How to not Make America Healthy Again
I vividly recall a meeting when I was a young assistant professor and all the other male faculty, all MDs, were wearing white coats. The topic of “evidence-based medicine” came up. It was the first time I’d heard the phrase, so I asked the white-coat next to me (sotto voce, of course): “As opposed to what, magic-based medicine?” He replied, with more courtesy than I deserved: “As opposed to tradition-based medicine.” It hadn’t occurred to me before that there would exist any standard for medical practice other than evidence. Now I know better.
The MAHA brand has become a mockery under RFK Jr and his minions. On the one hand, they’ve discovered that eating a healthy diet is a good idea, which is like discovering water at the bottom of the ocean.
On the other hand, they’re promoting policies that are already making America sicker. Chief among them is the anti-vax agenda, which has led to an explosion in cases of measles and whooping cough, both deadly and preventable childhood diseases. And they’re threatening the development of innovative mRNA vaccines, which have proven to be effective and highly versatile.
Then there’s Ivermectin, the horse dewormer:
“Ivermectin is back. Ivermectin is a drug – a drug that gained notoriety as a disproven COVID treatment. Now, especially in conservative political circles, its reputation keeps growing as a kind of cure-all, even for cancer. That is despite evidence it does not work.”
Evidence-based medicine would laugh at Ivermectin for COVID and cancer. The fact that there’s even a serious discussion is a testament to the grave damage Trump has caused to American public health discourse.
Ivermectin and MAHA quackery
The MAHA brand has become a mockery under RFK Jr and his minions. On the one hand, they’ve discovered that eating a healthy diet is a good idea, which is like discovering water at the bottom of the ocean.
On the other hand, they’re promoting policies that are already making America sicker. Chief among them is the anti-vax agenda, which has led to an explosion in cases of measles and whooping cough, both deadly and preventable childhood diseases. And they’re threatening the development of innovative mRNA vaccines, which have proven to be effective and highly versatile.
Then there’s Ivermectin, the horse dewormer:
“Ivermectin is back. Ivermectin is a drug – a drug that gained notoriety as a disproven COVID treatment. Now, especially in conservative political circles, its reputation keeps growing as a kind of cure-all, even for cancer. That is despite evidence it does not work.”
Evidence-based medicine would laugh at Ivermectin for COVID and cancer. The fact that there’s even a serious discussion is a testament to the grave damage Trump has caused to American public health discourse.
Ivermectin and MAHA quackery
My girlfriend recently had a prescription for ivermectin. Her dermatologist suggested it for topical use. I have no idea if it works. She looks great to me with or without it. Still, I know and share her doctor and have a lot of respect for her judgement. The tube says that it’s not for internal use.
@Haleberg,
LOL! I’m sure it won’t do any harm. Hope it’s not expensive. Generally, placebos are the cheapest therapies.