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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…
Why Playing Outside Is Good for Kids’ Eyes
Children who spend more time playing outside are less likely to become nearsighted. That's the conclusion from a study of 5,700 Dutch youngsters who were followed from birth to age six. What Are the B…
How to Use Baking Soda to Ease Indigestion:
You have seen ads for all sorts of pricey heartburn remedies. Some go to work quickly. Others, like the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) take quite awhile to stifle stomach acid and relieve symptoms. Whe…
How To Get Back to Sleep In the Middle of the Ni…
According to the CDC, 33% of Americans don't get adequate sleep. Chronic insomnia is linked to all sorts of serious health problems including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease and depress…
Will Acupressure Bands Help You Fall Asleep?
When job stresses or money worries get to you, what do you do to fall asleep? Many people try taking a sleep aid, whether it's an OTC product like Tylenol PM or a prescription medication like zolpidem…
Help for Penis Problems (Peyronie’s Diseas…
Have you ever heard of Peyronie's disease? Most people haven't. That's because it affects a very private part of the anatomy. Many men do not like to talk to their primary care doctors about penis pro…
Can You Kill Lice with Skin Cleanser?
Lice are a source of tremendous frustration for families around the country (and even around the world). These parasitic insects that live by sucking human blood were not a big problem in most parts o…
Will Herbal Oils Ease Arthritis Pain?
Many people have a very difficult time managing their arthritis pain. Perhaps they take NSAID drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Although these medicines can help temporarily with pain relief, they …
Show 1085: The Statin Standoff and New Drugs for…
Cardiologists agree that we should all be getting regular exercise and eating a healthful diet with lots of vegetables and fruits. But they don't agree on which of us should be taking statins to prote…
Too Little Vitamin D Could Be Deadly
Low levels of vitamin D in the blood are linked to increased mortality. That is the conclusion of a large population-based Norwegian study. How did they discover that too little vitamin D might be dea…
More Male Orgasms May Mean Less Prostate Cancer
We know that headline will make a lot of men smile. A scientific excuse for more orgasms seems like good news indeed. Not surprisingly, newspapers, tabloids and other media outlets had a field day wit…
Women with High Testosterone Perform Better
Testosterone is thought of as a male hormone, but women also make this androgen naturally. A new study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that elite female athletes who have naturally h…
PPIs and Death: Why Are These Acid-Suppressors s…
PPIs (aka proton pump inhibitors) remain incredibly popular. These acid-suppressing drugs help heal ulcers. That's a really good thing. For short term use, they're terrific! The trouble is that they a…