Spiritual Healing Improves Well-Being in Cancer Patients

The Journal of Pastoral Care published promising findings on a project that explored spirituality in medical practice and its role in the improvement of patient well-being and quality of life. According to the abstract published by the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI), U.S. National Library of Medicine, the project:

Examined the feasibility of providing spiritual coaching with patients in an outpatient Radiation Oncology clinic setting. The purpose of spiritual coaching was to provide patients with opportunities to explore their current spiritual lives, increase their involvement in spiritually enhancing activities, and expand their spiritual opportunities. Quality-of-life measurements focused on feelings of hopefulness and distress were used in patients undergoing radiation treatment for cancer. This study suggests that there is a potential benefit for spiritual coaching in the care of cancer patients, and future studies will be done to further elucidate the relationship of spirituality and quality of life in this population.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) agrees that spiritual healing (also faith healing, spiritual coaching), has many benefits. According to the ACS, spiritual healing may promote peace of mind, reduce stress, relieve pain and anxiety, and strengthen to live. Activities may include praying with family members, friends, and/or a support group. It may also involve “touch” by a spiritual healer or group of healers, and it may even involve taking a pilgrimage to a religious shrine either locally or abroad.

When a person has a strong belief in a healer, prayer, or even a pilgrimage, a “placebo effect” can occur, which makes the person feel better. The placebo effect is an improvement that occurs because of a powerful belief in the treatment. The patient usually credits the improvement to the healer. Taking part in spiritual healing can “evoke the power of suggestion,” which promotes peace of mind. This can help people cope more effectively with their illness.

Further, the Mayo Clinic reports that several hundred studies have been conducted using spirituality and prayer. They have produced mixed results, some promising. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is a small body of evidence linking immune function to spiritual well-being. In addition, some studies of people with cancer report a change in the progression of the disease when prayer was used. Combining spirituality with other interventions improved the quality of life in some people with cancer. More research is still needed in this area, according to Mayo.

It is important to note a patient does not have to visit a healer to enjoy the benefits of spiritual healing. Positive, spiritual family members (and friends) can help by communicating with their loved one about feelings related to their faith in all areas from treatment to God. Family members can also pray with their loved one, pray for their loved one, and share this with them.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Spray-on Skin May Promote Wound Healing

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AppId is over the quota

Experts Predict Role for Spray-on Skin in Slow-Healing Wounds

By Denise Mann
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Aug. 2, 2012 -- An experimental spray-on skin product may help people with chronic leg wounds heal faster and more effectively than available treatments, a new study suggests.

The spray-on skin is made up of skin cells and suspended in a mixture of different types of proteins. The participants in this study all had venous leg ulcers, which are shallow wounds that occur in people who have a circulation problem in their veins. These wounds tend to develop on the inside of the lower leg. Most at risk for venous ulcers are inactive and obese people, as well as people with varicose veins.

People in the study who used the new treatment experienced a greater reduction in wound size than those who didn't use it.

The findings appear in the Lancet.

Healthpoint Biotherapeutics of Fort Worth, Texas, is developing the new product and sponsored the study.

As it stands, most venous leg ulcers are treated with compression bandages. Some doctors also use skin grafts in which skin is taken from another area of the body and used to resurface the wound. Skin grafts involve surgery, and people can develop a wound at the skin donation site, too.

"If you don't get these to heal, they become chronic, and the older the wounds are, the harder they become to heal with anything," says researcher Herbert B. Slade, MD. He is a pediatrician at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth and is also the chief medical officer at Healthpoint Biotherapeutics. "Compression bandages work for 30% to 70% of people, but are not 100% effective."

That is where the spray-on treatment may come in.

In the 12-week study of 205 people, those who received the spray-on treatment and compression bandaging had a greater reduction in wound size than those who used compression bandaging without the test treatment.

Researchers tested two strengths of the new therapy, along with compression bandages. The biggest improvements were seen in the lower-strength dose given every two weeks; there was a 16% greater reduction on average of the wound area, compared to a group that was given a spray that didn't contain the new therapy, after 12 weeks.

Side effects were similar in the different groups. The spray-on treatment sped wound closure by an average of 21 days compared to the comparison group.

Slade and colleagues are now assessing its safety and conducting studies to determine exactly how it works. "The FDA wants us to better define what it is that is happening when the cells get on the surface of the wound," he says. "We know it works, we just need to know more about how."

According to Slade, the sprayed-on cells help the tissue learn how to regenerate itself. If the findings are confirmed by follow-up studies, "it's going to be an off-the-shelf product." No information is available about cost at this time.

