Franz Schubert, Syphilis and Mercury Poisoning
Two centuries ago, Franz Schubert composed music that today is among the most frequently performed music by classical orchestras, piano soloists, singers and choruses. Although he died before his 32nd birthday, he wrote more than a thousand original compositions including 600 choral works.
Dementia Linked to Excess Belly Fat
We now have data that links having a large belly to increased risk for dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating way to spend your last years.
High Dose Vitamins Associated with Increased Risk for Lung Cancer
Vitamins B6 and B12 have been promoted by the supplement industry for many years, touting benefits such as increased energy and higher metabolism. A new study suggests that these high-dose vitamin supplements are associated with increased risk for lung cancer in men, particularly in smokers.
D.L. Menard, the Cajun Hank Williams
America’s greatest Cajun singer, D.L. Menard, died this month from heart failure that was probably caused by cancer. Twenty-five years ago, he suffered his first heart attack and 16 years ago, his wife died of a heart attack associated with her diabetes.
Watermelon-Barley Greek Salad
A beautiful and delicious summer salad, perfect for Labor Day, a Fourth of July picnic or any buffet table,
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Several studies show that a high-plant diet such as a Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk for the type of prostate cancer than can kill you, and if you already have prostate cancer, that diet is associated with reduced chance of dying from that disease.
Blocking Inflammation to Prevent Heart Attacks
In the biggest advance in knowledge about the prevention of heart attacks since the discovery of statins, researchers at Harvard Medical School have shown that blocking inflammation helps to prevent heart attacks and cancers.
Dick Gregory, Comedian, Protester and Health Entrepreneur
Dick Gregory was the first widely-accepted black American stand-up comedian. He also showed incredible courage in the 1960s civil rights movement. In spite of being arrested and beaten up for being in the front lines of marches against racial prejudice and war, he advocated non-violence and fought brutality and prejudice with passive resistance, prayer and self-challenging fasting.
Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder
On August 21, 2017, a Los Angeles jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $417 million to a woman who claimed that talcum in J&J’s baby powder caused her ovarian cancer. This is the largest jury award so far in the more than 1,200 lawsuits filed against J&J, alleging that the company knew about cancer risks but did not warn consumers.
Heart Attack Prevention
The majority of heart attacks are caused by unhealthful lifestyles, not by genetic defects. Statins remain the major choice of preventative drug, but everyone should realize that many studies show that lifestyle changes are probably more effective than statins in preventing heart attacks.