addresses common concerns in a manner that empowers women to make a choice.

Association Network -- Hot Pick
National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance (NAOMA) is the national professional membership association representing the diversity of practitioners of acupuncture and Oriental medicine across the United States. As the national clearinghouse for the profession, it provides referrals to consumers, supports state and national legislation, provides accurate information to the media and the public, distributes publications, etc.

Visit the National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance.

Global Health Calendar -- Hot Picks

The Psychology of Health, Immunity & Disease - NICABM 10th International Conference. December 7-13, 1998, Hilton Head Island, SC -- presented by The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine - 800-743-2226

The Third Annual Health Sciences Institute Symposium and Spa Retreat: A program of advanced scientific discovery and personal rejevenation for the health professional and educated consumer. Palm Springs, CA USA. Contact: Health Sciences Institute - 800-926-6575

United Plant Savers Conference. Captin Cook, HI USA Contact: United Plant Savers - 802-479-9825

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Editor, Healthy Update: James Strohecker

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