The need for new products to treat these wounds is tremendous, Matthias Augustin, MD, says in an email. "A significant number of patients fail to respond to any therapy."

Augustin, the director of the Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing at the University Clinics of Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany, wrote an editorial accompanying the new study.

"New treatments with improved healing and healing rates are needed to reduce the burden of ulcers for patients, [and] while more research is needed I believe that this product could ultimately make a significant difference for these patients."

John Lantis, MD, is one of the investigators on the study. "This could be used in any place that artificial skin is needed, such as diabetic foot ulcers," says Lantis, who is the chief of the vascular surgery division at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.

It will not be a stand-alone treatment. "If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, you will still have to wear special diabetic shoes," he says. "It's not like you can just spray it on and go about your business. It will always be used in conjunction with current standard of care."

It seems to perform better than any other artificial skin products out there or in the pipeline, Lantis says.

Maja Zaric, MD, says there may well be a role for this product. She is an interventional cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "The spray can be applied in various doses and it is very user-friendly, unlike a skin graft."

Still, not every person with a venous leg ulcer would benefit from the new spray-on skin. "Those who would benefit the most have extremely large ulcers and decreased blood flow," she says. Before treating these wounds, Zaric always does a vein-mapping study to see which veins are causing the problem.

Neil Sadick, MD, is a New York City dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. "This treatment provides a cocktail of cells and growth factors," he says. "These ingredients can stimulate new collagen, which would improve wound healing and also help recover the skin." Collagen is the main structural protein in skin.

"It could well be helpful in wound healing and it could be helpful in any area where we need to replace the skin surface," Sadick says.

SOURCES: Herbert B. Slade, MD, pediatrician, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas; chief medical officer, Healthpoint Biotherapeutics. Neil Sadick, MD, clinical professor of dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City. Maja Zaric, MD, interventional cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City. John Lantis, MD, chief, Vascular Surgery Division, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. Kirsner, R.S. Lancet, 2012, study received ahead of print.

©2012 WebMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

View the original article here

Spray-on Skin May Promote Wound Healing

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Experts Predict Role for Spray-on Skin in Slow-Healing Wounds

By Denise Mann
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Aug. 2, 2012 -- An experimental spray-on skin product may help people with chronic leg wounds heal faster and more effectively than available treatments, a new study suggests.

The spray-on skin is made up of skin cells and suspended in a mixture of different types of proteins. The participants in this study all had venous leg ulcers, which are shallow wounds that occur in people who have a circulation problem in their veins. These wounds tend to develop on the inside of the lower leg. Most at risk for venous ulcers are inactive and obese people, as well as people with varicose veins.

People in the study who used the new treatment experienced a greater reduction in wound size than those who didn't use it.

The findings appear in the Lancet.

Healthpoint Biotherapeutics of Fort Worth, Texas, is developing the new product and sponsored the study.

As it stands, most venous leg ulcers are treated with compression bandages. Some doctors also use skin grafts in which skin is taken from another area of the body and used to resurface the wound. Skin grafts involve surgery, and people can develop a wound at the skin donation site, too.

"If you don't get these to heal, they become chronic, and the older the wounds are, the harder they become to heal with anything," says researcher Herbert B. Slade, MD. He is a pediatrician at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth and is also the chief medical officer at Healthpoint Biotherapeutics. "Compression bandages work for 30% to 70% of people, but are not 100% effective."

That is where the spray-on treatment may come in.

In the 12-week study of 205 people, those who received the spray-on treatment and compression bandaging had a greater reduction in wound size than those who used compression bandaging without the test treatment.

Researchers tested two strengths of the new therapy, along with compression bandages. The biggest improvements were seen in the lower-strength dose given every two weeks; there was a 16% greater reduction on average of the wound area, compared to a group that was given a spray that didn't contain the new therapy, after 12 weeks.

Side effects were similar in the different groups. The spray-on treatment sped wound closure by an average of 21 days compared to the comparison group.

Slade and colleagues are now assessing its safety and conducting studies to determine exactly how it works. "The FDA wants us to better define what it is that is happening when the cells get on the surface of the wound," he says. "We know it works, we just need to know more about how."

According to Slade, the sprayed-on cells help the tissue learn how to regenerate itself. If the findings are confirmed by follow-up studies, "it's going to be an off-the-shelf product." No information is available about cost at this time.

The need for new products to treat these wounds is tremendous, Matthias Augustin, MD, says in an email. "A significant number of patients fail to respond to any therapy."

Augustin, the director of the Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing at the University Clinics of Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany, wrote an editorial accompanying the new study.

