Health briefs: Sex and the heart

Sexual activity generally isn't hazardous for people with cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association says in a new statement. But patients should get checked by a doctor beforehand. The association also cautions that there needs to be more research into how sexual activity affects the cardiovascular system of women and older people who have specific conditions.

Herbal medicines don't help osteoarthritis

There is little evidence to support the widespread use of herbal medicines to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, according to a review of these products.

Osteoarthritis involves damage to cartilage and other structures in and around the joints, particularly the fingers, knees and hips (it differs from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an immune-based disorder). Devil's claw, cat's claw, ginger, nettle, rose hip, turmeric, willow bark, Indian frankincense and vegetable extracts of avocado or soybean oils are among the herbal medicines traditionally used to treat osteoarthritis.

-- HealthDay