Knee pain from osteoarthritis may be eased by acupressure you can learn to perform at home.

By: Susan C. Olmstead

Noninvasive, low-cost, and easy-to-learn, acupressure can help to ease pain from osteoarthritis of the knee, even when patients do it themselves, a new study has found. This comforting news affects vast numbers of adults who experience pain and stiffness caused by arthritis in this crucial joint.

The randomized clinical trial, performed by researchers in Hong Kong, London, and Virginia, found that self-administered acupressure significantly reduced pain and improved mobility in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee.

The original investigation appeared in JAMA Network Open.

Lead author, Jerry Wing Fai Yeung, an associate professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Nursing, told The Epoch Times that he and his fellow investigators were not surprised by their findings.

“Previous smaller-scale studies have preliminarily tested and supported the potential effects of self-administered acupressure for relieving knee osteoarthritis pain,” he said. “Based on the previous works, our study further confirmed the effectiveness with a larger sample size.”

The study involved 314 residents of Hong Kong, aged 50 or older, with probable knee osteoarthritis.

One group of subjects received two training sessions on self-administered knee acupressure with a brief knee health education session. The trainers were registered Chinese medicine practitioners with at least five years of clinical experience. The participants in this group then practiced acupressure twice daily for 12 weeks. A control group received only education about maintaining knee health for the 12-week period.

At the end of the study, the acupressure group reported a significantly greater improvement in pain than did the control group. Participants in the self-administered acupressure group also performed significantly better in a mobility test and reported a better quality of life in the medium term than those in the control group.

Causes, Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is common among the middle-aged and elderly, affecting 23 percent of people aged 40 and older, according to the researchers who conducted the trial.

The Arthritis Foundation reports the knee is one of the most common joints to be affected by osteoarthritis. The foundation’s website lists risk factors for developing osteoarthritis of the knee:

Older age: Osteoarthritis is most common in older adults.

Female sex: Women are more likely than men to have knee osteoarthritis.

Obesity: Being overweight stresses the knee joints and causes joint inflammation.

Injuries: Any knee injury, even an old one, can lead to knee osteoarthritis.

Repeated stress: Frequent stress on the knee from work or sports can increase risk for osteoarthritis.

Genetics: A tendency to develop osteoarthritis can run in families.

Bone deformities: Those with bone deformities are at higher risk.

Some metabolic diseases: Diabetes and hemochromatosis (a condition in which the blood has too much iron) have been linked to osteoarthritis.

Pain, stiffness, and swelling are common symptoms of osteoarthritis, and when it affects the knee, mobility can become a problem as the condition progresses.

Treatment most often involves pain relievers such as ibuprofen, exercise and physical therapy, cold and heat therapy, and topical medications. Steroid injections and surgery, including knee replacement, may be called for in more severe cases. Interventions such as acupressure and acupuncture are considered complementary therapies rather than first-line treatment in most cases.

Performing Knee Acupressure at Home

“Acquiring mastery in acupressure techniques is more feasible and safe for individuals if taught by licensed practitioners, rather than attempting to learn them independently,” said Mr. Yeung.

The Hong Kong study involved eight acupressure points in a 16-minute protocol and experienced Chinese medicine practitioners instructed the participants in proper technique.

“Some acupoints utilized in our studies, such as the Yanglingquan acupoint (GB 34) and Sanyinjiao (SP6), require some specific technique [to locate]. Familiarity with the anatomical structure of the knee joint is necessary for accurate acupoint location,” Mr. Yeung said.

“Therefore, individuals experiencing knee pain are advised to seek guidance from their acupuncturist, similar to the approach followed in our study. Additionally, strict adherence to professional acupressure techniques is crucial to prevent exacerbation of the condition or finger joint pain.”

However, patients who’d like to see what they can accomplish on their own before seeking out a professional may want to try an abbreviated knee pain acupressure regimen with only three points, such as the guidance and instructions offered by Kaiser Permanente called “Acupressure for Knee Pain.”

