Category: Guidelines
Burden of Proof Studies and Health Risk
A new way of presenting knowledge about health risks highlights the ambiguity of the evidence and the importance of basic health behaviors.
Conclusions Not So NICE: A Critical Analysis of the NICE Evidence review of puberty blockers for children and adolescents with gender dysphoria
A critical look at the UK's National Health Service-commissioned review of transgender youth health services and the harm it has caused.
Melatonin
Melatonin supplements are increasingly popular, but the evidence is weak and mixed.
Probiotics, revisited
New guidelines do not recommend probiotics for most gastrointestinal conditions.
Is It Safe?
Is it safe to go to the dentist? Dentists are doing their best to try to ensure it is as safe as possible, with lots of guidance and extra measures to protect patients and staff.
The Wisdom of Third Molar Removal
In the Olden Times (ten or so years ago), the indication for third molar (aka “wisdom teeth”) removal was the presence of wisdom teeth. Now, oral surgeons are rethinking things.
Update on Vitamin K Refusal
Vitamin K shots at birth are a safe and effective method for preventing bleeding, but that doesn't stop some parents from refusing.
Osteopenia: When Does Decreased Bone Density Become a Disease Requiring Treatment?
Osteoporosis is routinely treated with bisphosphonates to prevent fractures. A new study suggests that osteopenia should be treated too. But questions remain.
Should Evidence-Based Medicine Be Replaced by Interpersonal Medicine?
An opinion piece in the New England Journal of Medicine complains about the limitations of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and recommends a new approach they call "interpersonal medicine." In my opinion, good clinical medicine is already interpersonal medicine; there is no need for something new.
The Mask Ask: Understanding and Addressing Mask Resistance
The wearing of masks has become contentious on scientific and ideological grounds. Why is that, and how can we communicate with people who don't follow the scientific guidelines?