From Arthritis to Zoster

The news releases are all reporting a link between proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, et al) and hip fracture. Apparently, the risk for fracture increases dramatically for people who take one of these drugs (PPIs) for an extended period– longer than a year, say. The theory is that the medications– which inhibit acid production […]

As we reach the cusp of another annum, let’s skip to the far end of the alphabet today and talk about a bug called “zoster.” Variously known as varicella, VZV (varicella zoster virus), or zoster, this virus is responsible for causing chickenpox in children—though grownups are also occasionally affected—and shingles in adults. It is classified […]

Just a short post for now; there’s another epic in the works.
I just came across an AP article from the New York Times concerning Eli Lilly’s downplaying of Zyprexa’s side effects. Zyprexa is a drug that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With approximately 2 million users accounting for $4.2 billion in sales last year, it is also Lilly’s […]

When you think of all the good things your immune system does for you every second of every day, it’s a marvel that it doesn’t break down more often.
Take cancer, for instance. Every time a cell in your body divides, there’s the possibility that some of the machinery governing the process will go haywire. By […]

In my previous post I promised to share some information about various herbs that have traditionally been used for detoxification. Please see “Detox 101″ for a brief discussion of herbal classifications and rationales for use.
One thing to keep in mind is that most herbal preparations that have stood the test of time are supported by a […]