Could Tai Chi Ease Insomnia in Breast Cancer Survivors?

FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 -- For breast cancer survivors who struggle with sleep, a new study suggests that tai chi might calm their restless nights.

Researchers found this slow-moving form of meditation was as good as talk therapy and more effective than medication in treating insomnia and reducing the risk for sleep loss-related health issues, including depression, fatigue and a weakened immune system.

It's Yoga to the Rescue for Prostate Cancer Patients

THURSDAY, April 13, 2017 -- Hold that pose: New research suggests yoga may help men deal with the side effects of prostate cancer therapy.

Novice yoga practitioners had renewed energy and fewer of the sexual and urinary symptoms tied to radiation treatment, compared with men who didn't use the technique, the study found.

'Mindfulness' Probably Won't Cure Your Back Pain: Study

TUESDAY, April 25, 2017 -- Proponents of mindfulness-based stress reduction claim it can improve relationships, mental health, weight and more. But, one complaint it's unlikely to fix is lower back pain, researchers now say.

Lower back pain doesn't respond to the programs, which embrace meditation, heightened self-awareness and exercise, according to a review of seven prior studies.

Healing Hands: Massage May Ease Chronic Back Pain

FRIDAY, April 14, 2017 -- Chronic low back pain can be a challenge to treat, but new research suggests that massage therapy may provide some relief.

"Current medical guidelines actually recommend massage therapy prior to the use of opioid medications for lower back pain," explained William Elder, the study's principle investigator.

Vitamin E, Selenium Supplements Won't Curb Men's Dementia Risk

MONDAY, March 20, 2017 -- A daily dose of vitamin E or selenium supplements won't keep dementia at bay in older men, new research reveals.

"After an average of five years of supplementation, and up to 11 years of follow-up, we did not observe fewer new cases of dementia among men who took any of the supplements compared to neither supplement," said study co-author Frederick Schmitt. He's a professor with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and the department of neurology at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

High Doses of Vitamin D Fail to Cut Cancer Risk, Study Finds

TUESDAY, March 28, 2017 -- High doses of vitamin D supplements may not lower older women's risk of developing cancer, a new clinical trial finds.

Many studies have hinted that vitamin D might help ward off cancer. Some, for example, have found that people with higher blood levels of the vitamin have lower rates of certain cancers, including colon and breast cancers.