The CDC has noted an early and nasty start to the flu season. It’s a bit soon to say, but the virus and the outbreak pattern at this point seem to resemble those of the 2003-2004 flu season, in which nearly 50,000 Americans died. At least two children have already died of flu complications this fall.

A study just published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that mammography routinely finds cancers that would be better left unfound- cancers that would not progress, and do not need treatment.

There is a particular ‘Thanksgiving moment’ that occurs as the meal is winding down. I set down my fork- groan- and say something like: “my goodness, I couldn’t eat another bite…” This, of course, is promptly followed by: “what’s for dessert?” Is it just me?