Health: The ACA and pre-existing conditions
Many incorrectly believe there were no pre-existing condition exclusioin protections before the ACA passed in 2010. This is not true, however.
Most people who have a heart attack have normal cholesterol levels
So why do we focus on cholesterol? I have no idea.
How pop media and cardiology might miss the forest for the trees
Pop media and cardiology too, focus on LDL, smoking, diabetes and heart disease - but seem to ignore other now documented causes of artery problems.
Health: Congress acknowledges the ACA failed
After years of saying the ACA would lower prices, Congress acknowledges the individual market is now so expensive, it cannot function without subsidies.
Nutrition: Plant-based protein powders high in lead
Says it's not an immediate threat but protein-based powders have elevated levels of lead in them that can exceed safe levels.
Nutrition: Beyond Meat beyond viable business?
Beyond Meat has lost 99.5% of its share value since its peak.
Public health: So-called “Blue Zones” turn out to be a fraud
"Blue Zones" and the Blue Zone diet appear to have been based on bad record keeping and pension fraud leading to false claims of many centenarians.
Updated: Nutrition science is about climate, animal rights, and labor abuses
This was originally posted in April 2025. This has been updated to note Stanford’s Christopher Gardner’s role and his conflicts of interest in promoting a “plant-based” diet via the USDA…
Health: Effectiveness of influenza vaccine
Contrary to some social media posts, the influenza vaccine does appear to work.
Demographics: Children’s hospital wing may close
The 10-bed facility has an average daily census of less than 2. CA has a fertility rate of 1.52 - there just aren't many kids anymore.