People with fibromyalgia can get significant benefit from regular exercise in a heated swimming pool, reports a new study. Fibromyalgia is a common, painful syndrome, with no known cause and no cure. Symptoms usually involve chronic, severe pain and tenderness in muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Researchers at the University of Extremadura, in Cáceres, Spain, and the University of Évora, Portugal, conducted a randomized controlled trial with a group of 33 female fibromyalgia patients. Seventeen of the patients took part in supervised training exercises in warm water for an hour three times a week over a period of eight months. The remaining 16 did no aquatic training. This long-term program was effective in reducing symptoms and improving the health-related quality of life of the participants. The study is scheduled for publication in Arthritis Research & Therapy.
Fibromyalgia is a frustrating condition for patients and doctors alike, and I am far from satisfied with the usual drug-oriented protocols used for its treatment. Traditional forms of exercise can be challenging for those with the condition, but most communities around the U.S. offer inexpensive access to heated swimming pools through groups such as city recreation departments or the YMCA. If you suffer from the condition, swimming is one of many lifestyle changes well worth trying.
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Vitamin D Deficiency May Soften Infant Skulls
Japanese researchers are reporting a new problem arising from vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy. They found that the incidence of softened skulls, called craniotabes, was highest among babies born in April and May and the lowest incidence was among those born in November, suggesting that the condition is influenced by the amount of vitamin D pregnant women synthesize from sun exposure in the four months prior to delivery. Craniotabes usually isn’t regarded as serious, but the Kyoto University Hospital researchers noted that some evidence links the condition with type 1 diabetes, reduced bone mass during childhood, and lowered immunity. They also said that the vitamin D deficiency might persist, especially among breast-fed babies who don’t get supplemental vitamin D (included in infant formula). Their study of 1,120 newborns found that more than half the breast-fed babies with craniotabes had low levels of vitamin D, and some had symptoms of an overactive parathyroid gland, which is consistent with a vitamin D deficiency. The investigators proposed treating all pregnant women with vitamin D, at least until more is learned about the effects of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and infancy.
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Not Enough Sleep - or Too Much Leads to Weight Gain
The latest on this subject comes from Canadian researchers who found that sleeping less than seven hours a night - or more than nine hours - can help pile on pounds. Earlier research showed that not sleeping enough leads to weight gain, but this study followed 276 people for six years to compare their sleeping habits with changes in their weight. Over the six years, those who averaged five to six hours sleep a night gained 4.4 pounds more than those who slept between seven and eight hours; those who slept for nine to 10 hours gained 3.5 pounds more than sleepers who logged seven to eight hours. Why? The researchers suggested that the amount of sleep you get influences the body’s appetite controls, causing a reduction in secretion of the hormone leptin that quells appetite and an increased secretion of the hormone ghrelin that stimulates appetite. Sleeping too much or too little also enhanced susceptibility to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can boost appetite leading to weight gain. The study was published in the April 1, 2008 issue of Sleep. Learn more about insomnia treatment here.
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Stir-Fried Rice with Tofu
This traditional Chinese favorite is a wonderful vegetarian entrée when prepared with tofu. Use either firm tofu or the more flavorful baked, pressed tofu if you can find it. Serve this simple dish with a salad of sliced cucumbers in rice wine vinegar and steamed asparagus. Sliced oranges make a great dessert.
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Healthy Aging Tip
Courtesy of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging
Seasonal Food: Peas. A good source of vitamins K and C, manganese and fiber, fresh green peas are naturally sweet and a delicious addition to any spring meal. Plus they may help promote bone, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal health. No matter which variety of peas you choose, buy them as fresh as possible - they are best enjoyed by eating them the same day.
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What’s New
Public Forum - 5th Annual Nutrition & Health Conference
Sunday, April 13th, 2008, Phoenix, Arizona
Join Dr. Weil and a group of bestselling authors, health and nutrition experts, nutrition researchers and journalists for an exciting and informative discussion of what is "good" food - from the personal to the global. Visit: http://www.nutritionandhealthconf.org/nutrition-health-forum.htm to register.
Heath Care Professionals - 5th Annual Nutrition & Health Conference
April 13-16, 2008, Phoenix, Arizona
The 2008 meeting will assemble an outstanding faculty of internationally-known scientific researchers, skilled clinicians, innovative chefs, and best-selling authors whose work focuses on the interface between nutrition and healthful living. For more information: http://www.nutritionandhealthconf.org/index.htm
Spontaneous Healing, Healthy Living
May 1st, 2008, Weidner Center, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Join us for the fourth annual Bellin Health LifeLines series at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts. Experience Bellin Health's Integrative Medicine Clinic, offering tai chi and yoga class demonstrations, as well as acupuncture demonstrations by Dr. Mary Connelly. Visit http://www.wcpresents.com/DrAndrewWeil.html for more information.
The Enneagram with Tim McLean
May 18-23, 2008, Hollyhock, Cortes Island, B.C., Canada
Tim McLean is the director of the Enneagram Institute of Japan and has been exploring and teaching about the Riso-Hudson Enneagram for more than 20 years. Dr. Weil says, “I've personally found the Enneagream teachings very powerful in many aspects of my life and think you will too. And of course, I can never say enough positive things about Hollyhock.” For information and registration, visit www.hollyhock.ca or call 800-933-6339
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