House Calls Archives

Editor and Health Researcher Edward Martin keeps you up to date on the latest breakthroughs from the world of natural and alternative medicine -- and the current events that could affect your health -- through his daily e-letter, House Calls. It's absolutely FREE and is delivered right to your inbox each day.

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March 2010

Solar-powered sex | Mar 11, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're looking to bring some fire back to your sex life, there may be no better source of all-natural heat than the sun.
Deciphering the language of love | Mar 11, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Most couples think love is best expressed in three words... and they're not "bring home beer."
Internet as a depression risk? | Mar 9, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Computers used to display a sad face when they crashed... but a new study suggests there may be more frowns lurking on the other side of the screen these days.
Fish oil: The ultimate brain booster | Mar 9, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
It could be the biggest mental health breakthrough in generations -- millions of Americans spared dangerous psychotic meds by simply getting more fish oil.
MRIs: An Expensive Mistake for Breast Cancer | Mar 5, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Never underestimate the power of the medical establishment to squeeze every last dollar from their most vulnerable patients.
Canada’s nutrition crackdown | Mar 5, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Forget the war on drugs... Canada's now fighting a war FOR drugs... Big Pharma's drugs, that is.
Canada’s nutrition crackdown | Mar 4, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Forget the war on drugs... Canada's now fighting a war FOR drugs... Big Pharma's drugs, that is.
Rye bread beats laxatives for constipation relief | Mar 4, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
If your internal plumbing is regularly getting clogged, the answer isn't a laxative... but something that's been hiding in plain sight.
Obesity begins in toddlerhood | Mar 4, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Baby fat may make for cute little kids... but that seemingly adorable pudge can stick around for much longer than anyone would have imagined.
Can chocolate lower stroke risk? | Mar 2, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Here's some sweet news for chocolate lovers: Your favorite treat may help prevent strokes, and lower the risk of death when they do happen.
Headaches linked to heart troubles | Mar 2, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Migraines may be a lot more than a pain in the head... because the latest research shows they may be linked to problems in the rest of your body, too.

February 2010

Magnesium for your memory | Feb 26, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
You don't need to be a senior citizen to have a senior moment... we've all had our own bouts with the memory mistress.
How fish oil helps your teeth | Feb 26, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest research finds that fish oil isn't just terrific for your brain and your heart--it can also help your smile.
New drug warnings won’t be enough | Feb 25, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Drug warning labels can seem like a minefield of fine print, funny symbols and archaic phrases... but a new movement aims to change that.
Seniors exploited in latest mammogram scam | Feb 25, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
The mainstream is finally starting to question the wisdom of giving mammograms to even young, healthy women.
Why swimming can make you sick | Feb 23, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Next time you take a dip in your local pool, close your eyes and picture a giant Petri dish. Not so refreshing, is it?
Seniors live better with exercise | Feb 23, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Four new studies--all published in Archives of Internal Medicine--show that one of the best ways to fight Father Time is by keeping yourself fit.
Big Pharma aims for teens | Feb 19, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
We all want to give our kids gifts that will last forever... but a lifetime supply of meds shouldn't be among them.
Natural treatment tops statin for cholesterol | Feb 19, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Big Pharma wants you to think there's no way off the statin train... but I beg to differ.
Medication drop boxes are money pits | Feb 18, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
There are good reasons to throw out drugs... and bad ones.
Back behind the counter for cold meds? | Feb 18, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Better stock up on chicken soup, tissues and vitamin C, because easy access to cold meds may be a thing of the past.
Future docs back alternative medicine | Feb 16, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Future doctors overwhelmingly back alternative medicine. In fact, a new survey sent to students at 126 medical schools finds that most believe knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine will help them do a better job.
New warning on diet drugs | Feb 16, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Forget fake watches and knockoff handbags, because the latest hot seller on the black market is Alli, the over-the-counter diet drug best known for its unpleasant side effects.
Feds rub Big Pharma’s back | Feb 12, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
An FDA panel has recently recommended the statin Crestor for healthy patients with normal cholesterol levels and no outward signs of heart disease.
Coffee, tea may fight diabetes | Feb 12, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
A new analysis found that coffee and tea can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Happiness in togetherness | Feb 11, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're looking to fight off mental health disorders, then look no further than your other half.
Flowers for your eyes | Feb 11, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
A British optician claims he cured his blindness with marigolds.
Spices may fight breast cancer | Feb 9, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Forget the latest radioactive technology -- the real answer to breast cancer could be in some spices that have been in use for thousands of years.
Antidepressants up stroke risk | Feb 9, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Antidepressants are bad enough for most people -- but a new study shows that they're even worse than we thought for older women.
TV now an accused killer | Feb 5, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study seems to find a connection between too much time in front of the television and an early death.
Cancer myths crumbling | Feb 5, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest research out of Europe finds that one in every eight men who undergo a prostate cancer screening test positive... but don't actually have the disease.
The food-mood connection | Feb 4, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're suffering from the blues, don't waste your time looking for the right med-- look in your fridge instead.
Can big bottoms boost health? | Feb 4, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
If you've got a little extra cushion when you sit down, you may have a lower risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Losing your face over a med | Feb 2, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
A young woman in Sweden is recovering after suffering from one of the ultimate bad drug reactions: the skin on her face fell off.
Big Pharma’s kickbacks coming back to haunt | Feb 2, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
The feds say there's a reason Johnson & Johnson's sales with the nation's top nursing- home drug dispenser nearly tripled: They paid for it.

