One-third of U.S. children use alternative therapy

ATLANTA, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- About one-third of healthy U.S. children use some form of Complementary and Alternative or CAM therapy, according to researchers.

Dr. Lawrence Rosen and Sunita Vohra also say 50 percent to 70 percent of children suffering from a chronic illness use CAM therapy, but the great majority of families using CAM therapies do not talk to their primary care doctors about it, and there can be negative consequences.

The researchers discussed a variety of evidence-based approaches to integrating specific CAM therapies into daily practices such as the use of acupuncture for pain, probiotics as nutritional supplements, hypnosis and massage at the American Academy of Pediatrics' National Conference and Exhibition.

"The concept of holistic care is important," said Rosen. "Pediatricians should be family focused and concentrate not only on the physical aspects of healthcare but also on optimal health, which has to do with the mind, body and spirit."

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