Steven Novella
Author
Publisher
Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
"Our predictions of the future are a wild fantasy, inextricably linked to our present hopes and fears, biases and ignorance. Whether they be the outlandish leaps predicted in the 1920s, like multi-purpose utility belts with climate control capabilities and planes the size of luxury cruise ships, or the forecasts of the '60s, which didn't anticipate the sexual revolution or women's liberation, the path to the present is littered with failed predictions...
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
The idea of using electromagnetism to heal has been around for centuries. Investigate how magnetic fields in objects like microwaves and cell phones work on our bodies, how healing is attempted through devices such as bracelets and pads, and how research shows that this curious form of medicine is scientifically unsound.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Carrying a baby low while pregnant means it's a boy. Never eat fish or drink caffeine while pregnant. Intercourse every 48 hours will increase your chances of conception. A whirlwind of misinformation surrounds the subject of pregnancy. Unpack many of the most common (and popular) myths in this episode.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Water is the most basic element of life. And yet there are many misconceptions about keeping your body hydrated. How exactly do our bodies regulate water? How much water should you really drink every day? Are expensive bottles of water and water purifiers worth the cost?
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
In Dr. Novella's introductory episode, discover the importance of debunking medical myths and learn tips on where to seek out solid, medically backed information. Then, get a taste of the episodes to come by unpacking common myths about hiccups, sneezing, swallowing gum, curing a hangover, and swimming after eating.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Herbalism is perhaps the oldest form of medicine. So how much does it really differ from modern pharmacology? Find out as Dr. Novella explores the complicated process of drug development and testing, and then scientifically debunks popular herbal remedies such as echinacea, Gingko biloba, and St. John's wort.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Vaccines are perhaps the single safest and most effective preventive health measure ever devised. In the first of two episodes on this subject, learn the history of vaccination, what types of vaccines doctors use to stave off specific diseases, and why some people still question whether this technique works.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Finish the series with a brief survey of "mini-myths," including that body heat is mostly lost through your head, that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis, and that eating turkey makes you sleepy. Afterward, take a moment to ponder the benefits of knowing how to sort through misconceptions and hype.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
It's commonly believed that large amounts of sugar lead to hyperactivity in children. But is that really the case? Debunk common misconceptions about the effects of sugar, food additives, and food allergies on children's behavior, and learn more about what may sometimes be the true culprit: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
10) The Common Cold
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Finally put to bed the popular myths about one of the most common illnesses: a cold. You've heard the stories about not going out in cold weather, eating chicken soup, washing your hands, and taking over-the-counter medicine. Now, discover what science says about what works and what doesn't.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Myths about placebos are "gateway myths," meaning they often lead to many other medical misconceptions and half-truths. By understanding how placebos are defined, how they are administered, and what their different effects can be, you can better grasp whether they really make for an effective form of medicine.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Get a broader perspective on medical misinformation with this tour of myths from around the world, including South Korea (where sleeping with an electric fan on is thought to be deadly), parts of Africa (where it's believed that intercourse with a virgin can cure HIV infection), and Japan (where some believe personality is tied to blood type).
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Discover evidence-based guidelines for good health, enhance your knowledge of common medical myths, strengthen your skills at assessing the truth behind medical information and advice, and much more. Dr. Steven Novella of the Yale University School of Medicine has designed these 24 episodes as an essential aid that can help you make smarter health decisions.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
When you hear the word "hypnosis," odds are you're thinking about the trance-like states you see on stage and TV. But does it have actual medical benefits? Here, delve into the neuroscience of hypnosis and examine truths about its clinical uses in dealing with memory loss, sleep disorders, chronic pain, and more.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Devised before the advent of science-based medicine, homeopathy is a controversial belief system that should not be substituted for effective treatment. So how is it supposed to work? Why has the science community rejected its prescriptions? How are homeopathic products prepared, and what is actually in them?
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Natural isn't always better for you, as Dr. Novella demonstrates by guiding you through some common fallacies about the "natural foods" you can find in almost any grocery store around the world. These include how such foods are cultivated, how they're labeled and sold, and how they're prepared and consumed.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Acupuncture has recently received a great deal of attention but has yet to be convincingly proven to be medically effective beyond nonspecific placebo effects. In this episode, take a closer look at the practice's Eastern and Western origins, its medical claims, its false potential as a form of anesthesia, and more.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
Infection remains a serious problem for our species, despite our well-developed immune systems. After learning about different bacteria and other invasive organisms, delve into some half-truths about antibiotic resistance and good hygiene. End the episode with the answer to an intriguing question: Can you be too clean?
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
What are the different levels of consciousness one can have in a coma? Is it truly possible to just wake up from a coma? Can people know that others are present while comatose? Movies and stories in the media perpetuate our confusion about comas and consciousness. Separate myth from reality here.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2020.
Language
English
Description
More than any other component of health, dieting is the area most prone to myths and misinformation. Here, evaluate the veracity of everything from the benefits of low-carb and low-fat diets to the use of weight-loss supplements and intense workouts to the nature of "good" and "bad" fats.