Monthly Archives: April 2011

Yoga can Prevent Atrial Fibrillation from Recurring

Previously, we have mentioned that regular exercise can prevent atrial fibrillation and its associated complications such as heart failure.   Now, a new study, presented at the American College of Cardiology 2011 Scientific Sessions, suggested that taking a 45-minute yoga class … Continue reading

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How to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation from Recurring Without Taking Medicine?

If you are taking anti-arrhythmic medicine such as amiodarone (Cordarone), flecainide (Tambocor), sotalol (Betapace) and propefanone (Rhythmol), but still experience episodes of atrial fibrillation, what can you do?  A new study published at the Journal of Electrical Cardiology 2011 suggested acupuncture … Continue reading

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New Personalized Medicine Increases Survival in Melanoma Patients

Metastatic melanoma is the deadliest and most aggressive from of skin cancer.  A person with metastatic melanoma typically has a short life expectancy that is measured in months.   The mainstay treatments for metastatic melanoma are dacarbazine (DTIC), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and … Continue reading

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New Treatment for Colorectal Cancer Patients with Liver Metastases

In the past, bevacizumab (Avastin) plus FOLFOX (leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) is the mainstay treatment for colorectal cancer patients with metastases (Stage IV).  Even though the response rate of this regimen is impressive, less than 10% of Stage IV colorectal cancer … Continue reading

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Blue and Strawberries may Prevent Hypertension

Good news for fruits and vegetables lovers.  Another study demonstrated that intake fruits and vegetables that are rich in anthocyanins—such as blueberries, strawberries, and blood oranges—might help prevent the development of hypertension.  Anthocyanins are water-soluble vacuolar pigments that are found … Continue reading

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Calcium and Vitamin D Reduce Melanoma Risk in High-Risk Women

Researchers at Stanford have previous shown that mice lacking vitamin D receptors have more skin cancer.  In vitro studies have also shown that adding vitamin D to skin cancer cells sometimes reduces their growth.   Now, a new analysis suggests high-risk … Continue reading

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Daily Drinking Diet Soda is not a Good Idea

Artificially sweetened “diet” soda may not be the healthier alternative as many had hoped.  A new study suggests diet soda may increase the risk of stroke, MI, and vascular death. The researchers asked the drinking habit of 2,500 people and … Continue reading

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How to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation from Recurring?

Currently, there is no effective drug to treat atrial fibrillation (AF).  Even using the most potent drug, amiodarone, only 50% of the AF patients can have their sinus rhythm maintained for a year.  If you have been diagnosed with AF, … Continue reading

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Dietary Folate Intake Decreased Risk of Cancers

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin.  The name of folate is derived from the Latin word folium, which means leaf.  Folate is found naturally in green leafy vegetables, cereals, legumes and fruits, while folic acid is … Continue reading

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Bisphosphonates May Lower the Risk for Colorectal Cancer

A new study suggested taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis for more than a year may reduce the risk for colorectal cancer by 60%.   The results came from an analysis of postmenopausal women who took bisphosphonates, such as alendronate (Fosamax), for more … Continue reading

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