January 2010

Gross new reasons to skip soda | Jan 29, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're drinking soda, you may as well be drinking from the toilet.
Save your teaspoons for tea | Jan 29, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Remember, dosages aren't suggestions: If you're on a med, your goal is to take it for the shortest period of time at the lowest effective dose.
Tiny tots on dangerous antipsychotics | Jan 28, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Little kids on powerful meds should be about as common as unicorns--and not the ones you'll find painted on nursery walls.
Another “F” for antidepressants | Jan 28, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study finds yet again that antidepressants--powerful meds used by millions--don't appear to help most forms of depression.
Just do it: Sex lowers heart disease risk | Jan 26, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study finds that men who rev it up in the bedroom are far less likely to suffer from heart disease.
Glimmer of hope in Alzheimer’s battle | Jan 26, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
A new nutritional cocktail is showing some real promise in the fight against Alzheimer's.
Staying strong by staying active | Jan 22, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
There are plenty of good reasons to stay active as you age, and volunteering is a great way to do that.
Our powerful microscopic enemy | Jan 22, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest disturbing report showed that common hospital bacteria can learn to resist antibiotics they haven't even been exposed to.
Study questions natural back pain treatment | Jan 21, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
New guidelines give a big zero to TENS, a popular muscle stimulation used for back pain. Plenty of people out there swear by it. Problem is... what little research there is doesn't support it.
Surgeons use experimental medical devices | Jan 21, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
You might want to be sitting down for this. And if you happen to have a heart device such as a pacemaker, stent, or a defibrillator... brace yourself.
Sleep away the blues | Jan 19, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Want a natural way to beat depression? Try getting a little more sleep.
Reflux study misses the mark | Jan 19, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Ask most doctors, and they'll tell you that when it comes to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you have one of two choices: drugs or surgery. But a recent study should have them – and you – considering a third option.
Wanted: Human guinea pigs | Jan 15, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Seniors will have a new option when it comes to the flu shot... so new, in fact, that they're still trying to figure out just how effective – or ineffective – it may be.
Trading aspirin for tomatoes | Jan 15, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Research has shown that Fruitflow, a patented tomato-seed extract, can help smooth platelets and prevent blood clots, making it an effective blood thinner.
Mind over blood sugar | Jan 14, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're suffering from both depression and diabetes, you're not alone. But no matter what Big Pharma tells you, taking an antidepressant is not the key to controlling your blood-sugar levels.
Green tea beats depression | Jan 14, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
There's a reason so many people like to relax with a cup of tea – new research finds that green tea may actually help you beat the blahs.
Batter up! FDA has it both ways | Jan 12, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
The FDA wants you to know that the cholesterol med Vytorin and its sister drug Zetia don't cause cancer. Well, they think that maybe these meds don't cause cancer. In fact, they're almost sure. Sort of.
Trading places: Former CDC boss joins Big Pharma | Jan 12, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
When it comes to public health officials, no standard is too low – it's like a game of ethical limbo, and now we have a new winner.
Surf the web, build your brain | Jan 8, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
There's a lot of garbage out here in cyberspace... but once you sidestep all that trash, there are plenty of reasons to hang around.
Cancer screening gets a smack | Jan 8, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
The American Cancer Society is revising its position on screenings, admitting that recommending them for everyone has led to over-treatment. It's about time.
Eyes on omega-3 fatty acids | Jan 7, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Here's a quick and easy way to dramatically lower your risk of the top age-related sight disorder... go fishin'!
Just how dirty are men? | Jan 7, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Women will tell you that all men are filthy... and a new study show's they're right—just probably not in the way most of them mean it.
Coffee can lower prostate risk | Jan 5, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're among the millions of men who've been misled into regular prostate cancer screenings, here's some advice: Skip the screening, and have another cup of coffee instead.
Cancer prevention, the natural way | Jan 5, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
Somewhere, a Big Pharma boss is cursing... because multiple new studies show how you can dramatically lower your risk for a common cancer using plain old good nutrition and healthy living.
Marijuana use for MS | Jan 1, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
A new review finds that the key ingredients in pot could help multiple sclerosis patients get some relief from muscle spasms and help improve mobility.
Common tests may offer deadly dose of radiation | Jan 1, 2010 | Show Preview | Hide
A new report finds that more than half of all abdominal CT scans are unnecessary.

December 2009

Nothing fishy about pain relief | Dec 31, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're taking glucosamine for your joint pain, you're really only halfway there...
Shopping smarter to eat better | Dec 31, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new survey finds that shoppers are seeking out foods with omega-3 fatty acids, high fiber, extra calcium, whole grains, antioxidants and probiotics.
Breastfeeding helps mom too | Dec 29, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you breastfed your children, congratulations – your kids got a head start and you're enjoying a lower risk for a terrible condition.
Dangerous meds too common during pregnancy | Dec 29, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Far too many women still take risky drugs during pregnancy – but don't be so quick to point the finger at the moms-to- be. Doctors, pharmacists and – of course – Big Pharma get most of the blame for this one.
A nation of salt | Dec 25, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Salt was once a luxury item – a rare commodity that people fought and killed for. Today, people are still dying over salt – but it's because we're eating way too much of it.
Belly fat may lead to dementia | Dec 25, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If your belly's been getting bigger, you may be at risk for a lot more than the infamous weight-related problems. You could be facing dementia.
Bottled-up anger leads to heart attacks | Dec 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study finds that men who feel they've been mistreated in the workplace but never express it openly have double the risk of heart attack.
Depression as bad as smoking | Dec 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Smoking isn't the only quick route to the grave – a new study shows depression may be just as bad.
Early Vioxx warnings were ignored | Dec 22, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study shows that Merck knew that their painkiller Vioxx was dangerous and deadly years before they pulled it off the market late in 2004.
Mint tea for pain | Dec 22, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Mint has been used for centuries to soothe stomachs – but the latest research on one kind of mint finds that it may also help beat pain.
Meditation linked to heart health | Dec 18, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Transcendental Meditation may sound like a relic of the 1960s, but two promising new studies show how this relaxation technique could have some very real benefits for heart patients today.
Hearts and minds: a healthy connection | Dec 18, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A sharper mind won't just help you ward off the signs of dementia – new research finds that keeping keen can also mean a healthier heart.
Big Pharma’s bedroom eyes | Dec 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
After seeing how erection meds like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra can add billions to the bottom line, Big Pharma suits have been dreaming up ways to sell a similar med to women – and now, they think they've stumbled upon it.
Extra booze won’t hurt the heart | Dec 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Spanish researchers have found that booze's benefits kick in at somewhere between roughly a quarter of a glass of wine and a full glass of wine each day, or the equivalent alcohol in other drinks.
Big Pharma can’t stomach this study | Dec 15, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest research makes it more clear than ever that acid reflux problems aren't being caused by stomach acid – which means antacid meds such as proton pump inhibitors are the exact wrong approach.
Dirt is good for kids | Dec 15, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers have found that some bacteria shouldn't be sanitized off our bodies – because not only is it OK to get a little dirty, it's necessary, too.
Common vitamin tops meds | Dec 11, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Drugs being taken by millions of Americans looking to control their cholesterol levels may not work at all, according to the latest research.
Garlic fever | Dec 11, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
While Americans line up for hard-to-find flu shots, Serbs are lining up for garlic under the belief it can help fight the flu.
Kidney procedure comes up empty | Dec 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A British study finds that kidney angioplasty, which theoretically cleans up blocked kidney arteries, has plenty of extra risks – and virtually no extra benefits.
Dementia patients killed by drugs they never needed | Dec 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Illnesses and deaths caused by the wrong meds are bad enough... but in Britain, 1,800 dementia patients die each year because they were deliberately given drugs that were never intended for their condition.
Online age quiz is Big Pharm’s newest disguise | Dec 8, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
According to the New York Times, the RealAge test is little more than a front for Big Pharma.
Online giants push for more drug ads | Dec 8, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I don't know many people who wish they could see more drug ads with less information.
A greener way to good health | Dec 4, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research finds that certain potted plants can clean indoor air through a process called phytoremediation.
Beware of tainted sex supplements | Dec 4, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The feds say a "natural" sex remedy is actually contaminated with a Viagra-like substance... and that the additive is illegal and potentially unsafe.
Kids under assault… by sugar | Dec 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
One new study finds that just two sugar-sweetened drinks each day is all it takes to make a kid overweight.
Seniors warned over deadly infections | Dec 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A deadly new infection is ripping its way through the senior circuit... and in many cases, it's resistant to drugs.
Daily aspirin use takes another hit | Dec 1, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
British researchers are urging doctors to stop giving a daily aspirin to patients who haven't had a heart attack or stroke.
‘D’ deficiency turns into crisis | Dec 1, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A leading health expert is calling vitamin D deficiency the world's most common medical condition... with 50 percent of the planet lacking the right amount of this essential nutrient.

