Healthy Update is a bi-monthly electronic newsletter from HealthWorld Online providing you the latest information, news and resources from the world of natural health. All summaries in Healthy Update link to full articles or expanded resources and services in HealthWorld Online: http://www.healthy.net

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HealthWorld Online Receives Highest 4-Star Rating by Yahoo
"HEALTHWORLD ONLINE holds an astonishingly broad range of natural approaches to healing covered in great depth. Here you will find information about acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, chiropractic, herbal medicine, homeopathy, naturopathic medicine, osteopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, and mind/body connection. Under the subheading of Alternative Therapies you can learn about aromatherapy, biofeedback training, bodywork, chelation, detoxing, fasting, Bach flower remedies, and holistic dentistry. All of these topics are addressed by leading professionals in their respective fields. There is a search engine to track down specific topics as well."

Children Often Treated With Alternative Remedies, Study Finds
A significant number of children and young adults, especially those with cancer, are being treated with alternative remedies, but often in conjunction with standard therapies, a Florida study suggests. In the study of children and young people up to age 21, researchers found that 65 percent of 81 patients with cancer used some form of alternative therapy, compared with 51 percent of 80 other young people who were undergoing routine checkups or being treated for minor illnesses.

Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy Gain Ground
Chagrined by the results of conventional medicine, many parents of children with epilepsy are turning to unproven alternatives, including acupuncture and dietary modification, that sometimes yield surprisingly good results. In general, little evidence from carefully controlled studies exists to support the use of alternative therapies for epilepsy. However, lack of convincing proof has not stopped parents from seeking out new approaches to help their children, even though insurance companies generally don't cover the therapies, experts said here this week at a meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Galland's Integrated Medicine

Stress and Immunity
Scientists have known for years that major and minor life stresses interfere with immune function and contribute to disease. Stressful life events increase your susceptibility to several types of infections, from the common cold to tuberculosis, and to auto-immune disorders in which your body's immune system attacks its own cells. Although you may not be able to control all the stressors in your life, there are many steps you can take to build your immune resistance in the face of stress. In this column, Dr. Galland explains how clear thinking, supportive social relationships, moderate exercise, adequate sleep, and immune-boosting nutrients can keep you from becoming a victim of stress.

News from the Village

Children's Health Update
Colic has been defined as a long period of vigorous crying that persists despite all efforts at consolation. The term itself comes from the Greek word for the large intestine, reflecting the belief that the source of the discomfort is a digestive problem. Most babies go through periods when they seem to be abnormally fussy or to cry for no apparent reason. Colic is most common during the first three to four months of an infant's life. It can begin within the first three weeks after birth, and usually stops around the age of three months. It is rarely experienced by a baby older than six months. In her article "Colic," excerpted from her book, Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child, Dr. Janet Zand outlines a comprehensive program for helping to deal with your child's colic, including guidelines for conventional treatment, as well as dietary guidelines, recommended nutritional supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies, and acupressure.

Women's Health Update
A woman menstruates approximately 500 times in her lifetime. Yet, how much do most women know about their cycle? Throughout history, women have been told they are unclean during this time. Doctors have advised their female patients to rest, restrict activity, and by no means have sex. A majority of women suffer some sort of discomfort during their periods. There seems to be only misery associated with this womanly function. Are we missing something? In her article, "Full Cycle: Taking the Mystery out of Menstruation," Lauri M. Aesoph, N.D. examines some of the mysteries surrounding menstruation, and learn how we can turn this monthly event into one of health and appreciation.

Natural Medicine Research Update - Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Is Chromium Safe?
Chromium is an essential element required for normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Lack of adequate chromium ingestion has been associated with increased risk factors for diabetes, such as elevated blood sugar and fasting insulin, in addition to impaired glucose tolerance. The benefits of chromium have been touted for many years and consumers have become aware of the important role this mineral plays in the body. But, is the ingestion of chromium safe? Does it have any toxicity? In this column Dr. Sahelian comments on a recent study on rats that gives us some clues.

News Flash on the Medical Cybrarian Service
Have you looked at the News Flashes on the Medical Cybrarian Service? These periodic snippets of information are designed to let you know the latest on new therapies, new books, new clinical trials, or useful Web sites. The latest Newsflash mentions a helpful receipe book by Maureen Keane and Daniella Chace on good-tasting, healthful food sources for cancer patients. It also notes a vibrant Web site, called CancerCare at: http://www.cancercareinc.org Remember, the Cybrarian's new hourly rates offer a reasonable course for finding difficult healthcare information on the Internet. You can now also telephone the Cybrarian at (847) 475-5480 and receive a quote regarding your inquiry.

New Releases in our Bookstore
Written by a nutritionally-oriented psychiatrist who has used natural remedies in her practice for many years, St. John's Wort: Nature's Blues Buster answers all your questions about this effective antidepressant herbal remedy. If you or a loved one suffers from depression, you will want to know what Dr. Hyla Cass has to say about this remarkable herb. This comprehensive book also includes fascinating case studies, a depression self-quiz, descriptions of the major synthetic antidepressants, an extensive reading list, and even information on the herb's other uses. Highly recommended.

Global Health Calendar -- Hot Picks
"American Association for Therapeutic Humor 10th Annual Conference", Washington, DC USA, January 31-February 1, 1998. Contact: American Association for Therapeutic Humor - (314) 863-6232

Association Network -- Hot Pick
American Institute for Preventive Medicine is an international developer and provider of health promotion programs, self-help kits, and self-care publications. The Institute's services are in the areas of medical self-care, smoking cessation, weight control, stress management, self-esteem enhancement, nutrition, fitness, back care, wise health consumerism, and EAP.

Visit the American Institute for Preventive Medicine.

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Editor, Healthy Update: James Strohecker

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