The hottest Medical Advice Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Q&A: full body MRIs; new Paxlovid data; tapering antidepressants; & screening for aortic aneurisms

Are You Okay? • 499 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Advice
  1. Full body MRIs for health screening are not recommended due to uncertainties in results and potential anxiety from detecting non-significant abnormalities.
  2. The American College of Radiology advises against routine full-body MRI scans for asymptomatic individuals due to the risks outweighing the benefits.
  3. Full-body MRIs may miss conditions, be costly, time-consuming, and offer only a snapshot, not a holistic view of health; targeted screening based on individual factors is preferable.

JAMES HILL, MD, superb substack piece I bring up: "Why do they (celebrities) say you should die if unvaccinated? Why did people e.g. Howard Stern, David Frum, Sean Penn etc. say my family should die

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1768 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Celebrities Health Risks Medical Advice Religious Beliefs
  1. Questioning why celebrities suggest death for the unvaccinated
  2. Concerns about pressure to take COVID shots from leaders and celebrities
  3. Importance of not blindly trusting individuals making inhumane statements

🎧 An audio Q&A: high blood pressure; when to worry?; HRT risks after 60; & talking to your doctor about trauma

Are You Okay? • 399 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Advice
  1. Optimal blood pressure for an adult is less than 130/80, or even 120/80. Worry about your blood pressure being a health problem if it fluctuates a lot.
  2. Feeling dismissed by your doctor when your complaints don't show up in tests like blood tests or X-rays might make you question if you're overly worried. Consider if your doctor should be paying more attention.
  3. Consider submitting your questions for future Q&A posts or taking a 7-day free trial to keep reading such informative content.

A COVID Q&A: booster timing; testing; contagiousness; & the Novavax shot

Are You Okay? • 718 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Medical Advice Vaccination Testing Well-being
  1. It's crucial for high-risk individuals to consider getting a COVID booster shot 6 months post-infection, but the benefits of additional doses diminish for those at lower risk. Boosters may help briefly reduce infection risks, but lifestyle factors like sleep, nutrition, and exercise are also key for health.
  2. COVID testing should be prioritized for cases where results would alter medical care. For healthy individuals, testing may not be as critical for every symptom, but knowing the specific virus causing symptoms can still influence precautions and decisions.
  3. In households with multiple symptomatic individuals, differing COVID test results can occur; one positive and one negative doesn't necessarily mean the negative individual isn't contagious. Contact a healthcare provider for guidance when unsure.
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Tiktok's Latest Wellness Craze Sends People on a Teeth-Clenching Ride of Untamed Diarrhea

Torture Chamber Small Talk • 179 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Medical Advice Nutrition Misinformation Safety
  1. Be cautious about following medical advice from unverified sources, even if they have a large following.
  2. Some wellness trends promoted on social media platforms like TikTok can be risky and lack scientific backing.
  3. Avoid jumping on health trends without proper research and consideration of potential risks.

Friday Q&A: COVID, masks, boosters & testing

Are You Okay? • 599 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Masks Vaccines Public Health Medical Advice
  1. High-grade, well-fitted, consistently-worn masks can help protect the individual against infection, but mask mandates have not shown to slow the spread of COVID.
  2. The Cochrane review published in January 2023 concluded that wearing masks 'probably makes little or no difference' to COVID outcomes on a population level.
  3. While masks can offer personal protection, mask mandates in 2023 may not be effective without evidence to support their impact and considering they are not a harm-free intervention.

Friday Q&A: More COVID Queries!

Are You Okay? • 499 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccines Public Health Immune System Medical Advice
  1. Individuals may receive conflicting advice on COVID boosters due to factors like age, health conditions, and immunity status. Consult with a healthcare provider to assess personal risk and benefits.
  2. Protection against severe COVID relies on T cells activated by past vaccines or infections, even if it has been a while since the last shot. Booster shots are especially beneficial for high-risk groups.
  3. Long-lasting symptoms like voice changes post-COVID recovery may occur. Always seek medical advice for persistent symptoms to determine if they are temporary or need further evaluation.

One Year of the Heart Attack Diet II: Metabolism

The Heart Attack Diet • 119 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Metabolism Weight Loss Nutrition Medical Advice Physical health
  1. Metabolic issues like hypothyroidism can have symptoms that doctors may label as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, or Major Depression. It's essential to explore treatment options that work for you.
  2. Diet changes, like cutting out polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), may have a significant impact on metabolism and overall health. Consider avoiding PUFAs for potential improvements.
  3. It's crucial to be mindful of the impact of certain foods, like peanuts or palm oil, on metabolism. Forswearing polyunsaturated fats is advised for better health outcomes.

How to Ditch Bad Habits for Good

Are You Okay? • 459 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Medical Advice Mindset Recovery
  1. Approximately 80 million Americans do not have a primary care doctor, leading many to seek health advice online.
  2. Modern medicine often prioritizes testing and medications over patient-centered care, contributing to the rise of the wellness industry.
  3. Michael Easter promotes choosing short-term discomfort for long-term benefits, aiming to inspire people to be '2 percenters' who make healthier choices.

The new rise of "shaken baby syndrome"

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Medical Advice
  1. Parents who vaccinate their children can face accusations of shaken baby syndrome when their child develops encephalitis soon after vaccination, which can lead to permanent brain injury.
  2. Physicians may report these parents to Child Protective Services, attributing the child's condition to shaken baby syndrome rather than vaccine complications.
  3. There is a growing trend of parents losing custody of their children due to accusations of shaken baby syndrome following vaccination, especially with COVID vaccines in the mix.

