The People's Perspective on MedicineArticles
Show 1328: Teaching Old Drugs New Tricks
Too many rare diseases don't have effective treatments. If we can teach old drugs new tricks, we might develop much needed therapies.
What’s the Connection Between Viral Infections and Dementia?
What is at the root cause of Alzheimer's disease? New research suggests a connection between viral infections and dementia. Let's fight back!
Life Expectancy Drops Dramatically Due to COVID Deaths!
Life expectancy dropped dramatically again in 2021. That's two years in a row! Many people still do NOT believe reports of COVID deaths.
How Can You Keep Your Brain Healthy?
Staying mentally active and following a diet rich in colorful produce can help you keep your brain healthy. Having fun helps too!
Are Older Patients More Likely to Suffer Adverse Drug Reactions?
A study in Ireland shows that many older people experience adverse drug reactions from their prescriptions.
Coping with Anxiety During Really Stressful Times
How are you coping with anxiety? Are you taking anti-anxiety drugs? A randomized trial shows that practicing mindfulness works just as well.
How to Use Capsaicin Ointment to Ease Pain
Repeated application of capsaicin ointment or cream depletes substance P in nerve endings and eases neuropathy or shingles pain.
Can Lithium in Water Supply Prevent Dementia?
Could lithium in water fend off dementia? Are you getting lithium in your water supply. What about low doses of lithium? Helpful or harmful?
How Dangerous Are High Vitamin B12 Levels?
Many people are low in vitamin B12. Symptoms can include fatigue and forgetfulness. What could be behind high vitamin B12 levels?
Doctors Should Stop Prescribing Fluvoxamine for COVID
Early research suggested that fluvoxamine for COVID could be helpful. A large study following up has dashed those hopes.
Lisinopril and Angioedema: A Life-Threatening Side Effect
Serious lisinopril side effects can occur after many years. Doctors may miss the diagnosis if lisinopril and angioedema affect the abdomen.
What Supplements Could Help Ease IBS Symptoms?
Readers looking for supplements to ease IBS symptoms have found probiotics and enteric-coated peppermint oil can help.
Could You Benefit from Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?
The FDA just issued new rules allowing companies to sell over-the-counter hearing aids directly to consumers. What are the pros and cons?
Show 1327: What Have We Learned About Long COVID?
Researchers hope that someday soon what we have learned about long COVID will lead to effective treatments.
Good News About This Year’s Flu Season!
Did you catch influenza during this year's flu season? If so, how bad was it? We have good news for a change. Influenza is fading fast!
What Is the Best Treatment for BPPV?
The best treatment for BPPV is to relocate the calcium crystals in the ear canals with a series of prescribed head moves, the Epley maneuver.
Are You Especially Vulnerable to Long COVID?
Are you experiencing fatigue? Could you be vulnerable to long COVID even if you don't think you were infected? Find out about other symptoms.
Are You Fed Up with Prescription Drug Ads?
Fed up with prescription drug ads? You're not alone! Doctors also despise the ads. Why not complain to the FDA? You can contact the top cop!
Why Don’t Vitamin D Supplements Work as Expected?
Vitamin D supplements are extremely popular. Millions swallow little golden pills daily. But why are clinical trials producing such disappointing results?
Can Soap Chips in Your Socks Ease Leg Cramps?
A reader who loves long hikes reports that putting soap chips in her socks prevents leg cramps. We have a possible explanation.
Is Dupixent a Super Solution for Bad Eczema?
One reader is delighted with the way Dupixent (dupilumab) controls symptoms of eczema. This injection is pricey, however, and also has side effects.
What Are the Health Benefits of Coffee and Chocolate?
There are health benefits of coffee and chocolate as well as tea. You don't have to feel guilty about your beverage!
Black Pepper Boosts Turmeric’s Benefits
Getting turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin into the bloodstream may require special formulations to maximize turmeric's benefits.
Want an Ingenious Solution for Blepharitis?
One reader discovered that a device designed to keep hands warm makes a good solution for blepharitis. Another found a tailor-made product.
How Well Does the New Weight Loss Medicine Work?
Shedding pounds fast has become a hot topic with new weight loss medicine liraglutide and semaglutide (Wegovy). What are the pros and cons?
Why Don’t Doctors Prescribe Vitamin C for a Gout Attack?
A diet that has little seafood, red meat, soft drinks or beer and lots of cherries and celery seed may reduce the risk of a gout attack.
Stopping Zolpidem (Ambien) for Insomnia Can Be Challenging
Have you had trouble getting a good night's sleep? Who hasn't? That's why sleeping pills are so seductive. Stopping zolpidem can be tricky.
Show 1326: Think Different About Alzheimer Disease
In this episode, our expert guest says it's time to think different about Alzheimer disease. Look at it as an autoimmune disorder.
Will the Kraken XBB.1.5 COVID Subvariant Get You?
Did you think we were done with COVID? The highly transmissible subvariant dubbed the Kraken XBB.1.5 is spreading fast. How can you avoid it?
Healthful Diets Help People Live Longer, Healthier Lives
Researchers studying more than 119,000 people for decades found that those following any of several healthful diets live longer and better.
Is Your Hearing Loss Setting You Up for Dementia?
Do you have trouble hearing in a crowded restaurant? What if someone is facing away? Could your hearing loss increase the risk for dementia?
How Does Eating Ultra-Processed Food Affect Your Health?
People who drink more soda pop and eat candy and other ultra-processed food have worse health outcomes than those eating fresh foods.
What Is the Link Between Sun Exposure and Melanoma?
The connection between sun exposure and melanoma is complex. Vitamin D supplements may help prevent this dangerous skin cancer.
Why Have I Lost Faith in the FDA?
The FDA maintains that if it approves a medication, it is "SAFE and EFFECTIVE." Is that true? Have you lost faith in the FDA? If so, why?
Does Injection Technique Lead to Bruising from Immunization?
Over the last few decades, nurses and pharmacists have changed their standard injection technique. Does that affect patient reactions?
Have You Tried Elderberry to Ease Your Cold Symptoms?
Elderberry rob. a homemade concentrate of berries and spices, is used as a type of hot toddy to ease cold symptoms. Have you tried it?
Is Vitamin Deficiency at the Bottom of Burning Sensation?
A burning sensation in the feet or the tongue could be the result of inadequate vitamin B12 levels. Some drugs may contribute to reduced B12.
Did COVID Vaccines Erase Warts?
COVID vaccines work by stimulating the immune system. Is it possible that COVID vaccines erase warts through the same mechanism?
When Treating Hyperthyroidism Results in Too Little Thyroid Hormone
Treating hyperthyroidism with pills or radioactive iodine may lead to hypothyroidism. That can result in too little thyroid hormone. Balance!
Ibuprofen and High Blood Pressure: A Dangerous Reaction!
Do you ever have aches and pains? Almost everyone does. Do you reach for an OTC pain reliever? There is a link between ibuprofen and high blood pressure.