February 2024: In its public comment, NCHR supported EPA’s proposed lead and copper rule improvements (LCRI) and suggested strengthening safeguards such as lowering the action lead level to 5 ppb or less, more attention to schools, daycares, and afterschool facilities, better enforcement, and not replacing lead pipes with PVC or other dangerous pipes.
Read More »Medical Care for Adults
The National Center for Health Research reviews important new research as soon as it is published. We cut through the hype regarding various medical treatments to let you know what is proven and what is unknown about the risks and benefits of various treatment options. We do not accept funding from the companies that make medical products, so you can trust that our information is based on science, and not biased by financial ties to the treatments we’re evaluating.
To find the information you need, please use our search box to search for exactly what you are looking for or browse through our various topics on the right. →
Some of these articles were written this year and others were not, however, if they are on our website it means the information is up-to-date. We always scrutinize new research and call the researchers to learn even more. Then we translate it into plain language that everyone can understand.
If you’re looking for more detailed information about cancer, please go to our Cancer Prevention and Treatment website.
If you don’t see what you are looking for on any health topic, please contact us and we will try to get the information you need within a few days.
The Evidence Behind Clinical and Self-Breast Exams
We review the conflicting advice from healthcare professionals on performing self-breast exams so that you and your doctor can make the best decision for you.
Read More »NCHR Public Comment on Communications From Firms to Healthcare Providers Regarding Scientific Information on Unapproved Uses of Approved Medical Products
December 26, 2023: We responded to the FDA’s request for public comment about the scientific information (SIUU) that firms can provide to healthcare providers about the unapproved uses of approved medical products. Promotion for unapproved (off label) uses were prohibited years ago, but that has been loosened over the decades and the FDA’s new draft guidance is worrisome because it is not as specific as it should be about how to ensure that the information the companies provide is accurate and not misleading. We agree with some of the guidance but urge more careful wording to ban the use of poor quality data and misinterpretation.
Read More »Dr. Diana Zuckerman’s Testimony at the FDA Advisory Committee on NurOwn for ALS Treatment
September 27, 2023: NCHR’s Diana Zuckerman’s testified at FDA’s Advisory Committee meeting on September 27, 2023 about tripling of deaths and no benefits of NurOwn treatment for ALS. Improvements were identical for placebo compared to NurOwn treatment, and patients should not have to pay for unproven treatment. Experimental treatment should be free through clinical trials or expanded access.
Read More »Do Antidepressants Increase Suicide Attempts? Do They Have Other Risks?
Research shows that antidepressants can increase suicide risk in people. When depressed people become somewhat less depressed, they feel less hopeless and more able to attempt suicide. But there is evidence that antidepressants may also increase the risk of suicide for other reasons, such as akathisia. Other risks from antidepressants include blood clots and birth defects. Antidepressants also have a “placebo effect” that makes the drugs seem more effective than they really are. Safe and effective alternatives include cognitive behavioral therapy and physical activity.
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