20 March 2013 by John Underhay
Regulation and licensing of businesses is considered a normal part of government bureaucracy. Some libertarians may disagree with any form of government interference in commercial activities, however, it is generally accepted that regulation is a proper government function, even if the type or level of regulation is controversial. One area that has created some discussion [...]
Posted in Paranormal, Pseudoscience, Skepticism10 Comments
27 February 2013 by Bart Farkas
In the last few years it appears that the number of clinics offering “Laser Therapy” for pain relief, arthritis, hair loss (or to remove hair) and a bevy of other health benefits. Billboard ads, radio spots, even flyers in alternative medicine offices (Chiropractors, naturopaths etc.) seem subjectively to be increasing. It got me thinking about [...]
Posted in Alt-Med or Alt-Menace?, Alternative Medicine, Health, Medicinal Advertising, Skepticism16 Comments
23 November 2012 by John Underhay
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. It has been said that if you are male and you live long enough you will develop the disease. That’s somewhat hyperbolic, but not much. Along with age, risk factors include race/ethnicity, nationality, family history, and socio-economic status. Prostate cancer occurs more often in [...]
Posted in Alternative Medicine, Atlantic, Skepticism5 Comments
14 September 2012 by Dianne Sousa
Practitioner Kate Whimster (Toronto) Qualifications Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Master of the Institute for Human Individuality (MIFHI) Claims That… Heat stroke can be treated during travel using jerry-rigged electrolyte replacement. In addition, heat stroke, trauma and shock can be treated with a homeopathic spray.
Posted in Alt-Med or Alt-Menace?, Health5 Comments
28 July 2012 by John Underhay
The Alberta government is moving in a very dangerous direction in health care. Two recent announcements indicate support for both Naturopathy and Chiropractic. Chiropractic On July 7, 2012 the National Post reported that chiropractic treatment will be subsidized for seniors. Health minister Fred Horne said the government had budgeted $7-million to give elderly citizens access [...]
Posted in Alternative Medicine, Skepticism2 Comments
08 July 2012 by Melany Hamill
Hey there skeptifans. Here are the Fails and Wins you sent me this week. Want your own box of placebos, “proven to be as effective as the leading homeopathic treatment”? You can now get them on Etsy. Calgary psychics offer gifts to dubious police Calgary psychic Patricia Monna doesn’t understand why the police won’t accept [...]
Posted in Skeptical Fails and WinsComments Off
30 May 2012 by John Underhay
When I was in Prague recently, I passed a esthetician’s shop with an odd sight in the window. Apparently, they were having a sale, as “Akce Prijde ve dvou, platte jednou” roughly translates (according to Google Translate) as “Come in for one, get two”. Although I have heard of Fish Pedicures before, this is the [...]
Posted in Alternative Medicine, SkepticismComments Off
13 May 2012 by Melany Hamill
Hey there skeptifans. Here are the Fails and Wins you sent me this week. Cutbacks Hurt a State’s Response to Whooping Cough Washington state has been feeling the effects of a pertussis outbreak, and cutbacks to the healthcare system have not helped. Thanks to Anna for this link. We’ve also seen an outbreak north of [...]
Posted in Skeptical Fails and Wins2 Comments
22 April 2012 by Melany Hamill
Hey there skeptifans. Here are the Fails and Wins this week. Herbal remedy used to treat kidney ailments causes kidney ailments What’s the harm in using untested natural remedies? They may have side effects, and sometimes even cause the thing you’re trying to cure! Birthwort (AKA aristolochia) is an “ancient” treatment for all kinds of [...]
Posted in Skeptical Fails and Wins2 Comments
23 March 2012 by Dianne Sousa
Visit the Advertising Standards Canada website and take a few minutes to read through the adjudicated consumer complaints for the last quarter of 2011. You’ll come across this curious report: What could this mysterious, overall-wellness promoting medical device be? I happen to know, because I’m the complainant in this case. The report that appears on [...]
Posted in Alternative Medicine, Canada, Medicinal Advertising, Skepticism7 Comments
