Medical researchers are making bigger and more amazing discoveries every day. From therapy robots to easily swallowed cameras to even more unusual treatments and diagnostic devices, doctors and scientists are discovering new and exciting ways to find out what’s wrong with people and how to fix it. Some remedies are well-known for treating certain things—but they’re now being used in groundbreaking, cutting-edge ways. Doctors and researchers are discovering new applications all the time. Here, then, is a list of alternative treatments for medical conditions that work.
Botox
You’re probably most familiar with Botox as a punchline to jokes about cosmetic surgery involving expressionless faces. But it has proven useful in treating neurological conditions, too. The paralyzing effects of the Botulinum toxin have been proven to block nerve signals and relax muscles. This has come in handy for treating migraines, spasticity, muscle spasms, and even the drooling and sweating connected with Parkinson’s disease. There’s more to Botox than just removing wrinkles!
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
This one sounds a bit more science-fictional, but studies and tests have shown that it works. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is another one of the great alternative treatments for medical conditions that work. A noninvasive procedure with few side effects, TMS delivers magnetic fields that stimulate nerve cells in the brain, encouraging them to deliver electrochemical signals to other parts of the brain that may be shut off or not working as well. When medication and therapy haven’t worked well for a patient, a neurologist may prescribe TMS treatment. TMS has shown promise in treating the symptoms of depression, tinnitus, anxiety, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
Massage
For many people, there’s nothing like a massage on vacation to work away stress. But massage can be more than a pleasant day at the spa. It has been used to aid in recovery after surgery or major injuries, stimulating muscles and increasing flexibility. It can fight stress and anxiety by reducing blood pressure and heart rates, and it encourages the production of endorphins. Massage also ameliorates the effects of migraines, muscle tension, and overall pain. Plus, there’s the literal human touch, which can help with feelings of depression and social anxiety.
Aspirin
Take two whenever you have a pain in the head or another body ache, right? But did you know doctors sometimes prescribe aspirin to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and similar issues related to the cardiovascular system? This is not to say you should immediately begin popping two aspirin a day just in case, but it’s worth talking to your health care provider about whether it’s right for you. Some people with heart or blood vessel diseases or blood flow issues may stand to benefit from an extra aspirin a day.
In industries where a fraction of a millimeter can mean the difference between success and failure, precision is everything. From the sleek curves of an aerospace fuselage to the intricate components of a medical device, the ability to cut metal with exacting accuracy is the backbone of modern manufacturing.
Older urban buildings carry a unique character, from ornate facades to intricate interior details. These qualities create both charm and responsibility for residents, property managers, and city planners.
As communities gather this Sunday, December 7th, to remember, we look back at a single morning that reshaped a nation, examine the causes and consequences of the attack, and reflect on how Hawai‘i and the world carried forward the work of healing and reconciliation.
A Morning That Changed the World
On a clear morning that remains etched into the pages of history, aircraft appeared over Pearl Harbor and the United States Pacific Fleet was struck in a surprise assault. In fewer than two hours, battleships burned, aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and more than 2,400 American service members and civilians lost their lives. The attack thrust the United States into the global conflict of World War II and set in motion a series of events that would transform both the Pacific and the world.
Hitting the open road brings a sense of freedom, but it also brings the challenge of packing. You likely want to bring everything you need without compromising safety or comfort inside the vehicle. However, improperly secured loads can lead to lost luggage and cause serious safety hazards for other drivers on the road.
You’ve just become a mom, and suddenly, everything feels different. Your body, your schedule, your entire identity—it’s all been turned upside down. One minute you’re a person with hobbies, friends, and a life outside of caregiving. The next, you’re knee-deep in diapers, sleep deprivation, and endless feeds. You look in the mirror and wonder: Who even am I anymore?
