Maturitas
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Large proportions of women have turned to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for relief from their menopausal symptoms. This highlights the need for more rigorous research into CAM. This article is aimed at critically reviewing surveys that examine the prevalence of CAM use by menopausal women worldwide. ⋯ The most popular CAM modality was herbal medicine, followed by soy/phytoestrogens, evening primrose oil, relaxation and yoga. There are a large number of predominantly low-quality surveys monitoring the prevalence of CAM use among menopausal women worldwide. The available evidence suggests that the prevalence of CAM use is high.
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Multicenter Study
Menopause could be involved in the pathogenesis of muscle and joint aches in mid-aged women.
Muscle and joint aches (MJA) are frequently observed among menopausal women. They impair quality of life and are a burden to the healthcare system. ⋯ In this large mid-aged sample the prevalence of MJA was high, which was significantly associated to menopausal variables, especially vasomotor symptoms. This association may suggest a potential role of mid-life female hormonal changes in the pathogenesis of MJA.
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Hyponatremia is a complication of diuretic treatment and has been recently identified as a novel factor associated with osteoporosis and fractures. The impact of diuretic-associated electrolyte disorders on osteoporotic fractures (OF) has rarely been studied systematically. ⋯ This study highlights the clinical association of hyponatremia during the use of certain diuretics (i.e. furosemide or in combination, i.e. amiloride) with an increased risk of osteoporosis associated fractures. Although evidence-based data is currently lacking a pragmatic approach concerning hyponatremia monitoring and correction appears reasonable in selected groups of patients.
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This study investigated the role of walking outdoors on longevity, controlling for individual and other life-style factors as possible confounders. ⋯ Findings suggest an independent and protective effect of walking on mortality and supports the encouragement of physical activity in advanced age for increasing longevity.
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People are living to older age. Demographic pressures are driving change. Opiate analgesics are the most powerful known pain relievers. ⋯ This article will review the current concepts, evidence and controversies surrounding opiate use in the elderly. An approach is outlined which involves: pain assessment, screening for substance abuse potential, deciding whether you are able to treat your patient without help, starting treatment, monitoring effectiveness of pain control and managing opioid-associated side-effects. The goal of pain management using opioids is the attainment of improved function and quality of life.