Acupuncture works for headache

A large randomised trial in Britain has found the use of acupuncture is consistently effective in the treatment of headaches. Researchers assessed 401 patients to determine the effects of acupuncture on headaches, health status and number of days off sick, and found those receiving acupuncture consistently reported less headaches, took 15% less medication, made 25% fewer visits to primary health practitioners, and took 15% fewer days off sick. The researchers said the trial demonstrated 'persisting, clinically relevant benefits for primary care patients' and recommended an expansion of NHS acupuncture services. -British Medical Journal Aloe vera prevents blood loss A trial has demonstrated small injections of a derivative of the juice of the aloe vera plant help to preserve organ function, prolong survival time, and increase systemic oxygen consumption even after massive blood loss, and in the absence of resuscitation with blood or other fluids. The findings have important implications for trauma services, as researchers said medics could treat haemorrhagic shock immediately with a small amount of the solution, potentially saving lives prior to evacuation for transfusion. Drug-diet interactions Although the use of dietary supplements is common among patients who take prescription medications, most potential drug-dietary supplement interactions are not serious. A USA survey of 458 outpatients found over 40% of those surveyed were taking at least one dietary supplement with prescription medications. Among these, 45% had a potential for significant drug- dietary supplement interactions, however, most (94%) were not serious. Western medicine vs CAM Many of the valid criticisms applied to alternative medicines could equally be applied to conventional medicine, a Melbourne academic has told a conference in Brisbane. Professor Marc Cohen, head of complementary medicine at Melbourne's RMIT University, told the recent Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Congress that criticisms levelled at complementary and alternative medicines - including that they raised false hope; had the potential for financial exploitation; caused a delay in the use of effective treatments and lacked scientific evidence - were also applicable to many Western treatments. Foot screening education The National Diabetes Foot Screening Project Training Manual, developed by the Australasian Podiatry Council and the National Association of Diabetes Centres, is designed to help health professionals carry out regular foot screening. Although diabetes- related foot complications often result in hospitalisation and, in extreme cases, lower limb amputation, research shows the rate of foot screening among people with diabetes is low. The manual comes as a CD and contains a range of resources, including a basic foot screening checklist. To view the checklist and associated action plan, visit: www.apodc.com.au For more information Ph: (02) 6287 4844 Natural sleep UK nurses are successfully using the drug melatonin to help children with learning disabilities overcome sleeping disorders. While no detailed studies have been carried out into the effects of melatonin, nurses said it had been successful in cases where behavioural techniques have not worked. About 80% of children with learning disabilities suffer from some form of sleep disorder, and community nurse Sharon Conlon said: 'Parents are usually wary of it [melatonin] because it is unlicensed in the UK. But when we explain it is a naturally occurring hormone with no reported side-effects, they want to try it because they want something to work.' - Nursing Standard Women choose CAM With more than 80% of women using alternative therapies during menopause, health professionals should incorporate information about complementary medicines into their practices so women can be better informed about treatment choices, a researcher said. Queensland University of Technology researcher Sara Gollschewski surveyed 886 women aged between 47 and 67 to determine the type and prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) used during menopause. She found 82.5% of women used at least one alternative medicine, including dietary supplements such as soy and linseed, herbal preparations such as black cohosh and dong quai, or non-prescription medications. - Inside QUT Benefits of glucosamine The Australian Government will contribute up to $500,000 toward a new research project investigating a complementary treatment for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is a complementary medicine that shows a high degree of promise in the management of osteoarthritis, and Parliamentary Secretary for Health Irish Worth said further investigation was needed to confirm results and provide recommendations for the use of glucosamine as an option for the management of osteoarthritis. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) will manage a competitive peer-reviewed selection process to ensure the study meets their evidence-based requirements.

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