The People's Perspective on MedicineArticles
Show 1249: 3/6/21 How Near Death Experiences Transform People’s Lives
People who report near death experiences often find that their lives have changed instantly and permanently, with new values and no fear of death.
Will Vaccines Protect Us Against New Variants?
Did our focus on vaccines delay the development of drugs to treat new variants of COVID-19?
COVID-19 Vaccine May Give False Positive Mammograms
Vaccination may lead to swollen lymph nodes on the same side as the shot. Radiologists are learning to recognize such false positive mammograms.
Are You Missing Magnesium Because of Meds?
When is the last time you were tested for magnesium? Doctors don't always check for missing magnesium. This mineral is crucial for good health
Glaucoma Patients Should Not Take Blood Pressure Pills at Bedtime
If blood pressure drops too low overnight, it can aggravate optic nerve damage. That is the last thing glaucoma patients need!
Can You Smear Liquid Soap on Your Legs to Get RLS Relief?
Readers have found that you don't have to put soap under the bottom sheet to get RLS relief. Just smear liquid soap right on the legs!
NasalCrom (Cromolyn Sodium) Is Surprisingly Helpful for Allergies
Are you sneezing, sniffling and congested? Are allergies making you miserable? Antihistamines and corticosteroids are popular. NasalCrom is another option!
Why Buy Brand Name Drugs from Canada?
Many people worry about generic drug quality, but brand name meds can be pricey. Can you really buy brand name drugs from Canada for less?
Why Are Gin-Steeped Raisins in the New York Times?
We never thought we would see one of our favorite home remedies in the NYT. We've been writing about gin-steeped raisins for decades!
Show 1248: How to Keep Moving and Feel Better During COVID-19
Have pandemic restrictions interfered with your exercise routine? Dr. McGonigal describes how to feel better with new approaches to movement.
What Do We Know About Homegrown Variants of COVID-19?
Scientists are concerned that homegrown variants of SARS-CoV-2 may be more easily transmitted or more difficult to treat.
Are You Ready for a New Vaccine from J&J?
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are amazingly effective. The new vaccine from J&J gets reviewed today. It's only one shot. How good is it?
How Exercise Can Help Prevent Migraines
A new study suggests that regular exercise–around half an hour a day–could help prevent migraines. Activity reduces stress and insomnia.
Even Light Physical Activity Helps Older Women Maintain Their Mobility
Older women who logged more time with light physical activity were more likely to be able to keep walking and climbing stairs years later.
Bacteriophage Viruses Protect your Gut Microbiome
Your GI tract is populated by trillions of bacteria. Bacteriophage viruses are even more prevalent. They may help manage your gut bacteria.
When Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes Mental Confusion
When people become forgetful or have memory problems they often worry about Alzheimer's disease. But what if vitamin B12 deficiency causes mental confusion?
Can Alpha-Lipoic Acid Restore Post-COVID-19 Smell and Taste?
Many people lose their senses of smell and taste early in a COVID infection. How often do they regain these senses? Does ALA help?
What Is the Best Breakfast to Lower Cholesterol?
One reader discovered that adding walnuts, blueberries, flaxseed and cinnamon made Cheerios the best breakfast to lower cholesterol.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Resveratrol?
What do you know about the pros and cons of the popular supplement resveratrol? Scientists are still uncovering its potential benefits and problems.
Is Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Safe For a Dry Nose?
Perhaps you've heard the expression "Don't stuff beans up your nose." What about Vaseline Petroleum Jelly? According to some doctors, that's not such a good idea either.
If Acetaminophen Is Killing People, Why Should You Trust Tylenol?
The popular pain reliever acetaminophen may be riskier than you think. A 2014 ProPublica report has some chilling statistics.
Who Knows Why COVID Cases Are Dropping Dramatically?
Have you been paying attention to the latest coronavirus updates? There's good news! COVID cases are dropping! Do the experts know why?
Show 1247: What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines and Variants
You know a lot already about the pandemic, but what do you know about COVID-19 vaccines and variants? We bring you up to date.
Is the Pfizer Vaccine Protection Really That Good?
When Pfizer submitted clinical trial data to the FDA it looked good. Now, Pfizer Vaccine protection has been confirmed in a real world study!
Does Vitamin D3 Improve Survival of COVID-19 Patients?
Two different studies produced opposing results on the potential value of vitamin D3 for survival of COVID-19 patients. Which is right?
New Coronavirus Variants on the Rise in US
Scientists named the coronavirus variants that have arisen in the US after birds like this bluebird, as well as robins and pelicans.
How to Cure Angular Cheilitis with Inexpensive Remedies
Have you ever had irritated cracks at the corners of your mouth? Can you cure angular cheilitis with a simple OTC remedy? Readers share their secrets.
The Never-Ending Breast Implant Scandal
What happens when a breast implant breaks and leaks? The FDA recently announced serious side effects. We call this a breast implant scandal!
Can You Trust TV Ads for Cancer Drugs?
It almost seems as if every other commercial on TV is for Rx medications. Ads for cancer drugs are now frequent. How can the FDA permit this?
When Should You Take Your BP Pills? Morning or Bedtime?
Do you want the the biggest bang for your blood pressure buck? If so, you may want to ask your doctor whether you should take your BP pills before bed.
What Can You Use for Psoriasis If You Can’t Afford Otezla?
One reader reports that apremilast (Otezla) works very well to control psoriasis. There are other options for people who can't afford Otezla.
How Many People Have Really Caught COVID?
Officially, over 100 million people have caught COVID worldwide. The number may be far higher. Long-term consequences could be devastating.
The Never-Ending Egg Dispute Continues
The egg dispute goes on and on in the pages of medical journals. How risky is it to eat an egg or two for breakfast?
Show 1246: Getting the Sleep You Need Even in Anxious Times
It's harder to sleep well during anxious times, but more important than ever. Learn how to manage your own sleep and your children's.
Double Up for the Best Benefit from Face Masks
To protect yourself from airborne coronavirus, double up your face masks. That also helps protect others if you are infected.
Which Planet Do These Brand Names Come From?
Brand names for prescription drugs are hard to spell and impossible to understand. Are they generated by computer?
What Are Authorized Generic Drugs and Are They Better?
Have you ever shopped at an outlet mall? You get a branded product at a reduced price. Authorized generic drugs are surprisingly similar.
Is Low Vitamin D a Risk for Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is surprisingly common. Popular drugs can pose a risk for atrial fibrillation. Low vitamin D levels may also be a factor.
Smallpox Shot Made Terrible Canker Sores Disappear
Many years ago, a reader found that a smallpox shot would prevent canker sores for years. Now he takes L-lysine to ward them off.
Can We Learn from the NFL about Avoiding COVID?
The National Football League (NFL) had billions at stake because of the coronavirus. Avoiding COVID was a high priority. How did teams do it?