Complementary And Alternative Medicine

Interactions between supplements and drugs: Deciphering the evidence

John Laird, ND December 12, 2011

Make sure you know what dietary supplements your patient uses because the potential for interaction with a medication you prescribe is significant.

Western medicine and chronic disease management

Amy M. Klingler, MS, PA-C September 26, 2011

A recent article explored why alternative care (a vague term including, but not limited to, acupuncture, homeopathy, hypnosis, and meditation) is not always supported by randomized controlled trial data but nevertheless seems to be a cost-effective solution for improving health.

Animal-assisted therapy: Do patients experience a medical benefit?

Leona Hamrick, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA August 01, 2011

Statistically significant changes are not often seen in studies, but patients report feeling better after interaction with an animal and that alone should justify the use of animal-assisted therapy.

What should I know about vitamin D?

Angela Dunaway, PharmD, PA-C July 26, 2011

Information about vitamin D, including its sources, recommended levels, and options for treating vitamin D deficiency, are discussed. A patient handout with frequently asked questions is included.

Can folic acid lower heart attack risk?

Nicole L. Hatcher, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C November 03, 2010

This information can help PAs explain the importance of folic acid in the diet and the merits of reports that folic acid supplements can prevent a heart attack.

Irritable bowel syndrome: Relieving the symptoms, and the frustration

Laura C. Blesse, MPAS, PA-C November 02, 2010

IBS is not life-threatening, but its symptoms are life long. Finding an effective treatment can be a frustrating process for PAs and patients.

Stress management: Helping patients to find effective coping strategies

Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, PhD, Mona Sedrak, PA-C, PhD September 01, 2010

The impact of stress on physical and mental health illustrates the need for a variety of effective coping techniques.

What's new in military medicine: The ancient art of acupuncture is new again

Captain Trevor Ambron, MPAS, PA-C, USAF June 17, 2010

The modern-day equivalent of an ancient pain-relieving technique is helping injured troops without the side effects of narcotics.

A new verdict for hormone therapy (HT): Safe for younger, symptomatic women

Janie L. Knotts, PA-C; William A. Childers Jr, MS, PA-C December 02, 2009

New research data and updated indications have created a niche for hormone therapy in younger women going through menopause.

Nonpharmaceutical options for hot flashes

October 16, 2009

Is black cohosh a safe and effective substitute for hormone replacement therapy?

Elizabeth Becker; Tanya Letham; James D. Stoehr, PhD September 29, 2009

A search of the literature found that patients who wish to avoid hormone replacement therapy are not likely to find relief of their symptoms with this alternative.

Ask a Librarian!—August 2009

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC, Susan Klawansky, MLS, AHIP August 14, 2009

How do you find good quality information on complementary and alternative medicine, and why aren't all medical journals indexed in Medline? This month's installment answers those questions.

Lifestyle changes do make a difference

Donna Landry, PA-C December 01, 2008

We've heard a lot of talk this year about needing change in our political system. It's also time to change the model of our health care system—from a disease model to a wellness model. By many estimates, close to our entire population will be overweight by 2040 if we don't take steps now to reverse the trend

How can I quit smoking?

Angela Dunaway, PharmD, PA-C November 01, 2008

Cigarette smoking is extremely common: in the United States, about 18% of women and 24% of men smoke cigarettes. Smoking increases the risk for various cancers, coronary artery disease, stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysms, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, peptic ulcers, fertility problems, gingival disease, and sexual dysfunction. Among smokers in the United States, about 70% express a desire to quit.

Mind-body-spirit medicine: Interventions and resources

Leslie Freels Lloyd, RhD, CRC, LPC; Laurie R. Dunn, MPAS, PA-C October 01, 2007

MBS techniques can help patients who are afflicted with a wide variety of chronic conditions.This concise review helps you decide which to recommend.

Race-based therapeutics: A discussion surrounding heart failure trials

Natalie Schmitz, MMSc, PA-C February 01, 2007

Why do some illnesses affect patients of certain races differently? Why is it that some patients respond to medications in different ways than do their counterparts of a different race? Is race-based therapy the solution? Here are some answers.