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Consumer Health Digest #15-47
November 29, 2015

Consumer Health Digest is a free weekly e-mail newsletter edited by Stephen Barrett, M.D
http://www.quackwatch.org/10Bio/bio.html
,with help from William M. London, Ed.D., M.P.H
http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/william-m-london
It summarizes scientific reports; legislative developments; enforcement actions; news reports; Web site evaluations; recommended and nonrecommended books; and other information relevant to consumer protection and consumer decision-making.

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Free “Science Based Medicine" course available

The James Randi Educational Foundation has produced a superb 10-part video lecture series
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8MfjLNsf_miVcNu6eJMNigAMNwQkk_B9
in which Harriet Hall, M.D., contrasts science-based medicine with so-called "complementary and alternative" methods. The topics include: What is CAM?; acupuncture; chiropractic; energy medicine; homeopathy; miscellaneous "alternatives"; naturopathy and herbal medicines; pitfalls in research; science based medicine vs. evidence-based medicine; science-based medicine in the media and politics. The lectures range from 32 to 45 minutes. A companion course guide
http://web.randi.org/uploads/3/7/3/7/37377621/course_guide.pdf
is also available.

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“Natural therapies" panned in Australia

An Australian Department of Health review of 17 "natural" modalities could result in their exclusion from the partial subsidy Australians receive through their government's private health insurance rebate.

The 188-page Review of the Australian Government Rebate on Natural Therapies for Private Health Insurance
http://health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/0E9129B3574FCA53CA257BF0001ACD11/$File/Natural%20Therapies%20Overview%20Report%20Final%20with%20copyright%2011%20March.pdf

covers

Alexander technique,
aromatherapy,
ayurveda,
Bowen therapy,
Buteyko,
Feldenkrais,
herbalism/Western herbalism,
homeopathy,
iridology,
kinesiology,
massage therapy (including deep tissue, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, myotherapy, remedial, shiatsu, sports therapy, Swedish, Thai, and therapeutic),
naturopathy,
Pilates,
reflexology,
Rolfing,
tai chi, and
yoga.

In 2012, the Health Minister announced
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/budget/publishing.nsf/Content/1CB1844163789BECCA257CA0003FF547/$File/healthmedia01.pdf
that the Private Health Insurance Rebate will be paid for insurance products that cover natural therapy services "only where the Chief Medical Officer finds clear evidence they are clinically effective." The review concluded that "Such clear evidence has not been found."
However, the current Health Minister has expressed doubts about dropping the rebate on these services
http://www.skeptics.com.au/2015/11/16/review-on-health-fund-rebate-for-alt-med-too-hard-basket/

Erica Cervini, who frequently blogs about Australia's higher education system, believes that the teaching of disputed therapies at Australia's universities should be stopped.
[Cervini E. Review of alternative therapies should prompt scrutiny of university courses
http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/review-of-alternative-therapies-should-prompt-scrutiny-of-university-courses-20151123-gl5w67
The Age, Nov 29, 2015]

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Continuing request for help from Dr. Barrett

In June 2010, Doctor's Data, Inc. sued Dr. Barrett because it didn't like what he wrote about them on Quackwatch and in this newsletter. The events leading up to the suit are described at
http://www.quackwatch.org/14Legal/dd_suit.html
In November, 2011, about half of the allegations were dismissed, but discovery was permitted for more than a year. The rest of the suit is ripe for dismissal; and the court is now considering a motion to dismiss that was filed more than a year ago. However, the proceedings have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even small donations, if sent by enough subscribers to this newsletter, will be very helpful. Contributions to reduce the cost can be made by mail or through
http://www.quackwatch.org/00AboutQuackwatch/donations.html

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http://www.ncahf.org/digest15/index.html
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=================================

Stephen Barrett, M.D.
Consumer Advocate
Chatham Crossing, Suite 107/208
11312 U.S. 15 501 North
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Telephone: (919) 533-6009
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