General Medicine

Hemoglobin A1c: What is it, and why does it matter?

By Dr. Ronald Hoffman

“Most commonly people are told that having an A1c of 5.6 – 5.8% should be considered normal, but these levels already put you in the second highest category for brain shrinkage! I believe that, based on this information, we should…read more

Categories: General Medicine
Are your medications getting you down?

By Dr. Ronald Hoffman

A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association has disturbing implications for Americans who take prescription and over-the-counter drugs, often many at the same time: They can significantly increase the risk of depression. Moreover, the number of adults using 3…read more

Categories: General Medicine
Less is more: The rise of overtreatment in the 21st Century

By Dr. Ronald Hoffman

The country doctor of the early 20th Century had very few tools to address patients’ complaints. Armed with a few simple medications and some basic surgical techniques, they often had to rely on reassurance and bedside manner to ease suffering. …read more

Categories: General Medicine
Intelligent Medicine Health News Review

By Dr. Ronald Hoffman

Every week, I share my insights with you on various health topics, from the latest news to seasonal concerns to in-depth examinations of particular areas of interest. But every now and then, I like to give my take on a…read more

Categories: General Medicine
Is there really a vast conspiracy to deprive us of cures and profit off our misery?

By Dr. Ronald Hoffman

The line of reasoning goes as follows: The pharmaceutical industry, partnering with its enablers in Big Food and Big Medicine, and subsidized by Big Government, has a stake in keeping us sick and dependent on their expensive, but non-curative chemical…read more

Categories: General Medicine
Is the growth of the pharmaceutical industry making us sicker?

By Dr. Ronald Hoffman

Members of the natural health movement (myself included) have long argued that despite acknowledged medical advances, today’s proliferation of pharmaceutical drugs threatens to undermine, rather than promote, the health of our populace. We’re often branded as Luddites, ignorant skeptics, even…read more

Categories: General Medicine
The truth about Trump’s physical

By Dr. Ronald Hoffman

President Donald Trump’s recent physical exam has occasioned lots of commentary, much of it snarky. It has even spawned a new hashtag: #Girther, a skeptical allusion to Trump’s claim that he is 6’3” and 239 (Some believe he’s exaggerating his height…read more

Categories: General Medicine
The top 12 Intelligent Medicine podcasts of 2017

By Dr. Ronald Hoffman

Each year at holiday time, I compile a list of the year’s top Intelligent Medicine podcasts. It’s become an annual tradition! This year, it takes on special significance, because our faithful listeners have propelled the Intelligent Medicine podcast across the momentous threshold of five…read more

Categories: General Medicine
Debating a skeptic

By Dr. Ronald Hoffman

Why is it that so many patients are looking for alternative and complementary medicines and treatments? Should more studies be conducted on alternative or complementary treatments, or is it a waste of money and time? Does integrative medicine belong in…read more

Categories: General Medicine