This new study from the New England Journal of Medicine documents that death from advanced cancers have not decreased in the last 30 years. Please read this article to understand how cancer and other screening tests are causing a huge amount of overdiagnosis leading billions of dollars of unnecessary and dangerous treatments. This understanding can help you make better informed decisions in the future.

Cancer Survivor or Victim of Overdiagnosis?

Epidural Corticosteroid Injections in the Management of Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This is a meta-analysis and systematic review from the Annals of Internal Medicine which pooled the results from many previous studies comparing epidural cortisone injection to placebo for sciatica. If found that it offered only a small short-term benefit for leg pain and the authors question the clinical utility from the small temporary benefit. 

http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleID=1390546

Armstrong's fraud paralleled EPO-makers' feud

I have followed the unethical and illegal marketing tactics of drug companies for a long time, but I was unaware of these EPO (a drug that increase the amount of red blood cells) cases. This unfortunately is this the last in a long list of illegal and dangerous activities by some pharmaceutical companies. Below is a link to a recent article about a new book concerning the marketing of EPO by the drug companies Any thoughts on Armstrong or how we can reduce future illegal activity by these companies? 

Blood Money

Benefits of Xylitol on Dental and Teeth Health

I have posted a couple of previous articles on xylitol. This was the first sugar approved for diabetic use and it has many benefits for oral health. It kills harmful bacteria and de-acidifies the mouth and teeth. It can be taken as a lozenge, gum, or granular. Here is a recent article focusing on xylitol gum.

Your Assignment for Today: Chew Gum