These “Screenings” Could WRECK Your Health!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 6, 2018
Let me tell you something that most doctors will NEVER admit to you.
They’re TERRIFIED if being sued.
I mean, they wake up panicked, drenched in their own sweat, in the middle of the night – because they’re having nightmares about being sued.
So what’s the end result?
They test the HECK out of you to cover their own butts.
They’ll send you for screening after screening, usually with some mumbo-jumbo about the importance of early detection… or why it’s “better safe than sorry.”
But some of these screenings aren’t just unnecessary… they could end up wrecking your health.
Here’s what you need to know.
The evidence from multiple studies is clear: once you reach a certain age you should stop screening.
Even in young, healthy populations, over-testing can lead to over-diagnosis and over-treatment.
Sometimes the problem is caused by inaccurate test results (false-positives). Other times, doctors just feel like they have to treat a problem once they find it – even if you’re in no danger.
The most dangerous screenings are for breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
Researchers estimate that up to two-thirds of prostate cancer tests (and one-third of breast cancer tests) are worthless. That’s because these tests are often inaccurate or flag small, slow-growing tumors that will never harm you.
But you end up getting them cut, burned, or poisoned out of you anyway. For no benefit at all.
Medical complications also arise from simple screening tests. Colonoscopy tears are common in people over 70 and can lead to death.
Prostate screening also leads to infection in about 6% of prostate biopsies.
Men would love to say goodbye to rectal exams–as women would love to say goodbye to PAP smears. The key is deciding when they are still valuable (or not).
So, how do you decide?
As with many health issues, it depends on the person. My 86-year-old father is done. He won’t go to a doctor for another test–mostly because he refuses the next step (surgery, medications, etc.).
Each person must make their own choice. If you are in great health and you are 90, maybe you should have that test. But if you’re in bad health and are 70, maybe it is time to say no.
It’s hard to let go and trust ourselves with our health, but doing just that (and ignoring your doctor’s suggestion for testing) may keep you healthy for longer.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First
Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...