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"
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"
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"
Eat for Life: Joel Fuhrman’s Nutritarian Diet
Joel Fuhrman thinks his Nutritarian diet will increase longevity and prevent or treat most chronic diseases. He claims it is based on science, but his evidence is far from convincing. Joel Fuhrman, MD is a celebrity doctor, entrepreneur, and best-selling author whose latest book, Eat for Life, advocates his “Nutritarian” or… read more "Eat for Life: Joel Fuhrman’s Nutritarian Diet"
Nuubu: Here We Go Again! Recycling Debunked Foot Detox Myths
Companies come and go, but the claims remain the same, that you can (insert claim) with (insert product) without any evidence. A new company offering magical footpads are just putting new wine in old bottles. In an ideal world, rational people would stop believing false claims that had been conclusively… read more "Nuubu: Here We Go Again! Recycling Debunked Foot Detox Myths"
Navage Promises Benefits from Cleaning Your Nose with Their Expensive Machine
Navage is a machine that uses salt water to rinse out the sinuses, allegedly alleviating the causes of congestion, allergies, colds, and more. The evidence for their claims is lacking. Navage airs its TV commercials with annoying frequency. They say: Pandemics remind us that germs invade through your nose, the… read more "Navage Promises Benefits from Cleaning Your Nose with Their Expensive Machine"
Do You Need Daily Treatment to Repair Damaged Enamel?
Does a toothpaste provide “next level” fluoride technology that you need to use every day? You know the answer. The commercial keeps airing on TV with annoying frequency. She’s a dentist, she wears a white coat, and viewers are expected to assume she is offering good advice. I find her voice… read more "Do You Need Daily Treatment to Repair Damaged Enamel?"