Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far
A look at fifteen popular medical treatments that have been shown to be far more harmful than helpful, yet are still recommended by doctors.

Modern medicine has made major advances in the last few decades, as more informed practices, thorough research, and incredible breakthroughs have made it possible to successfully treat and even eradicate many serious ailments. But we still rely on medical interventions that are vastly out of date and can adversely affect our health. In Overkill, Dr. Paul a Offit debunks fifteen common medical interventions that continue despite mounting evidence they are damaging or even deadly. Discussing everything from vitamins, sunscreen, and eyedrops for pinkeye to more serious procedures like heart stent placement and knee surgery, Offit—an acclaimed medical expert and patient advocate—tears down prolific medical propaganda that, for decades, has been causing more harm than good.

Analyzing the history of how these practices came to be, the biology of what makes them so ineffective, and the medical culture that has consistently turned a blind eye, Overkill seeks to move the needle far away from these counterproductive treatments—and help patients advocate for their health. By educating ourselves, we can ask better questions and bring a much-needed skepticism to some of the drugs and surgeries that are too readily available—and too heavily promoted.
1130698113
Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far
A look at fifteen popular medical treatments that have been shown to be far more harmful than helpful, yet are still recommended by doctors.

Modern medicine has made major advances in the last few decades, as more informed practices, thorough research, and incredible breakthroughs have made it possible to successfully treat and even eradicate many serious ailments. But we still rely on medical interventions that are vastly out of date and can adversely affect our health. In Overkill, Dr. Paul a Offit debunks fifteen common medical interventions that continue despite mounting evidence they are damaging or even deadly. Discussing everything from vitamins, sunscreen, and eyedrops for pinkeye to more serious procedures like heart stent placement and knee surgery, Offit—an acclaimed medical expert and patient advocate—tears down prolific medical propaganda that, for decades, has been causing more harm than good.

Analyzing the history of how these practices came to be, the biology of what makes them so ineffective, and the medical culture that has consistently turned a blind eye, Overkill seeks to move the needle far away from these counterproductive treatments—and help patients advocate for their health. By educating ourselves, we can ask better questions and bring a much-needed skepticism to some of the drugs and surgeries that are too readily available—and too heavily promoted.
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Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far

Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far

by Paul A. Offit MD
Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far

Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far

by Paul A. Offit MD

eBook

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Overview

A look at fifteen popular medical treatments that have been shown to be far more harmful than helpful, yet are still recommended by doctors.

Modern medicine has made major advances in the last few decades, as more informed practices, thorough research, and incredible breakthroughs have made it possible to successfully treat and even eradicate many serious ailments. But we still rely on medical interventions that are vastly out of date and can adversely affect our health. In Overkill, Dr. Paul a Offit debunks fifteen common medical interventions that continue despite mounting evidence they are damaging or even deadly. Discussing everything from vitamins, sunscreen, and eyedrops for pinkeye to more serious procedures like heart stent placement and knee surgery, Offit—an acclaimed medical expert and patient advocate—tears down prolific medical propaganda that, for decades, has been causing more harm than good.

Analyzing the history of how these practices came to be, the biology of what makes them so ineffective, and the medical culture that has consistently turned a blind eye, Overkill seeks to move the needle far away from these counterproductive treatments—and help patients advocate for their health. By educating ourselves, we can ask better questions and bring a much-needed skepticism to some of the drugs and surgeries that are too readily available—and too heavily promoted.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780062947512
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: 02/27/2024
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 293
Sales rank: 738,893
File size: 2 MB

About the Author

Paul A. Offit, MD, is a professor of pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases and director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as the acclaimed author of Autism's False Prophets, Vaccinated, Pandora's Lab, and Deadly Choices.

Table of Contents

Prologue: Ignoring James Lind 1

Part I Infections

1 Treating Fever Can Prolong or Worsen Illness 7

2 Finishing the Antibiotic Course Is Often Unnecessary 20

3 Antibiotic Drops Don't Treat Pinkeye 35

Part II Supplements and Drugs

4 Vitamin D Supplements Aren't a Cure-all 45

5 Supplemental Antioxidants Increase the Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease 59

6 Testosterone for "Low T" Is Dangerous and Unnecessary 70

7 Baby Aspirin Doesn't Prevent First Strokes or First Heart Attacks 84

Part III Food and Over-the-Counter Products

8 Embrace Allergenic Foods for Infants 97

9 The False Security of Sunblock 102

10 Avoid Reflux Medicines for Fussy Babies 109

Part IV Cancer Screening

11 Prostate Cancer Screening Programs Do More Harm Than Good 117

12 Thyroid Cancer Screening Programs Don't Save Lives 124

13 Breast Cancer Screening Programs Aren't Exactly as Advertised 133

Part V Surgery

14 Heart Stents Don't Prolong Lives 147

15 Surgery for Knee Arthritis Is Unnecessary 156

16 Don't Remove Mercury Dental Fillings 168

Part VI Common Beliefs

17 Vitamin C Doesn't Treat or Prevent Colds 187

18 Don't Ice Sprains 197

19 Teething Doesn't Cause Fever 202

Epilogue: Choosing Wisely 205

Acknowledgments 213

Notes 215

Index 267

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