Friday Q&A: "White Coat" Hypertension, When and How to Leave Your Doctor, Statin drugs, & COVID testing

Are You Okay? • 279 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Physical health Mental health Medical Advice
  1. When visiting the doctor, it's common for blood pressure to spike due to stress, known as 'white coat hypertension'. Monitoring blood pressure outside of the doctor's office can provide a more accurate picture.
  2. White coat hypertension can still be harmful if left untreated, so lifestyle changes like exercise, healthy eating, and stress management are important to help reduce overall blood pressure levels.
  3. The mind-body connection plays a significant role in blood pressure fluctuations, and stress management techniques can have a positive impact on both physical and emotional well-being.

Friday Q&A: On Treating Heartburn; Selecting the Best Doctor; Insomnia; & How to Triage Your Medical “To-Dos”

Are You Okay? • 219 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Advice Insomnia
  1. Heartburn can be triggered by factors like acidic foods, excess weight, medications, stress, and certain behaviors like lying down after eating a heavy meal. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, but it's essential to consult with a doctor for personalized advice.
  2. When seeking a doctor who integrates mind, body, and spirit, it's crucial to prioritize finding a healthcare provider who will listen, understand your needs, and offer holistic care beyond just prescribing medications.
  3. Consider lifestyle modifications alongside medication for managing health issues. It's possible to strike a balance that allows you to continue enjoying things like coffee while also taking necessary steps to address your condition.

Friday Q&A: Low Back Pain; Full Body MRIs; Sustainable Exercise; & OUCH My Ribs Hurt!

Are You Okay? • 159 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Advice Physical therapy Pain management
  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can help with lower back pain but have risks if used long-term.
  2. Manual therapies such as physical therapy and exercises are effective and sustainable options to treat low back pain and improve strength and flexibility.
  3. Full body MRIs as a health screening tool lack substantial evidence, contrasting the promotion by health and wellness influencers.

Boost Your Immunity

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunity Vaccination COVID-19 Medical Advice Public Health
  1. The FDA authorized a second booster shot for specific groups, emphasizing individual responsibility in COVID protection.
  2. Data supports high effectiveness of COVID vaccines in reducing hospitalization rates, especially with more booster shots.
  3. Consulting a primary care provider for personalized advice on receiving additional booster shots is crucial for making informed decisions.

Pick Your Battles

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Child Health Parenting COVID-19 Medical Advice
  1. Consider the risks and benefits before making decisions about your family's health, like getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
  2. Vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines, are effective and safe, providing protection and helping reduce transmission.
  3. Making informed decisions based on science and facts, not fear, is crucial when navigating health choices for your family.

Take the First Vaccine You’re Offered

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 25 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines COVID-19 Public Health Immunity Medical Advice
  1. Take the first vaccine available, as all vaccines effectively prevent death and reduce hospitalization from COVID-19.
  2. Vaccine efficacy percentages are about relative risk, and all approved vaccines are successes of modern medicine.
  3. Currently available vaccines protect against variants, but regular boosters may be necessary in the future.

Test your Patience (and your Knowledge on Covid Testing)

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 28 Sep 20
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Testing Medical Advice
  1. Differentiating between COVID testing types is crucial: PCR tests are more accurate, but rapid tests can give quicker results (though less accurate).
  2. Quarantine is important even with a negative test result after exposure to COVID, as symptoms can show up later.
  3. Widespread testing, especially with cheaper and quicker at-home options, could greatly help in controlling the pandemic.

Let’s Rethink Testing

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jul 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Medical Advice
  1. The turnaround time for COVID test results can be delayed, leading to potential spread of the virus unknowingly.
  2. Frequent testing with real-time results can help in identifying the timing of infection and better containing the virus.
  3. Challenges like shortage of testing supplies, labs processing delays, and asymptomatic spread make controlling the virus difficult without regular testing.

Be Honest with Yourself

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jun 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Substance Use Medical Advice
  1. Pay attention to your feelings and how they influence your relationship with alcohol; are you using it for comfort or escapism?
  2. Evaluate your alcohol consumption patterns and be open with your doctor about it; honesty is key for receiving appropriate help and support.
  3. Consider seeking resources like therapy, support groups, or structured programs if you need assistance with managing your relationship with alcohol.

Don’t Succumb to the Tyranny of the Urgent

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Physical health Mental health Telemedicine Medical Advice
  1. Being alone does not always equate to loneliness; it can lead to self-reflection, growth, and meaningful connections.
  2. Do not neglect non-COVID related health issues; reach out to your doctor for a checkup, especially for concerning symptoms.
  3. Telemedicine is becoming more common and can improve healthcare access, allowing for remote medical consultations.

Know your Body and Ask for Help When Something Feels Amiss

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 05 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Physical health Mental health Medical Advice Self-care COVID-19
  1. Listen to your body and seek help if something doesn't feel right. Lisa's story shows how important it is to trust your instincts about your health.
  2. Even when faced with conflicting advice, prioritize your well-being above everything else. Take action when needed.
  3. Regularly check in with your body and communicate any concerns with your doctor. Pay attention to both physical and mental changes, especially during uncertain times.

Understand BA.5 & the COVID Vaccine for Kids

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Children's Health Medical Advice Public Health Immunity
  1. The BA.5 Omicron subvariant is highly contagious but doesn't seem to be intrinsically more virulent than past variants. So far, the vaccine continues to offer protection against death and serious COVID outcomes against BA.5.
  2. Deciding on vaccinating children under 5 against COVID is nuanced and should be individualized. Although the risks of major vaccine side effects are extremely low, the long-term safety and efficacy for children are not yet fully understood.
  3. It's important to focus on vulnerable populations for vaccination and boosters to protect society as a whole. The data and understanding around COVID vaccination for young children are still evolving, requiring a nuanced approach towards decision-making.