Herbal Supplements
A number of scientific studies called into question the effectiveness of some popular remedies.

Echinacea, which is used to treat the common cold; St. John's Wort, used for depression; and Gingko biloba, thought to sharpen memory — were all shown ineffective in studies published this year.


West Nile Virus
According to the CDC, West Nile Virus has now spread across Canada and the U.S., infecting over 4000 people this year.  August was a particularly difficult month.

Food Pyramid Changes
In July, The New York Times Magazine published an article titled "What If It's All Been a Big Fat Lie?" The thesis: that fat might not be bad for you after all.

"The food pyramid was out of date the day it was printed," said Walter Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health. "But it's even more out of date given the evidence that's accrued since that time."

While most doctors aren't recommending porterhouse steaks instead of broccoli, they are recommending a change in our food pyramid, suggesting we should avoid foods many of us have embraced — pastas and potatoes and bagels — in favor of the "good fats" that are found in nuts and oils.


Hormone Replacement Therapy
The National Institutes of Health made a stunning announcement this summer: hormone replacement therapy, used regularly to treat the side effects of menopause, increased the risk for cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

While the study looked only at women taking estrogen plus progestin — sold under the brand name Prempro — the finding left many women confused about what they might do to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and still stay healthy.

And a reminder that good medicine is ultimately dependent on good science for the right answers.

Reference Source 104

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