School meals - Eat tu Principals?

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Aug 30, 2016
We understand that a hungry child needs help and that school systems are socially efficient means of providing this assistance. But really: criticizing school principals for prioritizing academics over meals? What's next -- McDonald’s stressing reading over Happy Meals? 

We understand that a hungry child needs help and that school systems are socially efficient means of providing this assistance. But really: criticizing school principals for prioritizing academics over meals? What's next -- McDonald’s stressing reading over Happy Meals? 

Breastmilk Sugar Helps Prevent Group B Strep Infection in Babies

By Ruth Kava — Aug 30, 2016
Breastfed babies who consume a particular type of sugar in their milk are more likely to be protected from colonization by Group B Streptococcus — a bacteria, which is a major cause of meningitis and other serious ailments in newborns. These sugars — oligosaccharides — are thought to encourage the growth of non-pathogenic bacteria in the baby's GI tract which, in effect, "crowds out" the dangerous ones.

Breastfed babies who consume a particular type of sugar in their milk are more likely to be protected from colonization by Group B Streptococcus — a bacteria, which is a major cause of meningitis and other serious ailments in newborns. These sugars — oligosaccharides — are thought to encourage the growth of non-pathogenic bacteria in the baby's GI tract which, in effect, "crowds out" the dangerous ones.

Concussion Recovery Time Cut in Half When Athletes Immediately Sit

By Erik Lief — Aug 30, 2016
A new study confirms something that we believed was true, yet couldn't be sure of. Research published online in the journal Pediatrics concludes that when concussion victims are removed more quickly from physical activity after a collision and have additional time to recover before resuming play, the intervention significantly speeds recovery time and reduces concussive symptoms.

A new study confirms something that we believed was true, yet couldn't be sure of. Research published online in the journal Pediatrics concludes that when concussion victims are removed more quickly from physical activity after a collision and have additional time to recover before resuming play, the intervention significantly speeds recovery time and reduces concussive symptoms.

High Drug Costs - Blame The 'Playa' Or The Play?

By Chuck Dinerstein, MD, MBA — Aug 29, 2016
There has been a lot of talk in the last week about high prices for medications. But before allowing the smoke and mirrors of the modern media, politicians, insurance companies, and manufacturers to completely cloud the issue; consider a tag line I see more and more at the end of direct to consumer medication advertising. “If you take certain Company A medicines, and you cannot afford them, you may be surprised to learn that Company A may be able to help.” Before we go off to blame the playa, perhaps we should consider the game.

There has been a lot of talk in the last week about high prices for medications. But before allowing the smoke and mirrors of the modern media, politicians, insurance companies, and manufacturers to completely cloud the issue; consider a tag line I see more and more at the end of direct to consumer medication advertising. “If you take certain Company A medicines, and you cannot afford them, you may be surprised to learn that Company A may be able to help.”
Before we go off to blame the playa, perhaps we should consider the game.

The Infrared Sauna: Hollywood's Hot, Pricey 'Magic' Box

By Erik Lief — Aug 29, 2016
When the latest trend generates buzzwords from its devotees like "detoxify" and "rejuvenation" and "cleansing," and with the celebrity set hopping on board, that usually means it's time for the level-headed among us to tap their inner skepticism before the purveyors of cool have us all bamboozled and reaching for our wallets. Welcome to the wonderful world of infrared saunas, and the dubious health claims that come with them.

When the latest trend generates buzzwords from its devotees like "detoxify" and "rejuvenation" and "cleansing," and with the celebrity set hopping on board, that usually means it's time for the level-headed among us to tap their inner skepticism before the purveyors of cool have us all bamboozled and reaching for our wallets. Welcome to the wonderful world of infrared saunas, and the dubious health claims that come with them.

E-Cigarette Flavors, Biotech Courts And More Media Links

By Hank Campbell — Aug 29, 2016
1. A new study adds another layer to the debate about e-cigarettes and vaping. Though the government has determined in advance they must be harmful and a gateway to cigarettes, a survey finds it is just the opposite.

1. A new study adds another layer to the debate about e-cigarettes and vaping. Though the government has determined in advance they must be harmful and a gateway to cigarettes, a survey finds it is just the opposite.

Breast Cancer: Genomics May Show Where Chemo Might Not Be Needed

By Ruth Kava — Aug 27, 2016
Perhaps the most debilitating part of breast cancer treatment is chemotherapy. A new report by an international team of researchers suggests a means of more precisely determining which patients do or do not require chemotherapy.

Perhaps the most debilitating part of breast cancer treatment is chemotherapy. A new report by an international team of researchers suggests a means of more precisely determining which patients do or do not require chemotherapy.

Gallup Poll: Great Example of How to Bias a Social Science Study

By Alex Berezow, PhD — Aug 26, 2016
Gallup's recent poll on race relations asked a loaded question and lacked a control group. This is a recipe for very bad social science.

Gallup's recent poll on race relations asked a loaded question and lacked a control group. This is a recipe for very bad social science.

Another Kardashian Craze Debunked

By Krystal Alexander — Aug 26, 2016
In a post on her website, Khloe Kardashian expresses her love for Vitamin E. And while the benefits of this antioxidant have been well established, she wrongly recommends its use for strengthening of the vaginal lining.

In a post on her website, Khloe Kardashian expresses her love for Vitamin E. And while the benefits of this antioxidant have been well established, she wrongly recommends its use for strengthening of the vaginal lining.