 Here’s the link to a brief review written by Dr. Jonathan Silver from New York University School of Medicine.
You need read no further than the first paragraph to see the bias. Continue reading CAMophobia at Medscape
Category Archives: THINGS THAT DON’T FIT ABOVE
More tainted weight loss products
Here’s an updated list of 69 contaminated products identified by the FDA.
What’s a consumer to think? Continue reading More tainted weight loss products
The STEP report on saw palmetto safety
STEP stands for “Saw palmetto for Treatment of Enlarged Prostates.†Continue reading The STEP report on saw palmetto safety
An innovative way to get elderly people to exercise
Exercise, or simply expending energy through an activity that is a regular part of a person’s lifestyle may provide survival advantages, according to National Institute on Aging. The challenge is that about 75% of Americans over the age of 75 years live sedentary lives.
Here’s an innovative way to meet that challenge.
Continue reading An innovative way to get elderly people to exercise
Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for headache
Researchers from Berlin’s Charité University Medical Centre report it’s worth the cost. Continue reading Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for headache
Drug-supplement interactions in perspective
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota have reviewed the evidence and report that most interactions are confined to a relatively small number of drug classes and supplements. Continue reading Drug-supplement interactions in perspective
Consumer Alert: 40 more weight loss products
There are 80 drugs on the FDA list of weight loss products that contain undeclared drugs or chemicals.
Here’s the complete list, including 40 products added on January 8th. Continue reading Consumer Alert: 40 more weight loss products
OARSI recommendations for treating osteoarthritis
The OsteoArthritis Research Society International (OARSI) is a nonprofit scientific professional organization that promotes research in osteoarthritis. Continue reading OARSI recommendations for treating osteoarthritis
What does it take to design a “good” study?
 When I criticize studies for their poor design, I sometimes receive emails from readers defending the researchers.
The arguments are predictable. “They don’t have the money.” “Only big bad pharmaceutical companies can afford to do ‘good’ studies,” etc.
Baloney. Continue reading What does it take to design a “good” study?
The importance of knowing your healthcare provider
 For many patients, navigating the US healthcare system is daunting.
Continuity of care with a familiar healthcare provider helps patients get the most out of the system, according to researchers from several US schools of medicine. Continue reading The importance of knowing your healthcare provider
Biggest winner in CAM for 2008
Vitamin D, of course.
A PubMed search revealed 146 studies in humans during 2008 for a dizzying list of conditions. Continue reading Biggest winner in CAM for 2008
Consumer Alert: More tainted weight loss products
 Some of the weight loss products listed below claim to be “natural†or to contain only “herbal†ingredients.
The FDA found they actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the product labels or in promotional advertisements. Continue reading Consumer Alert: More tainted weight loss products
Prof. Ernst’s negative view of chiropractic
This review by Professor Edzard Ernst from the Universities of Exeter & Plymouth in the UK is an outspoken negative critique. Continue reading Prof. Ernst’s negative view of chiropractic
Unintended consequences of government-run healthcare
Rationing is being introduced in Scotland to control rising demand for free personal care for older people. Continue reading Unintended consequences of government-run healthcare
The end of peer review medical journals?
 Peter Frishauf (photo), the founder of Medscape, videotaped an editorial.
He has 2 predictions. Continue reading The end of peer review medical journals?
Better to get vitamin D from food and supplements
That’s the latest recommendation from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
But what about natural sources like sunlight or indoor tanning devices? Continue reading Better to get vitamin D from food and supplements
Safety update on melamine in infant formula
Melamine-contaminated products from China have been a topic here for almost 2 years.
Now, the FDA has published guidelines for safe levels. Continue reading Safety update on melamine in infant formula
FDA warning on 2 weight loss products
A company called Fashion Sanctuary is removing from the market all Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules sold in 10-count blister cards.
In addition, Balanced Health Products, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Starcaps Diet System Dietary Supplement sold in 30-capsule plastic bottles. Continue reading FDA warning on 2 weight loss products
More contaminated foods from China
As an update to yesterday’s discussion about undeclared ingredients in medicine and other products from China, here’s the latest FDA advisory, warning the public not to consume certain dairy products because of possible melamine contamination.
A list of the products and a brief discussion of the dangers of melamine follows. Continue reading More contaminated foods from China
Tung Shueh Pills not legal in the US
A reader who gets pain relief from this Chinese “herbal” product asks why it’s illegal in the US. Continue reading Tung Shueh Pills not legal in the US