Cold and flu are two of the most common illnesses and there is no “cure” for either. While some claim that products such as vitamin C or garlic have helped prevent illness or shorten the duration of the disease, there is often little scientific evidence to back up those claims. And, even if these products are natural, they are not necessarily safe.
Read More »Your Medicine Cabinet
Should Physicians Fill Your Prescriptions After They Write Them?
Most patients receive a prescription from their doctor, which they then take to a pharmacy to be filled. Recently, however, more and more doctors have begun filling certain prescriptions in their offices.
Read More »What You Need to Know about Performance-Enhancing Supplements
Everyday new products are advertised, making promises that are often too good to be true. Consumers who desperately want to look and feel better are the unsuspecting guinea pigs for these untested products. Before you decide to buy nutritional supplements, it is important to gather objective information (not from the manufacturers), and to consult with your doctor or another health professional.
Read More »Glucosamine Supplements: Good for Joints But Possibly Risky for Diabetes
Glucosamine is a popular dietary supplement used by many who suffer from joint pain. Most dietary supplements make claims that aren’t backed by scientific research, but NIH reports that daily doses of glucosamine can lower pain. As a result, the supplements are recommended by many physicians. But may these pills actually be dangerous?
Read More »Alli: The FDA’s First Over-the-Counter Diet Drug
Alli is the first FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss pill. The active ingredient in Alli inhibits the absorption of certain fats in the intestine. The subsequent excretion of these unabsorbed fats helps patients lose weight.
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