1) Research Methods in Complementary and Alternative Research -
    Summer School 2009

We are pleased to announce the third International Summer School on Research Methods in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which will be held in September 23-27, 2009 in Germany (Potsdam near Berlin). The aim is to train young scientists from the area of CAM in research methodology. The course is sponsored by the Robert Bosch Foundation. Application forms and more information are available at www.charite.de/epidemiologie/english/ag_witt_news.html or www.muemo.med.tu-muenchen.de/ http://www.muemo.med.tu-muenchen.de/. Please e-mail or fax the application form, a short curriculum vitae, and a recommendation letter (if available) to Klaus Linde (Klaus.Linde@lrz.tum.de) by May 31, 2009.

Klaus Linde and Claudia Witt


2) Northern Ireland Complementary and Alternative (CAM) Pilot Project 

A year-long pilot scheme, 2007/08, in Northern Ireland found significant health benefits for patients offered complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) via the public health service. Following the pilot, 80% of patients reported an improvement in their symptoms, 64% took less time off work and 55% reduced their use of painkillers. Despite initial scepticism, the GPs involved were almost unanimously in favour after seeing tangible results. In 99% of patient cases GPs said they would refer the patient, or a different patient, to the scheme again and in 98% of cases GPS said they would recommend the service to other GPs. However, they also called for more information to help build their understanding of CAM therapies. In the pilot, 713 patients with a range of ages and demographic backgrounds and either physical or mental health conditions were referred to various CAM therapies via nine GP practices in Belfast and Londonderry. Patients assessed their own health and wellbeing pre and post therapy and GPs and CAM practitioners also rated patients' responses to treatment and the overall effectiveness of the scheme. 

The full report is available at:

http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/final_report_from_smr_on_the_cam_pilot_project_-_may_2008.pdf

3) Masculinity and successful aging scholarship

Dear All

As part of a larger research programme to provide research studentships to realise our vision of fostering excellent research that makes a difference in the real world, myself,
along with Tina Cartwright (Psychology, Westmin) and Tess Knight (Melb, Aust.) wish to attract an excellent student for a PhD scholarship, entitled 'Masculinity and identifying
strategies for establishing positive mental wellbeing in later life' (see attached).

The scholarship covers tuition fees and carries a £15,000 p.a. stipend

For more information and to apply, please go to: http://www.wmin.ac.uk/page-17527, for
more info please go to: http://www.westminster.ac.uk/page-17525.

Please feel free to forward this email on to any one - or any group - who you think may
be interested.

The closing date for the application is the 3rd of March, 2009.

Many thanks

Damien Ridge (D.Ridge@westminster.ac.uk)


4) 2009 NIH Yoga Week

From September 8-11, 2009, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) willpremier its second annual Yoga Week. Highlighting the science and practice of yoga, this four-day series of events will serve NIHemployees and the public. Participants will not only learn about the benefits of yoga but also experience them first-hand through stretchingand practice.  The first yoga week, in May 2008 received national attention with over 1300 participants - it also resulted in NationalYoga Month, a National Health Observance being designated for every September from now til - perhaps eternity.  This Yoga Week will focus on yoga, yoga therapy, yoga research, and will have other related presentations on meditation, stress management, and other mind/body modalities.  Everyone is welcome to join us for several free sessions. There will also be an opportunity to gain Continuing Education credits through Yoga Alliance and several other health education partners. Events take place in Bethesda, Maryland, which is just 20 minutes away from Washington DC. Come be a part of this historic and energizingevent. 

For more information, contact Dr. Rachel Permuth-Levine at
levinerac@mail.nih.gov


5) Links of interest

CAM Specialist Library newsletter: http://www.library.nhs.uk/CAM/ViewResource.aspx?resID=306601&tabID=290