Knee massage may also offer some relief. Licensed massage therapist Ann Swanson demonstrates self-massage for knee pain on the Arthritis Foundation website and her YouTube channel.

Whether patients seek in-person expert guidance or give it a go on their own, they must be willing to perform the routine regularly.

“Best results will occur from regular acupressure throughout the day for several weeks,” Malerie Giaimo, a diplomate of Oriental medicine, licensed acupuncturist, and herbalist, told The Epoch Times.

“Acupressure is very effective for pain and arthritis located in and around the knee,” she said. “It’s important to apply acupressure near and around the site of pain, above and below the area.” She mentioned sites on the thigh, hamstring, and calf as beneficial to the knee.

“Some of my favorite points are Stomach 25, He Ding, Stomach 36, Spleen 10, and Gallbladder 34,” she said. Ms. Giaimo recommended receiving an acupuncture treatment for more direct, specific, and deeper pain relief.

A Complementary Treatment

According to Mr. Yeung:

“The utilization of medication and injections should be discussed with healthcare professionals, including physicians and pharmacists, responsible for patients’ care.”

“Acupressure can be regarded as an alternative or complementary approach to conventional treatments for knee pain and osteoarthritis—however, it should not be seen as a full replacement for them without prior discussion with their physician.

“While certain individuals may experience relief solely through acupressure, it is crucial to recognize that each person’s condition is unique, and treatment effectiveness can vary, as it is also influenced by the treatment principles of traditional Chinese medicine.

“Conventional treatments such as medications and injections, prescribed by healthcare professionals, have established efficacy and may be indispensable for individuals with more severe symptoms. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider who possesses knowledge in both conventional and complementary therapies to determine the most suitable treatment plan tailored to an individual’s specific situation.”

           (TheEpochTimes.com)

By: Jonel Aleccia

Millions of Americans who have dropped pounds and boosted their health using popular obesity drugs like Wegovy are facing a new dilemma: What happens if they stop taking them?

Many worry that they’ll regain weight and revert to old habits. In studies, people who paused the drugs put back on most of the weight they lost.

But others are gambling on a do-it-yourself strategy to ease off the drugs and stay slim by stretching out doses, taking the medication intermittently or stopping and starting again only if needed.

More than 3 million prescriptions for the new medications are dispensed each month in the U.S., according to 2023 data from the health technology company IQVIA. They include semaglutide, the drug in Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, the drug in Mounjaro and Zepbound.

But many people don’t stick with it. One study published in the journal Obesity found that just 40% of patients who filled a prescription for Wegovy in 2021 or 2022 were still taking it a year later.

Here’s what you need to know about taking a break from these new medications:

HOW ARE THE DRUGS DESIGNED TO BE TAKEN?

Doctors who treat obesity stress that the disease is a chronic condition that must be managed indefinitely, like heart disease or high blood pressure. The new injection drugs work by mimicking hormones in the gut and the brain to regulate appetite and feelings of fullness. They were designed — and tested — to be used continuously, experts said.

“I don’t think they should be used in intermittent fashion. It’s not approved for that. They don’t work like that,” said Dr. Andres Acosta, an obesity researcher at the Mayo Clinic.

WHY DO PEOPLE WANT TO STOP THE DRUGS?

Some people who achieved their health and weight goals with the drugs are looking for an offramp, said Dr. Amy Rothberg, who directs a weight-management and diabetes treatment program at the University of Michigan.

“Many of them want to step down or de-escalate their dose,” she said. “And they’re also wanting to ultimately discontinue the medication.”

Some patients don’t like side effects such as nausea and constipation. Others want to stop for holidays or special occasions — or just because they don’t want to take the weekly shots indefinitely, said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company Intellihealth.

“To me, it’s a help, it’s an aid,” said Donna Cooper of Front Royal, Virginia, who lost nearly 40 pounds (18 kilograms) in nine months using Wegovy along with diet and exercise. “At some point you have to come off of them. I don’t want to be on them forever.”

