Monthly Archives: August 2014

Last week I published a presentation I gave, The High Calling of Servanthood, as a visiting professor at the In His Image Family Medicine Residency in Tulsa, Oklahoma. You responded so positively, I thought I’d post another study I did on the … Continue reading →

In a front-page piece running into more than 2,550 words, the Washington Post reports that in the wake of a wave of new food additives, along with “an easing” of regulatory oversight, many companies are able “to avoid the scrutiny” … Continue reading →

The Los Angeles Times “Health & Medicine” columnist Mary Macvean wrote on the effect of the word “natural” on consumer choices.

The Washington Post “To Your Health” blog reports that according to research appearing in BMJ Open, prices for 10 common blood tests may vary widely.

The Dallas Morning News “Health Blog” reported that according to research at a psychological conference, “physically fit sixth graders – especially girls – are less likely to report feeling depressed when they reach seventh grade.”

The Los Angeles Times reports the FDA approved Merck & Co.’s new type of sleeping pill, called Belsomra (suvorexant), aimed at helping people with insomnia.

The AP reports that US physicians “are seeing a surge of sudden meat allergies in people bitten by a certain kind of tick” known as the Lone Star Tick.

The New York Times “Well” blog reports that research published in The Lancet suggests that “blood test screening for prostate cancer saves lives, but doubts remain about whether the benefit is large enough to offset the harms caused by unnecessary … Continue reading →

Reuters reports that a study published in the journal Obesity suggests that Weight Watchers and Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) are the most cost-effective approaches to achieving weight loss goals, but that Jenny Craig is the most effective.

Reuters reports that research published in the Annals of Oncology suggests that daily aspirin use may be linked to a lower risk of cancers of the bowel, stomach, and esophagus. The medication was also linked to a lower risk of … Continue reading →

Following up on its discovery in May of high levels of the toxic metal cadmium in several cocoa-based products, ConsumerLab.com recently tested additional, popular cocoa products sold in the U.S. to assess the extent of the problem.

TIME reports that “oral contraceptives and an increased risk for breast cancer have been linked in the past, but” a study published in Cancer Research makes that “link again, showing women who recently used birth control pills with high-dose estrogen … Continue reading →

NBC Nightly News reported on the “troubling trend involving caffeine, including the growing use a pure powdered form” which is marketed as a dietary supplement to increase “alertness and athletic performance.”

Vox reports that despite research suggesting that Americans are “quitting sugar-loaded soda,” added-sugar remains the “culprit” catalyst in “America’s obesity and diabetes epidemics.”

TIME reports that according to the results of a recent Gallup poll, 63% of “Americans actively avoid soda in their diet.”

The Los Angeles Times “Science Now” blog reports, “Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables every day can help us live longer,” according to a review of “16 studies covering 833,234 people” published in the BMJ.

On today’s edition of Dr. James Dobson’s “Family Talk” radio program, Dr. Meg Meeker and I continue our discussion about how parents can help teen girls navigate puberty.

USA Today reports, “Those of you tanning or burning your skin this summer should stop – seek the shade, wear a hat and some sunscreen and, whatever you do, stay out of indoor tanning salons.”

TIME reports that a study published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that “stress makes our bodies age faster, but thankfully we can combat that with healthy eating,” exercising, and sleeping well.

Hormones. Hormones. Hormones. How can moms and dads help their teen girls understand the changes happening in their bodies? On today’s edition of Dr. James Dobson’s “Family Talk” radio program, Dr. Meg Meeker interviews me on how parents can help teen … Continue reading →

ABC World News reported that a study suggests that running for “even as little as five or ten minutes a day, even at slow speeds, can cut the risk of heart-related death.”

The Wall Street Journal reports that according to a meta-analysis appearing in the journal Reproductive Technology, morning sickness in expectant moms is tied to the birth of larger babies with better health, less of a chance of miscarriage and a … Continue reading →

USA Today reports that a new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control has found that a firm handshake is a “much worse” greeting germ-wise than several more casual alternatives.

USA Today reports that although “nearly one-third of U.S. children and adolescents are obese or overweight,” many are unaware “that they fall into that category.”

Reuters reports that research published in Hypertension suggests that regular consumption of probiotics may help to reduce blood pressure.

The New York Times “Well” blog reports that “a large, rigorous study has found that acetaminophen works no better than a placebo” for lower back pain.

Bloomberg News reports the FDA gave approval to Exact Sciences Corp. to sell “the first noninvasive DNA screening test for colorectal cancer that patients can use at home.”

Most people know they should cut calories and exercise more to trim down, but there’s now significant scientific evidence that another critical component to weight control is avoiding sleep deprivation.

Certain dietary supplements can help reduce elevated cholesterol levels. A new report from ConsumerLab.com (requiring a payment to obtain) reviews the evidence behind each of the popular cholesterol-lowering ingredients and provides test results for twelve supplements.