The Joovv Go is a handheld device for red light therapy. Red light therapy remains controversial: most of the claims are not supported by credible scientific evidence. I recently received an email urging me to try the Joovv Go, a small handheld device designed to provide red light therapy while… read more "Joovv and Other Red Light Therapies"
Supplements: Misguided Marketing
If marketers want to persuade me to take a dietary supplement, they are going about it the wrong way. A typical recent email said I could fight aging, boost immunity, and feel energized with doctor-endorsed NMN supplement Elevant. They even offered to send me free samples. Probably worth the price!… read more "Supplements: Misguided Marketing"
Guest Submissions: Can’t People Read?
The old adage says, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”. On the Science-based Medicine home page, at the top, are 5 tabs. One is “How to submit a guest post”. Clicking on that tab brings up a detailed article explaining the guidelines for guest submissions.… read more "Guest Submissions: Can’t People Read?"
The Polypill Comes of Age
The polypill is effective for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. By combining drugs in a single pill, it improves convenience and compliance. The polypill, not polypharmacy. Polypharmacy is the use of multiple medications by a single patient, which is sometimes appropriate and necessary, but can be ill-advised and result in… read more "The Polypill Comes of Age"
A Germ of an Idea
Along with very talented British illustrator Kevin Howell, I recently published a children’s book called There’s No Such Thing as a Tooth Fairy. (If you’re interested, it’s available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and BookBaby.com.) That book idea had been percolating in my mind on and off for several years.… read more "A Germ of an Idea"
Does Vitamin D Prevent Autoimmune Disease?
A new study published in The BMJ suggests vitamin D might prevent autoimmune disease, but there are reasons to be cautious. Up to 75% of American teens and adults are said to be deficient in vitamin D, but there is no agreement on what level constitutes deficiency. Claims for the health benefits… read more "Does Vitamin D Prevent Autoimmune Disease?"
The Facemaker
Lindsey Fitzharris’ book describes the amazing innovations in plastic surgery brought about because of the horrors of World War I. War is hell, but often it leads to advances in medical technique that translate to peacetime. In The Facemaker, Lindsey Fitzharris tells the inspiring story of Harold Gillies, a visionary surgeon… read more "The Facemaker"
PreP for HIV/AIDS
Two pills and an injection are FDA-approved to prevent HIV infection. Not enough patients and providers know about them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes guidelines and updates for preventing HIV infection. They call it Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP. People at risk for HIV infection can be “PrEP-ared” to… read more "PreP for HIV/AIDS"
Is Olive Oil Good Medicine?
A study found that olive oil increased longevity and reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases, but it only showed correlation, not causation. I enjoy the taste of olive oil and use it for cooking. It has been recommended as part of the Mediterranean diet for… read more "Is Olive Oil Good Medicine?"
TB Or Not TB? Don’t Rely on a Blood Test
TB can’t be diagnosed with a blood test. Tuberculosis has been infecting humans since prehistoric times. It’s still with us. It usually can be cured today with good medical care but is still a serious problem in much of the world, especially among underprivileged socioeconomic groups and some ethnic populations.… read more "TB Or Not TB? Don’t Rely on a Blood Test"