November 2009

New dangers linked to anemia meds | Nov 27, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you or anyone you care about takes meds for anemia, pay close attention – because the news on these things keeps getting worse.
Coffee cuts cancer risk | Nov 27, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Some great news for women who already love their cuppa joe – your daily caffeine boost can also slash your risk for one of the most common cancers.
Ancient Chinese secret: Tai-chi linked to osteoarthritis relief | Nov 26, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study finds that tai chi can help people cope with knee osteoarthritis.
Move the body, improve the heart | Nov 26, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Our bodies need exercise, and two new studies show just how big a boost you'll get from that sweat.
Might as well face it: You’re addicted to junk | Nov 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There may be a lot more truth to the phrase "junk-food junkie" than anyone ever imagined.
Fructose sends blood pressure soaring | Nov 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research has linked fructose to high blood pressure.
The low-calorie anti-aging myth | Nov 20, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers studying monkeys found that depriving these poor things of nearly a third of their food over 20 years lowered their risk of dying from an age-related disease.
Surf the web, build your brain | Nov 20, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study finds that older Americans who surf the Web have better brain activity. And not only that, but older people who don't use the Web can quickly catch up once they start surfing away.
Just a spoonful of sugar… and a slice of lemon | Nov 19, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you like your green tea with lemon and a hint of sugar, then consider yourself lucky – because you're getting the greatest benefit of all, even if you don't realize it.
Cancer screening gets a smack | Nov 19, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The American Cancer Society is revising its position on screenings, admitting that recommending them for everyone has led to over-treatment.
Cutting back on antibiotics | Nov 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
For years now, doctors have given kids who've had tonsillectomies a week of antibiotics to help alleviate pain. But it turns out that three days of the stuff works just as well, according to a study in Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery.
Calling in a warning | Nov 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A major study run by the World Health Organization found that long-term use of cell phones may present a "significantly increased risk" for brain tumors.
The backbone is connected to the… ear? | Nov 13, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study finds that ear acupuncture can help pregnant women with both lower back and pelvic pain.
Chinese herbs lower diabetes risk | Nov 13, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest news on diabetes is great if you're looking for a natural way to lower your risk for this condition -- but bad for the drug companies, since it proves you can bypass them altogether and get healthy on your own.
Smog makes overweight people sicker | Nov 12, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're overweight and suffer from high blood pressure, first look to your waistline... but then look to the skies.
Smoking bans pay dividends | Nov 12, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you want to be healthier, quit smoking. Few people, even many smokers, would deny that at this point.
Just how dirty are men? | Nov 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Women will tell you that all men are filthy... and a new study show's they're right—just probably not in the way most of them mean it.
Dementia’s earliest warning sign? | Nov 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The first signs of dementia may not be absent-mindedness... but a vision problem that can appear years before the condition itself.
Eyes on omega-3 fatty acids | Nov 6, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Here's a quick and easy way to dramatically lower your risk of the top age-related sight disorder… go fishin'!
New questions over sex drugs | Nov 6, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Headaches are one of the common side effects of sex drugs like Viagra, along with vision problems, hearing loss, difficulty breathing and more – including those infamous painful prolonged erections.
Chilis for chubbies | Nov 5, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're overweight and plan to stay that way, then I hope you like your food hot – real hot.
The painkiller deception | Nov 5, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I know plenty of people with arthritis who are left wondering why even the most powerful drugs never quite do the trick. So they take more – and higher doses… all the while still fighting pain and getting no better.
The recession-depression connection | Nov 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Many of the workers who've been hit the hardest by this recession are experiencing their own great depression – and with so many people out of work, it's taking a toll on our overall mental health.
Be happier, be thinner | Nov 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Are you overweight because you're unhappy… or unhappy because you're overweight?

October 2009

Promising vitamin slows Parkinson’s | Oct 30, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There's nothing worse than a Big Pharma med that takes advantage of a captive audience – like the drugs many Parkinson's patients take that really only offer one kind of relief: they relieve the patients of their money.
The list of vitamin D benefits gets even longer | Oct 30, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Two new studies add to the already impressive body of evidence for this wonder vitamin: It may help you control your blood pressure, and even lower your risk of dying from heart disease.
Fear factors into breast cancer surgeries | Oct 29, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
It's time to end one of the most questionable practices in medicine: removing a healthy breast out of fear alone.
Folate’s hidden benefit | Oct 29, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest research suggests that women can dramatically lower their risk of colorectal cancer by simply getting more folate.
Lose weight, gain sleep | Oct 27, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
One of the most common causes of poor sleep is apnea – and for many people who suffer from this chronic condition, there's a simple answer.
Sleep to avoid dementia | Oct 27, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Nothing beats a good night's sleep – but when was the last time you got one? If you can't remember, here's some sobering news: New research links poor sleep to Alzheimer's disease.
Big Pharma forced to make big payout | Oct 23, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The feds came down hard on the biggest of all the Big Pharma kingpins – hitting Pfizer with $2.3 billion in fines for illegal drug promotions.
Big Pharma’s low standards | Oct 23, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The FDA says a Bayer plant in Germany is breaking the rules by monkeying around with test results – and thousands of women are paying the price.
Devil’s dung may fight the flu | Oct 22, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you want to beat the swine flu this year, you don't need help from a flu shot – just a little help from the devil.
Stay young by fighting pain | Oct 22, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The quickest route to old age is along the express lanes of chronic pain.
Beating high blood pressure | Oct 20, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Hypertension may be a mystery to most doctors – but it doesn't have to be a lifelong battle for you.
Vitamin D supplements earn an “A” from Harvard | Oct 16, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers at the Harvard Medical School have identified vitamin D as the one nutrient that most people even with ideal diets won't be able to get enough of through food.
Why you really need your vitamins | Oct 16, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There's an old cowboy proverb that says you should never ask the barber if you need a haircut. Today, you might say never ask Big Pharma if you should stop taking your vitamins.
Breast cancer key locked up in lifestyle | Oct 15, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
For women who have survived breast cancer, few ideas are as frightening as the prospect of a new cancer in their other breast.
Our dark journey into depression | Oct 15, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
We already know that mood disorders are running rampant in America – but it may be a lot worse than anyone thought.
The perils of prostate cancer screening | Oct 13, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The biggest problem with prostate cancer isn't the disease - it's the fear of the disease.
Bad diets & unneeded drugs | Oct 13, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're looking to lose some weight - and these days, who isn't? - be careful. There's an entire industry waiting to take advantage of you, and it's about to get even worse.
School’s other weight problem | Oct 9, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Some kids have overweight and overloaded backpacks that look more like saddlebags from the days of the Pony Express than bookbags containing the essential tools of learning.
Obesity is contagious | Oct 9, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you'd like a glimpse into your child's future, you don't need a magic mirror. You just need to see who he or she is eating with.
A little exercise can keep angioplasty at bay | Oct 8, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I've got some great news that can help you avoid angioplasty. And all you need to do is move around a little more.
End the once-a-day nonsense for good | Oct 8, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest research confirms what I've been telling you all along: The aspirin-a-day belief is little more than a medical superstition – something repeated by many, but with no real basis in fact.
Grim new warnings for smokers | Oct 6, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
In case you haven't gotten the message about smoking yet, images on the package will soon help you out.
Poisoning our kids with meds | Oct 6, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I've never been able to figure out why ADHD drugs are prescribed so frequently, much less forced on millions of children – it doesn't take much to see how bad these meds are, and nearly all the research only highlights those dangers.
Talking sense on arthritis | Oct 2, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
After decades of refusing to accept any of the substantial evidence of food's role in rheumatoid arthritis, the New York Times recently examined the latest research… and concluded that there may be something to it after all.
Your ticket to a shorter, dumber life | Oct 2, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The extra pounds are literally stealing your brains.
Drink and be merry | Oct 1, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you find that you're happier when you have a drink or two, you're not alone – and you're not necessarily drunk, either.
Simple approach saves lives | Oct 1, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There's a crisis unfolding right beneath our noses: Americans are being killed by prescription drug errors and other medical mistakes.

