by Rai Micht

Even with so much media attention given to the growing trend of plastic surgery, to most people the need to have whiter teeth is more interesting and knowing how to get them is more important. A person’s smile can have as much impact to those around him.

Professional teeth whitening treatments are some that guarantees fast and whiter results when it comes to teeth whitening, but with these procedures being too expensive Read more »

Despite the fact that proton beam therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer is expensive, and its efficacy questionable, that didn’t stop local journalists from writing a puff piece touting its impending arrival in central Ohio.

Journalism professor Gary Schwitzer, however, takes them to task. He questions an advertisement in a local newspaper, and wonders why cost isn’t mentioned, nor any discussion of the benefits versus risks.
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Even more than the stethoscope or the black bag, perhaps nothing symbolizes the medical profession more than the white coat. Medical students enter the profession with a “white coat ceremony,” and patients see a doctor in a white coat as a trusted authority.

Historically, doctors wore white coats to act as a barrier against disease and infection. However, that assumption has been contradicted recently, by numerous studies showing that Read more »

I have been critical in the past with the health reporting in some major media publications.

The NEJM has a nice perspective piece (via Gary Schwitzer) on the issue from Susan Dentzer, editor-in-chief of Health Affairs. In today’s 24/7 news cycle, health stories provide ample opportunities for “gotcha” headlines. Nothing captures the public’s attention like reporting a drug scare, a botched surgery, or hyping the latest miracle drug Read more »

by Lacy Kasmond

Continuous nights without sleep have forced many people to ask the question: What is the best cure for snoring? Have you discovered that snoring strains your relationship with your spouse? Do you find it also causes problems for you throughout the day. If so, it is because a good nights sleep is necessary for your physical and emotional health. This makes finding a cure for snoring very important to you and your sleep deprived Read more »

Although diagnosis rates are increasing, there are still many infected individuals who remain undiagnosed, the HPA says. The HPA highlights the importance of coverage of hepatitis C, including GP’s coverage to coincide with World Hepatitis Day.

The report also stresses the role primary care can play in increasing diagnosis rates.

‘It is likely that many prevalent infections exist in individuals who have injected drugs Read more »

Primary care is associated with negative connotations such as bureaucracy, paperwork, and being perceived as the lowest physician on the totem pole. Or as this doctor puts it, “‘PCP’ now seems to be synonymous with overworked, underpaid ‘loser’ who at least by some people’s opinions aren’t carrying their weight.”

Taking a tip from marketers, how about re-branding the profession to a “pre-hospitalist.” (via The Happy Hospitalist) With the Read more »

Speaking at the Nurse Practitioner Association conference in Liverpool last week, Dr Peter Carter, the RCN’s chief executive and general secretary, touched on the abuse and death of the 17-month-old boy known for legal reasons as Baby P in Haringey, London.

Dr Carter said: ‘I don’t in any way want to excuse poor practice but it brings into sharp relief and focus that these are difficult jobs and we are not working Read more »