One commonality that these researchers are finding is that acne, although genetically passed on, can be controlled with diet. Some scientists may disagree, but we've all heard old adage, "what you put in is what you get out". This may be true with acne; even in it's most severe forms.

First and foremost, obesity has been thought as a major factor contributing to acne. With an obese person, there is an increased activity in glands of body, and this includes glands below hair follicles, which produce oil. Losing weight and exercising each and every day may help immensely. This requires no drugs, just self-control and willpower.

Diet is another major concern for naturalists striving for a cure. They are finding that a diet rich in vegetable and fruit helps significantly balance hormones that effect glands. Vegetables and fruit help keep body in homeostasis, or in balance.

Recent controversy about safety of pain medications for arthritis has left patients and health care professionals alike confused about which medications are safe to use. In fact, a recent survey by Boston-based Rippe Lifestyle Institute indicated that many people with arthritis are suffering unnecessarily because they have stopped or reduced their use of pain relievers due to confusion about which drugs are considered safe.

The survey also showed that now, more than ever, those with arthritis need to understand benefits and possible side effects associated with all arthritis pain medications. In order to do so, people with arthritis, their caregivers and families must be familiar with recent news about two types of drugs most commonly used to treat arthritis pain – non-selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and another group of NSAIDs known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitors.

COX-2 specific inhibitors vs. Other NSAIDs

COX-2 specific inhibitors are newest members of NSAID class of medications. Available by prescription only, they became widely used in recent years to reduce joint pain and swelling. COX-2 specific inhibitors work by selectively blocking, or inhibiting, one of two enzymes associated with inflammation. Some experts think that this selective inhibition may be one reason for some of negative side effects currently associated with COX-2 specific inhibitors.

Non-selective NSAIDs were developed earlier than COX-2 specific inhibitors and have been widely used to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation for many years. Unlike COX-2 specific inhibitors, non-selective NSAIDs inhibit both major enzymes involved in inflammatory process, COX-1 and COX-2. The non-selective NSAID category includes a number of different medications that are available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products.

Timeline of Events

To understand current state of affairs, it is important to understand sequence of events. The controversy started when a study published in October 21, 2004, issue of New England Journal of Medicine cited COX-2 specific inhibitor, Vioxx as potentially causing “major adverse events,” including heart attack and stroke, among patients taking drug. As a result, Merck (the drug’s manufacturer) voluntarily withdrew Vioxx from market. However, in months following, safety of other available COX-2 specific inhibitors such as Celebrex and Bextra, as well as other arthritis pain medications in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) class, were also called into question.