September 2009

Going online to battle the blues | Sep 29, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Nearly 10 percent of the nation is on some kind of antidepressant, which just shouldn't be the case – not when there are real, safe alternatives.
Teens sharing too well | Sep 29, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
We all like it when our kids share. But there are certain acts of generosity that we're not so crazy about — like the sharing of germs, bad habits… and prescription meds.
Staying connected, staying healthy | Sep 25, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Having a strong social support circle is a key factor in overall health when it comes to aging.
Asthma study gasps for logic | Sep 25, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A study on the safety of some asthma meds concluded that they are, in fact, safe. And by the way, this study was paid for by Big Pharma. Big surprise? Not on your life.
Don’t buy this herbal treatment for rheumatoid | Sep 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
In addition to being perfectly natural, thunder god vine is also perfectly poisonous.
Antioxidants slash cancer risk | Sep 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
ertain vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants – especially cruciferous veggies like broccoli – can reduce your risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma by as much as 30 percent.
The secret to happiness | Sep 22, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study confirms what many of our older friends already know: Happiness levels rise right alongside the years.
FDA gets a taste of its own medicine | Sep 22, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The Food and Drug Administration is being sued for censorship and is accused of being in contempt of a court order.
Wine for the side effects | Sep 18, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research finds that those reds have one other trait: preventing skin toxicity in women undergoing radiation therapy as part of their breast cancer treatment.
The MRI Myth | Sep 18, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There's no question that MRIs have changed the way breast cancer is diagnosed and, as a result, how the patients who get them consider their treatment options. But have MRIs been better than mammograms? No.
Hearts & minds: The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids | Sep 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Do you want to keep your mind in top shape and lower your risk for dementia? The answer is simple: Eat more fish.
The real answer to MS | Sep 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest research is pointing to a common blood-pressure med as an answer for multiple sclerosis.
Lock your meds up | Sep 15, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There's another big drug problem facing kids today, and it's in your own medicine cabinet. These drugs are responsible for more accidental poisonings in children than anything else, including household chemicals.
Powerful meds have dangers for kids | Sep 15, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There's nothing quite as bad as giving someone a med with side effects worse than the condition it treats.
Seniors taken for a ride with pricey new treatment | Sep 11, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest procedure to come up empty involves a "medical cement" given to osteoporosis patients. It's supposed to fix the tiny cracks in the bones that cause so many seniors so much suffering.
Cholesterol’s early link to dementia | Sep 11, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research shows that high cholesterol levels in your middle ages can increase your risk for Alzheimer's disease 30 years down the road.
More shady ethics from Big Pharma | Sep 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
It turns out a controversial and dangerous hormone therapy that was all the rage a few years back was pushed in medical journals by writers who were paid by Big Pharma, according to court papers found in August by the New York Times.
Truly depressing news about meds | Sep 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A shocking new study finds that some 10 percent of us take antidepressants now – more than 27 million Americans.
The hidden sign of heart disease | Sep 8, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
While the focus should be on making the lifestyle changes necessary to prevent cardiac events, it's useful to know who's most at risk – and new technology may help us figure that out.
Doctors miss depression signs | Sep 8, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research shows doctors can't identify what's wrong with patients, especially when it comes to recognizing the signs of depression.
Don’t fear seafood during pregnancy | Sep 4, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
In recent years, pregnant women have been scared to death of seafood because of the possibility that some of it may have high mercury levels.
Another wrong approach for dementia | Sep 4, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
One of the more disturbing trends in medicine in recent years has been the rush to get dementia patients on antipsychotic drugs.
The dangers of electronic cigarettes | Sep 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest gimmick aimed at smokers is something called an electronic cigarette, a battery-powered device that looks like a cigarette, but uses no flame and emits a mist instead of smoke.
Talking sense about salt | Sep 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Finally, the absurd amount of salt we're eating is getting the attention it deserves.
The dangers of tanning beds | Sep 1, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Let's call this what it really is: An unhealthy fascination with an unhealthy skin condition that can lead to cancer.
Addicted to addiction med | Sep 1, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
No one can even say why people are taking this drug for addiction, beyond anecdotal evidence and a book someone wrote about how this drug helped him.

