News, Policy & Economics

What is 5G – And Does it Threaten Human Health?

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

The tech world is buzzing about 5G. Wireless companies promise that the soon-to-arrive ultramodern mobile networkwill transform our digital lives. But some medical professionals and researchers believe the new technology poses serious health and environmental risks. What, exactly is 5G, and what risks does it present to human health?

How Google is Controlling the Flow of Healthcare Information

By Erik Goldman, Editor

Recent changes to Google’s search algorithms and advertising policies have radically reshaped the flow of online information about holistic medical alternatives. The moves raise profound questions about the social and economic roles of massive media conglomerates, and pit fundamental American principles against each other. 

In New Self-Policing Effort, Herb 
Industry Urges, “Burn, Don’t Return”

By Erik Goldman, Editor in Chief

Leaders in the dietary supplement industry have a sharp new directive for manufacturers who discover adulterants or contaminants in botanical raw materials: “Don’t Return It, Burn It.”

The innovative self-policing policy, launched in October, and supported by all the major herbal industry trade groups, puts direct economic pressure on raw materials suppliers to improve the quality of the ingredients they sell into the US market.

Climate & Public Health: Medicine Faces a Planet in Critical Condition

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

While there have always been medical voices calling attention to the perils of unchecked environmental degradation, for the most part the healthcare mainstream has kept quiet. It is only recently that major medical organizations have begun to publicly acknowledge the health risks posed by climate change.

Florida Mandates Discussion of Opioid Alternatives–But Not Supplements

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

A new Florida law requires that health professionals provide chronic pain patients with information about opioid-free alternatives to pharmaceutical painkillers. The law aims to protect patients––but it’s also spurring confusion among the practitioners and physicians’ organizations attempting to comply.

Modern Acupuncture: Ancient Modality, Mass-Market Model

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

Modern Acupuncture, the country’s first acupuncture franchise, is bringing the ancient healing practice to the masses with a unique focus on convenience and affordability. But is it watering down and oversimplifying this venerable modality?

How Transformative Tech & Renegade Retail Will Reform Healthcare

By Erik Goldman

The next wave of healthcare reform won’t be coming from the federal government, the insurance industry, the hospital systems, or medical academia. In fact, the driving forces already reshaping healthcare aren’t coming from within healthcare at all, but from the world’s biggest tech and finance companies on one side, and good old-fashioned grass-roots consumerism on the other.