Rightful is an herbal supplement mixture offering pain relief and much more. Its claims are deceptive and not backed by good science. Not only that, but one of its ingredients is contraindicated. Would you rather choose a pain remedy based on art or science? How are mixtures of herbal remedies… read more "Rightful for Pain: Deceptive Advertising and a Dangerous Ingredient"
Energy Medicine Pain Relief Patches Are Laughable Quackery
There’s no acceptable scientific evidence that these patches work to relieve pain. The advertising features pseudoscientific energy medicine gibberish. Good for a laugh, but not to be believed. This book is titled “Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis. But there is no scientific basis. Recently I have seen numerous ads for… read more "Energy Medicine Pain Relief Patches Are Laughable Quackery"
Hepatitis C Vaccine Fails Testing
A vaccine regimen intended to prevent chronic HCV infection was tested in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. It failed. The incidence of chronic HCV infection was the same in the vaccinated group as in the placebo group. Hepatitis C is a virus that has infected millions of people worldwide. In 75-85%… read more "Hepatitis C Vaccine Fails Testing"
Stupid Videos Meet Penis Growth Scams
There is a pattern of stupid, misleading videos promoting dietary supplements. This video discloses a secret African ritual for penis enlargement; the “ritual” consists of taking a pill with 14 natural ingredients. The claims are too silly to take seriously. Earlier this month I wrote about a pattern I had noticed in… read more "Stupid Videos Meet Penis Growth Scams"
Evenity for Osteoporosis
Hip and wrist fractures are a common result of osteoporosis. A new drug, Evenity, reduces the risk of vertebral fractures, but it doesn’t significantly reduce the risk of non-vertebral fractures. Other drugs do. Atypical fractures of the femur can occur with bisphosphonate drugs, but the benefits exceed the risk. Evenity… read more "Evenity for Osteoporosis"
A Pattern of Deceptive Video Ads for Supplements
I’ve been seeing a pattern of deceptive videos that promise to reveal a secret but make you watch the entire video to learn what it is. They feature alarmist stories, emotional language, and testimonials, but no actual science. They make claims that can’t be believed. Glasses are an effective remedy… read more "A Pattern of Deceptive Video Ads for Supplements"
Melanoma: A Pseudoepidemic of Skin Cancer Prompts New Screening Recommendations
There appeared to be an epidemic of melanoma skin cancer, but it seems to be a pseudoepidemic caused by overdiagnosis. Screening everyone with skin exams does more harm than good and can no longer be recommended. This lesion was suspicious enough to warrant a biopsy, but screening everyone for skin… read more "Melanoma: A Pseudoepidemic of Skin Cancer Prompts New Screening Recommendations"
Is Midstream Urine Collection Necessary?
There’s considerable evidence that the standard procedure for urine specimens, with cleansing and mid-stream collection, may not be necessary. Is it time to change? In November 2020, I reviewed Paul Offit’s book about when doctors refuse to believe evidence. I have just become aware of another example. The evidence for diagnosing urinary… read more "Is Midstream Urine Collection Necessary?"
Statin Side Effects Revisited
Patients on statins frequently report muscle pain and other side effects, but controlled studies have shown side effects are not more frequent than with placebo. Why this discrepancy? A new study sheds some light. His muscles hurt. Is it from statins or some other cause? Something strange is going on.… read more "Statin Side Effects Revisited"
Wim Hof, the Iceman
Wim Hof, the Iceman, is extraordinarily resistant to extreme cold. His Wim Hof Method (WHM) combines breathing exercises, cold exposure, and meditation. Hyperventilation has been shown to reduce the body’s response to inflammation, but Hof’s extravagant claims of health benefits are not supported by scientific evidence. Wim Hof, also known… read more "Wim Hof, the Iceman"