August 2009

Drugs for the side effects of other drugs | Aug 28, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Big Pharma's endless vicious cycle added another loop recently when the Food & Drug Administration approved a med to treat the side effects of another med.
Omega-3 for your eyes | Aug 28, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent a top cause of blindness among older folks: age-related macular degeneration.
Snoozing to lose that baby weight | Aug 27, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Now comes word that the missing sleep so common in homes with new babies may actually be keeping mom from losing all that weight she gained during pregnancy.
Watch those insulin levels! | Aug 27, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
One new study even links high insulin levels in postmenopausal women to an increased risk for breast cancer.
Shady Big Pharma deals bad for consumers | Aug 25, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
On the whole, Big Pharma spends roughly twice as much on marketing as they do on research and development.
New blood thinner offers problems, not answers | Aug 25, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The FDA has given the OK to a new blood thinner despite the fact that studies show folks who take this drug may end up with potentially fatal bleeding.
A little appreciation has big benefits | Aug 21, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have found that people who take time to savor all the little victories and high points of each day, no matter how minor, are more likely to be happier overall.
Disturbing rise in osteoporosis fractures | Aug 21, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study shows that bone fractures in osteoporosis patients aren't just up – they've skyrocketed.
Curse the pain away | Aug 20, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Psychologists working at Britain's Keel University set out to uncover the connection between cussing and pain. What they found surprised them.
New dangers linked to asthma med | Aug 20, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest concern is over an injectable asthma drug that has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Pollution during pregnancy linked to low IQs in children | Aug 18, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study shows that the environment could – and that the damage may have been done before your baby was even born.
The rising toll of antibiotics | Aug 18, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Antibiotics have been practically miraculous. Used well, they save lives. But used too often, and there can be serious repercussions.
Diet linked to cancer risk in women | Aug 14, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
For women, new research shows how the high-carb lifestyle can harm you in other ways: These foods, and foods that rank high on the glycemic index, can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Statins linked to muscle pain | Aug 14, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest research confirms what Big Pharma has been trying to hide for years: the connection between statins and muscle pains.
Eating right for two | Aug 13, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study shows that good eating can lead to better bones for your child, not just at birth but for many years down the road.
Don’t wait for rheumatoid drug | Aug 13, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Now, you don't have to put up with side effects from any drugs to fight rheumatoid arthritis, whether it's three months or three years.
Obesity epidemic reaches new peak | Aug 11, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
It's been obvious for some time, but the latest numbers lay it out plainer than I ever could: Americans are fatter than ever.
Downside of the vegan life | Aug 11, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study finds that vegans have a bone density that is about 5 percent lower than that of their meat-eating counterparts.
TV increases risk of overeating | Aug 7, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers at Yale University discovered that food commercials can make children and adults alike eat more – even a lot more.
FDA drops the ball on diabetes drug | Aug 7, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Several recent studies on a popular diabetes drug have linked it to an increased risk of cancer.
Quit smoking the right way | Aug 6, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Smokers who have turned to some prescription meds to help them quit may be getting a lot more than they bargained for.
Pain for the painkillers | Aug 6, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Finally, folks in the mainstream are ready to talk common sense when it comes to painkillers.
Super study a super waste | Aug 4, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Here's what happens when you let Washington bureaucrats decide the fate of medical research: They pick a project guaranteed to get us nowhere.
Beating back pain without painkillers | Aug 4, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Many people fighting back pain are afraid of exercise, especially folks who have to deal with that persistent lower back pain.

July 2009

Pesticides and Parkinson’s | Jul 31, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study shows that regular on-the-job exposure to pesticides increases your risk for Parkinson's disease.
Lose weight, lower your cancer risk | Jul 31, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
For women, new research shows that obesity is a risk factor for endometrial cancer, which occurs in the innermost lining of the uterus.
More good news on Omega 3 | Jul 30, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study shows that those wonderful omega-3 fatty acids – the ones we no longer get enough of – may play a role in fighting heart disease in diabetics.
FDA misses the point on supplements… again | Jul 30, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
It's so backwards that when it comes to natural health, even the tiniest acknowledgement from the FDA is a huge victory.
Eating close to home not always the best option | Jul 28, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research out of Canada shows that when people live close to fast-food joints, they tend to use them a little too much.
The real answer for metabolic syndrome | Jul 28, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
No wonder so many people never get cured, and end up fighting metabolic syndrome their entire lives. We're all being given bad advice!
Dangers of “morning sickness pill” | Jul 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Metoclopramide is typically used to treat nausea and vomiting. Since those happen to be the main symptoms of morning sickness, some folks think it might be a good idea to give it to pregnant women.
Control your asthma without meds | Jul 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Asthma meds are often times some of the least necessary drugs on the planet.
You can’t predict the blues | Jul 23, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Some researchers have believed in something called a depression gene. Those who have it, they say, are more likely to battle depression than those who don't.
New warning for ADHD meds | Jul 23, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Now, there's another reason to give ADHD drugs a pass: A new study has linked them to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in children.
Keeping sharp in your golden years | Jul 21, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
For seniors, good health means more than just watching what you eat. It means staying sharp. The latest research shows there are four things you can do to help keep that mental edge.
New warning for obese children | Jul 21, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest research finds that obese kids, some as young as 7 years old, already show indications that heart trouble might be in their adult future, according to a study presented in June at a meeting of the Endocrine Society.
Sleep better to live longer | Jul 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Good sleep isn't just measured in terms of hours, but how often you wake and how well you feel when you get up in the morning.
Skip the carbs and live better | Jul 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest science shows more clearly than ever how even the most "healthy" of the Torture Chamber foods can contribute to these conditions.
The right way to drink your red wine | Jul 16, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you like to drink a little red wine, then you probably already know about its many health benefits.
Big media battles good health | Jul 16, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Big Media has never been especially supportive of alternative medicine. But these latest attacks are coming fast and furious...
Saving teens from depression | Jul 14, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Two of the biggest problems when it comes to teens and depression is that many are overtreated – while many others are not treated at all.
Common drugs aren’t necessarily safer | Jul 14, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A study finds that a common ingredient in many OTC meds can harm the brains of seniors.
FDA admits risk in approved drugs | Jul 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The FDA now has a portion of its Web site devoted to letting the public know about the problems under investigation in the drugs it's already approved.
Flawed study, flawed conclusion | Jul 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers speaking in June at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association made that bold declaration – saying meds beat out stents for these patients.
FDA considers dangerous meds for kids | Jul 9, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The FDA is considering a move to allow Big Pharma to market powerful anti-psychotics for use in children.
Heartburn drugs can be bad for your bones | Jul 9, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
To me, using these heartburn meds is a lot like trying to rid your garden of weeds by setting the whole thing on fire.
Watch those pregnancy pounds | Jul 7, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Now we have a new set of guidelines for women when it comes to weight gain during pregnancy – necessary these days because many women are already overweight by the time they conceive, thanks to years of poor dieting advice from the mainstream.
More bad news for antidepressants | Jul 7, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research shows that these powerful meds can cancel out the effects of the most popular cancer-fighting drugs used by women who have suffered from breast cancer.
Talking yourself to sleep | Jul 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're not getting enough sleep, don't be so quick to reach for that pill bottle.
Eating to fight illness | Jul 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Sometimes, the hardest part of a cancer battle isn't the disease itself – but what it does to the rest of your body.
Some “D” for your knee | Jul 2, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I'd like to take a look at some remarkable new research that shows a link between osteoarthritis and a vitamin D deficiency.
An answer in your ears? | Jul 2, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Most folks assume that falling down is something that simply happens more often when you get older. But new research shows that many of these falls may in fact be caused by an inner-ear disorder.