Other people have been forced to ration or halt doses because the drugs are costly — $1,000 to $1,300 per month — and insurance coverage varies or because demand has far outstripped supply, Rothberg noted.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY STOP?

The drugs work by changing the way the body processes and stores energy. When people stop taking it, many gain back the weight they lost, plus more. And many report a return of symptoms of obesity such as so-called food noise or intrusive thoughts of food, raging hunger and decreased feelings of fullness when they eat.

Some people who stop the drugs and start again have severe stomach side effects. Others find the drugs don’t work as well as before. There’s no data on the long-term effects of intermittent use, Saunders said.

(AP)

By: Amie Dahnke

Americans share a bleak outlook on how the U.S. health care system treats mental health issues, with more than 80 percent recognizing a dramatic rise in mental health issues over the past five years, according to results of a new survey.

Additionally, three-quarters of Americans feel mental health conditions are identified and treated more poorly than physical health conditions. When it comes to how well the United States manages mental health conditions, one-quarter of Americans gave the nation’s health care system a failing grade, while just 1 percent said it deserved an A grade.

The statistics come from the West Health–Gallup survey, which paints an unflattering portrait of how the American health care system treats those suffering from mental health problems. The survey was conducted between Feb. 2 and Feb. 14, surveying 2,266 adults 18 and older.

“Many Americans struggle with mental and behavioral health conditions that often go unaddressed in the context of treating and managing other medical conditions,” Timothy Lash, president of nonprofit West Health, focused on American health care and aging, said in a press release. “Health systems, providers, caregivers and patients themselves need to pay just as much attention to mental health as they grow older as they do their physical health. The two are inextricably linked and critical to overall health, aging successfully and quality of life.”

Depression is more common in individuals who have other illnesses, so this becomes even more of a concern as people age. About 80 percent of older adults diagnosed with depression have at least one chronic health condition, and 50 percent have two or more, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states.

According to the survey, 51 percent of Americans say they have experienced depression, anxiety, or some other mental or emotional condition in the past year. The group includes roughly 22 percent who say the condition was so significant that their regular, everyday routines or activities were disrupted, disabling them from going to work or maintaining their household responsibilities.

Aging Population May Not Seek Help

The survey showed that a higher proportion of older respondents—82 percent versus 75 percent—believed that mental health issues were not treated as they should be in the United States. The finding is especially troubling since, for the first time, the country will be home to more people 65 and older than children by 2030.

“There are still sizable numbers of people not getting the treatment they need—a situation that may only worsen as the population ages,” Mr. Lash said.

Many within this population, the survey found, struggle with the perceived social stigma around mental illness, which can prevent people from seeking professional help. Seventy-five percent of older adults who have dealt with a mental health condition in the past year reported that societal stigma has prevented them from seeking help. This was the highest percentage among all age groups.

Why the Gap Between Mental and Physical Health Care?

Over half of those surveyed believe psychological counseling can be an effective treatment for mental health issues, and 35 percent find prescription medication can be effective, too.

However, many say treatment access is the tricky part. More than half of the survey’s respondents (52 percent) said that affordability is the top barrier to finding good mental health care, followed by being able to find a provider (42 percent).

          (TheEpochTimes.com)

By: Carla K. Johnson

Regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer should start younger, at age 40, according to an influential U.S. task force. Women ages 40 to 74 should get screened every other year, the group said.

Previously, the task force had said women could choose to start breast cancer screening as young as 40, with a stronger recommendation that they get the exams every two years from age 50 through 74.

The announcement Tuesday from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force makes official a draft recommendation announced last year. The recommendations were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“It’s a win that they are now recognizing the benefits of screening women in their 40s,” said Dr. Therese Bevers of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She was not involved in the guidance.

Other medical groups, including the American College of Radiology and the American Cancer Society, suggest mammograms every year — instead of every other year — starting at age 40 or 45, which may cause confusion, Bevers said, but “now the starting age will align with what many other organizations are saying.”

Breast cancer death rates have fallen as treatment continues to improve. But breast cancer is still the second-most common cause of cancer death for U.S. women. About 240,000 cases are diagnosed annually and nearly 43,000 women die from breast cancer.

