ArthritisCentral News and Views #19 -- 07/20/05

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DATE : Wed, 20 Jul 2005 09:00:00 -0500
Entered in Database : 2005-07-20 14:00:00
length : 14944384
Link to the Show / Show Notes

• Are Teflon-coated pots and pans dangerous? Dr. Rutstein passes along a warning about the possible cancer risks of a substance found in Teflon.
  
• Can soybean protein cookies reduce your blood pressure? A recent study suggests that soybean might slightly reduce your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
  
• Is acupuncture beneficial for fibromyalgia patients? A study that compared legitimate acupuncture with "sham" (fake) treatments is discussed.
  
• Disappointing news about green tea and shark cartilage in cancer prevention is presented.
  
• Cancer cells are devious and produce a substance called grp 78 to help them "outwit" our cancer treatments. This may be a target of future cancer therapy.
  
• Believe it or not someday soon we may actually use injections of viruses into people to help kill off cancer cells.
  
• For personalized dietary recommendations from the new food pyramid, visit www.mypyramid.gov. Then click on "my pyramid" and put in your own information to get personal recommendations.
  
• The prevalence and risks of osteoporosis are reviewed. DEXA scans heighten awareness of osteoporosis and lead to increased compliance and reduced fractures.
  
• Concerns about knee replacement surgery in young individuals are raised. Alternative treatments to postpone knee surgery are reviewed.
  
• Some patients are giving up on exercise when they start on pain and anti-inflammatory medications. Dr. Rutstein warns against doing this and re-emphasizes the importance of exercise in combatting rheumatic conditions.
  
• Dr. Rutstein comments about a British study dealing with the relative cardio-vascular risks of traditional NSAIDS (Motrin, Voltaren) versus COX-2 inhibitors (Vioxx, Celebrex).
  
• The risks of herbal remedies and the potential interactions with prescription drugs used to treat rheumatic disorders are highlighted. Echinacea, ginko biloba, garlic, devil's claw, glucosamine, and chondroitin are some of the herbal products discussed.
  

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