June 2009

FDA targets Cheerios | Jun 30, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The FDA says the packaging blurbs that claim the cereal can lower your cholesterol levels by 4 percent in six weeks make it sound like a drug. And Cheerios, the agency notes, is not approved as a drug.
Soda: still no good | Jun 30, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Ounce for ounce, there are few things in your home as bad for your body as soda.
Caffeine and kids don’t mix | Jun 26, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
One study found that kids who have too much caffeine are staying up well into the night, when their growing bodies should be at rest.
Allergy researchers barking up the wrong tree | Jun 26, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There's some great research going on these days when it comes to allergies and asthma. Too bad it's being used for the wrong reasons.
The trans fat loophole | Jun 25, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There is one kind of fat we should be avoiding: trans fats that come from partially hydrogenated oils.
Fighting the superbugs | Jun 25, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Superbugs may be present in the places we live, work, eat and play.
Don’t drown your sorrows | Jun 23, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study confirms what most of us already know – but plenty of people somehow still can't avoid: Heavy drinking to cope with the blues can lead to alcoholism and depression.
Psychiatric drugs: Bad for your heart, too | Jun 23, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Here's one more reason to avoid psychiatric drugs: There's a possibility they could contribute to sudden cardiac death.
How to influence young doctors | Jun 19, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers found that medical school students can be influenced by little promotional items like clipboards and notepads.
The hypertension virus? | Jun 19, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
One of the most remarkable things about high blood pressure is how little the mainstream understands it.
The answer is not in a pill | Jun 18, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
It's been clear for some time now that there's been an explosion in the use of prescription drugs to control mental illness.
Connecting the brain to the heart | Jun 18, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
We think of Alzheimer's disease as a brain disorder – but new research suggests the answer may be closer to the heart.
Eat for your eyes | Jun 16, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research, published in the journal Ophthalmology, shows that your diet can help decrease your risk for macular degeneration.
Don’t just live longer – live better | Jun 16, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study finds that while women are living longer, they're not necessarily living better, especially during those later years.
Turn back the clock without plastic surgery | Jun 12, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
It's amazing what some people will put themselves through in order to look young.
These drugs don’t mix | Jun 12, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The only thing worse than the dangers of many prescription drugs is what happens when you combine them.
Daytime sleepiness isn’t normal at any age | Jun 11, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you find yourself getting tired in the middle of the day, it's time to stop accepting it as part of aging and get to the cause.
Antidepressants just don’t work | Jun 11, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Recent studies have questioned the effectiveness of some of the most common antidepressants – drugs millions of Americans take in the belief it'll help them feel better.
“B” is for allergies and asthma | Jun 9, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you still can't seem to get a grip on your allergy and asthma problems, it may be time to think green.
The sunshine treatment | Jun 9, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research confirms that a lack of vitamin D – called the sunshine vitamin, because our bodies can make it from natural daylight striking our skin – may be one of the culprits.
Lifestyle to blame for diabetes epidemic | Jun 5, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study shows the direct – if obvious – connection between lifestyle and diabetes.
New warnings for common painkillers | Jun 5, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Common over-the-counter painkillers have needed more prominent warning labels for years. They're among our most overused drugs, yet most people have no idea how dangerous they can be.
No way to raise test scores | Jun 4, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study gives ammunition to those who think a potential for side effects and addiction is a fair price for an easier-to-control child.
Painkillers every day? No way! | Jun 4, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers found that regular users of ibuprofen, naproxen and other painkillers were actually more likely to come down with dementia.
Getting fat on the job | Jun 2, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study has found a link between office work and the obesity epidemic.
Statins: Not good for dementia, either | Jun 2, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers have carried out a major review of the studies on this, and they've concluded that statins won't have any impact whatsoever on your Alzheimer's risk.

May 2009

Who says kids won’t eat healthy? | May 29, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
One of the biggest challenges of raising children is getting them to eat right.
Aspirin’s hidden dangers | May 29, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study finds that elderly patients who take low doses of aspirin to deal with their heart disease have higher instances of very small bleeding in the brain.
Tobacco smoke: a cloud of allergens | May 28, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study finds that when asthmatic kids have less exposure to tobacco smoke, they have fewer flare-ups and spend less time in the emergency room.
What’s in a name? Not much | May 28, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Obese folks considering weight-loss surgery might feel reassured when they choose a hospital that’s been labeled a “center of excellence.”
Drinking disaster: Keep kids away from soda | May 26, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research finds that replacing soda and sugary drinks with cool, refreshing water can help significantly reduce the number of calories kids consume each day.
Vitamins may help you ditch your inhaler | May 26, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A study shows a connection between nutritional deficiencies and asthma.
Don’t worry, be happy, live longer | May 22, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study found that folks who are more active, more outgoing and less neurotic tend to live longer than everyone else.
Stunning side effects for Parkinson’s drug | May 22, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
As it turns out, dopamine agonists, commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease, can lead to pathological behavior such as compulsive gambling and hypersexuality.
Big Pharma’s attack on your wallet | May 21, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
At a time when nearly every industry is slashing prices to remain competitive in a shrinking economy, prescription drug prices are on the rise.
Learning curve for clinicians | May 21, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new survey finds that far too many practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine don't seem to keep up with the latest research – and many of those who do aren't confident in their ability to understand it.
A study only Big Pharma could love | May 19, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
You may have noticed by now that I’m always suspicious of studies that “prove” the only solution to a health problem comes on a prescription pad.
Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to doctor’s appointments | May 19, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A University of Michigan study that looked at how 3,000 patients made decisions about their health found most of them to be badly informed.
A little sleep for longer lives | May 15, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Older folks who live in their own homes, but get regular assistance that combines occupational and physical therapy with some slight home modifications, live an average of 3.5 years longer.
Repairing the heart—and the soul | May 15, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Many people who undergo heart bypass surgery find themselves battling an unexpected side effect: depression.
What we don’t know about diet | May 14, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers have compiled the data from 200 studies involving millions of people that looked at how specific foods affect our hearts. The results were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Keep kids off meds | May 14, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
More kids are taking more drugs, including powerful meds to control conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Non-bioidentical hormone unleashes cancer on study group | May 8, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I've always worried about the dangers of non-bioidentical hormones. And after you read this, you'll be worried too.
Some common sense in the hunt for Alzheimer’s cure | May 8, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A recent study out of California found that a naturally occurring brain protein could slow or even stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Dangerous heartburn med leaves lingering effects | May 7, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're taking medication to relieve acid reflux, you might be getting something a whole lot worse in the bargain.
A fistful of pills brings a bucket full of trouble | May 7, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I was struck by a recent article in Prevention magazine, which looked in-depth at how people's lives are being adversely affected not by their illnesses, but by all the pills they are being forced to swallow to deal with those illnesses.
Want to beat back the grays? Focus on the cause, not the symptoms | May 5, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The study, published in the online journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, found that gray hair is caused by too much hydrogen peroxide.
Worried about dementia? Relax! | May 5, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A study found that people who have less stress have a lower risk of dementia.
Botox no cure for the blues | May 1, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There's a wacky theory out there that, at its core, suggests that forcing depressed people to smile – or least removing their ability to frown – can somehow cure them.
Big Pharma “polypill” could be five problems in one | May 1, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Some folks seem to think the idea of replacing five drugs you don't need with a single wonder-pill is cause for celebration.