"New treatments with improved healing and healing rates are needed to reduce the burden of ulcers for patients, [and] while more research is needed I believe that this product could ultimately make a significant difference for these patients."

John Lantis, MD, is one of the investigators on the study. "This could be used in any place that artificial skin is needed, such as diabetic foot ulcers," says Lantis, who is the chief of the vascular surgery division at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.

It will not be a stand-alone treatment. "If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, you will still have to wear special diabetic shoes," he says. "It's not like you can just spray it on and go about your business. It will always be used in conjunction with current standard of care."

It seems to perform better than any other artificial skin products out there or in the pipeline, Lantis says.

Maja Zaric, MD, says there may well be a role for this product. She is an interventional cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "The spray can be applied in various doses and it is very user-friendly, unlike a skin graft."

Still, not every person with a venous leg ulcer would benefit from the new spray-on skin. "Those who would benefit the most have extremely large ulcers and decreased blood flow," she says. Before treating these wounds, Zaric always does a vein-mapping study to see which veins are causing the problem.

Neil Sadick, MD, is a New York City dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. "This treatment provides a cocktail of cells and growth factors," he says. "These ingredients can stimulate new collagen, which would improve wound healing and also help recover the skin." Collagen is the main structural protein in skin.

"It could well be helpful in wound healing and it could be helpful in any area where we need to replace the skin surface," Sadick says.

SOURCES: Herbert B. Slade, MD, pediatrician, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas; chief medical officer, Healthpoint Biotherapeutics. Neil Sadick, MD, clinical professor of dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City. Maja Zaric, MD, interventional cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City. John Lantis, MD, chief, Vascular Surgery Division, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. Kirsner, R.S. Lancet, 2012, study received ahead of print.

©2012 WebMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

View the original article here

Raising Awareness and Healing Skin

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AppId is over the quota

You may have noticed an influx of breast cancer ads on TV, in stores, and around your neighborhood recently. That’s because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Used as a platform for breast cancer charities across the country to increase support for their cause, this month gets a lot of recognition in the press.

Breast cancer walks and runs are widespread, and landmark buildings worldwide – like the Empire State Building and the Tower of London – are decked out in pink in support of those with the disease. Check out a football game on Sunday and you’ll notice that even burly NFL players have their pink gear on.

Many companies will also be donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer charities over the next few weeks. Among them is Pomega5, a skincare line that uses biodynamic botanicals and Omega 5 oils to treat skin imperfections. During October and November, Pomega5 will donate 10% of proceeds from sales of all its products to the California-based To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation.

As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I’ll admit I favor companies that support this cause, but I was able to test one of their products with an open-mind. According to their website, Pomega5’s Healing Cream is formulated to soothe and moisturize dry, damaged skin with a combination of Omega oils and shea butter.

Sounds like a winner, doesn’t it?

I applied the cream twice a day to the dry patches of skin on my hands, elbows, and legs. It isn’t heavy like most lotions, and it blends in quickly and smoothly. Within a week, I noticed an improvement in my skin. My hands were softer, my elbows weren’t as rough, and my legs felt silky.

Based on my results and the product reviews on their site, it seems like Pomega5 has hit it out of the park with this one… although I do have one gripe.

This 1.7 fl oz bottle of Healing Cream is being sold for $70! Seems like a hefty price for such a small bottle. As someone who has struggled with problematic skin – and has spent a ton of money trying to treat it – I am always frustrated by the cost of good skincare products. We all have a right to beautiful skin, but we shouldn’t have to break the bank for it.

While I applaud Pomega5 for their support of breast cancer, I am disappointed in the price of their products. As a result, I’ll stick to the economy-size lotion I buy in drug stores for $6.99. I may not have perfect skin, but at least I have some cash in my pocket.

Kellie Clark, Everyday Health Production Editor

View the original article here

Raising Awareness and Healing Skin

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

You may have noticed an influx of breast cancer ads on TV, in stores, and around your neighborhood recently. That’s because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Used as a platform for breast cancer charities across the country to increase support for their cause, this month gets a lot of recognition in the press.

Breast cancer walks and runs are widespread, and landmark buildings worldwide – like the Empire State Building and the Tower of London – are decked out in pink in support of those with the disease. Check out a football game on Sunday and you’ll notice that even burly NFL players have their pink gear on.

Many companies will also be donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer charities over the next few weeks. Among them is Pomega5, a skincare line that uses biodynamic botanicals and Omega 5 oils to treat skin imperfections. During October and November, Pomega5 will donate 10% of proceeds from sales of all its products to the California-based To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation.

