Table of Contents
Prologue: Ignoring James Lind 1
Part I Infections
1 Treating Fever Can Prolong or Worsen Illness 7
2 Finishing the Antibiotic Course Is Often Unnecessary 20
3 Antibiotic Drops Don't Treat Pinkeye 35
Part II Supplements and Drugs
4 Vitamin D Supplements Aren't a Cure-all 45
5 Supplemental Antioxidants Increase the Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease 59
6 Testosterone for "Low T" Is Dangerous and Unnecessary 70
7 Baby Aspirin Doesn't Prevent First Strokes or First Heart Attacks 84
Part III Food and Over-the-Counter Products
8 Embrace Allergenic Foods for Infants 97
9 The False Security of Sunblock 102
10 Avoid Reflux Medicines for Fussy Babies 109
Part IV Cancer Screening
11 Prostate Cancer Screening Programs Do More Harm Than Good 117
12 Thyroid Cancer Screening Programs Don't Save Lives 124
13 Breast Cancer Screening Programs Aren't Exactly as Advertised 133
Part V Surgery
14 Heart Stents Don't Prolong Lives 147
15 Surgery for Knee Arthritis Is Unnecessary 156
16 Don't Remove Mercury Dental Fillings 168
Part VI Common Beliefs
17 Vitamin C Doesn't Treat or Prevent Colds 187
18 Don't Ice Sprains 197
19 Teething Doesn't Cause Fever 202
Epilogue: Choosing Wisely 205
Acknowledgments 213
Notes 215
Index 267