When robotic surgery first became popular a few years ago, it seemed like an idea whose time had come.
We’ve all heard horror stories about human surgeons making horrible mistakes.
Robotics promised to take human error out of the equation.
Robots never have shaky hands. They are more precise than a human can be. They can operate in tiny spaces too small for a surgeon to reach.… Read More
It’s a full-on epidemic…
The number of people with diabetes has doubled over the past 30 years.
More than 100 million American adults now have diabetes or its precursor, prediabetes.
Now, a new study has uncovered a surprising hidden cause for diabetes…statin drugs.
It shows that it may be no coincidence that diabetes rates have skyrocketed at exactly the same time doctors began prescribing more statins.… Read More
For people with major depression, antidepressants can be a lifesaver. They can pull people from the brink of overwhelming despair.
But doctors too often prescribe these drugs for less serious problems. One study found that half of all people on antidepressants are not depressed at all.[1]
They walk into the doctor’s office with complaints like insomnia, anxiety, ADHD, or even headaches.… Read More
What’s the world’s biggest killer?
Tuberculosis would be a good guess. It’s not a major problem in the U.S., but TB is the world’s leading infectious disease killer.[1]
Malaria would be another logical answer. Some historical studies conclude it has wiped out half of all people who have ever lived. It continues to kill over a million people every year.… Read More
When looking for a doctor, most of us focus on credentials. We want to know where the physician went to school. We may want to know if they have had malpractice suits filed against them.
A pleasant bedside manner? That’s well and good.
But most of us would rather have a doctor who “knows his stuff.” We want competence first and foremost.… Read More
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are toxic. They are linked to cancer, liver damage, infertility, asthma, thyroid disease, and other serious health problems.
The problem is that it’s hard to stay away from these chemicals. That’s because they are used in a wide range of consumer goods. PFAS are in carpeting, nonstick cookware, cosmetics, cleaning products, paints, and fast-food wrappers. And that’s just the beginning.… Read More