Health & Balance News & Features
- The Healing Art
Patient, Express Thyself
- Alternative Medicines Go Mainstream
The brand-new Physician's Desk Reference For Nutritional Supplements is the complete guide to which alternative remedies really work, which don't, and which need more testing. Taken together with the recently published PDR for Herbal Medicines, it's the definitive 'complementary copy'.
- Forgive Their Trespasses
Science is beginning to verify advice long given by spiritual leaders and wise moms and dads: Nursing grudges against those who have done you wrong will hurt you worse than it hurts them. New work shows it can contribute to emotional problems and even heart disease. June 17 to 23 is National Forgiveness Week, an ideal time to work at finding it in your heart to save your heart by forgiving those w
- The Kajukenbo Kid
Eleven-year-old Ian is one of 60 boys and girls enrolled in amartial arts class for children with cerebral palsy. The goals:to help kids learn to improve their balance and coordination,build self-esteem -- and kick major butt!
- You've Been Diagnosed With Cancer. Now What?
Fight back! It's the toughest battle you're likely to fight -- but your odds have never been better.
- Girls: Lighting Up to Calm Down?
Think that cigarette is a good way to calm your nerves, that it's just something to keep your hands busy? Better think again. New studies show that smoking actually increases anxiety levels -- especially in young girls -- and can trigger the onset of lifelong panic attacks.
- Are Herbs Good Medicine?
As mainstream medicine begins to subject herbal therapies to the rigors of scientific testing, the mixed results are leaving some consumers confused. As a result, sales have dropped sharply in the past year. Are we witnessing a pendulum swing -- or a fading fad?
- Animal Assisted Therapy
Some therapists are going to the dogs -- and the rabbits, cats, and horses -- to reach patients in need.
- When Cops Confront Mental Illness.
A trend away from institutionalization means more emotionally disturbed people are on the streets. Police are seeking new ways to cope with the consequences.
- Does Seeing Execution Help or Hurt?
As more states pass right-to-view laws for witnessing executions, more professionals are wondering if this is really the way to find closure.
- Getting Rid of That Aching Back.
Some see VAX-D as a good alternative to surgery. Others aren't so sure.
- Riding Medicine's Wild Frontier
More consumers are trying alternative medicines. Some appear to be pushing the limits.
- New Tactic for Troubled Couples
Traditional therapy has a high failure rate. 'Acceptance therapy' offers a different approach.
- Soup Is Good for What Ails You
In the continuing search for cold relief, mom appears to be right -- as usual.
- Lighten Up
Did you hear the one about the scientists who said laughter is good for your heart?
- Curbing the Violence
Programs to combat dating and domestic abuse are aiming for younger, middle school audiences.
- Shall We Dance?
Even if you have two left feet, proponents say this form of therapy can be good for what ails you.
- When Parents Clash
Even as adults, children of divorce can feel caught in the middle of their parents' conflicts. Here's a survival guide.
- Sperm Booster?
The ingredients have been used for decades in Europe, but not in well-controlled tests. Researchers are beginning the first U.S. study.
- The Danger in Delay
Chronic procrastinators can suffer stress, self-doubt, and poor health. Are you at risk?
- The Sound of Healing
Impressed by evidence that it can help heal the brain, doctors are making new use of music's soothing power
- Fusion Medicine
Many doctors aren't sticking to one medical philosophy anymore. They're combining approaches from East and West so they can better diagnose illness.
- Mortifying Moments
We all have them -- moments that are so embarrassing we feel we'll never get over them. But you can -- if you keep your head and maybe try a little humor.
- Germ Warfare
Standard antibiotics are losing their power. Could tiny 'bacteriophages' be harnessed for healing?
- Got the Spark?
Not all are born with the gift of charisma. But if you lack it, you can learn it.
- Tips for a Better Memory
Disorganized or forgetful? Try these techniques.
- A Diet for Cancer?
Can diet be as effective in dealing with some cancers as it is for heart disease? Dean Ornish, MD, wants to find out.
- Disarming the TV
Violent television programming is harming kids, experts say. The solution? Use the tube as a teaching tool.
- Living on the Sunny Side
Optimists often are more successful and live longer, researchers say. Here's how to cultivate a brighter outlook.
- Optimists Rule!
Why? Candidates with positive outlooks almost always win U.S. presidential elections, says a team of researchers. So, who's going to win this time?
- Psst, Have You Heard?
Some scientists are saying that people are so powerfully drawn to gossip because it's in our very genes. Is it all just hearsay?
- Need More Friends?
Don't count on just your children for social support. People of all ages need to build other strong relationships.
- Stay Young With Yoga
In the war on aging, yoga may be your best -- and safest -- defense.
- Going Under the Knife
Even major surgeries have become commonplace. Do you know the risks?
- Illness as Inspiration
If Vincent van Gogh lived today, would he likely be taking antidepressants, straightening out his life, getting a day job?
- Why Counsel Online?
A growing number of mental health professionals are offering Internet counseling.
- Is Online Help Safe?
Attracted by the convenience, more and more people are seeking psychotherapy online. But are they really getting the treatment they need?
- Alternative Cancer Therapies Go Mainstream
Alternative Cancer Therapies Go Mainstream
- Brewing Trouble
Are you confusing a coffee buzz with a panic attack? A surprising look at some anxiety disorders.
- Thinking Pain Away
Can imagining a big, red balloon help kids deal with stomach pain? Some pediatricians think it just might. Second in a two-part series on kids and alternative medicine.
- Can You Cope Better?
Absolutely. And the secret may be as simple as learning to give thanks.
- What a Caring Teacher Can Do
A good teacher can help a child be resilient.
- What a Caring Teacher Can Do
Caring teachers play an important role.
- How to Be a Comeback Kid
What does it take to bounce back from adversity?
- How to Be a Comeback Kid.
How to Be a Comeback Kid
- Herbs for Kids: What's Safe, What's Not
Herbs: what's safe and what's not for kids.
- Tips for Getting Vitamin C
It's easy: Just remember your fruits and vegetables
- Alternative Medicine Checks in to the Hospital
Studies Show Acupuncture, Massage Help Heart Patients After Surgery
- Born to Be Bad?
New research has uncovered physical traits that may cause violent behavior. But good parenting can still make a difference.
- Fixing Common Thinking Errors
Turn your distorted thinking around with these tips.