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Complementary medicines (CMs) that are formulated to facilitate weight loss are a popular and widely available treatment option, particularly among women. There is limited research regarding their use in the South African context. The aim of this study was to gather information on the use and perceived effectiveness of CMs for weight loss among adult women. A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used. Johannesburg, South Africa. A purposive sample of women over the age of 18 years who had used CMs for weight loss within the past five years were recruited from health stores and a university campus healthcare centre. Data were obtained through a self-administered 29-item, paper-and-pen questionnaire. Responses were descriptively analysed using cross-tabulation, multiple response analysis and frequency tables. Data from 160 questionnaires were analysed and the results demonstrated that a wide variety of CM products are used for weight loss, with branded combination products, green tea, Garcinia cambogia and conjugated linoleic acid being the most popular. Most participants also adopted lifestyle interventions such as exercise and calorie restriction during their weight loss attempt. While minor side effects were experienced by over half of the participants, the majority were satisfied with their product choice as well as the amount of weight that they lost. Most participants perceived their CM weight loss product of choice to be effective. However, other concomitant weight-loss strategies that were employed may have been responsible for these results. Despite their popularity, there is only very limited research surrounding the safety and efficacy of these weight-loss products, with most studies being conducted on single constituents rather than whole formulations as sold on the market. Healthcare providers should encourage the disclosure of the use of CM weight-loss products to ensure safe and effective patient care and mitigate the potential risks associated with their inappropriate use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Plantar foot pain of neural origin is a challenging diagnosis to identify and treat. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the novel way in which cupping was utilized in conjunction with neural glides to better diagnose and manage a patient who presented with symptoms of peripheral neuropathic plantar foot pain. Case description: A 65-year-old male presented to physical therapy with the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis by an orthopedic surgeon. The presentation included a diffuse area of pain toward the medial border of the foot with a peripheral neuropathic pain description. Cupping was used to identify pain in the saphenous nerve distribution and aided in resolving symptoms with the concomitant use of lower quarter neural glides. Outcome: At discharge and 1-year follow-up, the patient had a full resolution of symptoms and a return to prior level of function. Self-report outcomes included the numeric pain rating scale and the lower extremity functional scale. Discussion: This case is the first to describe the use of cupping combined with neural glides in the diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathic pain from the saphenous nerve that was previously diagnosed as plantar fasciitis. The proposed mechanisms behind this treatment are also reviewed. Conclusion: In patients that present with symptoms of plantar fasciitis, testing neural glides combined with cupping may be warranted to confirm or refute the presence of a peripheral neuropathic pain source. Further studies are necessary to determine the mechanisms and further utility of the combined interventions in well controlled trials. Level of Evidence: Level IV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses sexual health strategies among Chilean women living in Melbourne, Australia. Twenty in-depth qualitative interviews and a survey questionnaire were administered to 100 Chilean-born women. Findings illustrate the importance of 'authority' when it comes to 'socially risky' illnesses like sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Women stressed that western trained doctors are the only answer for STDs and the only way women can protect themselves from getting STDs is by visiting the doctor. The western trained doctor is seen to have the authority and legitimacy to treat the disease and heal the social relationships threatened by STDs. Chilean women continue to value the importance of alternative medicine within the array of health and medical seeking behaviours, although their use has shifted from the traditional Latin American folk healer to the Chinese doctor, herbalist and other alternative medical practitioners, including naturopaths. We conclude by arguing that while traditional medicines are still widely used by the Chilean migrant community, when it comes to 'socially risky' conditions such as STDs, western trained doctors, because of their conferred power, authority and social legitimacy, are key figures for prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent paper in Cytotherapy presented an interesting soft-tissue augmentation technique that caught our attention. We believe that the method is creative but complicated to practice. We note that the authors used platelet-rich plasma (PRP) solely as the source of growth factors. In fact, PRP itself can serve as a scaffold to carry cells. Considering the unique properties of PRP, we propose an alternative technique that may not only simplify the procedure but also yield promising results. The specific reasons are explained in this letter. In addition, we comment on the use of heparin as an anticoagulant for PRP production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]