Complimentary, alternative medicine rarely discussed with doctors by patients, study finds: NewsTarget.com

A majority of Americans age 50 and older use alternative medicines, but don't tell their doctors. That's what a survey by the AARP and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found.

Health experts say that informing your doctor is important to prevent any conflicts between the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) versus over-the-counter, prescription drugs and traditional medical methods.

The report said discussing everything with a doctor "allows patients and physicians the opportunity to identify CAM practices that might be beneficial and also minimizes risks to a patient from potential therapy interactions."

In a survey of 1,559 people age 50 and older, 63 percent have used a CAM.

Among that group, 69 percent did not discuss their use of CAMs with their doctor. The most popular CAMs among those surveyed were utilizing massage therapy or chiropractic manipulation, and herbal or dietary supplements. Each type of CAM represented more than 40 percent of what CAMs are used, totaling 87 percent of the whole. Other types of CAMs used included hypnosis, acupuncture and naturopathy.

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Patients rarely discuss alternative medicine with doctors, study finds

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