By now you’ve probably all heard the remarkable case of Rom Houben, the young man trapped in a paralyzed body for 23 years, unable to communicate and thought to be in a vegetative state. Recent brain scans indicated much more … Continue reading →
It’s difficult to understand the new mammogram recommendations that suggest that women who are not in high risk groups because of genetic predispositions to breast cancer only begin screening at fifty, and then only every other year, and that doctors … Continue reading →
Seventy-four-year-old Japanese champion bodybuilder Tosaka says “anyone can stay young and healthy if they exercise from time to time.” Sure. The voiceover then goes on to say, without missing a beat, [emphasis mine] “Tosaka spends most of his time working … Continue reading →
Here’s a truly fascinating article on the subject of placebos. Commenter “Donna” brought it to attention in the thread on acupuncture, and it’s relevant to that subject and so much more. I don’t have time to do an in-depth piece … Continue reading →
You may recall that I hurt my knee about two weeks ago. It was progressing, but in the wrong direction—day by day getting worse instead of better. Medicine didn’t offer me much (actually, it didn’t offer me anything), and there … Continue reading →
Several British doctors, experts on palliative care (which means the compassionate treatment of the dying in order to make them more comfortable), have registered alarm at a trend in British medical practice: Forecasting death is an inexact science,”they say. Patients … Continue reading →
…for the appendix. It’s not so useless after all. Although, don’t panic if you’ve lost yours.
Continue reading →By now you’ve probably seen or read a transcript of this excerpt from Obama’s healthcare talk in Portsmouth NH: The American College of Surgeons has come back with a critique and correction that points out that a surgeon actually gets … Continue reading →
Almost twenty years ago I hurt my back and sustained injuries to both arms that left me with what’s known as neuropathic pain. We all know what pain from an injury feels like. But if you’re fortunate, you don’t know—and … Continue reading →
Amidst all the wrangling on health care reform, one of the issues that often comes up is the elimination of unnecessary medical tests. Although everyone would probably agree that such a savings in cost and trouble would be a consummation … Continue reading →
For anyone trying to lose weight, this is sobering. It’s an illustration of how easy it is to eat a thousand calories. Here’s an example you might have had for lunch today—a ham and cheese sandwich, a soda, and some … Continue reading →
Despite growing opposition, President Obama hasn’t given up on his plans for sweeping reforms—including a public option—in health care and health insurance. But if Obama would slow down and work on Medicare first, and actually succeed in cutting costs there, … Continue reading →