Complementary/alternative therapies. So many choices

Several forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can be used to promote healthy aging. The choice to use them often is a matter of personal preference and/or availability. Most CAM therapies have little or no side effects under certain conditions. However, patients should be strongly encouraged to let their health care providers know which CAM and conventional therapies they are using. This notification will inhibit any potential untoward reaction from mixing different therapies. If health care providers are caring for patients who are using CAM, they must be knowledgeable of the risks and benefits of these therapies. This article provides some of this information.