Poor sleep habits increases fibromyalgia risk in middle aged and older women

Poor sleep habits linked to increased risk of fibromyalgia in women — Middle-aged and older women with sleep problems are at greater risk – Researchers from Norway have uncovered an association between sleep problems and increased risk of fibromyalgia in women. The risk of fibromyalgia increased with severity of sleep problems, and the association was stronger among middle-aged and older women than among younger women.

Tai chi may improve quality of life in chronic heart failure patients

Tai chi exercise appears to be associated with improved quality of life, mood and exercise self-efficacy in patients with chronic heart failure – Tai chi, the ancient Chinese meditative exercise, may improve quality of life, mood and exercise self-efficacy in chronic heart failure patients, according to research led by a team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Elderly must start tai chi to prevent falls

New guidelines for preventing falls in the elderly include: start tai chi, cut-back on meds – In the first update of the American Geriatrics Society and the British Geriatric Society’s guidelines on preventing falls in older persons since 2001, they now recommend that all interventions for preventing falls should include an exercise component and that a number of new assessments should be used, including; feet and footwear, fear of falling, and ability to carry out daily living activities.

Tai Chi may reduce fibromyalgia symptoms

Tai Chi may improve fibromyalgia symptoms – Fibromyalgia sufferers may find relief from the chronic pain condition by doing tai chi, revealed by researchers in the New England Journal of Medicine.

New criteria proposed for diagnosing fibromyalgia

New criteria proposed for diagnosing fibromyalgia — New criteria include common symptoms such as pain, fatigue, sleep and cognitive difficulties – The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is proposing a new set of diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia that includes common symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems, as well as pain.

Parkinson’s disease treatments linked to compulsive behaviors

Parkinson’s Disease Treatments Associated With Compulsive Behaviors – Pathological gambling, compulsive shopping, binge eating and other impulse control disorders appear to be more common among individuals taking dopamine agonist medications for Parkinson’s disease, according to a report in the May issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Blood test can predict rheumatoid arthritis early

Blood test can predict rheumatoid arthritis before symptoms arise — Study confirms elevated cytokine levels are early indicator of disease – Researchers from University Hospital in Umea, Sweden, have identified several cytokines, cytokine-related factors, and chemokines that increase significantly prior to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease onset.

Abuse in childhood may lead to migraine

Abuse in childhood linked to migraine and other pain disorders – Findings suggest abuse is a risk factor for chronic headache – Researchers from the American Headache Society’s Women’s Issues Section Research Consortium found that incidence of childhood maltreatment, especially emotional abuse and neglect, are prevalent in migraine patients.

Clinical trials overseas raises quality control issues

Questions of ethics and quality cloud globalization of clinical trials – Top-tier U.S.-based pharmaceutical companies are moving their clinical trials overseas at warp speed, raising questions about ethics, quality control, and even the scientific value of their findings for people back in the U.S.

Milnacipran for management of fibromyalgia approved

US Food and Drug Administration approves Milnacipran for the management of fibromyalgia. – Pierre Fabre Laboratories announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved the marketing application filed by Forest Laboratories, Inc. and Cypress Bioscience, Inc. for Milnacipran.

Health Newstrack