April 2009

Put some teeth in your heart health plan | Apr 30, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
It turns out your mouth may play a bigger role in heart health than anyone could have imagined.
Dangerous fake product gets approved for research | Apr 30, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Government investigators recently were able to get a fake and potentially dangerous procedure approved for human testing.
FDA cracks down on painkillers | Apr 28, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
These might sound like black-market drugs or the stuff you buy on the Internet, but they're a lot more common than you probably think.
Low-carb bad for the heart? Don’t swallow this one | Apr 28, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Is a low-fat diet better for your heart? You can bet your ticker it's not – but you won't learn the truth by reading the latest study to hit the mainstream media.
What’s keeping you up at night? | Apr 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Two new studies show the problems of chronic sleeplessness can run far deeper, as insomniacs are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and have increased thoughts of suicide.
Don’t ignore this deadly threat to your heart | Apr 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study shows that a third of all Americans have elevated levels of triglycerides.
Big insurance comes up small | Apr 23, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
We all know that two of the biggest problems with health insurance have been affordability and availability.
FDA rewards drug maker’s bad behavior | Apr 23, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The FDA has just approved the antidepressant Lexapro for use in kids.
Fat genes… we’ve all got ‘em | Apr 21, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you had any doubt at all about what's making everyone so fat, scientists are now claiming the answer is our DNA.
Docs prescribing meds despite evidence of ineffectiveness | Apr 21, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Here's how hooked on pills we are: Docs give them – and patients take them – even when they don't work.
Cure asthma with broccoli? | Apr 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A recent study, published in Clinical Immunology, found that broccoli sprouts may help control the symptoms of asthma.
Diabetes: Even worse than you thought | Apr 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest data links the disease to an increased risk of Alzheimer's, and shows how diabetes appears to help dementia take hold faster once it sets in.
Big Pharma missing the point with new asthma drug | Apr 16, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I've been able to do that consistently when treating asthmatics. I've found that their symptoms are often caused by a simple allergy that can be discovered through more thorough testing.
Sudden cardiac death linked to antidepressants | Apr 16, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Some drugs can be worse than the illnesses they treat.
Off-label use of “smart drug” proving foolish | Apr 14, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
For years, the stimulant modafinil – better known by its brand name, Provigil – has been a drug of choice on college campuses across the nation.
Statins as a cure-all? Not exactly… | Apr 14, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Statins have become one of Big Pharma's biggest cash cows, needlessly prescribed to millions of people who never really tried diet and exercise to lower their cholesterol.
War on fat is killing Americans | Apr 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
We have more evidence that mainstream medicine's war on fat is not just misguided – it's killing us.
Is that spare tire keeping your love life in the slow lane? | Apr 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
We've known for some time that bigger isn't better when it comes to sex. But a new study helps illustrate how you can restore those primal urges – if you shed those pounds.
Don’t get burned by Big Pharma’s latest shenanigan | Apr 9, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There's a risk you may face next time you step into an MRI machine… and I bet that no one's ever told you about it.
Antidepressants for IBS? Here’s what they’re not telling you | Apr 9, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A study found that antidepressants can provide IBS relief, at least in the short term.
Are you the cure for ADHD? | Apr 7, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
It's sad to see what happens to the children in our lives when they are forced to take mood-altering drugs.
Don’t let dialysis break your heart | Apr 7, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I know that one of the biggest concerns when you begin dialysis treatment is the threat of cardiovascular problems. But a new study points out a way to significantly reduce that risk.
Hypertension on the brain? Get it under control fast | Apr 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
An interesting new study shows just how important it is to keep your blood pressure under control, especially as you age.
Dangerous heartburn med leaves lingering effects | Apr 2, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're taking medication to relieve acid reflux, you might be getting something a whole lot worse in the bargain.
Heart groups get an “F” when it comes to guidelines | Apr 2, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
An alarming new study finds that in many cases, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology issue guidelines based on nothing more than anecdotal evidence or the say-so of some expert.

