The hottest Treatment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Are You Okay? β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 23
  1. Treating substance abuse requires a comprehensive approach that addresses unique factors like genetics, behavior, and situations. Medications like Vivitrol (Naltrexone) can be effective in preventing relapse by blocking the effects of substances on the brain.
  2. The link between Diet Coke (containing aspartame) and cancer risk isn't definitively established. Recently, the World Health Organization mentioned a potential association, but more research is needed to confirm this connection.
  3. Supporting a loved one through substance abuse treatment involves holistic care, including counseling, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle adjustments. It's crucial to tackle underlying issues like trauma for long-term recovery.
Bentham's Newsletter β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 02 Aug 23
  1. Caplan argues that if something is responsive to incentives, it can't be a mental illness.
  2. Preferences can be irrational and harmful, making them akin to mental illnesses.
  3. Mental illness can be a complex judgment based on normative considerations and other factors.
Frank’s Alabama COVID Newsletter β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 26 Sep 23
  1. The latest data shows a decrease in weekly hospitalizations for Covid in the United States, with Alabama experiencing a significant drop.
  2. Alabama's hospitalization rate is still above the national average, but has improved from being ranked 3rd highest to 9th highest in the nation.
  3. Research is ongoing to understand the complexities of long Covid, with one study highlighting the potential role of low cortisol levels in causing profound fatigue.
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Are You Okay? β€’ 639 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 22
  1. COVID can have long-lasting effects on some people, leading to a range of symptoms that vary in severity and duration.
  2. Understanding long COVID requires detailed data and nuanced discussions, not sweeping generalizations.
  3. Prevention through vaccination and exploring potential treatments like Metformin can help reduce the risk of long COVID.
Neuro Athletics β€’ 50 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
  1. Obesity during middle age can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other serious health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
  2. Genes associated with obesity, especially those inherited through the maternal lineage, can play a role in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
  3. Understanding the impact of altered adipokines, potential treatments like Ozempic, and the interplay between obesity and Alzheimer's disease is crucial for public health challenges.
The Frontier Psychiatrists β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 21 Apr 23
  1. Obesity can be considered an illness, impacted by factors like medications, lifestyle changes, and health conditions.
  2. Medical treatments like semaglutide (Ozempic) can help improve metabolic health in individuals with obesity and related conditions like diabetes.
  3. It's important to consider the risks of inaction in managing obesity and related health issues, alongside the risks of treatments, with a focus on improving quality of life.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 16 Mar 24
  1. A recent Thailand clinical trial showed 100% effectiveness in preventing COVID hospitalizations with a 2-drug combination, in contrast to the 37.5% hospitalization rate with standard care.
  2. The early treatment combination of fluvoxamine and another drug displayed clear benefits in preventing hospitalizations and reducing serious adverse events, unlike the COVID vaccines.
  3. Despite strong evidence and successful outcomes of multi-drug treatments since early 2020, health authorities and organizations like CDC, FDA, and WHO continue to overlook and ignore these effective treatment options.
Are You Okay? β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 20 Aug 23
  1. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the Influenza virus, with symptoms like cough, sore throat, fever, body aches, and fatigue. It can be severe and even fatal.
  2. Getting a flu vaccine is crucial because it reduces the risk of serious flu-related complications and mortality. Even if its effectiveness varies, it plays a significant role in preventing deaths.
  3. The flu spreads person-to-person and in the air, especially in crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Effective treatments include prescription antiviral medications and rest.
Are You Okay? β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 20 Aug 23
  1. RSV is a virus that primarily affects infants, young children, and older adults, leading to severe respiratory issues like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
  2. RSV season typically starts in the fall, peaks in the winter, and varies in intensity and timing from year to year and by region.
  3. New vaccines and antibody injections are available to help protect against RSV, with options for older adults, pregnant women, and babies/toddlers, aiming to reduce severe outcomes and transmission.
Are You Okay? β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 23 Dec 22
  1. The post discusses preventing, testing for, and treating viral infections, focusing on how to navigate situations involving fevers.
  2. There is an offer for a 7-day free trial to subscribe for more detailed information and access to full post archives.
  3. There is an invitation to engage by asking questions for future Friday Q&A sessions.
The Frontier Psychiatrists β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 17 Apr 23
  1. The article discusses personalized dosing of Lamotrigine in treating Bipolar Disorder.
  2. Lamotrigine was developed primarily as a treatment for epilepsy and is now utilized for bipolar disorder.
  3. The medication functions based on metabolic and neurological disorders, as explained by physician-scientists.
The Frontier Psychiatrists β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 20 Mar 23
  1. Daniel Johnston was a prolific songwriter and artist despite battling with a psychotic illness.
  2. His story highlights the complexities of living with mental illness and the impact of psychiatric treatments.
  3. Acceptance, understanding, and balancing the benefits and risks of treatments are crucial in mental health care.
Marlene’s Newsletter β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 24 Feb 24
  1. Foxborough State Hospital, initially focused on treating alcohol and opium addiction, faced numerous scandals and abuse claims over the years, leading to investigations and scrutiny from the public.
  2. The hospital's history reflects a mix of treatment approaches, including questionable methods like the Keeley Cure which involved controversial ingredients and raised concerns about efficacy and ethics.
  3. As the hospital shifted to treating psychiatric patients and faced financial struggles during the Great Depression, many patients, especially those without families, faced harsh conditions, unknown burials, and challenges in tracking their histories.