As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I’ll admit I favor companies that support this cause, but I was able to test one of their products with an open-mind. According to their website, Pomega5’s Healing Cream is formulated to soothe and moisturize dry, damaged skin with a combination of Omega oils and shea butter.

Sounds like a winner, doesn’t it?

I applied the cream twice a day to the dry patches of skin on my hands, elbows, and legs. It isn’t heavy like most lotions, and it blends in quickly and smoothly. Within a week, I noticed an improvement in my skin. My hands were softer, my elbows weren’t as rough, and my legs felt silky.

Based on my results and the product reviews on their site, it seems like Pomega5 has hit it out of the park with this one… although I do have one gripe.

This 1.7 fl oz bottle of Healing Cream is being sold for $70! Seems like a hefty price for such a small bottle. As someone who has struggled with problematic skin – and has spent a ton of money trying to treat it – I am always frustrated by the cost of good skincare products. We all have a right to beautiful skin, but we shouldn’t have to break the bank for it.

While I applaud Pomega5 for their support of breast cancer, I am disappointed in the price of their products. As a result, I’ll stick to the economy-size lotion I buy in drug stores for $6.99. I may not have perfect skin, but at least I have some cash in my pocket.

Kellie Clark, Everyday Health Production Editor

View the original article here

Raising Awareness and Healing Skin

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

You may have noticed an influx of breast cancer ads on TV, in stores, and around your neighborhood recently. That’s because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Used as a platform for breast cancer charities across the country to increase support for their cause, this month gets a lot of recognition in the press.

Breast cancer walks and runs are widespread, and landmark buildings worldwide – like the Empire State Building and the Tower of London – are decked out in pink in support of those with the disease. Check out a football game on Sunday and you’ll notice that even burly NFL players have their pink gear on.

Many companies will also be donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer charities over the next few weeks. Among them is Pomega5, a skincare line that uses biodynamic botanicals and Omega 5 oils to treat skin imperfections. During October and November, Pomega5 will donate 10% of proceeds from sales of all its products to the California-based To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation.

As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I’ll admit I favor companies that support this cause, but I was able to test one of their products with an open-mind. According to their website, Pomega5’s Healing Cream is formulated to soothe and moisturize dry, damaged skin with a combination of Omega oils and shea butter.

Sounds like a winner, doesn’t it?

I applied the cream twice a day to the dry patches of skin on my hands, elbows, and legs. It isn’t heavy like most lotions, and it blends in quickly and smoothly. Within a week, I noticed an improvement in my skin. My hands were softer, my elbows weren’t as rough, and my legs felt silky.

Based on my results and the product reviews on their site, it seems like Pomega5 has hit it out of the park with this one… although I do have one gripe.

This 1.7 fl oz bottle of Healing Cream is being sold for $70! Seems like a hefty price for such a small bottle. As someone who has struggled with problematic skin – and has spent a ton of money trying to treat it – I am always frustrated by the cost of good skincare products. We all have a right to beautiful skin, but we shouldn’t have to break the bank for it.

While I applaud Pomega5 for their support of breast cancer, I am disappointed in the price of their products. As a result, I’ll stick to the economy-size lotion I buy in drug stores for $6.99. I may not have perfect skin, but at least I have some cash in my pocket.

Kellie Clark, Everyday Health Production Editor

View the original article here

Raising Awareness and Healing Skin

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota
You may have noticed an influx of breast cancer ads on TV, in stores, and around your neighborhood recently. That’s because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Used as a platform for breast cancer charities across the country to increase support for their cause, this month gets a lot of recognition in the press.

Breast cancer walks and runs are widespread, and landmark buildings worldwide – like the Empire State Building and the Tower of London – are decked out in pink in support of those with the disease. Check out a football game on Sunday and you’ll notice that even burly NFL players have their pink gear on.

Many companies will also be donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer charities over the next few weeks. Among them is Pomega5, a skincare line that uses biodynamic botanicals and Omega 5 oils to treat skin imperfections. During October and November, Pomega5 will donate 10% of proceeds from sales of all its products to the California-based To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation.

As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I’ll admit I favor companies that support this cause, but I was able to test one of their products with an open-mind. According to their website, Pomega5’s Healing Cream is formulated to soothe and moisturize dry, damaged skin with a combination of Omega oils and shea butter.

Sounds like a winner, doesn’t it?

I applied the cream twice a day to the dry patches of skin on my hands, elbows, and legs. It isn’t heavy like most lotions, and it blends in quickly and smoothly. Within a week, I noticed an improvement in my skin. My hands were softer, my elbows weren’t as rough, and my legs felt silky.

