Assessing the radiation risks of imaging procedures

When used in appropriate situations and with careful attention to dosage, leading experts agree that the potential benefit of cancer imaging outweighs the risk. However, there has been mounting concern that several increasingly common imaging modalities may expose patients and health care workers to potentially unsafe radiation doses, the consequences of which only become evident with long-term population-based research. more  

Research highlights new approaches to prevent blood clots

The largest study ever to examine the preventive use of blood-thinning medication to help prevent deadly blood clots in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy will be presented in a press conference on Sunday, December 7, at 9:30 a.m., during the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco, CA. Additional research being featured at the press conference includes studies that examine the use of three different investigational blood-thinning medications that belong to a new class of therapies called Factor Xa inhibitors. These studies evaluated the effectiveness of these medications in preventing blood clots: following major orthopedic surgery; in patients with atrial fibrillation; and in patients with deep-vein thrombosis. more

Mayo Clinic finds it generally safe to withdraw anti-seizure medication in children with epilepsy

A new Mayo Clinic study found that it is generally safe to withdraw anti-seizure medications in children with epilepsy who have achieved seizure-freedom while on the medication. Researchers found that these children were not at high risk of subsequently developing intractable epilepsy. The study will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the American Epilepsy Society's annual meeting in Seattle. more  

Research on the effects of stem cell source and patient age on transplantation outcomes

Two studies examining the effects of stem cell source and patient age on stem cell transplantation outcomes will be explored at a press conference taking place on Sunday, December 7, at 8:00 a.m., during the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco, CA. Preliminary results from a study examining a specialized technique for increasing the presence of stem cells in cord blood for transplantation will also be shared during the press conference. more

FDA approves new drug to alleviate moderate to severe pain  

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Tapentadol hydrochloride, an immediate-release oral tablet for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain. more

All about echinacea 

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb -- a plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. echinacea--common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. There are nine known species of echinacea, all of which are native to the United States and southern Canada. The most commonly used, Echinacea purpurea, is believed to be the most potent. more

An introduction to acupuncture

Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. As part of traditional Chinese medicineA whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi (TCM), acupunctureA family of procedures that originated in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body by a variety of techniques, including the insertion of thin metal needles though the skin. more

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