heart disease

Study: Good Cholesterol May Not Be So Good

Study: Good Cholesterol May Not Be So Good

Conventional wisdom has held that some types of cholesterol may help prevent heart disease, but government researchers have found evidence to the contrary. The findings could change the way doctors treat millions of heart patients. [More]

New Lipitor Ads Mercifully Free Of Fake Doctors

New Lipitor Ads Mercifully Free Of Fake Doctors

Well, it seems that Pfizer is ready to move on from that embarrassing “Dr. Jarvik is not actually licensed to practice medicine” kerfuffle back in February. The company pulled its Lipitor spots after Congress became very interested in whether or not the ads were misleading the public into believing that Dr. Jarvik was qualified to offer medical advice — and that he was really rowing that boat. Now, theWall Street Journal has a tantalizing preview of the new “Dr. Jarvik Free” Lipitor ad. The spot features a regular person named John — a heart attack survivor who urges you to learn from his example and be more proactive about controlling your cholesterol (with Lipitor, damn it! Lipitor!).

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A clinical trial of Zetia, a popularly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drug, “failed to show that the drug has any medical benefits.” In fact, fatty plaques grew almost twice as fast in patients who took Zetia along with Zocor in a combo product called Vytorin. However, “patients who are taking Vytorin or Zetia should talk to their doctors if they are concerned and not discontinue taking the medicines on their own.” [New York Times]

HMOs Fail To Screen For Cancer, Major Diseases

HMOs Fail To Screen For Cancer, Major Diseases

12 million Californians are at a greater risk for cancer and other major diseases thanks to HMOs that fail to provide adequate preventive care, according to a Health Care Quality Report Card produced by the California Patient’s Advocate.

The Colonel Axes Trans Fats

The Colonel Axes Trans Fats

According to the New York Times, KFC chicken will no longer contain trans fats.

Accountant Embezzles Charity To Pay For Dominatrix

Accountant Embezzles Charity To Pay For Dominatrix

Where’s the money you gave to that Heart Disease charity out of the goodness of your heart going, anyway? The local neighborhood dominatrix, of course.