06Jan 2010 by Walt Larimore

More hospitals using new type of patient gown

General Health
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that approximately "1,700 facilities ... are now using" a new type of hospital gown. The new gown is known as Bair Paws. According to the Inquirer, "a machine blows warm air between layers of paper -- actually a DuPont fabric made of wood fibers, polypropylene, and polyester -- in the gown to keep patients toasty before, during, and after surgery." These "gowns, which ... cost about $15 each, not only make patients feel better -- doctors say they also help them heal better." Sales are soaring according to Jami Collins, a senior product manager at Arizant Inc., the company that makes the gowns.
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06Jan 2010 by Walt Larimore

The latest drugs and supplements used for weight loss. Are any worth trying?

Nutritional Health, Obesity
As soon as the holiday goodies are gone, people begin to try various products to try to lose weight. Why? Because most of us gain weight over the holidays. So, pharmacies report a run on the over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss products. However, people typically lose just 5 to 10 pounds in a year with OTC orlistat (Alli, etc), or even with prescription sibutramine (Meridia) ... phentermine ... or diethylpropion. And, there are new concerns about increased cardiac risk with sibutramine ... possibly due to increased blood pressure and pulse. So many people are looking for new options. Here’s a brief review of these products by the experts at the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database - an evidence-based source of information I've frequently recommended to you: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG, Pregnyl, etc). Proponents say…
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06Jan 2010 by Walt Larimore

Gingko biloba may not be effective in preventing cognitive decline or improving memory

Alternative Medicine, Nutritional Health
In my best-selling book, co-written with Donal O'Mathuna, PhD, Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook, I wrote a chapter on Gingko biloba and said this: While ginkgo looks promising as a means of delaying the memory loss related to a variety of diseases, some studies have found no benefit. Studies have found memory benefits only for about six months. Ginkgo may prove helpful for retarding age-related memory loss, dementia, and peripheral arterial disease. However, studies have not examined the benefits or safety of taking ginkgo long-term. Now we may have the answer. I was first informed of it by watching the CBS Evening News where it was reported, "Americans spend a quarter billion dollars a year on" gingko biloba supplements, "hoping to improve their memory and slow cognitive decline." NBC Nightly…
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