The nudge toward earlier screening is meant to address two vexing issues: the increasing incidence of breast cancer among women in their 40s — it’s risen 2% annually since 2015 — and the higher breast cancer death rate among Black women compared to white women, said task force vice chair Dr. John Wong of Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

“Sadly, we know all too well that Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women,” Wong said. Modeling studies predict that earlier screening may help all women, and have “even more benefit for women who are Black,” he said.

Here are more details on what’s changed, why it’s important and who should pay attention.

Age 40 is when mammograms should start for women, transgender men and nonbinary people at average risk. They should have the X-ray exam every other year, according to the new guidance. Other groups recommend annual mammograms, starting at 40 or 45.

The advice does not apply to women who’ve had breast cancer or those at very high risk of breast cancer because of genetic markers. It also does not apply to women who had high-dose radiation therapy to the chest when they were young, or to women who’ve had a lesion on previous biopsies.

It’s not clear whether older women should continue getting regular mammograms. Studies rarely include women 75 and older, so the task force is calling for more research.

Bevers suggests that older women talk with their doctors about the benefits of screening, as well as harms like false alarms and unnecessary biopsies.

Mammograms don’t work as well for women with dense breasts, but they should still get the exams.

The task force would like to see more evidence about additional tests such as ultrasounds or MRIs for women with dense breasts. It’s not yet clear whether those types of tests would help detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage, Wong said.

Congress already passed legislation requiring insurers to pay for mammograms for women 40 and older without copays or deductibles.

  (AP)

By: Mike Stobbe

U.S. deaths of moms around the time of childbirth have fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, new government data suggests.

About 680 women died last year during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, according to provisional CDC data. That’s down from 817 deaths in 2022 and 1,205 in 2021, when it was the highest level in more than 50 years.

COVID-19 seems to be the main explanation for the improvement, said Donna Hoyert, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maternal mortality researcher.

The coronavirus can be particularly dangerous to pregnant women. And, in the worst days of the pandemic, burned out physicians may have added to the risk by ignoring pregnant women’s worries, experts say.

Fewer death certificates are mentioning COVID-19 as a contributor to maternal deaths. The count was over 400 in 2021 but fewer than 10 last year, Hoyert said.

The agency on Thursday released a report detailing the final maternal mortality data for 2022. It also recently released provisional data for 2023. Those numbers are expected to change after further analysis — the final 2022 number was 11% higher than the provisional one. Still, 2023 is expected to end up down from 2022, Hoyert said.

The CDC counts women who die while pregnant, during childbirth and up to 42 days after birth from conditions considered related to pregnancy. Excessive bleeding, blood vessel blockages and infections are leading causes.

There were about 19 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in 2023, according to the provisional data. That’s in line with rates seen in 2018 and 2019.

But racial disparities remain: The death rate in Black moms is more than two-and-a-half times higher than that of white and Hispanic mothers.

“In the last five years we’ve really not improved on lowering the maternal death rate in our country, so there’s still a lot of work to do,” said Ashley Stoneburner, the March of Dimes’ director of applied research and analytics.

The advocacy organization this week kicked off an education campaign to get more pregnant women to consider taking low-dose aspirin if they are at risk of preeclempsia — a high blood pressure disorder that can harm both the mother and baby.

There are other efforts that may be helping to lower deaths and lingering health problems related to pregnancy, including stepped-up efforts to fight infections and address blood loss, said Dr. Laura Riley, a New York City-based obstetrician who handles high-risk pregnancies.

But there’s a risk that those kinds of improvements are being offset by a number of factors that may reduce the ability of women to get medical care before, during and after a birth, she said. Experts say the list includes the closure of rural hospitals and a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that did away with the federally established right to abortion — and contributed to physician burnout by causing doctors to feel constrained about providing care during pregnancy-related medical emergencies.

“I think there’s good news. We’re making strides in certain areas,” said Riley, head OB-GYN at Weill Cornell Medicine. “But the bad news and scary news is … th