There has long been a belief that preventive medical services save money. The theory holds that if Americans’ primary care physicians ordered more preventive medical screening services we would not only be healthier but the cost of the preventive care would be more than offset by the savings from more serious care avoided. In other words, the cost of a colonoscopy would be offset by not getting colon cancer. The only problem with the theory is that it is wrong.
Author: Devon Herrick
Some People Are Exceptional in Old Age… Others, Not So much
The risk of mental decline increases with age. Dementia and mental decline have been in the news lately largely because of the presidential election. President Biden will be 82 by the time the next president is sworn in, while former President Trump will be 78. By the time the next presidential term ends, they will be 86 and 82 respectively.
Dating Apps Killed Marriage (The War on Poverty Wounded it First)
One legend holds that Saint Valentine was a priest who continued to perform marriages in secret after Roman emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men, believing that single men were better soldiers. Valentine was put to death for his disobedience but became the patron saint for lovers. Nearly two millennia after Valentine tried to perpetuate marriage, it is again on the decline.
NIH Spends $189 Million to Study What We Should Eat
The NIH is spending $189 million on a landmark study to precisely determine what you and I should eat. The study involves 10,000 volunteers, who will spend weeks and months recording their diets. According to the Wall Street Journal, 500 study participants will live in scientific facilities where they can be intensely monitored. The 500 will be tethered to blood glucose monitors and other measures to determine how each diet affects them.