Non-HDL Cholesterol (non-HDL-C)

Non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is a fraction that can be easily calculated from a traditional lipid panel. The value is strongly associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Over the years, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) has been the most commonly used lipid variable to predict risk (1). However, current evidence suggests that non-HDL cholesterol may be … Read more

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) – An Update

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also termed myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is an illness that has attracted a good deal of attention lately, mainly because of a proposed relationship with COVID-19. A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog post addressing 19 important causes of fatigue (1). ME/CFS was on the top of that … Read more

Tennis Elbow and Golf Elbow – Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis

Tennis and golf are two of my favorite recreational sports. Although the purpose of these activities is to provide breathing space and pleasure, nuisance tends to be hard to avoid. Hence, relaxation is frequently overtaken by eagerness, and amusement is replaced by frustration. In my case, this is particularly true for golf. When I play … Read more

Things to Consider Before Taking (or Prescribing) Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

For decades, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been the cornerstone of pain management for arthritic conditions and several other types of musculoskeletal pain. These drugs are also frequently used to relieve symptoms of headaches, painful periods, colds, and flu. The term nonsteroidal distinguishes NSAIDs from glucocorticoids (steroids), which are potent drugs used to treat numerous inflammatory … Read more

Zinc and its Role for Human Health – The Research Based Evidence

Zinc deficiency has been associated with an  increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections. Furthermore, evidence suggests that severe zinc deficiency depresses immune function. Consequently, a potential medical role of zinc for the treatment of Covid-19 has been highlighted. Currently, however, there is no evidence that taking zinc will protect against Covid-19 or make the … Read more