that it will be helpful and resulting in improvement in that particular condition. Even though there is no biochemical explanation for the positive effect, there is thought to be a mind-body connection which explains the phenomenon. Subjective improvements may be experienced, but there is no impact on the disease itself. That is why clinical trials in cancer treatment are always done with one group getting an inert substance and the other, the active drug being tested − with all participants’ knowledge. We are still faced with waves of enthusiasm for products that have not had the test of time and research as to their effectiveness. Thousands of persons have turned to vaping because of its alleged safety in inhaling foreign substances, yet now we are finding that it can be addicting and recently, even causing unexplained respiratory deaths. Medical marijuana is now a popular craze, with many professing its cure-all properties for a wide variety of ailments without established scientific research to prove its effectiveness and, especially, its safety in long-termuse. Medical marijuana “clinics” are setting up all across Canada to promote and prescribe the products. Up until this date, the health regulatory bodies in Canada and the U.S. have approved treatment with cannabis for only two rare forms of childhood epilepsy. Although it can legally be prescribed in Canada and in some U.S. states, it has not been endorsed for any other therapeutic purpose. Natural food stores, newspaper and magazine ads for over-thecounter drugs, and online companies recommending hundreds of products (mainly unproven) to improve health are million-dollar businesses. Gluten-free diets, while of proven value for certain individuals, are being followed stringently by thousands at considerable expense, in the belief that they will be relieved of certain symptoms. Newspaper, internet and even pharmacies promote purchase of anti-aging compounds, memory- and brain-enhancing drugs and plant oils such as coconut oil to be ingested or topically applied to cure or alleviate medical conditions. In most of these examples, there is a lack of scientific research that would satisfy the criteria for evidence-based decisions to justify their use. Most physicians are not opposed to their patients partaking inmany of these initiatives, recognizing that even if there is just a placebo effect, the patient may benefit. Patients must be warned that drug interaction is also a possible adverse outcome and this should be discussed with one’s doctor or pharmacist. Further research is needed in most such examples to be sure that there is no harm done and that the products are not just another form of “snake oil.” Health CSANews | WINTER 2019 | 41
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