March 2009

Want to beat back the grays? Focus on the cause, not the symptoms | Mar 31, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A study, published in the online journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, found that gray hair is caused by too much hydrogen peroxide.
Clearing the air on asthma remedies | Mar 31, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Researchers from the West Virginia School of Medicine recently took a group of kids with allergies and asthma and moved them from an Italian city to the countryside for a week of camp.
A study only Big Pharma could love | Mar 27, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new survey out of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute concluded that patients suffering from high blood pressure get better results from drugs alone than from drugs and lifestyle changes combined.
A little truth could go a long way with drug ads | Mar 27, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I've found that people are quite capable of deciding on their own when they have enough information. That old saying "knowledge is power" is true.
A fistful of pills brings a bucket full of trouble | Mar 26, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There's a growing feeling among patients and even doctors that many of these pills are simply unnecessary and making lives worse, not better.
Your health, outsourced to the lowest bidder | Mar 26, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
In fact, as of November 2007, a third of all clinical trials were being conducted overseas, in many cases in Third World countries, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine.
What twins are telling us about premature aging | Mar 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
We know that hormonal changes affect all of us – not just women – as we age. But what many people don't realize is how we are, to a certain extent, in control of them. Our actions cause their reactions.
Non-bioidentical hormone unleashes cancer on study group | Mar 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
I've always worried about the dangers of non-bioidentical hormones. And after you read this, you'll be worried too.
Some common sense in the hunt for Alzheimer’s cure | Mar 20, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A recent study out of California found that a naturally occurring brain protein could slow or even stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers going pointlessly high-tech to treat rheumatoid | Mar 20, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
There is a highly successful treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and it's a lot simpler than many people want you to believe.
Docs looking to “see no evil” after bad antidepressant news | Mar 19, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
When researchers from the World Health Organization reviewed eight studies, they determined that certain antidepressants increase suicide attempts by younger people, especially those in the 18-25 age group.
The cocaine of the playground | Mar 19, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
It's bad enough when Big Pharma tries pushing dangerous and unnecessary drugs on adults. It's far, far worse when they do it to our children.
Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to doctor’s appointments | Mar 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A University of Michigan study that looked at how 3,000 patients made decisions about their health found most of them to be badly informed.
Vitamin research doesn’t pass the sniff test | Mar 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest study on multivitamins concluded that women who take multivitamins face the same risk of cancer and heart disease as women who don't.
Worried about dementia? Relax! | Mar 13, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A study found that people who have less stress have a lower risk of dementia. It also found a lower risk in people who are more socially active.
Asthma drug could be a prescription for misery | Mar 13, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A recent study found that people with severe asthma who have fungal allergies might benefit from taking itraconazole, an anti-fungal drug sold as Sporanox.
Big Pharma’s statin monster looking to grow | Mar 11, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study, called JUPITER, shows that statins can help lower levels of C-Reactive Protein, or CRP, in people with normal LDL cholesterol.
Antidepressant research looks for best of a bad lot | Mar 11, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A recent study concluded that Zoloft and Lexapro are the best antidepressants. The catch? They’re the “best” only when compared to the current generation of other Big Pharma antidepressants.
Better living… through starvation? | Mar 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The latest fad that doesn’t live up to the hype is ultra-low-calorie dieting.
Prostate cancer study dances around surgery question | Mar 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A recent study found that older men with early stage low- or moderate–grade prostate cancer are more likely to die of something other than the prostate cancer.
Americans skimping on health care to make ends meet | Mar 6, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
According to new research from the Kaiser Family Foundation, 53 percent of Americans said they or someone living with them had cut back on health care in the past year to save money.
Could one vitamin spell the end for your diabetes complications? | Mar 6, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Diabetics are plagued with health problems resulting from damage to their kidneys, retinas, and the nerves in their arms and legs – and it could all boil down to a deficiency in one vital nutrient: vitamin B1.
Headache relief that leaves aspirin in the dust | Mar 5, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you suffer from chronic tension headaches or migraines, you don't need me to point out the paradox of the rebound headache. Unfortunately, just about any common over-the-counter remedy, including Tylenol and Advil can cause this problem.
Advertising leads colon cancer patients to seek wrong treatment | Mar 5, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
According to research from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, colon cancer patients who aggressively sought information on cancer treatments were more than three times more likely to be taking a prescription drug, such as Avastin.
IBS relief through… imagination? | Mar 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Even though it's not fatal, irritable bowel syndrome can make life just about unbearable for people who suffer from it.
Study touts coffee as cancer fighter… but there’s a catch | Mar 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
According to the research, which was published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, caffeine has the ability to target and kill abnormal cells that have been damaged by UV rays.

February 2009

Docs aim to put healthy men on prostate drug | Feb 27, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
It's bad enough that Big Pharma has brainwashed Americans into thinking they need a prescription drug every time they get sick – now the billion-dollar giants are going after healthy people, too.
Diabetes in a can | Feb 27, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A long-term study sponsored by the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University showed that women who drank more sugar-sweetened drinks were at greater risk of developing diabetes.
The statins in your produce aisle | Feb 26, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A study has found that lycopene, an antioxidant, can cut the building up of plaque that leads to atherosclerosis.
Study: Vitamin supplements slash macular degeneration risk | Feb 26, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research shows that a simple vitamin regimen can help you prevent age-related macular degeneration.
You’re not sick – you’re over-medicated | Feb 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
How many elderly patients are diagnosed with dementia each year that are really just taking too many-or the wrong-medications?
Study should be final word on PSA for older men | Feb 24, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're over 75 years old and some doctor is still trying to give you a PSA screening for prostate cancer, get a second opinion – fast.
Science proves mom right again… | Feb 20, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study demonstrates how the flu jumps from one person to another through dry air.
Prescription drug abuse finally on FDA’s radar | Feb 20, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Now, the organization charged with protecting our health has finally decided to do something about the abuse of prescription opioids, such as Vicodin and OxyContin.
Bad eating habits, courtesy of mom and dad | Feb 19, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Good dietary habits begin at home, according to a new study from the University of California at Los Angeles. And if you don't eat well, don't expect your kids to, either.
FDA finally announces new heparin guidelines | Feb 19, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Case in point, the FDA announced with much fanfare recently that it was implementing new measures to prevent the contamination of the blood thinner heparin.
America’s seniors have plenty to smile about | Feb 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A recent survey found that the older people get, the happier they are-America's seniors are even happier than young folks.
Hamburger, kidney disease and fries | Feb 17, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A new study has found that these foods are often loaded with phosphorous, which can be deadly if you have advanced kidney disease.
Don’t turn spring cleaning into a germ-fest | Feb 13, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you think you're doing a healthy thing wiping down your counters, doorknobs and appliances with those antibacterial wipes, research shows you need to reconsider.
Doctors ignoring drug interaction alerts when writing prescriptions | Feb 13, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
According to a new study, doctors are ignoring electronic drug interaction alerts up to 90 percent of the time!
Skip the gym… and get a sponge | Feb 12, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
New research is recognizing the benefits of a good sweat-which means at least 20 minutes of sustained exercise-and housework can be a source.
Gardasil’s European tour off to a rocky start | Feb 12, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Spanish authorities recently recalled the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil after two girls had to be hospitalized shortly after getting injections.
Straighten out your wrinkles with these natural cures | Feb 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
Free radicals hurt more than just your heart and eyes. They can also do a lot of damage to your skin.
Banning popular painkillers proving to be an ugly process | Feb 10, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
An FDA panel recently recommended that the painkillers Darvon and Darvocet be pulled from the market. And it's about time.
Good news, bad news with new online salmonella resource | Feb 6, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The FDA has created a pretty useful online tool where you can see exactly which products have been recalled because of the salmonella scare.
Steroid inhalers not a breath of fresh air for asthmatic kids | Feb 6, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
A recent study from the University of Leicester in England reexamined the protocol at many hospitals, where children who are admitted with sudden wheezing attacks often are given steroid inhalers.
Keeping your brain sharp may be easier than you think | Feb 5, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
You can get a sneak peek at an elderly person's future mental health if you know something about their lifestyle, outlook and exercise habits.
Air Force policy gives wings to alternative health treatment | Feb 5, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The Air Force announced recently that it is going to train more doctors to use acupuncture to treat injuries in the field.
The secret weapon against breast cancer | Feb 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
If you're a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, all the more reason to have your vitamin-D level checked: research suggests a link between low levels and recurrence of, or death from, the cancer.
FDA helped unleash salmonella-laced peanuts on public | Feb 3, 2009 | Show Preview | Hide
The FDA played a larger role than we thought in allowing a salmonella outbreak to sweep through the nation, sickening hundreds and possibly killing 8 people.