Based on my results and the product reviews on their site, it seems like Pomega5 has hit it out of the park with this one… although I do have one gripe.

This 1.7 fl oz bottle of Healing Cream is being sold for $70! Seems like a hefty price for such a small bottle. As someone who has struggled with problematic skin – and has spent a ton of money trying to treat it – I am always frustrated by the cost of good skincare products. We all have a right to beautiful skin, but we shouldn’t have to break the bank for it.

While I applaud Pomega5 for their support of breast cancer, I am disappointed in the price of their products. As a result, I’ll stick to the economy-size lotion I buy in drug stores for $6.99. I may not have perfect skin, but at least I have some cash in my pocket.

Raising Awareness and Healing Skin

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota
You may have noticed an influx of breast cancer ads on TV, in stores, and around your neighborhood recently. That’s because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Used as a platform for breast cancer charities across the country to increase support for their cause, this month gets a lot of recognition in the press.

Breast cancer walks and runs are widespread, and landmark buildings worldwide – like the Empire State Building and the Tower of London – are decked out in pink in support of those with the disease. Check out a football game on Sunday and you’ll notice that even burly NFL players have their pink gear on.

Many companies will also be donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer charities over the next few weeks. Among them is Pomega5, a skincare line that uses biodynamic botanicals and Omega 5 oils to treat skin imperfections. During October and November, Pomega5 will donate 10% of proceeds from sales of all its products to the California-based To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation.

As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I’ll admit I favor companies that support this cause, but I was able to test one of their products with an open-mind. According to their website, Pomega5’s Healing Cream is formulated to soothe and moisturize dry, damaged skin with a combination of Omega oils and shea butter.

Sounds like a winner, doesn’t it?

I applied the cream twice a day to the dry patches of skin on my hands, elbows, and legs. It isn’t heavy like most lotions, and it blends in quickly and smoothly. Within a week, I noticed an improvement in my skin. My hands were softer, my elbows weren’t as rough, and my legs felt silky.

Based on my results and the product reviews on their site, it seems like Pomega5 has hit it out of the park with this one… although I do have one gripe.

This 1.7 fl oz bottle of Healing Cream is being sold for $70! Seems like a hefty price for such a small bottle. As someone who has struggled with problematic skin – and has spent a ton of money trying to treat it – I am always frustrated by the cost of good skincare products. We all have a right to beautiful skin, but we shouldn’t have to break the bank for it.

While I applaud Pomega5 for their support of breast cancer, I am disappointed in the price of their products. As a result, I’ll stick to the economy-size lotion I buy in drug stores for $6.99. I may not have perfect skin, but at least I have some cash in my pocket.

Raising Awareness and Healing Skin

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota
You may have noticed an influx of breast cancer ads on TV, in stores, and around your neighborhood recently. That’s because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Used as a platform for breast cancer charities across the country to increase support for their cause, this month gets a lot of recognition in the press.

Breast cancer walks and runs are widespread, and landmark buildings worldwide – like the Empire State Building and the Tower of London – are decked out in pink in support of those with the disease. Check out a football game on Sunday and you’ll notice that even burly NFL players have their pink gear on.

Many companies will also be donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer charities over the next few weeks. Among them is Pomega5, a skincare line that uses biodynamic botanicals and Omega 5 oils to treat skin imperfections. During October and November, Pomega5 will donate 10% of proceeds from sales of all its products to the California-based To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation.

As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I’ll admit I favor companies that support this cause, but I was able to test one of their products with an open-mind. According to their website, Pomega5’s Healing Cream is formulated to soothe and moisturize dry, damaged skin with a combination of Omega oils and shea butter.

Sounds like a winner, doesn’t it?

I applied the cream twice a day to the dry patches of skin on my hands, elbows, and legs. It isn’t heavy like most lotions, and it blends in quickly and smoothly. Within a week, I noticed an improvement in my skin. My hands were softer, my elbows weren’t as rough, and my legs felt silky.

Based on my results and the product reviews on their site, it seems like Pomega5 has hit it out of the park with this one… although I do have one gripe.

This 1.7 fl oz bottle of Healing Cream is being sold for $70! Seems like a hefty price for such a small bottle. As someone who has struggled with problematic skin – and has spent a ton of money trying to treat it – I am always frustrated by the cost of good skincare products. We all have a right to beautiful skin, but we shouldn’t have to break the bank for it.

While I applaud Pomega5 for their support of breast cancer, I am disappointed in the price of their products. As a result, I’ll stick to the economy-size lotion I buy in drug stores for $6.99. I may not have perfect skin, but at least I have some cash in my pocket.