December 15th, 2009 by Dr. Val Jones in Opinion, Research
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Steve Novella whimsically opined on a recent phone call that irrationality must convey a survival advantage for humans. I’m afraid he has a point.
It’s much easier to scare people than to reassure them, and we have a difficult time with objectivity in the face of a good story. In fact, our brains seem to be hard wired for bias – and we’re great at drawing subtle inferences from interactions, and making our observations fit preconceived notions. A few of us try to fight that urge, and we call ourselves scientists. Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at Science-Based Medicine*
December 15th, 2009 by Dr. Val Jones in Health Tips, Video
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Some researchers say that America has “sitting disease” because (on average) we spend 56 hours a week in a seated position. I had the chance to talk to the ABC news team in Washington, DC, about the importance of daily activity to keep our bodies from losing muscle mass. I encouraged us to think of activity not just as going to the gym, but as the daily commitment to NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis, described by Dr. James Levine at the Mayo Clinic). And yes, I confessed to having sitting disease myself… and have made a clear New Year’s resolution to address this problem!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8CWiZYQucA
December 12th, 2009 by Dr. Val Jones in Humor, True Stories
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Will marketing wonders never cease? A strange, candy-like smell filled the shower today as I pondered my new razor, holding it gingerly to my nose. Yes, in fact Bic saw fit to make it berry-scented. Why would anyone want their razor to smell like food? What’s next, chocolate scratch-and-sniff oil filters?
I was about to make fun of the Bic marketing folks, when I suddenly realized that the razor was in my house because someone bought it… Though I maintain that it was my husband’s doing – and that he probably didn’t even read the small print on the package.
He probably bought the razors because they were on sale. Though now I have a strange fruity craving… and smooth legs.
Thank you, America.
December 12th, 2009 by Dr. Val Jones in Health Policy, Opinion
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My Practice Partners On A House Call
My friend and Better Health contributor, Toni Brayer, recently polled her blog audience about their opinion of concierge medicine. She describes concierge medicine this way:
Also known as “retainer” practice, concierge is a growing type of medical practice where the patient pays the physician an up front fee (retainer) for services. The fee can range from $100/month to $20,000/year, depending upon the practice and the services offered. The fee usually covers all visits to the doctor, phone calls, more prompt service and email access. Labs, tests, Xrays, referrals to specialists, and hospitalization are not included.
Her readers responded: Read more »
