Joe Namath is promoting Medicare Advantage Plans on TV. Some of what he says is misleading. Here’s the rest of the story. You’ve probably seen those Medicare Advantage commercials on TV featuring Joe Namath. I had been annoyed by them for a long time and assumed there was more to the… read more "Joe Namath Medicare Commercials"
The AMA’s Guide to Politically Correct Language: Advancing Health Equity
The AMA urges us to promote health equity by adding progressive political language to what were once simple statements of fact. The American Medical Association has just released Advancing Health Equity: A Guide to Language, Narrative and Concepts. Jesse Singal has been tweeting about it, calling it “a strange document that… read more "The AMA’s Guide to Politically Correct Language: Advancing Health Equity"
UpWalker: A $649 Solution for a Non-Problem
Sometimes TV commercials are more entertaining than the programs. My husband and I laugh every time we see the commercials for the UPWalker on TV. According to their website: “Unlike walkers that force you to hunch over putting painful pressure on your wrists and back, the UPWalker is designed to… read more "UpWalker: A $649 Solution for a Non-Problem"
Guide to the Emergency Department
This book is a handy reference that explains what happens when you visit the Emergency Department and provides tips on how you can handle some problems at home. I was asked to review this new book: Your Inside Guide to the Emergency Department and How to Prevent Having to Go, by… read more "Guide to the Emergency Department"
Blue Zones Diet: Speculation Based on Misinformation
The Blue Zones where people live longer may be a myth. The Blue Zone Diet is based on speculation, not solid science. The so-called Blue Zones are geographical locations where people are said to live longer than elsewhere. These include Sardinia, Okinawa, Loma Linda (California), the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa… read more "Blue Zones Diet: Speculation Based on Misinformation"
Laser Therapy for Vaginal Rejuvenation
Some doctors are offering laser therapy for “vaginal rejuvenation”. It is no more effective than placebo, can cause harm, and is very expensive. After menopause, the absence of estrogen may cause a number of symptoms. About half of women develop vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). The lack of estrogen causes thinning and… read more "Laser Therapy for Vaginal Rejuvenation"
A Good Book
Craig Good’s new book explains that all food is good and urges us to relax and enjoy rather than worrying and feeling guilty. Good advice, indeed! And solidly based on science. Craig Good has written a Good book, published by Very Good Books, with Good advice about eating. The title… read more "A Good Book"
So-Called Alternative Medicine for Cancer
Edzard Ernst’s new book on alternative medicine for cancer addresses cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative care. It is an invaluable, accessible guide to the evidence for each modality Edzard Ernst definitely knows what he’s talking about. The world’s first professor of complementary medicine, he headed a research team that conducted… read more "So-Called Alternative Medicine for Cancer"
Preventing Malaria: A Glimmer of Hope?
A recent clinical trial tested a new approach to malaria prevention involving monoclonal antibodies. Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted through mosquito bites. There are 200-400 million new cases each year, with 400,000 annual deaths, plus great morbidity and economic burdens. It has been especially devastating for children in sub-Saharan… read more "Preventing Malaria: A Glimmer of Hope?"
Get Your Flu Shot!
COVID-19 vaccines are important, but so are flu shots. They are safe, effective, and protect others (the elderly, the immunocompromised, and those too young to get the vaccine). While we are rightfully preoccupied with COVID-19 and the new vaccines, we mustn’t forget about flu shots. While the number of influenza… read more "Get Your Flu Shot!"