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We aim to help you make informed decisions about both traditional and alternative treatments.
Show 1088: How Good Communication Makes Health C…
When your doctor speaks, do you understand what you are hearing? Do you know how to describe your health problem so your doctor will "get it"? Why Communication Is Critical: Communication between doct…
Sperm Counts Down Dramatically in Four Decades
Couples who want children may be having more difficulty than their parents did. A new meta-analysis shows that sperm counts among men around the world have dropped dramatically since the 1970s. Studyi…
Will Stopping Statins Kill People?
Statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs have been controversial for decades. Atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor) and similar meds have made tens of…
High Blood Level of Calcium Raises Heart Attack …
Could a high blood level of calcium increase a person's risk for a heart attack? That question arose after studies showed that people taking high-dose calcium supplements appear to be more likely to e…
Will Tai Chi Reduce Your Risk of Falling?
When an older person falls, the consequences may be devastating. A broken hip, for example, may impair mobility or even put the individual at risk for an early death. But how can you reduce your risk …
How Good Is L-lysine Against Cold Sores?
Cold sores are painful. They are also unsightly. Perhaps more alarming, there is some research to suggest that cold sores may increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease (see this link). Could L-lysine …
Is There a Beer That Won’t Cause Headaches…
What causes headaches? Different people may find that their headaches have different triggers. Those who suffer from regular severe headaches such as migraines are usually eager to find the cause so t…
NSAID Gel Rescued A Vacation
People in Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Italy and many other countries have been able to buy topical NSAIDs for decades without a prescription. In the U.S. you can buy unlimited amounts of oral ibu…
Supplements Are No Substitute for Good Diabetes …
Diabetes is reaching epidemic levels, not only in the US but around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 30 million Americans have diabetes. By f…
Azithromycin For Asthma AMAZES
Hard-to-treat asthma can be a life-threatening lung disease. That's why new research from Australia suggesting that the antibiotic azithromycin (Zithromax) for asthma is so exciting. The authors calle…
Is There Help for Interstitial Cystitis?
Some people have a frequent urge to urinate, but when they do, they experience excruciating pain. This may sound like a urinary tract infection, which can trigger similar symptoms. But interstitial cy…
Will Magnesium Help Prevent Broken Bones?
Keeping bones strong calls for life-long attention. During childhood and adolescence, bones increase in density and strength until early to mid-adulthood. To avoid broken bones in later years, we need…
Show 1087: Change Your Perspective from Half-Emp…
If you've ever found yourself ruminating over mistakes you made during the day and wishing for a do-over, you might want to change your perspective. In traditional psychiatry, you might focus on probl…
Could the Antibiotic Minocycline Ease Depression…
Minocycline (Minocin) has been prescribed for decades. It belongs in the tetracycline class of antibiotics. Dermatologists have been among the most enthusiastic prescribers of minocycline for the trea…
Will Your Diet Help You Avoid Dementia?
Most people think of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, olive oil and fish as being good for the heart. The Mediterranean diet is in the news again because of its benefits for the brain. …
Nordic Diet vs. Dementia
The Mediterranean diet gets all the headlines. It is supposed to be good for your heart, your brain and just about everything else that ails you. Ask almost any health professional about the healthies…
Will Artificial Sweeteners Help You Lose Weight?
Many people assume that artificial sweeteners are a good way to cut calories and lose weight. According to a new meta-analysis published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, that assumption m…
Extra Vitamin D No Benefit for Kids with Colds
People with low levels of vitamin D appear more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections (Zhang et al, PLOS One, Dec. 9, 2016) and even pneumonia (Haugen et al, Pediatric Research, online Jul…
Problems with Generic Wellbutrin (Bupropion)? No…
A decade ago we received a message from J. in Danville, New York. She said: "I have been taking Budeprion XL 300 mg for three months instead of Wellbutrin XL 300 mg. I find that I am easily upset and …
Vinegar to the Rescue in Wasabi Crisis
If you have never had sushi, you might be surprised at the very sharp taste of the wasabi that is a frequent accompaniment. It can hit your nasal passages and sinuses with a wallop. Is there anything …
Allergy Sprays and Cataracts?
Not that long ago, corticosteroid nasal sprays were available only by prescription. Doctors had to monitor a patient's progress and make sure there were no complications from cortisone-like medication…
Will Coconut Macaroons Overcome Bad Diarrhea?
We rarely know the source of home remedies, but we have tracked one carefully. The late Donald Agar wrote to us from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1998 to report a serendipitous discovery. He had foun…
Turmeric in Milk Prevents Stomach Upset
Have you considered taking turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties? Perhaps you've considered it as a way to ease psoriasis instead. Researchers have suggested that turmeric or its principal com…
Medical Mistakes and Deadly Drug Interactions
No one likes to make mistakes. It is a humbling experience. Even when lives are not at stake, errors can open you up to ridicule or sanctions. That's why many people try to deny or cover up their erro…
How Can You Protect Your Nose from Sunburn?
People who work or play outside in the summertime have to take steps to protect themselves from sunburn. When possible, people should stay out of the sun in the middle of the day when the rays are mos…
Humira Side Effects, Complications and Interacti…
Humira (adalimumab) is the best selling drug (in dollars) in the U.S. (and around the world). Sales were listed between $13 and $16 billion in 2016. That is an unbelievable amount of money for a singl…
Show 1086: Why Dogs Are Good for Babies’ H…
Dogs and Babies' Health: Most young kids love their dogs. New research shows that even babies too young to play with the pet benefit from a dog in the house. What is the story on pets as probiotics? …
Should You Be Drinking More Coffee?
Coffee lovers have a reason to celebrate their favorite beverage. Two new studies in the Annals of Internal Medicine confirm that people who drink more coffee live longer. Studies of People Who Drink…
Should You Take Vitamin D for Your Sunburn?
What do you do for a sunburn? Most people just suffer for several days, although some have favorite home remedies such as Listerine, Greek yogurt or green tea. Some research suggests that a diet rich…
Shingles Linked to Risk of Heart Attack
Recent research from South Korea raises the unsettling prospect that an attack of shingles is not only painful but scary. It could raise the risk of heart attack. What Is Shingles? Shingles, known med…