Doctors used to insist “once a C-section, always a C-section.” Today it is standard practice to allow vaginal births after C-section (VBAC) for appropriately selected patients. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued a Practice Bulletin to guide obstetricians in determining which patients are appropriate candidates for VBAC. We… read more "Vaginal Birth After C-Section: How Safe Is It?"
Hazards of Herbal Medicine: Lessons Learned from Aristolochia
This “Brief History of Medicine” has been circulating on the Internet: 2000 B.C. — Here, eat this root. 1000 A.D. — That herb is heathen. Here, say this prayer. 1850 A.D. — That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion. 1940 A.D. — That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow… read more "Hazards of Herbal Medicine: Lessons Learned from Aristolochia"
Flu Shots: Facts and Fallacies
Vaccination is one of science’s greatest accomplishments; vaccines have prevented millions of deaths and eliminated smallpox forever. But rejection of vaccination is as old as vaccination itself. Some objections to it needn’t be taken seriously, like the argument that illness and death are part of God’s plan and humans mustn’t… read more "Flu Shots: Facts and Fallacies"
Anti-Aging Claims: The Fountain of Youth is Still Only a Legend
The Spanish explorer Ponce de León wasn’t really looking for the Fountain of Youth when he trekked through Florida. That’s only a legend that wasn’t attached to his name until after his death. The idea of anti-aging remedies dates back to at least 3500 BCE, and the hope is alive… read more "Anti-Aging Claims: The Fountain of Youth is Still Only a Legend"
Statins: The Impact of Negative Media Reports and the Risks of Discontinuing Treatment
The evidence is clear: statin drugs are effective in reducing the rate of heart attacks and death in people who have already had a heart attack as well as in people who are at high risk of having one. Some people refuse to believe that evidence; they are statin deniers, similar to the climate… read more "Statins: The Impact of Negative Media Reports and the Risks of Discontinuing Treatment"
Neurotribes: A Better Understanding of Autism
What is autism? What causes it? Is it genetic? Is it a consequence of something in our environment or lifestyle? What’s an “idiot savant” or an “autistic savant”? What happens when autistic children become adults? Why are so many of their parents scientists, academics, and engineers? If your grandfather’s Uncle… read more "Neurotribes: A Better Understanding of Autism"
Zombie Criticisms of Conventional Medicine
Alternative medicine, by definition, is medicine that is not supported by good enough evidence to have earned it a place in mainstream medicine. Some people insist that modern medicine is not evidence-based either! Not long ago I got an email from a man who said that and tried to prove… read more "Zombie Criticisms of Conventional Medicine"
Misinterpreting TACT: No, Chelation Does Not Outperform Statins for Heart Disease
Chelation with intravenous EDTA (disodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) has long been used for heavy metal poisoning. It binds the metal ions and facilitates their excretion from the body. In recent years it has been used for many other indications that are not evidence-based, such as autism and coronary heart… read more "Misinterpreting TACT: No, Chelation Does Not Outperform Statins for Heart Disease"
Is Addiction a Disease? Yes and No
Yes, it’s a disease. No, it’s a habit. Addiction is a puzzling phenomenon. Why do addicts persist in self-destructive behavior even after it has lost them their jobs, their family, their health, and their self-respect? Do they have any control over their behavior? If so, why don’t they control it?… read more "Is Addiction a Disease? Yes and No"
American Academy of Family Physicians Home Study Course Recommends Non-Science-Based Treatments
Strong medicine…along with a little nonsense Since passing my board exams in family practice in 1979 I have relied heavily on the American Academy of Family Physicians for continuing medical education via the American Family Physician and the AAFP home study programs. The AAFP prides itself on its evidence-based approach to medicine.… read more "American Academy of Family Physicians Home Study Course Recommends Non-Science-Based Treatments"