Current Issue:  Volume 4, Issue 1 (2013)

Topics in Integrative Health Care: an International Journal (TIHC) is a peer-reviewed, open-access online journal. It is dedicated to advancing the integration of multiple disciplines, both complementary and mainstream, into diverse health care settings in order to provide optimal patient care. It presents themed issues on topics of current relevance to health care providers interested in integrative, conservative care, health promotion and disease prevention. It includes international, interdisciplinary Grand Rounds in order to facilitate communication and patient comanagement among various health professions, for the good of patients everywhere.

Topics in Integrative Health Care (TIHC) is published by Healthindex, Inc. (ChiroACCESS).

Topics in Integrative Health Care

Topics in Integrative Health Care 2013, Vol. 4(1)     ID: 4.1001   

Topics in Integrative Health Care welcomes unsolicited manuscripts with original research, Grand Rounds, clinical briefs and “fast facts” collections. All submissions are peer-reviewed.

Review of the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Non-Hispanic Blacks

Topics in Integrative Health Care 2013, Vol. 4(1)     ID: 4.1003   

Introduction: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been on the rise over the past two decades. However, most CAM surveys demonstrate that blacks use CAM less often than whites. There is a shortage of review articles summarizing this discrepancy in use. Therefore a greater understanding of the true prevalence of different forms of CAM used by blacks is warranted. Methods: This review was generated through a three-step process. The first step involved a 2002-2011 literature search performed using key terms: African Americans, blacks, complementary therapies, prayer, herbal medicine, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and mind-body therapies.. Databases included the Index to Chiropractic Literature, PubMed, Alt Health Watch, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The intent was to find all peer-reviewed original articles about Non-Hispanic black usage of major forms of CAM during the intended time frame. The second step involved hand-searching numerous journal articles for relevant studies. The third step involved reference tracking of the articles that had already been discovered to find new articles. Following screening, articles were then grouped thematically for discussion purposes as follows: acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, massage therapy, mind-body therapies, and prayer as forms of CAM, as well as CAM use articles for specific health conditions. Results: Thirty-six original articles met the inclusion criteria. This was composed of thirty-five original surveys and one focus-group analysis. Conclusion: The existing evidence suggests that Non-Hispanic blacks use CAM significantly less than whites, with the exception of prayer. The reason for this difference should be further investigated.

Obesity and Transitory Healthcare Utilization Interferes with Acromegaly Diagnosis in Adult Male

Topics in Integrative Health Care 2013, Vol. 4(1)     ID: 4.1004   

This case is presented to highlight the impact of obesity and irregular healthcare utilization on the diagnosis of acromegaly. A new patient (32-year old obese white male) with no regular primary care physician presented for annual preventive exam. Primary care physician suspected acromegaly due to large hand size, but facial features were hidden by facial fat disbursement. Patient presented the following year with significant weight loss (106 lbs) revealing considerable enlargement of facial features. Laboratory analysis and MRI revealed secretory pituitary macro-adenoma with significant impact on multiple hormone levels. Patient’s lack of consistent primary care physician and obesity hindered early diagnosis of acromegaly.

Putting Research into Practice: A Comprehensive 12 Week Exercise Protocol for Fibromyalgia

Topics in Integrative Health Care 2013, Vol. 4(1)     ID: 4.1005   

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that most often affects young to middle-aged women. According to the American College of Rheumatology, it is diagnosed by the presence of widespread musculoskeletal pain for at least 3 months and excessive tenderness in at least 11 out of 18 defined tender points. Currently there are no definitive diagnostic laboratory tests or imaging for fibromyalgia. Its cause is still unknown. The purpose of this appraisal was to evaluate the effectiveness of aerobic training-based exercise programs compared to other types of physical activity on the symptomatology of fibromyalgia. Searches on PubMed/MEDLINE databases using key words, pool exercise, fibromyalgia, aerobic fitness and home-based exercise, were performed to identify articles comparing different exercise regimens. A treatment protocol was developed based on the articles identified.

Fast Facts

Topics in Integrative Health Care 2013, Vol. 4(1)     ID: 4.1006   

Readers are welcome to contribute to Fast Facts. Please include the original abstract (with citation) that is the source of your contribution. Contributors’ names will be included along with the item. The following is an excerpt: Twenty minutes of exercise 3 times per week improved aerobic capacity, but did not improve musculoskeletal pain and other work-related factors in a 12-week intervention. Gram B, Holtermann A, Bultmann U, Sjogaard G, Sogaard K. Does an exercise intervention improving aerobic capacity among construction workers also improve musculoskeletal pain, work ability, productivity, perceived physical exertion, and sick leave?: a randomized controlled trial. J Occup Environ Med. Dec 2012;54(12):1520-1526.