No medical treatment is risk-free. Paul Offit’s new book covers the history of innovations that went awry and advises how to balance the risks of new medical innovations with the risk of not treating. It is always risky to use a new treatment before all the evidence is in, but… read more "Deciding Which Risks to Take"
This Scary Mask Is Not for Halloween: It’s for Anti-Aging Skin Care
CurrentBody’s LED mask provides “anti-aging” red and near-infra-red light therapy to the face. It is supposed to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, “clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by 35% in just 4 weeks”. It promises to improve skin tone and texture and firm the skin. It has won… read more "This Scary Mask Is Not for Halloween: It’s for Anti-Aging Skin Care"
Innovo for Bladder Leakage
An expensive pair of shorts promises to cure bladder leaks by using electrical stimulation to produce pelvic floor contractions, essentially doing the Kegel exercises for you. The science is insufficient and the marketing is misleading. My mailbox is a good source of questionable claims. The other day I received a… read more "Innovo for Bladder Leakage"
The World’s Most Deadly Animal
Animals can be hazardous to human health. When asked to name the most dangerous animal, many people will give the wrong answer. Sharks have captured the attention of the public, and other animals that kill people may come to mind, like black widow spiders, rabid dogs, and venomous snakes. And… read more "The World’s Most Deadly Animal"
Prince Charles and Alternative Medicine
Prince Charles is a strong advocate for alternative medicine and is proud to be “the enemy of the Enlightenment.” For the first time, Edzard Ernst tells the full story of Charles’ ignorance and folly. Prince Charles, proud to be the Enemy of the Enlightenment. Edzard Ernst has a new book… read more "Prince Charles and Alternative Medicine"
The Word “Organic” Has Been Hijacked
The word “organic” has a precise definition in chemistry. It has been hijacked to refer to organic farming. Good communication requires that both parties use the same definition. Words matter. Imagine someone who only speaks English trying to communicate with someone who only speaks Mandarin Chinese. Imagine a physicist trying… read more "The Word “Organic” Has Been Hijacked"
Menopause Isn’t Taboo
Menopause Isn’t Taboo Menopause is not a taboo subject, and the Care Package is a mixture of quack remedies, questionable products, and placebos. This is silliness, not science.I recently got an email with the subject line “Menopause shouldn’t be taboo – this gift can help.” I wholeheartedly agree that menopause… read more "Menopause Isn’t Taboo"
Does Acupuncture Increase Red and White Blood Cells and T-Cells?
Will this increase red and white blood cells and T-cells? I don’t think so! One of my fans sent me a clipping from a community newsletter, Colorado Serenity, with an article by acupuncturist Christina Fick, who calls herself a doctor. The title is “Give Your Immune System Some Love!” It is… read more "Does Acupuncture Increase Red and White Blood Cells and T-Cells?"
Culture-Bound Psychosomatic Syndromes
Suzanne O’Sullivan is an Irish neurologist who traveled the world to investigate mystery illnesses and epidemics of mass hysteria. In her book The Sleeping Beauties And Other Stories of Mystery Illness she recounts fascinating stories and redefines what it means to have a psychosomatic illness. She explains how making social problems visible… read more "Culture-Bound Psychosomatic Syndromes"
The Blu Room
Strange messages keep popping up in my email inbox. This one was titled “New Technology Helps Fulfill New Year’s Resolutions”. It said the most popular New Year’s resolutions involved health and invited me to a complimentary session or two in a Blu Room. It went on to explain: The Blu… read more "The Blu Room"