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Simple Science 🌿

@unconventionalmed.bsky.social

1.1K followers 1.6K following 870 posts

Mom, doctor (MD MPH), native (and other) plant gardener, bird nerd. I believe in kindness and interdependence. I am passionate about learning and teaching simple and accessible practices that promote health.

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Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · Jan 22

My book is just out!!

The Simple Science of Wellness www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-simple...

also
my weekly free newsletter on simple health practices that move the needle: simple-science.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 1d

This arose in the context of LDL targets. People with higher LDL have a relative risk of all cause mortality that is lower than 1, but the 95% confidence interval crosses unity.

So, in practice, what should we tell people with higher LDL?

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 1d

Interestingly, and this is not about your frustration, I was just reflecting on this statistical significance problem.

As a physician, if a treatment has a 75% chance of being helpful, I'm likely to recommend it. I don't need it to be 95% or 97% correct in order to recommend it.

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 5d

It's always fascinating to me that some people think in ways that would never in 1 million years have occurred to me.

And they make it their *mission,* yes, it's self serving, but I think they deeply believe in it.

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 5d

Well, they're surely the ones brilliant enough to see it.

This is a very serious philosophical argument and has serious pushback as well. Do you hold back society when you insist on justice, or lose the valuable contribution of all the people you oppress?

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Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 5d

They believe that justice holds exceptional people back.

I've seen this discussed seriously on LinkedIn.

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Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 9d

A new COVID wave, already spreading to other countries, likely to come to the US.

Evidently due to waning immunity and not to a new variant.

I got my booster this past week. Found Novavax at Costco and decided not to delay.

John Drury @profjohndrury.bsky.social · 11d

England is now experiencing a significant Covid wave, after 10 months of relative quiet, from @chrischirp.bsky.social

christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...

England is now experiencing a significant Covid wave, after 10 months of relative quiet

The latest Covid situation in England and a look at where NHS services are as we head into winter

christinapagel.substack.com

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 11d

Grip strength predicts all-cause mortality. Measure it with a $30 device, the Handexer Dynamometer.
Also track: DEXA scan for muscle mass, 6-minute walk test, timed up-and-go. You can't optimize what you don't measure. shorturl.at/LYWIN
#HealthMetrics #Longevity

Simple Science

A weekly newsletter with actionable science-based practices to enhance health and vitality, written by an experienced functional medicine family physician.

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Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 12d

Women: critical muscle-building window in teenage years.
Men: early 20s through 40s.
Starting adulthood with quality muscle mass provides long-term health advantages. But it's never too late—sarcopenia is modifiable. shorturl.at/LYWIN
#MuscleDevelopment #Fitness

Middle-aged man a bit overweight, starting to do a push up, with his old dog draped on his back looking bored. There are two plates next to them, one with bananas, another with dog treats. The man looks both ready to try hard but also ready to be daunted!

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 12d

DOMS isn't needed for progress.
Consider: weight you can lift 7-8 times, only lift it 3-4 times, 3 exercises over 10 minutes. Repeat daily. Strength gains come from neurological adaptation, not muscle damage. Work smarter. shorturl.at/LYWIN
#StrengthTraining #Fitness

Weights and stretch bands on a pink mat background, with a tape measure suggesting there's something to measure (usually for weight loss but in our case, there's so much to measure)

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 13d

Muscle mass can plummet during illness. Older adults can lose 1kg of muscle in just 5 days of hospitalization. Build reserve when you're healthy. It's health insurance for future challenges. Minimum 2 days/week strength training. shorturl.at/LYWIN
#Sarcopenia #HealthyAging #Fitness

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 14d

The information can cut both ways, either argue that women are more easily depressed, tough luck, so people in their lives don't need to change their behavior.

Or that women are more easily depressed and we care, so people in their lives *should* be attentive and helpful in that regard.

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 14d

Your muscles release thousands of myokines—proteins that enhance brain function, strengthen bones, improve metabolism, and help fight cancer. This is why I'm skeptical of an "exercise pill."
You can't replicate a symphony. shorturl.at/LYWIN#Longev... #Healthspan #Myokines

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 17d

✋ Fingertip sensitivity declines with cognitive impairment, but tactile training improves attention in healthy adults. Your fingertips are your brain's scouts - activities like crafts, gardening & playing instruments might support cognition in surprising ways.

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 17d

It sounds like you need a gut biome overhaul 🤷‍♀️

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 18d

🎵 Plot twist: hearing aids reduce fatigue but don't prevent cognitive decline in most people. The real brain threat? Chronic noise pollution accelerates dementia through inflammation & stress hormones. Protect your sound environment like you protect your diet.

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 19d

🌿 Multisensory stimulation (lights, sounds, scents, textures) significantly improves cognitive function & reduces agitation in dementia patients. Our senses aren't separate - they're interconnected brain health pathways. Enrich your entire sensory environment.

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 21d

🧠 Essential oils for 2 hours nightly = 226% memory improvement in older adults. The study rotated through 7 scents over 6 months. Your nose has direct access to memory centers - it's the only sense that bypasses the brain's usual relay stations. Simple, natural, powerful.

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 23d

OK, OK, maybe this won the internet -- lots of competition today.

Jen Mercieca @jenmercieca.bsky.social · 23d

😲

Edward Elderman @elderman.bsky.social · 24d

This only happens to you once

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 23d

I'm planning a trip next spring so I'm looking forward to trying that! Thank you so much.

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 24d

It's only morning and this won Bluesky today.

Wolfmanning Skull 🎃 @manningkrull.bsky.social · 24d

This is freakin' rad, I've seen the same lizard in the same place a few more times, and this morning I happened to catch him in silhouette and noticed that his ears(?) are see-through!!

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 24d

What are some good non-chains in San Diego?
Here in Marin I like Red Whale.

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Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 24d

😴 Lavender patches gave brain surgery patients better sleep and less psychosis post-operatively. Worked better than some meds without side effects. Nature's gift!
shorturl.at/LYWIN

small glass bottle on top of close up lavender flowers

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Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 25d

⚡ Peppermint improves memory in 20 minutes, but ⚠️ aerosolizing oils may impair cognition due to air quality issues. Use tea 🍵. Delivery method matters!

basket of peppermint and 3 small glass bottles next to it

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 26d

🌹New study: Rose oil inhalation for 1 month increased gray matter in brain regions linked to Alzheimer's prevention. Just inhaling scent changed brain structure!
🧠 Science is astounding.
shorturl.at/LYWIN

Simple Science 🌿 @unconventionalmed.bsky.social · 27d

This explains it: www.thebignewsletter.com/p/monopoly-r...

The Week America Woke Up to Oligarchy

Fights over power are bitter because the right has an ancient vision of liberty, and the left has not joined the debate. Plus a new Google trial, a bailout of Argentina and a big change in H-1b visas.