Into the Hedge β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 07 Aug 23
  1. Ticks are attracted to humans when in the woods, but there are ways to protect yourself like tucking pants into socks and wearing light-colored clothes to spot them easily.
  2. Ticks are slow-moving creatures, mostly found below the waist and tend to climb higher on the body once making contact.
  3. Active observation is key when dealing with ticks; understanding their behavior and knowing where to look can help in spotting and removing them from the body.
Neuro Athletics β€’ 25 implied HN points β€’ 16 Aug 23
  1. Testosterone deficiency can lead to low libido, decreased energy, poor concentration, and depression.
  2. Factors contributing to the decline in testosterone levels among U.S. men include obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and exposure to external toxins.
  3. It is important to be aware of the potential implications of declining testosterone levels and seek medical advice if necessary.
semaglutide β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 16 Mar 23
  1. Be wary of potential deadly side effects of popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
  2. Weight Watchers and NHS are incorporating weight loss drugs like Wegovy into their programs.
  3. The high costs and potential health risks associated with weight loss medications raise concerns about accessibility and effectiveness.
Discovery by Axial β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 23
  1. Kidney disease affects over 30 million people in the US with high healthcare costs.
  2. New tools like genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics show promise in understanding kidney biology and drug development.
  3. CKD is a big opportunity for new treatments, focusing on new MoAs like loss of podocytes, chemokines, JAK inhibitors, and ECM deposition.
News from Those Nerdy Girls β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 04 Apr 23
  1. Paxlovid is an underused but effective tool against COVID-19, especially for high-risk individuals over 50.
  2. Taking Paxlovid within the first 5 days of symptoms can prevent severe disease, death, and Long Covid.
  3. Paxlovid has shown to reduce the risk of post-acute symptoms and can be beneficial for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Are You Okay? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 08 Aug 22
  1. Monkeypox is a DNA virus that is significantly less contagious than COVID and spreads through close contact, making it unlikely to cause a nationwide epidemic like COVID.
  2. Monkeypox is primarily spread through close skin-to-skin contact and is not easily transmitted through surfaces or asymptomatic individuals.
  3. Vaccines like JYNNEOS are crucial for preventing monkeypox, while treatments like TPOXX and isolation help manage symptoms and contain the spread.
Are You Okay? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 23 May 22
  1. Paxlovid is not a one-size-fits-all solution and its effectiveness varies depending on factors like age, vaccination status, and underlying health conditions.
  2. Using Paxlovid in vaccinated individuals is still being studied, but it has shown anecdotal improvement in symptoms for some high-risk patients.
  3. Some vaccinated patients have experienced a rebound of COVID symptoms after finishing a course of Paxlovid, prompting further research and caution in prescribing.
Are You Okay? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 18 Apr 22
  1. The Omicron BA.2 variant is highly contagious but generally not causing more severe illness than previous versions in vaccinated and boosted individuals. Symptoms can range from mild cold-like to more severe, and testing is crucial to differentiate between COVID and other common illnesses.
  2. Rapid antigen tests are effective in detecting contagious levels of the virus, and isolation guidelines recommend staying isolated for at least 5 days after a positive test, preferably until a negative test is obtained.
  3. Vaccination, boosting where eligible, staying home when sick, and seeking medical advice are crucial steps in managing COVID. Understanding that exposure may be inevitable, a balanced approach to precautions is recommended to protect oneself and others.
Are You Okay? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 20 Sep 21
  1. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the Influenza virus, can be severe, and leads to thousands of deaths each year in the U.S.
  2. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from 20-60%, but even when effectiveness is low, it still significantly reduces mortality and morbidity.
  3. It is important to get the flu shot every year, especially this year, to prevent outbreaks that could strain healthcare systems and to protect against the flu and COVID-19.
Are You Okay? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jan 21
  1. We know more about treating severe COVID-19, including using supplemental oxygen, dexamethasone, remdesivir, and blood thinners to help hospitalized patients.
  2. For early COVID-19 at home, it's advisable to monitor symptoms, take vitamin D and zinc, rest, hydrate, and get monoclonal antibodies within the first 7-10 days after symptom onset.
  3. To prevent COVID-19, remember MOSHPIT: Masks, Outdoors, Social distancing, Handwashing, Personal responsibility, Information, and Talk to your doctor.
Are You Okay? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 31 Aug 20
  1. Young people, especially teenagers and college-aged students, are facing increased struggles with mental health during the pandemic.
  2. Acknowledging the struggle and seeking help is important for maintaining mental well-being.
  3. Having a structured plan, including addressing basics like sleep, diet, exercise, processing emotions, and seeking professional support, is essential for coping with mental health challenges.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 31 Aug 20
  1. The precision of a test doesn't always make it the best choice, especially in cases like testing for infectious diseases.
  2. Having the best test can sometimes be a disadvantage, like with PCR tests that can be too sensitive, leading to unnecessary costs and false positives.
  3. Lowering the sensitivity threshold of tests, like PCR, can be more beneficial in identifying active infections and informing isolation decisions.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 21
  1. We need to plan for long-term strategies for managing Covid-19 as an endemic disease, considering the possibility that it might never fully go away.
  2. The ongoing mutations in the virus pose a challenge to achieving widespread immunity and point out the importance of developing effective treatments alongside vaccines.
  3. A diplomatic approach is needed in dealing with Covid-19, focusing on finding treatments that can make the disease more manageable in the long run, rather than relying solely on vaccine strategies.