A famous story says the Qianlong emperor paid physicians only when he was healthy. The alleged dialogue lacks a verifiable primary citation. What healthcare incentives really tell us.
Health
28 Articles
28
Mike’s Balance examines health and medical claims using clinical evidence, explicit uncertainty and clearly labelled personal experience.
Piperine can increase curcumin exposure, but the famous 2000% figure came from a tiny 1998 pharmacokinetic study. Better absorption does not automatically mean better clinical outcomes or greater safety.
Near-infrared light can penetrate scalp and skull, but fNIRS does not prove that ordinary sunlight delivers a therapeutic dose to the brain. Here is what penetration and photobiomodulation studies actually show.
Two swollen ankles can look alike while telling entirely different physiological stories. The useful question is not…
Most cracked heels come from dry thickened skin plus pressure, but diabetes, eczema, psoriasis and other conditions can contribute. Here is how to treat heel fissures safely and when to seek care.
Cholesterol is essential to human biology, but apoB-containing particles, especially LDL, have a causal role in atherosclerosis. Dietary cholesterol is only one part of the picture, and lowering LDL reduces cardiovascular events and can produce modest plaque regression.
Fluoride toothpaste reduces tooth decay and is generally safe when used as directed. The main practical concern is repeated swallowing by young children, which can increase fluorosis risk. Claims that ordinary toothpaste routinely causes thyroid or melatonin problems are not established.
How to measure blood pressure accurately at home, choose a validated cuff, understand why U.S. and European thresholds differ, and know when a reading needs medical attention.