In the early 1950’s there was ample prime-time, family-centered programming with no advertisements. In fact, 85 children’s programs were televised per week and almost half of these programs were commercial-free. Obviously, that has changed. The average US child now sees more than 40,000 television commercials per year. During Saturday morning cartoons, children view an average …
Once a month I receive the Prescriber’s Lette,r a 4 page unbiased letter that updates physicians on the latest drugs hitting the market. Today I came across an article in this letter that talked about people using a new diabetes drug, Byetta for weight loss. Apparently, in addition to reducing sugar it also decreases appetite …
The other day a patient told me that when she eats chocolate her depression goes away. I found this interesting because when I eat chocolate I get depressed. But as I thought about it more, it demonstrates the” law of similar” on which homeopathy was founded. That law states that if a substance (whether plant, …
Two reports in the scientific literature (Annals of Internal 5 Medicine, Sept. 1993, and Reports from the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science March 1994 ) bring attention to the possibility that microbial strains are evolving that are resistant to all presently known antibiotics. Dr. Alexander Tomasz of Rockefeller University …
More and more physicians are holding off on antibiotics for kids’ ear infections. This is based on numerous studies that have shown that 80% of otherwise healthy kids with acute otitis media get better without antibiotics. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests “watchful waiting” for 2-3 days to see if the ear infection does not …
Patients often ask how to increase their HDL cholesterol. The current theory is that the higher your HDL the less likely you are to have heart disease. Lifestyle changes work best. For example, exercise raises HDL by 5% to 30%, weight loss 5% to 20% and smoking cessation about 5%. Niacin is the most effective in …
Lots of drug study results are being disseminated with a favorable spin. Presenting the SAME results in different ways using different statistical methods actually, affects prescribing. For example, physicians are more likely to prescribe Simvastatin when told it reduces mortality by 30% instead of saying it improves survival from 88.5% to 91.8%. But these are …
When the weather begins to warm in the springtime people have a renewed desire to get out in nature and walk. One problem that is often encountered is blistering of the feet. Studies have indicated that it is the rubbing of moist skin that most predisposes to blister formation. So to help prevent this wear …